#1-a class

For one to step into the grounds of U.A. High School and be under its education wing is a dream come true for most, if not all, aspiring heroes to be. Currently, this academy holds the number one rank in the country, with top-notch facilities consisting of robots, vast lands, and its newly-opened dormitories, among others, definitely spells perfection for honing its students. The symbol of peace though now retired, All Might, being its graduate and now part of the already skillful set of faculty is another bonus that can add to the school’s already state of the art shining record.

U.A. may have undergone many obstacles with its image as of late, but no one can deny that the school lives up to its reputation of being the best in terms of heroics education.

Amidst this glory that the school boasts for, what many people outside do not know is that getting inside U.A., also means getting into a world of daily youthful antics - especially with this year’s batch of heroes-in-the-making.

It cannot be a day in UA, if things are not crazy.

At least these are the best words that Izuku Midoriya and Ochako Uraraka can only think of to lessen not only the discomfort of being in formal clothes and to lessen the stress and surge of emotions that they are currently having in the situation at hand.

The lad lifts his tensed arm and places it on the bricked wall just right behind the stiffening figure of the brown-haired girl. Funny that that arm has taken so many dangerous blows in his past fights, but right now that same arm that he has strengthened with his training and experience, is suddenly made of jelly as it forgot how to arm.

He tries to breath deep and slow to calm every inch of him. “Just do not look at her, Izuku, and you’ll be fine,” he reminds himself in his mind, but that intake of breath makes his sense of smell more sensitive than ever, unable to ignore that scent anymore.

Not trying to sound like a pervert but… “Th-this is how a girl smells!” his mental exclamation abandons his thoughts of calm as he feels his face heat and steam up. If it was like any other day, he might have his hands frantically waving in front of him, desperate to hide his face, but the situation now is different. He must maintain this position, at all costs. For her.

Izuku swears, feeling One For All’s power burst from the insides of his arm seems easier than what is currently happening for during those times, he actually feels pain. But right now, his nerves are wracking so much that his body is starting to shake from the numbness. If there is something that he is feeling now, it is that strong quaking of his heart in his ribcage, as if pummeling its way out.

“Calm down, Izuku. In the name of All Might, you can do it,” he cheers himself mentally, desperate, and firmly presses his palm on the wall, begging his eyes to never land on Uraraka-san.

“DO YOU EVEN CALL THAT A KABEDON, MIDORIYA!? GET YOUR FACE CLOSER! DO NOT MAKE THAT DORK FACE.”

It is Mina, their art director, her pink skin slowly turning red out of rage as she clenches on a megaphone (perhaps care of Momo).

“S-sorry!” It was the only word that could leave Izuku’s mouth. Did she just call him a dork though? The kind Izuku would, of course, not take any offense. Perhaps this is one of Mina’s sudden bursts of passion when she finds herself concentrating on something. And not that Izuku did not see any leadership potential in her, but this is the first time for her to lead the whole class in something so it is an interesting sight.

Who is he kidding though? More than the whole thing, he has something interesting right in front of him. He blushes again and shakes his head. But if he wants to have control, he has to try and stop thinking about it to save his sanity. Starting now.

The moment he speaks that apology, the more Ochako flinches under him, feeling the warmth of his breath and realizing more the proximity of their faces (and bodies). His apology comes out in a whisper but she could hear him so clearly and loudly because of how close they are right now.

She just wants to float away with the help of her quirk. If this is one of the battles, while not being the top in class when it comes to the fighting grounds, she somehow feels like she would be able to escape from those tight emergencies. But this one is different. She cannot back out now.

“Just not his face,” Ochako thinks as she tries her best to let her eyes land on his fluffy green hair instead, but their distance makes it hard for her to not notice his reddening ears and his freckles on his cheeks. Izuku may have a smaller frame compared to most of the guys in class, but seeing his adam’s apple up close and his figure towering over her right now really makes her become more conscious of his ‘masculinity.’

Ochako feels her whole body go warmer, the more she realizes how Izuku’s arms are trapping her between his body and the wall. Oh how she wishes the wall to just absorb her like how their senpai, Mirio Togata has his way with his quirk before it disappeared.

