OUR NO.1 LOVE

CHAPTER 18: (Depressed izuku)

Hospital room, the faint sound of beeping monitors filling the silence. Izuku lies still in his hospital bed, his gaze turned away from everyone, silent tears tracing down his cheeks. The room feels heavy with tension and regret as Bakugo and Todoroki stand by his bedside, watching helplessly as he silently struggles.

(Doctor speaking softly to Bakugo and Todoroki, away from Izuku): "Mr. Midoriya’s condition is complex. Physically, he’s on the mend, but emotionally… the weight he’s carrying is considerable. Right now, he needs patience, understanding, and stability from those close to him."

The doctor exits, leaving Bakugo and Todoroki standing there, taking in the gravity of Izuku’s situation. The two exchange a glance, guilt heavy in their expressions. Bakugo clenches his fists, clearly struggling with the emotions churning within him.

(Bakugo's voice barely whispers, looking at Izuku’s tear-streaked face): "Damn it, Deku… I didn’t know you felt this way. I should have… I should have been there."

(Todoroki softly, sorrow in his tone): "We let you down, Izuku. We didn’t see the pain you were carrying. You’re not quirkless to us, you’re… you’re so much more than that. We just want you to see yourself the way we do."

Izuku’s only response is a shuddered breath, his eyes still focused on a distant spot, his body tense and withdrawn. The tears continue to fall silently, each one reflecting the depth of his hurt. His hands clench slightly, pulling the blanket closer, as if to shield himself from further pain.

(Izuku voice breaking in a low whisper, almost as if talking to himself): "I… I just wanted to be enough. I wanted to be seen… to feel like I mattered."

Bakugo’s jaw tightens, and he leans closer, his voice softer than Izuku has ever heard from him.

(Bakugo gently): "You matter, deku. More than anything. And I’m sorry… for every time we made you feel otherwise. I know we’ve hurt you, and it’s gonna take time to fix that, but… don’t give up on us. Don’t give up on yourself."

(Todoroki nodding, his voice choked with emotion):" We love you, midoriya, and we don’t want to lose you. We’ll do whatever it takes to help you see that… if you’ll let us."

Izuku’s eyes close, and he lets out a shaky breath. He’s still hurt, still broken, but a small part of him absorbs their words, holding onto them like a fragile thread.

Though he remains silent, his tears gradually slow, and for the first time, his posture softens just a bit, a faint glimmer of hope sparking in the depths of his pain.

Bakugo and Todoroki stay by his side, quietly watching over him, determined to help him find his way back to feeling whole again.

.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.

Back at home. The atmosphere is heavy and subdued as Izuku sits on the couch, his eyes empty, staring at a spot on the wall.

His complexion is pale, and he looks distant, lost in his own thoughts. Bakugo and Todoroki watch him from a short distance, helpless and aching with regret.

(Todoroki whispering to Bakugo): "This isn’t him… he’s so… so empty. It’s like he’s not even here with us."

(Bakugo gritting his teeth, clenching his fists): "I know. And it’s our fault… we have to do something, Shoto. We have to pull him back… somehow."

They glance at each other, and after a moment, Todoroki takes a seat beside Izuku, keeping a gentle distance but close enough to show he’s there for him.