The Past Returns

Chapter 8

It had been a few weeks of consistent training with Katsuki and Eijiro. Izuku was thoroughly enjoying the time he'd spent with them and seeing how hard Katsuki was working to train for the finals, among that Katsuki was also working hard to finish his masters program, which was quickly coming to a close. He was in the midst of writing his thesis and studying for his licensing final exam. This would officially give him the title of a Professional Psychologist. Izuku could admit, he was proud of Katsuki. Everything had been going well as they restarted their friendship, he was feeling content. Except for today... today Izuku woke up feeling a little less than content.

The sun had just begun its ascent into the sky, casting a soft glow through the curtains of Izuku's bedroom. As the first rays of light delicately caressed his face, he stirred from his slumber, unaware of the tempest brewing within his body. With a groggy yawn, he stretched his limbs, preparing to embrace the day ahead.

However, as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed, a sudden wave of nausea surged through him, causing his stomach to churn. His eyes widened with alarm as his body lurched forward, and he barely managed to make it to the bathroom in time before heaving into the toilet.

Sweat beaded on Izuku's forehead as he knelt on the cold tile floor, panting heavily. The room spun around him, and he could feel the emptiness in his stomach, a harsh reminder of the torment it had endured.

Feeling weak and defeated, Izuku slowly rose to his feet and rinsed his mouth with water, trying to wash away the acrid taste. The reality of his condition hit him like a punch to the gut. There was no way he could make it to work in his current state. Reluctantly, he reached for his phone on the bathroom counter, mustering the strength to call his workplace and request a sick day.

As Izuku dialed the number, his hand trembling, a flicker of worry crept into his heart. He had never been one to take sick days lightly, always pushing through discomfort and pain. But today, he knew he had no choice but to prioritize his health. The voice on the other end of the line was understanding, assuring him that his absence would be noted and to take care of himself. It brought a small measure of relief, but also a sense of isolation. Izuku couldn't help but feel the weight of his solitude in moments like these.

Minutes later, as he lay weakly on his bed, his phone buzzed with a message. He reached for it, squinting at the screen to see Kairi's name. A flicker of gratitude ignited within him as he read her simple yet thoughtful words.

Kairi: Hey, Izuku! Heard you're not feeling well. Let me know if you need anything. Are you okay?

Izuku: Thanks Kairi. I will be, came down with a stomach bug I think.

Kairi: That's the worst! :( feel better.

Izuku opted to not respond and just heart her message. He was thankful for her thinking of him. A thought lingered in his mind—a name that brought a mix of anticipation and trepidation.

Katsuki.

They had grown closer over the past months, rebuilding their friendship from the ruins of their past. Izuku hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether he should reach out to Katsuki. Would it be too much to ask for his presence? But then he remembered Katsuki's recent offer of support, the genuine concern he had shown. With a determined sigh, Izuku decided to send him a message, at minimum he needed to let him know he wouldn't be at training tonight. They hadn't been able to do much together outside of training with Katsuki doing that and wrapping up his masters. He was a little saddened to miss out on a night of spending time with him.

Izuku: Hey Kacchan, I won't be able to make it to training tonight. I woke up feeling really sick with a stomach bug. Sorry, I hope it goes well. You got this.