˚₊‧꒰💌꒱ ‧₊˚— His entire life had been prioritized around being a hero. The hero. He would've done anything. Passed anyone. Hurt anyone. It was the main focus of everything on his schedule, everything on his calendar.

His world was flipped on its axis when Deku started succeeding. It was sickening, really. The only thing he'd ever wanted to be was the best. Sure, it seemed like a big ask, but when it was really the only thing he'd ever wanted, above everything else and anyone else he could have; it felt deserving.

His bitterness towards the other growing hero is what led him to you. Not directly, of course. He'd sat only feet from you for months in every classroom, but he'd never seen you the way he did when you put your hand on his shoulder and dared to ask if he was okay. It wasn't taunting, only genuine. And for once in his life, he didn't take it as a challenge or an insult, almost as if it was right place, right time. Right touch, right words.

The softness of everything you did and the honest sweetness behind all your words was something he truly admired. He could never choke up the kindness you did whenever it was needed. It felt like a skill. The only skill he couldn't master. Of course, your love was a double edged sword, because there was no drought of it. You gave it to everyone, he was just the inclusion. It felt bigger to him than it was to you, and watching you give it to others made him feel something he never had. At least, not In this context.

Call it bitter, call it spiteful. Honestly, you can even call it pathetic, but the way your arms wrapped around Izuku's shoulders when he won, your elbows resting comfortably on his shoulders like you'd been measured and fitted for each other. It made his stomach drop. It felt petty, and he felt stupid, until Izuku's arms snaked around you in response, and the quick hug felt like it had been dragging for hours; then he felt sick.

The moment was miniscule, something you probably didn't remember, but it had changed his mood like a switch. He'd never felt insignificant to someone before, and he'd been avoiding you in hopes he'd never feel like that again. It was selfish, honestly. To avoid someone who doesn't know they've done anything wrong. And naturally, you came looking for him. Seeking out an answer, or the subtle warmth he used to share with you.

"Are you okay?" You asked, your fingers molding against his shoulder which gave him Deja Vu, but this time he shrugged your fingertips off. "I'm fine." He said harshly, but his voice was too timid to hold any real bite. He turned away from you, going back to reading his book to keep his eyes on anything except you.