The thought suddenly pulls a guilt lever inside Ochako. She really should not have such thoughts when the academy is doing its best to find ways to have his quirk return. Mirio-senpai is also really strong to maintain such a positive outlook despite the happenings. She frowns at her own thoughts.

“AND YOU, URARAKA, STOP BEING TOO STIFF! YOU HAVE TO LOOK AT THE CAMERA.”

“Y-yes!” it is her turn to reply to their fuming director, noting how these kinds of situations can turn the lovable and cheery Mina into the strict and harsh – well… Director Mina.

But, she has to nod to her friend’s enthusiasm though. This is not really the time to be having sad thoughts. No matter how embarrassing this is, she has to endure and try her best. Even Izuku is trying his best.

With faces just merely inches apart, lips clamped to awkward lines, and cheeks burning from all the shades of red their blood can pump, just what kind of situation did Izuku, Ochako, and the whole class get themselves into?

 Four hours ago…

Ochako sighs as she opens the door of her room. As much as she loves the dormitory life that U.A. has provided them, a part of her could not help but worry about her parents.

It is not that she is not happy with the recent developments in her hero slash student path. In fact, there are a whole lot of things that Ochako is thankful for.

Not only does this ensure their security after everything that U.A. has been through, but staying in the dorms definitely helped lessen her educational load financially. On top of that, she gets to learn to live independently and focus on her goal to be a hero in the future.

But not being able to be outside campus somehow makes her anxious if they are really doing fine or if her parents are just saying they are fine to not make her worry.

She would, of course, know when she herself has developed that habit. Just like when it was her turn to be sad after that loss against Katsuki Bakugou, she did the only thing she knew would be best – to smile even if they could not see her tears swelling up.

While she constantly communicates with them, it feels different to be in the dormitories. It was like there was a solid boundary drawn between her and them now.

She marches slowly to the common area, all-ready in her uniform and bag latched on her back. Though everyone in class now lives under one roof, there is really no rule for everyone to leave at the same time, unless there were some arrangements made beforehand personally.

On a usual day, Ochako would probably think to knock on the doors of the rooms of her girl friends, but their week has been rough lately. Somehow, she knows that everyone has been picking up their own paces to level up their game in the hero course. So the kind lass deems it is important for her friends to get all the rest they can or spend the time they wish to.

Besides, her mind is too busy flying back home to her family. This morning, she prefers some time with herself.

At least that is what she is hoping for until she reaches the campus building on the way to the classrooms.

“I-is it my imagination… or…” her thoughts trail to nothing as she looks around the mass of students who are looking at her.

Ochako knows that being a hero involves competition for attention especially with the people, but as a student, it is something that she would not get used to, at least for now. During their licensure exam, the attention is something to be considered normal when U.A. is well-known. She is, after all, a carrier of its name. And when she got offers after the Sports Festival, the shock is so huge that she had to ask if it was real, But right now, walking solo, with all eyes on her and whispers everywhere, just what is happening?

She continues to walk, returning the stares she has been receiving, and occasionally smiling at the people as the really approachable Ochako. Though this whole scenario is confusing, she thinks it is not necessary to act too cautious. The students are not looking at her menacingly or anything negative though. In fact, they are all smiling or they seemed happy about something.

That is good news, right? Hopefully. 

What seems like an hour of a walk but is actually just a few minutes, ends the moment Ochako opens the door of their classroom. She breathes out as she closes the door. She has no idea what exactly happened back there, but not feeling those eyes boring into her makes her feel lighter. The classroom is like a safe zone.

“Good morning, Uraraka. You’re early today.” It is Tenya who approaches her.

“Oh Iida-kun! Good morning to you!” her spirits soon come back, wearing that sunny smile of hers again. She looks around to see her classmates already in their usual groups. This is one of the things that makes Ochako appreciate 1-A. Each of them has their own group or groups that they belong to but as a whole, they have a really tight relationship and connection. She, herself, belongs to different groups and it comforts her, knowing that she is indeed surrounded by great people. For a bit, she feels bad for being lost in some depressing thoughts lately.

