Amelia's second day of training with Mirko had been even more intense than the first. By the time the session ended, her body felt like it had been through a wringer, but her spirit was buoyed by the progress she was making. With each passing hour, she could feel herself growing stronger and more adept at handling the challenges Mirko threw her way.
After a quick shower and a change of clothes, Amelia found herself in front of U.A.'s gates, her phone buzzing in her hand. Izuku's message had arrived just as she was leaving the training ground.
Izuku: Hey, if you're not too tired, want to come over for dinner? Mom's making katsudon. đ
Amelia couldn't help but smile at the invitation. She quickly typed out a response.
Amelia: Sounds perfect! Be there soon.
A short train ride later, Amelia was standing outside the Midoriya residence. The apartment building was cozy and unassuming, nestled in a quiet neighborhood. She hesitated for a moment before ringing the doorbell, her heart beating a little faster with anticipation.
The door swung open almost immediately, revealing Izuku's bright, welcoming smile. "Amelia! Come on in!"
Amelia stepped inside, the warm, savory aroma of katsudon wafting through the hallway. She slipped off her shoes and followed Izuku into the living room. The space was filled with the comforting clutter of a lived-in homeâbookshelves lined with volumes on hero studies, a cozy sofa, and various All Might memorabilia scattered about.
"Mom, Amelia's here!" Izuku called out.
Inko Midoriya appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. Her face lit up with a warm, familiar smile. "Amelia, it's so good to see you again! I'm glad you could join us for dinner."
"Thank you, Mrs. Midoriya. It's really nice to be here," Amelia said, feeling instantly at ease. She had met Inko several times before, during various school events and visits, and the warmth of her welcome was like a comforting hug.
"Come on, let's get you both to the table. Dinner's ready," Inko said, ushering them to the dining area. "I made plenty of katsudon, so I hope you're hungry!"
"Starving," Amelia admitted, feeling a pang of hunger at the sight of the steaming plates on the table.
They sat down, and Inko served generous portions of katsudon. As they ate, conversation flowed easily. Inko asked about Amelia's training, her experiences at U.A., and her thoughts on the hero course. Amelia found herself relaxing in the warm, familial atmosphere, enjoying the simple pleasure of good food and good company.
After dinner, Izuku led Amelia to his room, his cheeks slightly flushed. "Sorry, it's a bit of a mess," he said, pushing open the door.
Amelia stepped inside and couldn't help but grin. The room was a reflection of Izuku's passion and dedication to becoming a hero. Posters of All Might adorned the walls, and shelves overflowed with notebooks, action figures, and various hero-related items. A desk was cluttered with textbooks and notes, evidence of Izuku's tireless study habits.
Izuku scratched the back of his head, looking a bit sheepish. "I, uh, didn't have time to clean up."
"It's great," Amelia said, her eyes shining with admiration. "It's so you."
They settled on the floor, leaning against the bed as they talked. Izuku shared stories about his own training and his recent experiences, and Amelia recounted her grueling sessions with Mirko. As they chatted, Amelia felt a comfortable camaraderie settle between them, a sense of ease and connection that made the day's exhaustion fade away.
"By the way," Amelia said, remembering Mirko's question from earlier. "Mirko asked about my hero name today. I told her I was waiting for you to come up with one."
Izuku's eyes lit up, and he sat up straighter. "Really? I've been thinking about it a lot. I want to get it just right."
Amelia smiled, touched by his enthusiasm. "No pressure or anything," she teased, echoing her earlier message.
Izuku chuckled, pulling out a small notebook from his desk. "I've actually been jotting down some ideas. I want it to reflect your strength and your spirit, something that fits who you are."
Amelia watched as he flipped through the pages, a warmth spreading through her chest. "I trust you, Izu. I know whatever you come up with will be perfect."
They spent the next hour bouncing ideas off each other, brainstorming names that captured Amelia's essence as a hero. As the conversation flowed, Amelia felt a growing sense of excitement. The idea of having a hero name, something that defined her in the world of heroes, made the whole journey feel even more real.
Time slipped by, and before they knew it, the evening had deepened into night. Amelia glanced at the clock, realizing how late it had gotten. "I should probably get going," she said reluctantly. "I have another early training session tomorrow."
