Chapter Text
He was confused by her message.
It had been nearly a month since Midoriya had worked up the courage to ask Shiozaki out and she had agreed.
Despite everything, they had gotten along well, and the first date went well, despite Monoma and their classmates spying on them.
He still had no idea why Kaminari was interested in getting them together, and she admitted she wasn’t sure why Tetsutetsu seemed to become depressed when they confirmed it.
The Kashiki Botanical Gardens that Kaminari suggested turn out to be a great idea, and the two had several other dates there.
All the time, Shiozaki made it clear that there were certain limits. Midoriya understood and respected her decision.
After all, that’s what a good boyfriend would do, right?
So the message had come as a shock to him.
“We need to talk?” He muttered to himself.
Did he do something wrong? Was she breaking up with him? Di-
“No.” He muttered to himself as he shook his head, “She wouldn’t do it this way, that’s not like her.”
He paused at the door and knocked.
“Come in.” He heard her voice call out.
He pulled the door to the side and entered.
“Close it behind you, please.”
He slid it shut and looked around the room.
Shiozaki stood by the window, her back turned to him. She turned around to face him: her hands clasped in front of her chest and she looked down, avoiding his eyes.
“Is...Is something wrong?” Midoriya stepped forward, “Did I-”
“No!” She shouted, looking up and startling Midoriya, “No, nothing like that, it’s….”
She trailed off again as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
“Ibara,” He started again, “if it’s not something you’re comfortable with, you shouldn’t force yourse-”
“I want to take the next step in our relationship.” She blurted out before quickly covering her mouth.
“....Ah.”
----
“I’m really just glad that everyone is able to get along now. I mean, Monoma’s whole thing was really stupid, you know what I mean?” Tokage gestured with a free hand.
“Right.” Yaoyorozu agreed.
“We’re su...what are they doing?” Tokage trailed off and pointed off at a group of people gathered at the corner of a wall, peeking around it.
The two continued closer and looked at the gathered crowd: Ashido, Kendou, Kaminari, continued to sneak glances around the corner as Mineta and Monoma sat against the wall, tissues to their noses as blood leaked out.
“What are you do-”
“Shh!” Ashido turned around and shushed them, “Look.”
Tokage’s head detached and floated over as Yaoyorozu joined them and peeked around the corner:
Shiozaki and Midoriya continued to walk down the hallway, their backs turned to them.
Between them, they held hands.
Yaoyorozu gasped as she ducked behind the corner. Blood leaked from her nose as she quickly manifested a napkin.
“Oh my.”
“I know, right?”
“So brazen,” Yaoyorozu continued.
“......They’re just holding hands,” Tokage frowned, “What’s the big deal?”
“Before marriage?” Yaoyorozu shook her head, “How scandalous of them.”
“It’s a good sign for both of them,” Kendou agreed.
“It’s adorable!” Ashido added.
“It means he’s doing good!” Kaminari flashed a thumbs up.
“It’s hot.” Mineta nodded.
“......You guys are all idiots.”
-----
At this point they had long since left U.A. and had just continued walking. Now they had reached a near-by park.
Midoriya glanced back at Shiozaki: her face was flush, and she had a slight tremble. She continued to hold his hand in an iron grip.
“Ibara, it’s ok. If you’re still not comfortable…..”
“No, I...It’s fine.”
“There’s a bench over there,”
The two made their way over and sat. As soon as they settled in, Shiozaki released Midoriya’s hand and covered her face with both of her hands.
“...Ibara, are you ok?”
“I…..” she peeked out from between her fingers.
She blushed and covered her face again.
“It’s ok, we don’t have to rush into it. Just take your time.”
“...Izuku,” Shiozaki peeked through her fingers again and looked at him.
“Can...Can we do the other thing we talked about?”
Midoriya blushed slightly and glanced around.
“Here?” He asked, “Now?”
“P...Please.”
“Al...Alright, if you’re sure.”
Midoriya lifted his hand and began to pat Shiozaki’s head. Both of them flushed with embarrassment as she hid her eyes again.
“....It’s nice.”