“There were some students who were looking for you and Midoriya earlier.”

“Eh? Me and Deku-kun?” That catches her attention.

Tenya adjusts his glasses before placing his fingers on his chin. “I was busy assuring that our desks were laid on a straight line when I noticed some students lingering outside our classroom. So I approached them to ask if they needed something or if I could be of assistance. They were visibly startled at first but they soon asked if you two were here.”

“What for though?” She raises her eyebrow, intrigued.

Their class representative shakes his head, then says, “I’m not sure either. I tried asking them but they did not really give me a concrete answer.”

Some question marks pop out of Ochako as she tries to connect her morning scenario and Tenya's.

“Say, Uraraka,” he whispers, face a bit closer, “It is not that I am doubting you for I know that you and Midoriya are nice people. But you two did not get yourselves in trouble right?”

Ochako backs away and swallows, suddenly being under pressure by their serious representative is not a good follow-up from all the weirdness earlier. But rather than doubt, his tone is hinted with worry. That makes her smile at his concern as a friend.

“Iida-kun, look here. I am wondering as well since when I entered the campus, I’ve been getting these really weird stares… as if everyone suddenly knows me,” she tries her best to explain and clarify.

Just when the two try to fit the puzzle pieces, the door slides open and reveals a green-haired lad, wearing a pair of furrowed eyebrows.

“Good morning, Deku-kun!"

“Ah Midoriya, perfect timing.”

Izuku immediately closes the door behind him and approaches his friends, skipping all the morning greetings. “Say, Uraraka-san, Iida, is there something wrong with me today?”

Tenya and Ochako exchange looks as they await Izuku’s explanation.

“I stayed up pretty late last night because of some training, so I thought I was only tired and imagining things, but everyone was looking at me when I entered the campus. I tried going to the restroom to check my face if something was on it but I did not see anything. Some of the boys in there were also giving me the looks. I even had to search myself on the internet just to check if something was written about me. I’m not sure what’s going on but I’m not sure if this attention is good. It’s jus—”

“Calm down, Midoriya,” the purple-haired man stops his Izuku mutter. "Uraraka and I were just talking."

Three heads are better than one so the trio lay out their experiences this early morning, but nothing seems to make sense with all the information at hand. Izuku, Ochako, and Tenya all wear their thinking faces and poses, and the only thing they can come up with is Izuku and Ochako’s involvement in the recent Overhaul case. Though they are generally always together as close friends, that is not enough to get the attention of people. But everyone's performance and participation in that case became the talk of the town, especially in their school.

Apparently, news travels too fast now in U.A. now that it has built dormitories.

“But you guys are not the only students in that case,” Tenya brings up a point. Though he is not involved in that case as it was a secret that the interns had to keep, he, like their other classmates were very concerned. While the case is featured in the news, it still does not make sense for people to start eyeing these two specifically, and why only now?

Ochako nods with an enthusiastic arm raised, “Besides! It was Deku-kun who did the final move!”

Mentioned lad flushes a bit, still not used to praise. Being his very first friend, Ochako would always be on his side and he has proven that several times. Though he appreciates how competition can lift each other up, having a support system like her definitely makes her words and actions special. “I-it was all thanks to Eri!”

He would still not get used to this ‘special’ feeling, he has to admit.

The young lady just smiles at his humility.

Eyes behind spectacles lighting up, Tenya looks at the both of them who are giving each other glances. “Unless…” his word is enough to get both of their gazes snapping back at him, confused expressions following through.

“Maybe becau—” before the class president could finish, an ever enthusiastic Mina Ashido comes to the three classmates.

“IzuOcha is like… the thing right now! It makes me so happy for you guys!”

Brightness can be seen in the darkness of her eyes as the trio repeats, “Izu…Ocha…?”

Mina’s explanation is nothing called simple. Yes, it started as something simple, but ended up to be something more complicated than it seems.

Simply put, the acid quirk user is so delighted that she had to share her joy – something along these lines.

