Izuku Midoriya sat on the edge of his bed, staring down at his hands. His notebook lay open beside him, filled with scribbled notes and sketches—strategies, analysis, details about pro heroes that he had memorized over the years. Normally, just looking at it made him feel excited, but right now, it only reminded him of the quiet laughter, the teasing voices echoing in his head.

"You really never stop talking about heroes, huh?"
"Man, you even take notes? You’re such a nerd, Midoriya."
"You probably dream in All Might trivia."

They weren’t being cruel. He knew that. It wasn’t bullying, not like before. Just harmless jokes. But sometimes, they still stung. He’d spent so much of his life obsessing over heroes, studying them, idolizing them. It was a huge part of who he was. So why did it feel embarrassing when people pointed it out?

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. Maybe he did talk about heroes too much. Maybe it was weird to still be so invested when they were training to be heroes themselves. Maybe—

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

Before he could answer, it opened, and there he was—his boyfriend. The second he stepped inside, Izuku felt some of the heaviness in his chest ease.