**Chapter 12: Unseen Admiration**
The weeks at U.A. continued to roll on, and while Izuku Midoriya maintained his nonchalant demeanor, the school environment buzzed with energy and excitement. For most of his classmates, friendships and connections were flourishing, but Izuku preferred to keep to himself, focusing on his ambitions of becoming a hero. Yet, there was one person who couldn't help but notice him from a distance: Kyoka Jiro.
Jiro often found herself sneaking glances at Izuku as he navigated the busy halls of U.A. While she admired his dedication to his goals, she couldn't help but notice his laid-back attitude. It was refreshing in a place where everyone seemed to be competing for the spotlight. Though she didn't know him well, something about him intrigued her.
One sunny afternoon, as the students bustled around the campus, Jiro spotted Izuku making his way out of the school with his skateboard under his arm. Curiosity piqued, she followed him at a distance, her interest growing as he headed toward the nearby skate park.
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As Izuku arrived at the park, he was immediately enveloped by the lively atmosphere. Skaters were grinding on rails, and laughter filled the air. He felt at ease, ready to enjoy a few moments of freedom away from U.A.'s pressures. Little did he know that Jiro had settled onto a nearby bench, observing him from afar.
She watched as Izuku warmed up, his movements fluid as he pushed off the ground. His concentration was palpable, and Jiro couldn't help but admire his dedication. The way he focused on each trick, the determination in his eyes, captivated her.
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As he attempted a simple ollie, Izuku stumbled, but quickly regained his balance. Jiro felt a smile tug at her lips, appreciating how he brushed off the mistake with a shrug, unaffected by the eyes around him. It was this nonchalance that drew her in, and she found herself getting lost in thoughts of who he really was behind the cool exterior.
With every trick he landed, she felt a spark of admiration growing stronger. He had this effortless charm, a boy who seemed oblivious to the admiration he inspired in others. Jiro admired his passion and how it shone through, even if he didn't recognize it himself.
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After a while, Izuku took a break, sitting on the edge of a ramp to drink some water. He leaned back, staring up at the sky, a look of tranquility on his face. Jiro felt her heart flutter as she watched him, an unfamiliar warmth spreading through her. She wished she could be brave enough to approach him, to learn more about the quiet boy with dreams of heroism.
Suddenly, a couple of younger skaters called out to him, inviting him to join their game. Izuku obliged, and Jiro's heart sank a little as she saw him laugh and engage with the group. He was so at home here, and she couldn't help but feel like an outsider.
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Throughout the afternoon, Jiro remained at her distance, silently cheering for him as he skated. She admired how he treated others with kindness and humility, always willing to help the younger skaters with tips and encouragement. Watching him interact with the kids, her feelings began to deepen. It wasn't just admiration; it was something more profound.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, Jiro decided she needed to leave. She gathered her things, feeling a mix of emotions. Part of her longed to approach him, but another part was scared of rejection, afraid of what he might think of her.
Just as she turned to leave, she heard Izuku call out to the group, "Hey, everyone! Let's take a quick break and get some food! My treat!" His genuine smile lit up his face, and for a moment, she hesitated, torn between wanting to watch him from afar and the urge to join in.
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In the end, she took a deep breath, pushing her nerves aside. "Okay, Jiro. Just be brave," she murmured to herself. She glanced back one last time, her heart pounding as she saw Izuku laughing with the kids, their joy infectious.
With a reluctant sigh, she turned and headed home, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she wanted to know him better. As she walked, she made a silent promise to herself: she would find a way to connect with Izuku, no matter how long it took