“Well, people ship you two,” she says, palms meeting and lips smiling. Oh, love is such a wonderful thing.

“Wh-what do you mean by… sh-sh-ship?” Izuku could not even complete his sentence calmly no matter how hard he tries. Of course, he knows what shipping means. But he is considering a lot of totally unrelated things earlier, that is why when their pink classmate said that he and Ochako are being shipped, it came like a bomb of unknown origin.

His face now is probably more colored than Mina’s natural skin tone.

“People like you as a couple!” she replies, deeming it to be the most obvious answer in an imaginary multiple choice.

“B-but, how?! And… why? I mean Deku-kun and I…” It is Ochako’s turn to lose her words after seeing an equally flushed Izuku.

Mina nods, amused. “I was just really happy with the conclusion of our joint training battle last time! It was like a love on the battlefield kind of thing! Don’t you guys remember?”

The rose colors on Izuku and Ochako’s faces grow darker as the memories resurface.

A quirk out of control. Waves of ebony-colored danger. A weightless girl floating to his aid. Body contact. Hugging.

Steam rolls out of the two, while Mina chuckles. “Of course, you remember! As if you'd forget! It was a really cute situation to see with my own eyes that I had to tell everyone about it!” Eyebrows wiggling and smile creeping, the pink lass brings her face closer to the two.

Apparently, the story started spreading as word-of-mouth after Mina talked about the details with some friends outside class. The world of heroes is a world full of action, crime, hardship, and justice. And with the students focusing on their quirks and on their respective hero paths, hearing about something like romance, something not related to their training somehow lightens the mood.

Tenya, who is only listening at first, adjust his glasses, proud of his 'noble' friends. “I see, this seems to be a good opportunity for our students to rest their minds. You two are doing something wonderful for the future of U. A. students, Midoriya, Uraraka!”

Izuku and Ochako barely know how to react to the situation, the blushes on their faces the only things that are keeping their colors from draining.

“But that’s not all!” Mina says too enthusiastically.

The two could not believe that there is more. It is only the morning, classes have yet to start but they already feel so exhausted. So much is happening in just a span of an hour.

“You two will be the stars in the contest.”

The moment Mina says those words, Mr. Aizawa enters the room which signals them to return to their respective seats.

Though now separated, Izuku and Ochako’s thoughts remain pointed to the same direction. Whatever it is that Mina is talking about earlier, it will be a ‘no.’

Or so they thought.

 To the present…

The all smiles Mina is now an all frowns Mina.

She checks out the shots on the camera, taken by Fumikage Tokoyami, whose hobbies and interests that are often related to the darkness actually gave him the eye to see things in a different way – really useful for photography. He claims to be nowhere near an expert, but he did say he has somehow messed with some old cameras on his spare time. Nonetheless, with his capabilities, Mina is satisfied with his shots, but not really with the models and they only have a couple of hours left.

“It’s time for a break,” she says with a sigh, with Tenya right beside her yelling, “Break time, everyone!” He remains enthusiastic to keep the class intact at all times even in a ‘non-heroic’ activity.

For the contest, everyone with the exception of Katsuki agreed to join hands in achieving for nothing but the top.

Similar to the school festival, Class 1-A is separated into groups with different tasks fit for their quirks and abilities.

The technical team is composed of Denki Kaminari as the electricity source and Yuga Aoyama for the lighting, while Fumikage is behind the lens.

The production team is divided into two subgroups with the first focusing on the models, composed of Momo for wardrobe and some of the equipment, Touru for makeup, and Jirou for hairstyle. The other subgroup is for the set design, composed of Shouto, Katsuki, and Eijiro. The rest of the class will help in other miscellaneous jobs.

Mina is the art director of the whole photoshoot and Tenya serves as her floor director.

“What’s wrong Ashido?” Fumikage asks, with Tenya eyeing her with the same question.

“They are too nervous,” she remarks, looking at the shaky figures of the models, Izuku and Ochako.

“Though they have chemistry and look good on the camera, you can really see that they are awkward,” she continues watching Touru’s gloves visibly retouch Ochako’s makeup and Jirou style Izuku’s hair.

