The Past Returns

Chapter 4

Izuku's inner turmoil swirled like a tempest within him, relentless in its pursuit to undermine his confidence and self-worth. Each replayed scene from that ill-fated night at Ocean Avenue cut deep into his consciousness, like shards of glass piercing his fragile sense of pride. His mind became a battlefield, where his thoughts clashed with ferocity. Regret flooded his veins, tinged with a bitter sense of disappointment. How had he allowed himself to lose control so completely? The shame that washed over him threatened to drown any remnants of self-assurance he had left.

Images of Katsuki with another girl flashed before his eyes, etching themselves indelibly into his memory. The sight had ignited a firestorm of conflicting emotions within him—jealousy, longing, and a deep sense of loss. He had held on to a flickering hope that perhaps, just maybe, there could still be a chance to reconnect with Katsuki, to mend what was broken between them, even if it meant only a civil acquantenship. But now, that fragile hope seemed shattered beyond repair. The encounter in the bathroom had been a cruel twist of fate, a painful reminder of their shared history and the vast gulf that had grown between them over the years. The mere sound of Katsuki's voice, the resonance of familiarity, had sent tremors through Izuku's body, stirring up memories and emotions he had tried so desperately to bury. His heart ached with the weight of missed opportunities, the "what ifs" that haunted his thoughts. What if he had been more courageous? What if he had found a way to bridge the gap that had separated them for so long? But his fears, insecurities, and a lack of closure had held him captive, restraining him from taking that leap of faith. The silence that followed their brief interaction in the bathroom echoed in his mind, amplifying the doubts that gnawed at his soul. What did Katsuki think of him now? Was he just a pitiful mess, an embarrassment in his eyes? Izuku's inner critic fed on these insecurities, taunting him with the belief that he had lost any chance of redemption.

As he sat at his desk, his face buried in his hands, Izuku struggled to find solace amidst the cacophony of self-doubt. His mind was a battleground, torn between wanting to bury the memories of that night and a nagging desire to confront the consequences of his actions.

Lost in his self-reflection, Izuku was startled as his boss entered his office, breaking the silence that had enveloped him. He quickly straightened up, trying to compose himself and prepare for whatever task his boss had for him. As his boss spoke, explaining the arrival of a new in-house graphic designer, Izuku's interest piqued. The thought of working with someone new brought a glimmer of excitement to his otherwise troubled thoughts.

And then, as if the universe had a cruel sense of humor, his boss introduced her. "Izuku, I'd like you to meet Kairi. She'll be joining our team as our new graphic designer."

Izuku's heart dropped, his face paling almost instantly. Kairi—her name echoed in his mind, reverberating with a mix of disbelief and dread. He couldn't believe his luck, or rather, his lack thereof. Of all the people to join their team, it had to be her—the girl he saw Katsuki with at the club, the one who had unknowingly become a symbol of everything he had lost.He glanced at Kairi, his eyes widening with a mixture of surprise and trepidation. Recognition flashed in her eyes too, mirroring the whirlwind of emotions Izuku was experiencing. In that moment, a complex web of unspoken understanding seemed to weave itself between them.

"Nice to meet you, Kairi," Izuku managed to say, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness. He extended his hand for a handshake, praying that his trembling wouldn't give away his inner turmoil. Kairi's eyes met Izuku's, a flicker of recognition passing between them.

She smiled politely, taking his hand in a firm shake. "Nice to meet you too, Izuku," she replied, her tone friendly but guarded. The silence in the room became heavy as their boss nodded, patting Izuku on the back and exiting the office.