The Past Returns

Chapter 2

A few days have passed since the encounter with Katsuki and Izuku and his mother decide to head to her favorite diner, one they use to frequent often. The bell above the door jingled softly as Izuku and his mother stepped into the cozy diner, greeted by the familiar sights and sounds that had become etched in their memories. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the aroma of sizzling bacon, instantly invoking a sense of nostalgia.

They settled into a booth by the window, the soft morning light casting a warm glow on the checkered tablecloth. Izuku's gaze wandered around the diner, his eyes drawn to the old photographs adorning the walls, capturing moments frozen in time. Izuku glanced at his mother, who wore a soft smile tinged with a hint of wistfulness. They exchanged a knowing look, their eyes betraying the unspoken emotions that lingered beneath the surface. It was bittersweet, this return to a place that held so much significance, yet also served as a reminder of what had been lost.

"Remember when we used to come here with Katsuki and his mom?" Izuku's mother said, her voice filled with warmth. "We had some wonderful times together."

Izuku nodded, a mixture of nostalgia and sorrow welling up within him. His mother reached out and gently squeezed his hand, her eyes filled with understanding. "I know being here brings back a lot of memories, Izuku. But let's try to focus on the present and enjoy this time together."

Izuku nodded, offering a small smile in return. "You're right, Mom. I don't want to dwell on the past. Let's make new memories."

They perused the menu, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they caught up on each other's lives. The familiar chatter and laughter of the diner patrons provided a comforting backdrop, reminding Izuku of the bustling atmosphere they had once shared with Katsuki and his mother.

The waitress approached their table, and Izuku ordered a stack of pancakes while his mother opted for a hearty omelet. As they waited for their breakfast to arrive, they engaged in lighthearted banter, their laughter filling the air.

"I remember how Katsuki used to devour those pancakes," Izuku's mother reminisced, a smile playing on her lips. "He always had an insatiable appetite."

Izuku chuckled, his gaze momentarily drifting to a corner booth where he and Katsuki would often sit, their conversations blending with the clinking of silverware. "Yeah, those were the days. It feels strange not having him here with us."

His mother's expression softened, her eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and sadness. "Life has a way of taking us on different paths, my dear. But the memories we shared will always be a part of us."

Izuku nodded, a touch of melancholy tugging at his heart. "I know, Mom. It's just... hard sometimes. But I'm grateful for the moments we had."

Their breakfast arrived, steaming plates filled with fluffy pancakes and savory omelets. They savored each bite, the flavors mingling with their shared conversations. The diner hummed with a sense of familiarity, its walls holding the whispers of bygone days.
After breakfast, Izuku and his mother parted ways and Izuku began his walk to work. Passing by some places of his past.

As Izuku walked past the old park, memories of his childhood flooded his mind, both joyful and painful. The park seemed frozen in time, the swings swaying gently in the breeze, and the sun casting dappled shadows on the playground. It was a place that held stories of laughter, tears, and a complicated start to the story that was him and Katsuki.

His steps slowed as he approached the very spot where he had been bullied by Katsuki many years ago. A lump formed in his throat, and his heart ached with the weight of that painful memory. Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to be transported back to that moment.