Solo

Practice

It was the day after the concert, and practice was in full swing. My bandmates were working on a new song, adding layers of bass and melody, while I sat in the corner, scribbling down lyrics.

"I think it needs a little more bass in there," I suggested, my pen tapping rhythmically against the notebook.

A knock on the door interrupted our session. I looked up to see Aizawa stride into the room, All Might just behind him.

"Hey, Aizawa, All Might," I greeted them, and the band quietened.

"We have business to discuss. Could we talk outside for a sec?" All Might asked, his tone serious.

I nodded, standing up. Kami's curiosity got the better of him. "Who's All Might?" he whispered.

"Midobros boss," Kiri replied, and I shot him a reassuring look.

"Keep going. I'll be back in a second," I said, closing the door behind us.

Outside, the air felt heavy with anticipation. I turned to All Might, the retired idol I had looked up to for so long. "How can I help you, boss man?" I asked.

"The papers are ready," he said, handing me a crisp sheet.

I took them, the weight of my decision settling on my shoulders. "I'm planning on changing my music," I admitted, seeing both men frown.

"Why is that?" Aizawa asked, his voice edged with confusion.

"I'm sick of faking everything is okay. When I get on stage, I should be singing about things I want to, not idealist worlds that don't exist," I huffed, feeling a surge of frustration.

"You already have your brand, young Midoriya. Joining a band isn't going to change that," All Might said, shaking his head.

"But it could," I pressed on, my voice rising with determination. "I could sing about real-world issues—"

"Izuku, enough!" All Might snapped, and I stared at him, shocked.

The door behind me swung open, and my bandmates stepped out, concern etched on their faces.

"No one wants to hear that sappy shit about real-world problems. They want songs to escape the real world," All Might snarled.

I stared at him, the role model I had once idolized, now unrecognizable. He brushed past me, heading back to his office.

"Aizawa, get your idol to pull his head in," he snapped over his shoulder.

"NOW HOLD UP, YOU—" Bakugo started to yell, his voice full of anger.

"All Might," I snarled, turning to pin him with a glare. The old singer stopped and turned to face me.

"I understand more than you think about wanting to escape. Hell, that's the reason I started singing about sunshine and rainbows when my world is anything but," I said, my voice trembling with emotion. "Signing these papers and joining this band enables me to address what hurt me and start healing—"

"No one cares about you healing!" All Might roared.

"EVERYONE CARES!" I yelled back, tears streaming down my face. "My songs could change someone's life so they don't end up like me!"

"Why is being the number one singer in this entire country that bad?" All Might rolled his eyes.

"That's not what I mean," I struggled to find the words, the pain in my chest making it hard to breathe.

"Then what do you mean? 'Cause all I hear is an entitled brat whining—"

I pulled up my sleeve and shoved it in his face, revealing the scars on my forearms. "I MEAN THIS!" I shouted. "The fucking thing you told me to hide because idols need to be strong. But you were wrong, and I see that now."

All Might stared at the scars, his face a mask of shock.

"Wow, you've been singing for six years, and you think—"

"I don't think, I know!" I snarled. "I was alone and isolated after Dad left. Mum nearly died of heartbreak and had to leave to heal. All I had was my music, and that meant faking a smile and lying to the world, saying I was okay when I'm not," I snapped, my voice breaking. "I can't do it anymore. After Aizawa got me to start singing with these idiots, I started enjoying singing again because I wasn't alone. My songs could be that for people. I could share my darkest moments and feelings, encouraging people to get help. WHY ARE YOU SO AGAINST IT?" I roared.

Everyone but Aizawa stared at All Might in shock. The silence was deafening.

"Izuku, sign the papers," Aizawa said suddenly.

I turned to look at him, snatching the papers and signing them, my hands shaking as I wiped away the tears. I handed them to him and started to walk back to the studio.

"Now, All Might, Deku quits," Aizawa stated, his voice calm but firm.

"W-Wait a minute," All Might stuttered, his arrogance replaced by panic. "Come on, Aizawa, we can figure something out. No need to be hasty."

Aizawa winked at me, following All Might as he tried to salvage the situation.

"That grumpy man," I muttered, shaking my head and letting out a shaky laugh. I wiped at my eyes and turned to face Bakugo, Mina, Kami, and Kiri, all of whom I had almost forgotten about in the chaos.

Strong arms pulled me into a hard chest, and the scent of caramel enveloped me.

"Sing whatever you need to, nerd. We got you," Bakugo muttered in my ear, his voice surprisingly soft.

"Yeah, MidoBro, welcome to Midnight Harmony," Kirishima grinned, his eyes shining with pride and warmth.

Tears of relief and gratitude filled my eyes as I hugged them back. For the first time in a long while, I felt truly supported and understood.

This was my new beginning, and I was ready to face it head-on, surrounded by friends who believed in me and my music.