OUR NO.1 LOVE

CHAPTER 7: (Actions of Two)

Chapter 7;

The next morning, the trio is gathered around the breakfast table. Bakugo is scarfing down his food, as usual, while Todoroki calmly sips his tea.

Izuku is quieter than usual, picking at his plate. The TV in the background is on, the morning news playing softly in the background. Suddenly, a breaking news segment pops up.

News Anchor: "Breaking news: A fire has broken out in a high-rise building downtown. Several civilians are trapped, and heroes are being dispatched to the scene immediately for rescue operations."

Bakugo's eyes widen slightly, and he immediately puts down his fork. Todoroki's calm demeanor shifts, his gaze locking onto the screen.

Bakugo: "Looks like we're up."

Todoroki: "We should go now before it gets worse."

Without wasting time, both of them push back their chairs, heading to grab their hero costumes. Izuku watches them from the table, his eyes following their every move.

As Bakugo straps on his gauntlets and Todoroki adjusts his utility belt, Izuku's expression darkens. The memory of the visitor's cruel words and the comments from criminals about his quirkless status echo in his mind.

Izuku (thinking): "You're quirkless, what can you even do now? You'll only get in the way..."

A deep pang of jealousy and sadness stirs in Izuku's chest. He can't help but feel a sense of uselessness creeping up on him, knowing he won't be able to jump into action with them. Bakugo, already at the door, notices Izuku's quiet mood and frowns.

Bakugo: "Oi, Deku. What's with that face? You look like you've seen a ghost."

(Izuku forces a small smile, but it doesn't reach his eyes.): "I'm fine, Kacchan. Just... thinking about something."

Todoroki: "You've been quiet since last night. Is something bothering you?"

Izuku's hands tighten into fists on his lap, his shoulders tense. He doesn't want to be a burden to them, but the weight of his insecurities is too heavy to hide completely.

Izuku: "It's nothing... I just_.....I wish I could do more. Be like you guys... I miss being able to help in situations like this."

Both Bakugo and Todoroki's eyes soften as they exchange another glance. They've known how hard it's been for Izuku to adjust to being quirkless, despite his new role as a teacher.

The pain and frustration in his voice make it clear that he's still grappling with it every day.

Bakugo: "Deku, you-You're still a hero. Don't let anyone make you feel like you aren't."

Todoroki: "Bakugo's right. You've saved so many people, including us. Even without a quirk, you still inspire others and make a difference. That's not something to forget."

Izuku: "But... I can't help like I used to."

Bakugo: "Doesn't matter. You've still got that brain of yours, don't you? Strategy, heart, and guts-those are what made you a hero. Not just your quirk."

Todoroki: "You'll find a way to keep helping. Even now, you're helping the students at UA become better heroes. That's important."

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Izuku's heart swells a bit at their words, though the jealousy and sadness don't entirely disappear.