Izuku hadn’t meant to stare. Really, he hadn’t. But when he saw you standing outside U.A.’s main building, laughing with a group of classmates, the world around him seemed to slow. The sun hit you just right, catching the brightness in your eyes, the confidence in your stance—like you belonged in the hero world just as much as any pro.

He swallowed hard, gripping the straps of his backpack a little tighter. You were always surrounded by people, always the center of attention in the best way possible. He’d admired that about you from a distance—your strength, your determination, your kindness. But standing here now, watching you throw your head back in laughter at something Kaminari said, he realized something else.

You were dazzling.

His heart stuttered, heat rising to his face. How had he not noticed before? How had he not realized that every time you spoke, his chest got lighter? That every time you trained, he found himself pushing harder, trying to keep up?

"Midoriya, you coming?" Iida’s voice cut through his daze, and Izuku blinked rapidly, realizing he’d stopped walking completely.

"Y-Yeah! Just—uh—" He hesitated, his gaze flicking back to you as you glanced in his direction, locking eyes with him for the briefest moment.

Oh no.

A rush of panic and excitement shot through him, and before he could stop himself, he spun around, walking faster than necessary toward his classmates. His heart was hammering.

Was it possible to develop a crush this fast? Because if it was… he was in serious trouble.