Sparring Partners (MidoriyaxKendo)

Chapter 8: Like Fire in the Wind

Blonde hair glowing like fire in the wind.

Not a soul in sight, except for Izuku Midoriya and Ryuko Tsuchikawa. The warm September morning wind flutters hair across two faces. The faces of those who wish today never came. The golden sunrise showers the two in a harsh light, their faces split between light and dark at the angle of the sun. Hands joined between the two casting long shadows on the pavement.

"I wish you could stay, Ryu," Izuku confessed, "But I'd never wish you away from saving lives. Before you know it, I'll be by your side rescuing the innocent, and fending off evil," he assured.

"I know, Zuzu," left her mouth with a weak but warm smile, "Once you get your license, and start your work-study, you absolutely have a spot with us," she tells the boy before bringing him into a tight hug, wrapping him up as tightly and completely as she can, "For now, I really think you should date that Kendo, she's great," she whispered into his ear before letting out a giggle and releasing him, "I'll see you soon, Izuku. You can't get rid of me that easily," she smiled.

"I'd never want you gone," he stated with bliss on his face. Her hands slipped from his, and she took a step back.

"Goodbye for now, Izuku, my hero," she said, before turning around to walk down the hill to the station. Suddenly, there's a hand on her shoulder. And she's spinning around. And there are lips on hers. She was frozen for a moment, before melting into the kiss. The boy backed off after a few seconds.

"I never thanked you for the clothes," he whispered, still just an inch from her face. His eyes were filled with tears, about to run any second, but a smile still shone on his face. She answered by placing her hand on his cheek and showing him a smile pulled from the deepest parts of her heart. She stepped back once again, letting her hand slide from his face before turning around to walk down the hill.

That's the last Izuku would see of Ryuko for now. The beautiful silhouette carved in front of the city skyline by the morning sun, walking in a hypnotizing stride he'd grown used to and comforted by over the last three months. Once she faded from view, he turned back.

Upon reentering the building of his dorm, he was met with several familiar but tired faces, still groggy from the long day before, and the night still looming over them, yet to leave.

"M-Midoriya?" Ashido asked, rubbing her eyes, walking to the kitchen with a heavy slouch, "What were you doing outside?" She questioned, standing still, being too tired talk and walk at the same time.

"I uh, was saying goodbye to a friend before they left town," he shakily replied before letting out a nervous laugh.

"Okay, whatever," she dismissed, "Also, good morning," she said as she walked past Midoriya, delivering a weak jab to the shoulder.

"Heh, good morning to you too, Ashido," he reciprocated.

Classes went on. And on. And on. While Izuku loved learning to be a hero, every once in a while, he'd have something on his mind. Today, there were two extra things. He was feeling pretty down due to Ryuko leaving, and he still needed to talk to Aizawa about a private training area for him and Kendo. He paid enough attention to be able to take in everything he needed to and take as many notes as usual, but he was struggling to be interested in anything. Constantly staring out the window, resting his head on his hands propped up on the desk, and anxious leg bouncing. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the last class was dismissed. As everyone left, he stayed behind so that he could talk to Aizawa privately. Uraraka, Asui, and Iida were the last people to leave, as they were waiting on him, but he told them to go ahead without him as he needed to speak to the teacher about something. When they were finally alone...