W͜͡h͜͡e͜͡n͜͡ D͜͡e͜͡k͜͡u͜͡ S͜͡m͜͡i͜͡l͜͡e͜͡s͜͡

Ochako Uraraka

"You know that we magicians don't form relationships with normal people," Toshinori stared pointedly at his student, "Especially you."

The blond turned and addressed his demon familiars, "Everyone, be on the lookout to make sure that Deku doesn't go out to meet her. Understand?"

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Ochako poured herself a fresh cup of tea, sitting in her bed and thinking about her day.

About the boy next door, his stoic attitude, his strange dull yet attentive green eyes...

Deku-kun is an interesting guy, she thought as she sipped her tea. If we become closer friends, I wonder if I'll be able to see more of his expressions...

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It'd be bad if the restraints got worse, Izuku thought as he read his book, under close watch from his teacher's familiars. At this rate, he might not help me become a magician . . .

It might not be a good idea to anger Sensei by going against him. I should act like an adult for now...

He stood up and walked over to the trash bin, reaching into his pocket to pull out Ochako's wilted gift.

I don't need this anymore, do I...?

Just as he was about to let it fall, a voice came unbidden to his head.

'Izuku-kun!'

'I'm your new next-door neighbor, Ochako Uraraka!'

'I-It's delicious!"

'"Deku" sounds more similar to "you can do it"!'

'I've managed to make a great friend!'

He stood there for a while, recalling the time he spent with her. Finally, he made a decision.

The priorities the demons imposed on me probably aren't any higher than this...

"Hey guys..." He turned to their expectant, hungry gazes.

"Shall we make dinner?"

~*~

There should be a convenience store somewhere nearby, right?

Ochako thought to herself as she locked her door from outside. She shivered, feeling a slight chill in the air. I wonder why I'm hungry at this time of night...

She turned and was about to walk past Izuku's place when the door suddenly opened right in front of her. Their eyes met, and this time he grabbed her hand and dragged her along with him.

"Eh?! What's going on?" she cried out in confusion as they hurried down the stairs, "Deku-kun?"

They raced through the streets, their destination unknown to her. He ignored her cries, "Wait! Izuku-kuuuun!"

Sensei's orders are absolute. But leaving things as they are, without saying anything...

For some reason, that feels . . . 𝖂𝖗𝖔𝖓𝖌.

They finally arrived at the cherry orchard, sakura petals fluttering down all around them as they stopped to catch their breaths.

"Hah, hah . . . W-what's going on Deku-kun?" Ochako looked up and noticed there was a cut on his face. "A-Are you okay?!"