Leave Your Mark | Various!BNHA x Reader

03: Manifestation

Today, you've decided to go exploring.

Equipped with a stick, you strut through the neighborhood confidently, ready to take on whatever the world has in store for you. Since you're still very young, it goes without saying that you can't undertake these expeditions all on your own. Pops is accompanying you, keeping close to your side and occasionally offering you a hand to hold onto in case you lose your balance.

To some, his expression might appear stern at first glance, but he's actually a warm, compassionate man. Already, he dotes on you every spare moment he has.

"You look excited," he remarks with a chuckle. "I suppose you've been wanting to see what the neighborhood is like."

You tilt your head and grin up at him. "Yep! I want to get used to the area. Especially in case I ever get lost, so that I can find my way back home."

"You really are incredibly mature for your age. I'm convinced you must be a genius."

Even though you shouldn't be too flattered by his words-this is your second life, after all-you can't help but puff out your chest proudly.

Pops shows you around, pointing out different places so that you can use them as reference points in case the worst ever comes to pass and you actually do get lost. He assures you it's incredibly unlikely that something like that will ever happen, though. Other members of the Shie Hassaikai come by quite often, and there's always bound to be someone looking out for your wellbeing.

The weather is sunny and pleasant, and Pops even treats you to some ice cream along the way. It's still a bit frustrating that your tiny body can't walk all that fast, but you know that this is a temporary affair, and eventually, you'll grow into the adolescent frame you're used to.

We just passed a convenience store... and further back, there's a small park.

You do your best to commit all these things to memory. Even if it's unlikely that you'll ever find yourself completely stranded, it's better to be safe than sorry.

It's precisely because you're being so attentive to your surroundings that you catch sight of the people passing by.

And you recognize both of them.

How could you not? There's a mother walking with her child, a young boy, and both of them have distinct dark green hair, paired with big innocent-looking green eyes. The boy is your age, give or take a few months, and he squeezes his mother's hand in earnest, occasionally peering up at her and giggling in true toddler fashion.

In that moment, you've stopped moving, and Pops reels to a halt as well.

"What's wrong?" he frowns. "Are you feeling tired? Do you need me to carry you on my back the rest of the way?"

No, you're not tired. Well, you are, sort of, but that's beside the point right now.

You've just spotted two more characters that you recognize, and one of those characters is the goddamn protagonist himself-Midoriya Izuku.

They must be on an outing or something, because you're quite certain that Izuku doesn't live in this area. If memory serves correct, the Shie Hassaikai residence is somewhere near Sir Nighteye's office, and in the anime, Izuku had to take a train to get there.

Once again, you have your luck to thank for this chance meeting.

Without thinking twice, you bound towards Izuku, somehow managing not to trip, and once you close the distance, you proceed to stare at Izuku in a sort of breathless awe. His mother, Inko, tilts her head to the side and gives you a curious look.