"Hey, Izuku, wait up!" Amelia called out as the final bell rang, signaling the end of another school day. She hurried to catch up with him, her schoolbag slung over one shoulder.
Izuku Midoriya turned, looking surprised but pleased to see her. "Oh, hi, Amelia. How was your day?"
"Pretty good," she replied, falling into step beside him as they left the school grounds. "I thought maybe we could walk home together. If that's okay with you?"
Izuku's face lit up with a shy smile. "Sure, I'd like that."
The early evening air was cool and refreshing as they walked through the neighborhood. Amelia had learned that Izuku lived relatively close by, and their routes home overlapped for a few blocks before they diverged. It was the perfect opportunity to get to know him better.
"So, Izuku," she began, glancing at him, "I've noticed you're always writing in that notebook of yours. What's in there?"
Izuku's eyes brightened. "Oh, this? It's my hero analysis notebook. I keep track of different heroes and their Quirks. I want to understand them better, you know, for the future."
Amelia nodded, impressed by his dedication. "That's really cool. You must know a lot about heroes."
"Yeah, I've been studying them since I was a kid," Izuku admitted, a hint of pride in his voice. "It's my dream to become a hero, even though… well, you know."
He didn't need to finish the sentence. Amelia knew all too well the stigma attached to being Quirkless, especially in a world where heroism was defined by superpowers. But she also knew that Izuku's determination and heart would lead him to greatness, Quirk or not.
"You've got the heart of a hero, Izuku," she said sincerely. "I can see it. And you're already doing a lot just by learning so much. Knowledge is power too."
"Thanks, Amelia," he said, blushing slightly at the compliment. "I really appreciate that."
As they walked, Amelia noticed how Izuku would occasionally glance at her, as if he had something more to say. Sensing his hesitation, she decided to make a suggestion that had been on her mind for a while.
"Hey, Izuku, I was thinking," she began, "how about we start running together after school?"
"Running?" he repeated, clearly taken aback.
"Yeah," she said with a smile. "It's great exercise, and it could help you get stronger. I mean, if you want to become a hero, physical fitness is pretty important, right?"
Izuku looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded. "You're right. I've been meaning to start training more, but I didn't really know how to begin. Running sounds like a good idea."
"Awesome," Amelia said, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "We can start tomorrow if you're up for it. I usually run in the park near my house."
"Okay," Izuku agreed, his nervousness giving way to enthusiasm. "I'll meet you there after school."
They continued walking, chatting about their favorite heroes and the latest hero news. Amelia found herself enjoying these conversations more than she had anticipated. Izuku's passion for heroism was infectious, and his kindness made him easy to talk to.
As they reached the point where their paths diverged, Amelia paused and turned to him. "See you tomorrow, Izuku. And don't forget your running shoes!"
Izuku grinned and waved. "See you, Amelia! Thanks for walking with me."
The next afternoon, Amelia and Izuku met at the park as planned. The air was crisp, the sun dipping low in the sky, casting long shadows across the grass. They stretched for a few minutes before starting their run, Amelia setting a gentle pace to accommodate Izuku's initial lack of fitness.
"Just take it easy at first," she advised as they jogged along the park's winding paths. "It's okay to go slow. The important thing is to keep moving and build up your stamina."
Izuku nodded, breathing steadily as he matched her pace. "Thanks for doing this, Amelia. It's a lot easier with someone else."
"No problem," she replied, glancing at him with a smile. "We're in this together."
As they ran, Amelia could see Izuku's determination etched on his face. Despite his physical limitations, he pushed himself to keep going, driven by his dream of becoming a hero. It was inspiring to witness, and it reinforced her belief in his potential.
Their runs became a daily routine, a time for them to bond and for Izuku to gradually build his strength. Amelia kept their training sessions varied and challenging, incorporating different exercises to help Izuku improve his endurance and muscle tone.
Over the weeks, she noticed a change in him. His confidence grew alongside his physical abilities, and he began to stand a little taller, smile a little more. It was a small change, but a significant one.
One evening, after a particularly challenging run, they sat on a bench in the park, catching their breath. The sun was setting, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink.
"You're getting better every day, Izuku," Amelia said, handing him a bottle of water. "I'm really proud of you."
"Thanks, Amelia," he replied, taking a grateful sip. "I feel a lot stronger already. And it's all because of you."
"Hey, you're the one putting in the effort," she said, playfully nudging him. "I'm just here to cheer you on."
Izuku smiled, his eyes shining with gratitude. "It means a lot, you know. Having a friend who believes in me."
Amelia felt a warm glow at his words. "I believe in you, Izuku. And I always will."
As they walked home under the twilight sky, Amelia couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Her small interventions, her encouragement, were already making a difference. She knew that the path ahead was still uncertain, but she was determined to support Izuku in any way she could.
This is just the beginning, she thought as they parted ways at their usual spot. Together, we can face whatever comes next.