OUR NO.1 LOVE (COMPLETE STORY)

CHAPTER 3: (Both Comfort)

Chapter 3:

The shared home of Bakugo, Todoroki, and Midoriya.

It's late in the evening, and Bakugo and Todoroki have just returned from their patrols. As they enter the house, they immediately notice Midoriya's shoes and bag placed neatly by the door-a sign that he's home much earlier than usual.

Bakugo (frowning, glancing at Todoroki): "What the hell? Deku's shoes are here already? He's usually still at UA by now."

Todoroki (calmly, but confused): "He must've come home early today. Maybe something happened at school?"

They exchange a look of concern before moving further inside.

They head to Midoriya's bedroom, expecting to find him resting after what seemed like an unusual day. But the room is empty.

Bakugo (gritting his teeth): "He's not here... Where the hell is he?"

Todoroki (frowning slightly): "Let's check the kitchen."

They walk towards the kitchen, and as they round the corner, they freeze. There, standing by the stove, is Midoriya, quietly cooking dinner.

But something's wrong. His shoulders are slumped, his head bowed, and though he's working on preparing a meal for them, silent tears stream down his face. He doesn't make a sound, just silently crying as he stirs the pot in front of him.

Bakugo (his eyes widening, his voice tense): "Deku...?"

Midoriya doesn't seem to hear them at first. He's too lost in his own world, the weight of the day pressing down on him.

The pain, the doubts, the words from the meeting, the fight with the thief-all of it has finally caught up with him, and he can't hold it in any longer.

The tears keep falling, mixing with the steam rising from the pot.

Todoroki (quietly, his eyes softening as he steps closer): "Midoriya... what happened?"

At the sound of Todoroki's voice, Midoriya flinches slightly, finally realizing they're there. He wipes his eyes quickly with his sleeve, trying to pull himself together.

Midoriya (his voice is shaky, forcing a small smile): "Oh... you guys are back early. I-uh-I'm just making dinner. It'll be ready soon..."

Bakugo (stepping closer, his voice gruff but concerned): "Cut the crap, Deku. You're crying. What the hell's going on?"

Todoroki (worried): "Midoriya...tell us what happened ".

Midoriya tries to shake his head, but the tears threaten to fall again. He's too exhausted to pretend everything is okay.

He turns off the stove, setting the spoon down before leaning against the counter, his back to them as he speaks softly.

Midoriya (his voice barely above a whisper): "I... I just couldn't do it today. At UA. That visitor... he said things, and I couldn't-" [His voice cracks.] "I couldn't take it anymore."

Bakugo and Todoroki exchange a look, the weight of Midoriya's words sinking in. Todoroki steps forward, his voice gentle but firm.

Todoroki: "What did he say?"

Midoriya (wiping his eyes again, struggling to keep his voice steady): "He... He said that without my quirk, I have nothing to offer. That I can't teach... can't help anyone. And today, I couldn't even save a kid. Someone else had to step in. I'm useless..."