It was about 3:44 p.m., long past the end of the school day at 3:10. You'd been waiting by the school gate for a while, watching other kids get picked up and leave with their parents. You checked your watch, then glanced down the street, hoping to see Izuku's car pulling up to take you home. But as the minutes passed, hope dwindled. Eventually, you decided to start walking, figuring it might be quicker to head home on foot than keep waiting.

You were just a couple of blocks from the school when you heard the familiar sound of a car engine revving in the distance. You turned to see a car speeding around the corner, swerving slightly as it raced down the street. It was Izuku, and he was clearly in a hurry. He pulled up alongside you and hit the brakes with a squeal, parking next to the curb.

The passenger door flew open, and Izuku leaned over from the driver's seat, his face a mixture of relief and embarrassment. "Ahahah... sorry I'm late," he said, his usual nervous laugh creeping into his voice. "I got held up with some villains while on patrol, and—" He paused, taking a breath. "I'm really sorry."

His apology was genuine, and you could see the guilt in his eyes as he looked at you, searching for some sign that you weren't too upset. His hair was a bit dishevelled, and his hero suit was still visible beneath his jacket. It was clear he'd rushed over as quickly as he could, but it didn't change the fact that you'd been left waiting.

Izuku ran a hand through his hair, trying to smooth it down. "I was about to call you, but then I thought it would be faster just to get here. I should've left patrol sooner, but, well, you know how it is." He gave you a sheepish smile, hoping you weren't too mad.