𝒉𝖏𝙨 𝒑𝞂𝖏𝙨𝞂𝛈

𝐜𝒉𝝰𝒑𝙩𝒆𝗿 13

Izuku stood in the doorway of the living room, a warm smile on his face as he watched Eri and Tyrell sitting together on the couch, engrossed in the TV. 

"I'm heading out to buy some groceries," he announced, his voice gentle yet firm to ensure they heard him over the TV. "Is there anything you two want in particular?"

Eri looked up with a hopeful expression, her eyes filled with anticipation. "Um, could you get stuff to make candy apples, Papa?" she asked, her voice soft.

Izuku chuckled, "sure, I'll buy what we need for those. And what about you, Tyrell? Anything specific you want?"

Tyrell leaned back in his seat, thinking for a moment. "Ice lollies, please. It's been a while since I've had some."

"Alright, candy apples and ice lollies it is," Izuku confirmed, pulling out his phone to jot down the items on his shopping list. He made a mental note to pick up some other essentials while he was out. "I shouldn't be long."

Eri, though, looked up at her papa with hopeful eyes and asked, "Can I come with you, Papa?"

Izuku crouched down to Eri's eye level and tenderly ruffled her hair. He explained, "Not today, sweetie. I'll be quick, and when I come back, we can make those candy apples together, just like you wanted."

Eri's initial pout shifted into a warm smile at her papa's words. She trusted him and knew that they'd have a wonderful time making candy apples when he returned. "Okay, Papa," she replied sweetly.

With a final pat on her head, Izuku stood up and headed towards his room to change into more suitable clothes for his errand.

---------------

 As Izuku continued his shopping in the bustling marketplace, he navigated through the crowds and stalls with practiced efficiency. Lost in thought, he focused on his list, checking off items as he placed them in his basket. He expertly manoeuvred through the crowded streets, but sometimes, no matter how careful you are, accidents happen.

However, as fate would have it, he suddenly collided with someone. His items rustled in the bags he was carrying, and he quickly apologised, his head lowering as he prepared to move on. But then, as he looked up to see who he had bumped into, his eyes widened in recognition.

It was her—Momo Yaoyorozu. The girl he had met years ago during a pivotal moment in his life when he was still in middle school. She was the one who had shown him an unexpected act of kindness, defending him against his tormentors. He couldn't believe that he had bumped into her again, here in the middle of this bustling town.

"M-Momo...?" Izuku stammered, unable to hide his shock as he met her gaze. She looked different, more mature and elegant and even more beautiful than he remembered. But her eyes were the same, full of kindness and warmth.

Momo's eyes widened with disbelief and shock as she looked at the young man before her, her initial recognition being followed by the flush of her cheeks. She took a small step closer and asked in a voice filled with awe and surprise, "I-Izuku? Is that... is that really you?"

Before he could react further, he found himself enveloped in Momo's arms. He blinked in surprise, shocked at her warm embrace. 

"I missed you," she said, her voice filled with genuine affection.

 That baffled him. They had only known each other for hardly an hour that fateful day two years ago, and he had assumed she would have moved on with her life.

"Missed me?" Izuku chuckled lightly, returning her embrace. "How could you miss me, let alone remember someone like me? We barely knew each other for over an hour that day."