7.

『REGRET』

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KATSUKI'S POV

The hospital ward was deathly silent as I looked on towards the still, pale, body of Izuku.

What happened to the happy, cheerful, positive ray of sunshine? Who was the remnant of a soul, the shell of a person, lying in front of me?

I could barely bring myself to look at him.

"I'm sorry, ner--Izuku. It's all my fault you're like this. I really wasn't thinking when I hurled myself out, blowing our cover. Damn, how many times have I said that already? I'm so pathetic."

That's rich, coming from someone as egotistical as me.

"I... Izuku, it's been a year since the incident. You've still not woken up, since you're on life support and all... and I doubt you'll even be able to hear me. I'm still astounded on how you managed to survive that fire attack, but you really pulled through!"

It could've been me. If  the ne--Izuku didn't leap out like that, I would've been the one in this hospital bed. 

Even so, if our roles were reversed, would Dek--Izuku come and visit as well?

Damn, Katsuki. There you go again, turning the topic to your narcissistic, self-worthy being.

"Everyone was really shaken up after that. We returned to our normal schedule after a few, but it really wasn't the same without you. Everyone really changed. The class really shut up. Even Aoyama lost some of his sparkle. I guess I can thank you for that." I allowed myself a hollow chuckle.

I guess no one really noticed the impact and influence you left on the class. We really took you for granted.

"Well, I came to say... this'll probably be the last time I'll be seeing you. Our classmates came to visit you, we all did, when you got into that accident." I swallowed thickly, leaning for Izuku's hand and taking it gently.

We just... drifted off... nearly all of us gave up on the hope that you'd wake up.

"Ha... Remember everyone? We'll be graduating from Yuuei next week! Aren't you proud of me? I made it! You would've definitely made it too, I'm sure! When you wake up, you'll be considered a hero, if not by me, at least, for saving my life! You'd have a lot to catch up on, but you can learn really quickly! And then you can be one of the top heroes with me!"

Bullshit.

"You'll come back, and we'll all have a reunion party with the rest of our class, celebrating your discharge from the hospital, and we'll all talk and have fun, and I'll even hold off my snarkiness for you. We can all catch up on what you missed, we'll all be welcoming you back, I'll force you to eat so much you're gonna feel stuffed, we'll shower you with all the affection we've got..."

Ha. Keep dreaming.

"We'll make you laugh again..."

What a joke.

"We'll make sure to appreciate you..."

"We'll be all happy that you've woken up..."

Face the reality your classmates acknowledged a long time ago.

I felt a hot, salty liquid dripping down my face.

...Huh...? Why am I crying...?

"I really miss you... Please wake up soon."

"I'm sorry. I need you. I regret not telling you this earlier, when I still had the chance."

I set down Izuku's hand, then placed my palm on his cold face, thumb brushing over his freckles.

Standing up, I walked over to the door. I turned back, stealing one last glance at the boy. I mustered up the remaining energy I had, giving him one last halfhearted, lopsided grin.

"I'll be waiting for you until then, Izuku."