Behind The Walls ✔️

Chapter 2:Old Friends, New Challenges

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The sun was high in the sky as the students spilled out onto the school grounds for lunch. Izuku sat with his friends under a large tree, the shade offering a welcome respite from the heat. They laughed and joked, sharing stories from the break and catching up on everything they'd missed.

"I heard there's going to be a big festival next month," Ochaco said, her eyes bright with excitement. "We should all go together!"

Tsuyu nodded, her voice calm and thoughtful. "It sounds like fun. We could use a break from all the training."

"Agreed," Tenya said, adjusting his glasses with a nod of approval. "It's important to balance work and relaxation."

Shoto, always the quiet observer, added, "I think it's a great idea. We'll make some good memories."

Izuku smiled, grateful for the support and friendship that surrounded him. But his thoughts kept drifting back to Katsuki, who was sitting a short distance away with his own group of friends.

Kirishima was in the middle of an animated story, his hands gesturing wildly as he spoke. "And then the guy just took off, running like his life depended on it! I swear, it was the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen."

Katsuki snorted, a smirk playing on his lips. "Probably scared of your ugly mug, Shitty Hair."

"Hey, I'm manly, not ugly!" Kirishima protested, though his laughter betrayed his amusement.

Denki chimed in, leaning back against the tree trunk. "You should've seen Kirishima's face. Priceless!"

Sero added, "Yeah, I wish I'd gotten it on camera. Could've gone viral."

Mina, always eager to join in, teased, "I bet you guys would be internet sensations. The dynamic duo of disaster."

Katsuki rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of a smile beneath his usual tough exterior. Izuku watched the exchange, his heart aching with a mix of nostalgia and longing. He remembered the days when he and Katsuki had been like that, inseparable and full of youthful exuberance.

As the lunch period wound down, Izuku gathered his courage and approached Katsuki. The rest of Katsuki's friends took the hint and drifted away, giving them a semblance of privacy.

"Kacchan," Izuku began, his voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in his chest. "I was thinking, maybe we could train together sometime? Like old times."

Katsuki studied him, his eyes searching for any sign of insincerity. Finally, he shrugged, a nonchalant gesture that belied the tension in his posture. "Yeah, maybe. If you can keep up, Deku."

Izuku grinned, relief flooding through him. "I'll do my best."

They agreed on a time for the weekend, and Izuku returned to his friends, feeling a sense of accomplishment. It was a small step, but it was progress-a chance to bridge the gap that had grown between them.

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Izuku sat in his dorm room, reflecting on the day. His friends were nearby, engaged in various activities-studying, playing games, or simply relaxing. The air was filled with the comforting hum of camaraderie.

Shoto knocked on the open door, his expression one of curiosity. "Deku, mind if I join you?"

"Of course, Shoto," Izuku replied, gesturing for him to take a seat.

They sat in companionable silence for a moment before Shoto spoke. "You and Bakugo seem... different. In a good way."

Izuku nodded, grateful for Shoto's perceptiveness. "Yeah, I think we're getting there. It's just going to take some time."

Shoto offered a small smile, a gesture that carried a world of understanding. "That's all you can ask for. I'm glad you're trying."

The conversation shifted to lighter topics, and as the evening wore on, Izuku felt a sense of peace settle over him. Despite the challenges ahead, he was determined to mend the bond with Katsuki and create new memories