𝒉𝖏𝙨 𝒑𝞂𝖏𝙨𝞂𝛈

𝐜𝒉𝝰𝒑𝙩𝒆𝗿 5

As they continued their conversation, taking it into a more positive light, Izuku couldn't help but feel a growing sense of happiness. Momo's kindness and acceptance were like a ray of sunshine breaking through the dark clouds that had hung over his life for so long.

"Which middle school do you attend, Momo?" Izuku asked, genuinely interested in getting to know her better.

"I'm actually homeschooled,"

"Oh? And how come you're out this early?"

"Oh, I usually go out for a morning jog. It's a routine I've had for a while now. Helps clear my mind and get some fresh air before starting the day."

Izuku was impressed. "That's really disciplined of you. I've never been much of a morning person myself but I'm trying to start getting to school early,"

Momo chuckled softly. "It takes some getting used to, but I find it refreshing. Plus, it gives me a chance to think and plan for the day ahead."

As Izuku and Momo continued walking and talking, their conversation flowed effortlessly. They shared stories about their lives, their dreams, and their favourite subjects in school. The weight of Izuku's past struggles felt momentarily lighter, and he found himself smiling and laughing more than he had in a long time.

The two of them had lost track of time, engrossed in their newfound connection. But unfortunately, as fate would have it, their moment of peace was abruptly shattered when they turned a corner and found themselves face to face with a group of familiar figures.

It was Izuku's tormentors. They wore expressions of surprise and then recognition as they spotted Izuku with the taller girl. The tension in the air was palpable.

Bakugo was the first to speak, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Well, well, if it isn't the freak of the country, Deku, trying to make some new friends."

Izumi, Todoroki, Uraraka, Kirishima, and Iida joined in, taunting Izuku mercilessly. The moment was made even more painful because Momo stood beside him, her presence a stark contrast to the cruelty of his tormentors.

Momo, not one to tolerate such behaviour, couldn't help but speak up. "Why are you being so horrible to him? We were having a conversation, and there's no reason for any of this."

Uraraka retorted, "Stay out of this. Someone as pretty as you shouldn't be hanging around someone like him."

Momo's eyes flashed with anger as she replied, "Looks have nothing to do with a person's worth, and you have no right to judge anyone like this."

"You shouldn't be around him Yaoyorozu," Iida, who knew who the girl was, said to her, "he'll do nothing but tarnish your reputation,"

Kirishima chimed in, "Yeah, he's nothing but trouble."

Todoroki, who had remained quiet until now, simply glared at Izuku with icy indifference.

"Be quiet, will you!" She snapped, "Izuku is sweet and even saved me. Why should I listen to people like you who clearly have nothing nice to say about others?"

Iida looked taken aback but the heiress didn't care. She wouldn't just stand around while her new friend got bullied for something that wasn't at all his fault.

Izuku felt a mixture of anger and frustration, not just at his tormentors but also at himself for bringing Momo into this situation. He didn't want her to witness the cruelty he had endured for so long.

Momo, however, refused to back down. She looked at them with a steely resolve. "I won't stand by and let you treat him like this. It's not right."

"Who do you think you're talking to like that huh? What, you think you are better tha us? Than me?" Katsuki challenged as his hands popped with sparks.