Izuku had settled into a new rhythm with his skate crew. Their camaraderie had quickly developed into a bond he hadn't expected to find. However, he was still navigating the delicate balance of being a nonchalant skater and a dedicated student at U.A.
One crisp evening, after a long day of classes and training, the crew decided to meet up at their usual spot—a secluded area at the skate park that was shielded from prying eyes. The sun was setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. It felt like the perfect setting for another memorable night.
"Yo, Midoriya! You down for a little chill time?" Kaito called out as Izuku arrived, a skateboard tucked under his arm.
"Sure," Izuku replied, keeping his tone casual, though a small part of him felt the excitement bubbling up.
They gathered around a makeshift sitting area—old crates and benches they had dragged together. Kaito pulled out a blunt, already rolled and waiting. "This will help us relax after a long week, right?"
Izuku took the blunt with a knowing smirk, his fingers wrapping around it confidently. He'd had enough experience to know the effects and savor the moment. "Yeah, let's do this," he said, feeling a sense of camaraderie.
As they passed the blunt around, laughter and casual conversation flowed. Izuku took a deep drag, letting the smoke fill his lungs before releasing it in a slow exhale. The familiar sensation washed over him, enhancing the laid-back vibe of the evening.
Kaito pulled out his phone, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "We should totally film this! Let's capture the moment, ya know?" He started recording, positioning himself to catch the crew in the frame.
As the music began to play in the background, a familiar track—"I Don't Wanna Be Me" by *Type O Negative*—echoed through the night air, setting a mood that resonated with the group's carefree spirit. The somber yet powerful sound added an unexpected depth to their gathering.
With the music playing, Izuku leaned back against the crate, feeling the weight of the world ease off his shoulders. He looked at his friends, their laughter infectious, and he couldn't help but smile. The camera captured every moment—the laughter, the laid-back atmosphere, and the sense of freedom that enveloped them.
"Alright, Midoriya, show the world your chill side!" Kaito encouraged, aiming the camera at him.
Izuku raised the blunt to his lips again, taking another drag as the music played. He felt a rush of adrenaline mixed with the smoke, almost like he was stepping out of his shell. He relaxed, letting go of the pressures of being a hero-in-training, if only for a moment. The lyrics echoed in his mind, speaking to a feeling he couldn't quite articulate.
The video captured the essence of the night—Izuku in his element, surrounded by friends who accepted him without judgment. He felt a sense of belonging that was new and exhilarating.
---
As the night wore on, the video was uploaded to Instagram, complete with hashtags celebrating their friendship and carefree spirit. Kaito made sure to tag everyone, including Izuku, who watched as the notifications flooded in.
"Check it out!" Haru exclaimed, pointing to the screen. "We're gonna blow up!"
Izuku felt a mix of excitement and dread. Part of him loved being part of this wild adventure, but another part worried about how it would affect his life at U.A. He could already imagine the surprised reactions of his classmates—some would think it was cool, while others would judge him for it.
As the night turned to early morning, the crew said their goodbyes, each of them feeling the weight of the fun they had shared. Izuku made his way home, the streets dimly lit and quiet, the high of the evening still lingering in his system.
---
The next day at U.A., the atmosphere felt different. Students buzzed with energy, and whispers circulated around the halls. Izuku's heart sank as he realized his video had gone viral. The comments ranged from admiration to disbelief, with many students tagging him and sharing their thoughts.
"Did you see that video of Midoriya smoking? What happened to him?"
"Who knew he could chill like that?"
Izuku tried to focus on his classes, but the weight of everyone's eyes was hard to ignore. When he caught a glimpse of Uraraka and Bakugo whispering, he felt a pang of anxiety. He had always been the quiet one, the underdog—now, he was in the spotlight for something he never intended.
During lunch, Uraraka approached him, concern etched on her face. "Izuku, are you okay? I saw that video..."
He shrugged, attempting to play it cool. "Yeah, it's just a video. It doesn't mean anything."
"But it's not like you! You've never—" she started, but he cut her off.
"Exactly. I'm just trying to have fun, you know?" He looked away, trying to keep his tone casual. "It doesn't matter what they think."
Uraraka bit her lip, clearly worried but unable to find the right words. "Just... be careful, okay? I don't want you to get in trouble."
Izuku nodded, appreciating her concern but feeling more detached than ever. "I will."
---
As the day went on, the reality of his situation began to settle in. He was straddling two worlds—one where he was a dedicated hero-in-training and another where he was just a guy trying to find his place. The pressure weighed heavily on him, but deep down, he felt a strange sense of freedom.
He didn't have to conform to anyone's expectations but his own. Whether they accepted the skater, the drinker, or the hero he aspired to be, he was still Izuku Midoriya—nonchalant and determined to carve his own path.
As he left school that day, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. With each step, he embraced the unknown, ready to face whatever came next, be it a viral video or the challenges of being a hero.
