Linked Paths

Arc II - Many Firsts [Chapter 2: Dates]

I hold my HeCom up to it. It beeps and I enter my PIN. The signal turns green, and the door automatically slides open.

I turn around and bow, "G-good n-night, Tamamushi."

Tamamushi: "Good night, Midoriya."

I dare to look at him as I lift again, "Please write when you're home."

Tamamushi: "I will."

"Take care.", I add in conclusion.

Tamamushi: "You too."

Hastily, I scurry onto the grounds of the U.A. Walking quickly, almost jogging, I make my way towards the entrance to the dorms building.

At the next best tree, I lean against its trunk breathing in and out intensely. I clutch my hand to my chest.

My first kiss...

[2nd of March, Saturday, my room]

Kacchan: "There...", *brings a loose curl back into position*, "...that's the best I can do."

Laha: *looks at me enthralled*, "Wow, Izzy, you look great!"

As I am now dismissed by my current hairstylist, I get up from my chair and step in front of the tall mirror which we have set up just for this, to take a close look at the result of the last hour.

Looking at my reflection in the mirror now, I am as surprised as I am satisfied. The times I've dolled myself up like this can be counted on one hand. Yet, I still feel comfortable in my own skin and think it suits me.

I wear a long sleeve Oxford button-down in silver-grey, combined with comfort-fit jeans in dark blue and of course my red high-top sneaker (they're a must). The outfit is just perfect for the occasion as it creates a good mix of formality and lightness. Furthermore, the styling of my curls, which Kacchan put a lot of effort into, completes my appearance for the date.

"Thanks, guys...", I say somewhat emotionally.

Laha: "Aw, for you always, sweetie."

Kacchan: *steps behind me and examines me over the mirror* "No surprise you'll look presentable if I help."

"Uhn!", I don't disagree with him, because it's simply true. He has more than helped us.

Therefore, I'm very happy Kacchan happened to be on the early shift today as well and was back in the U.A. only a little after Laha and me. To say that I was surprised when he showed up at my door and offered to help would be an understatement.

However, when he realized that my closet had nothing satisfactory to offer, the three of us went to the nearest clothes store at last minute and bought something Kacchan could approve. It was relatively expensive, but worth it, considering the result I would say. And then Kacchan even took over the reins with my hair styling. During the body swap he got to experience my unruly curls firsthand. This in combination with his styling skills, and poof, a new Izuku is born. Well, on our double date I didn't show up looking like I'd just fallen out of bed or anything, but I still wanted to leave enough wiggle room and really get dressed up for today first. This date just requires action on a different level.

Suddenly, my set alarm on my HeCom goes off.

"Oh, I have to go!", I state as I turn off my alarm.

I'm meeting Tamamushi right by the restaurant, so I have to head out in time.

Laha: *hands me my coat*, "You got everything?"

I take the coat, "Uhn!", and start to put it on.

Laha: "HeCom charged?"