Unspoken // Bakudeku

Chapter one

I planned this day from start to finish, from what time I have to wake up to how I will greet the secretary. Today is the day I'm moving out to go to college. Last year, we lived close enough to the campus, but since Mom decided to move states for work, I can't stay here alone. This is a step I didn't think I would be taking so soon. It ties my stomach in a tight knot that can't be resolved."Izuku, honey!" I hear my mother's voice call from the other side of the door. "I'm awake, Ma," I respond, still sleepy.Sleeping didn't come as easily as I hoped it would last night. Counting sheep, meditating, and listening to white noise didn't help like they usually do. I spent the night counting my journals and books on the shelves, finally falling asleep after the sixth repetition."Izuku!" she calls again."Coming, Ma!" I reply, knowing she is just as nervous as I am by all the murmuring I can hear. I hop in the shower for a quick yet calming rinse.The last few years of my life have been all about preparing for this day, albeit unexpectedly. In high school, I was never the type to spend money on drinking, smoking, partying, or whatever teenagers do to get themselves in trouble. I guess that paid off. That just wasn't me. I was the boy who spent his nights at home studying with my best friend and watching movies.As I wrap a towel around my waist, I hear my mom calling me once again. Knowing that her nerves are possibly worse than mine, I quickly throw on a black turtleneck T-shirt, black straight pants, my beige cardigan, and matching dunks."All done, Mom," I tell her, giving her a kiss on the cheek and smiling brightly as I take my cup to make some coffee."Do you have everything? Toothbrush, enough clothes, inhalers, docu—" she starts rambling about everything I could possibly need."Yes, Mom," I say, walking over to her and grabbing her shoulders. "Don't worry, I have everything." I give her a nod and a smile, making sure to be reassuring. When she nods and smiles back at me, I know I can let go."Can you make my coffee and take it to the car while I take the bags? Thanks, Ma," I say and proceed to do as I said.After I have the car all packed up, I see a familiar face pull up in our driveway. When a short-haired, blonde woman steps out, I run out to give her a hug."Auntie Mitsuki!" I greet her."Izuku, my boy!" she says, pulling away and ruffling my hair. "Damn, you've grown. What's it been, one year?" she asks, being the same old energetic, kind woman I've always seen as a second mother."About that," I say, laughing at her remark. "Nice to see you once more before leaving, Auntie," I continue."That's what I thought, kid! Just came to say goodbye and wish you loads of luck. I wish I could stay longer, but I really have to be somewhere myself. Tell your mom she can call if she feels lonely!" she says, smiling and getting back in the car.As she drives away, I shed a tear. Auntie Mitsuki has been here most of my life. Knowing I most likely won't be able to talk to her as often gives me a slight pinch in the chest. I see my mother walking to the car, and the pinching in my chest is overshadowed by the butterflies in my stomach. Suddenly, all the worry about leaving everything behind is overtaken by the joy of starting somewhere new.

As we drove, every sign indicating we were getting closer to UA triggered a feeling of adventure in me. I've taken this same path to school more than once; it's nothing unusual. Still, it feels different this time, knowing I won't be going home to the life I've always known. Anxiety courses through my body, within my bones. 

I hate change. I can't handle it.

"We're here!" my mother squeals as we drive through the beautiful campus entrance. It's a big arch, decorated with flowers in all shades of blue, with the yellow UA symbol in the center. It doesn't look much different from last year, apart from the new pathway lined with flowers and a cute little bookshop. Hundreds of people, parents hugging and kissing their kids goodbye, are all around. I chuckle to myself, knowing I will soon be in the same position."I want to see your new dorm before leaving. I need to make sure everything's perfect," she says once I've got the key. We head to the buildings, and her eyes scan the old structure as she sighs, hoping it would look a little better. "I just can't believe my little boy's moving away from home! My only son, living all by himself. I just can't believe it," she whines, trying to hide the tears in her eyes."Okay, so we need to go to A12... We're at B Hall," I tell her, and immediately hear a sigh in response. Luckily, Hall A is just down the corridor. I'm thankful I only brought a few clothes, my latest journal, some books, and a plushie. Carrying everything alone would have been a pain with more than two bags."A12," I squeal in excitement, then cough to compose myself, looking around to make sure no one noticed. I slide the key into the wooden door, and when it creaks open, both my mom and I let out a loud gasp."Kirishima!" I say loudly, greeting my roommate with a dab and a hug."Midobro, glad you're the new roomie!" He says, flashing me a smile. I look behind me to see my mom with a somewhat worried look. Suddenly, I realize why. Kirishima is pretty tall, with a pierced face, red dyed hair, tattoos, and a 'rebellious' style—baggy jeans, a tank top, and a bandana."Sorry about that, ma'am! You must be Mrs. Midoriya? You and your son look so much alike." When Kiri introduces himself, I can feel her worry fade."This is Kirishima, Ma. He works with me at the café," I tell her, reassuring her once again that everything's fine.After settling in and talking for a while, a knock sounds at the door just as I sit on the bed. I can't help but feel curious about what's next."Come in!" Kirishima yells from the bed as the door swings open and a short girl with a pink Afro steps in, followed by another tall guy with longer black hair. You can tell from afar that they belong to Kirishima's group, with their tattoos and piercings. Judging by my mother's expression, something changed her mind about dorms. The poor woman looks like she might pass out."Hey! You Kiri's new roomie?" She asks, and I immediately feel a connection with her."That's right. Izuku Midoriya," I say lightly. I usually get nervous talking to new people, but it seems natural with her."I'm Mina. I like your vibe, my guy!" she says, sitting down on my bed beside me. "You'll love it here. In Mina we trust," she says, looking me in the eyes, serious about her words. Kirishima, who is spraying his hair to keep it pointed, and the other guy leaning on the door, repeat in unison, "In Mina we trust." I laugh at the warm and inviting welcome despite their harsh appearances.I look at my mom, who is checking the time, and tell the group I'm going to walk her out.As we reach the entrance of the campus, my mom looks worried again."Are you sure you're going to be okay, baby?" she asks, concerned. "They're all so different, so rough. I don't think that'll be a good influence for you daily." I chuckle at my mom's remarks again. I know she only wants the best for me."Don't worry, Mom. I've worked with Kirishima for a little more than a year, and he's a good guy.""Fine, just don't do anything you wouldn't want me to know!" she remarks again."When did I ever?" I reply jokingly.After my mom and I say our goodbyes, I head back up to my room to find Kirishima alone."Midobroooo," he says, a little too suspiciously for my taste."What do you want, Kiri?" I say, half laughing.

//1386 words