Izuku walked her to the door, a look of contentment on his face. "Thanks for coming over. It was really nice having you here."
Amelia smiled, feeling a warmth in her heart. "I had a great time. Thanks for inviting me. And for dinner. Your mom's katsudon is amazing."
Izuku's eyes sparkled with pride. "Yeah, it's my favorite. I'm glad you liked it."
As Amelia stepped outside, she turned back to Izuku, feeling a surge of gratitude. "I'll see you tomorrow, Izu. And thanks for working on my hero name. It means a lot to me."
Izuku grinned, giving her a small wave. "Anytime, Amelia. See you tomorrow."
The walk back to U.A. was peaceful, the night air cool and refreshing. As Amelia made her way through the quiet streets, she felt a sense of fulfillment. The day had been challenging, but it had also been filled with moments of growth and connection. With Mirko's guidance and Izuku's unwavering support, she felt ready to face whatever came next.
But as she neared the gates of U.A., her thoughts drifted back to the time she had spent with Izuku. The memory of his bright smile, the warmth of his voice, and the way his eyes lit up when he talked about heroesâeverything about him filled her with a new, inexplicable sensation.
The fluttering she had felt in the pit of her stomach during their conversation returned, stronger this time. It was as if her heart had skipped a beat, leaving her feeling off-balance and exhilarated all at once. She couldn't shake the feeling, even as she climbed the steps to her dormitory.
As she passed the hallway leading to her room, she suddenly changed direction and made her way to the rooftop, a place she often visited to clear her mind. The rooftop garden was quiet and secluded, offering a peaceful view of the campus and the city lights beyond.
She stepped out into the cool night, the gentle breeze ruffling her hair. The sky above was a deep shade of indigo, dotted with twinkling stars. The rooftop's edge was lined with a low wall, providing a perfect spot to sit and reflect. Amelia walked over, leaning against the wall and letting the night air wash over her.
As she gazed out over the campus, memories of the evening played in her mindâIzuku's bright smile, the warmth in his eyes, and the easy conversation that flowed between them. She thought about how he had talked about hero names with such enthusiasm, and how his presence had made her feel both comforted and excited.
What is happening to me? she wondered, her thoughts a jumble of emotions. Why do I feel like this every time I'm with him?
The realization hit her with the force of a wave crashing against the shore. She had always admired Izukuâhis determination, his kindness, his unwavering spirit. But now, those feelings seemed to have deepened into something more, something that left her feeling off-balance and vulnerable.
Could it be that I'm⌠falling for him? The thought was both thrilling and terrifying.
Amelia took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She closed her eyes and let the night sounds surround herâthe distant hum of the city, the rustle of leaves in the breeze. Up here, away from the hustle and bustle of the dorms and training grounds, she felt a moment of clarity.
Izuku means so much to me, she realized. More than just a friend or a classmate. He's been my inspiration, my confidant, and now⌠maybe something more.
The thought of confessing her feelings was daunting, but it also filled her with a sense of determination. Just as she faced challenges in her hero training, she would face this new and unexpected emotion with the same courage and honesty.
Lost in her thoughts, Amelia overlooked the time slipping by. It was only when the distant chime of a clock tower struck midnight that she realized how long she had been on the rooftop. The realization brought a sense of calm as if the stars above had granted her a measure of peace.
As Amelia made her way back to her dormitory, she felt a gentle warmth settle over her. She didn't have all the answers yet, but she was ready to embrace whatever came next. And with Izuku by her side, she felt that anything was possible.
Back in her room, she sent Izuku a quick message, feeling a flutter of anticipation as she typed out the words.
Izuku: Hey Amelia, it was great having you over for dinner tonight. I'm glad we could spend some time together before your internship gets super busy. Remember, if you ever need anything or just want to talk, I'm here for you. And don't worry, I'll think of a great name soon.
Amelia: Aww Izu, just wanted to say thanks again for tonight. It meant a lot to me. Looking forward to it. :)
She hit send and smiled to herself, feeling a sense of peace she hadn't known before. The night had brought her clarity, and as she drifted off to sleep, she felt ready to face the challenges and adventures that awaited her. Whatever the future held, she was confident that she could handle itâwith Izuku, and her newfound feelings, guiding her way.