Fumikage grips the camera on his hand and scrolls for some of the photos. “If that’s the case, I think we have to lighten the atmosphere.”

Mina remembers how she has been pressuring the two, slightly feeling guilty. She rubs her head. “Ah, I’m usually good at that but I’m out of juice right now.”

“If you’ll allow me, I have a plan,” Tenya says.

Meanwhile, Izuku heaves out a sigh as Jirou just finishes fixing his hair. Glancing at Ochako, who forces a smile despite her exhaustion. He gives a smile back as his hands become cold and clammy, just thinking how long they have to keep on doing that pose. He has to get keep his game on.

It is only past noon and to give way for the contest, their training is held off that day. Apparently, all classes are joining the contest that Mina is talking about earlier. Aizawa-sensei has no interest in discussing it so he even allowed her to take the floor.

 Three hours ago…

Mina explains that the U.A.’s bulletin board is being flocked by people so early in the morning and the naturally curious her just had to see a glimpse of what’s going on.

“It’s a surprise U.A. photo contest organized by the student council! And there’s no theme so we can be flexible. The only mechanics to take note of is that it’s going to be a popularity contest and that we cannot use our costumes. So even if all classes will participate, we have to pull off something that will steal their attention and somehow make them vote ours instead of their own classes.”

She did not even discuss the prize, but because it was “very school-like” and they loved competition, most of the class are already filled with excitement to participate. Perhaps they would not admit it but like other students, they also needed some kind of intervention from everything.

Not Katsuki though, “This is stupid.”

“Come on! It’s gonna be fun! And I have just the perfect idea!” Mina says, eyes glinting at two of her classmates, who can only swallow at that look of hers.

It can’t be.

“Since it’s going to be a popularity contest, our models need to be popular!”

Katsuki clicks his tongue, seeing that everyone clearly is onboard with Pinky’s plan. This is going to be another waste of time.

“Now, now, Bakugou. Don’t sulk just because I wasn’t gonna pick you to be the model though you’re also well known,” she says with a smile and a pink hand waving, to which the blonde explodes at her, “Who’s sulking!?”

Eijirou laughs, “Come on, Bakugou! Ashido’s good at this stuff,” then turns to Mina, “So who will be the models?” he asks, mouthing the words ‘Pick me, Ashido.’

Mina narrows her eyes at Eijirou first before announcing, “It’s gonna be IzuOcha, of course!”

Izuku and Ochako wish the floor would melt.

Volunteering (with the class’s approval), Mina, the art director lays out her plan much to the forced models’ dismay. As if they can say no to everyone, compare to them whose faces were burning because of a mix of emotions, everyone’s eyes were burning with excitement and passion. They completely lose to that. Mina, telling the story of how IzuOcha was born also did not help their situation.

As a school mini-event, they are free to use their quirks, but the mechanics read that they were not allowed to use their hero suits, so the theme should not require those. It is probably a safety precaution of the student council to avoid themes involving battles.

Things happen way too fast when the whole class is involved, that is what Ochako thinks at the moment because before she and Izuku could say no (assuming that he would, of course, reject the whole thing like her), everyone just started volunteering for their respective posts and contribution. It is too crazy for her mind to follow through. In a way, she admits that maybe it is nice though, as the cooperation and teamwork remind her of the school festival.

The next thing she knows, after getting the necessary permissions, the location is set near the forest grounds, Momo makes her a dress, Touru does her makeup, and Jirou is busy fluffing her hair in one of the rooms of the building.

“I-isn’t this… too low?” Ochako asks, still not believing that she will be wearing this dress. The design is carefully curated by Momo, she could tell, noticing the buttons and front stitches patterned after her hero costume, and the pink frills of the hem of the dress matching the hues. Though too shy with how ‘revealing’ it seems, a cut enough to show the top of her breasts and the absence of her black tights, she appreciates the details that her friend took note of.

“You look great, Uraraka!” the taller female tells her. Such great praise coming from a girl whose beauty stands out, Ochako is not sure what to feel but leans on to the shy and thankful side.

She remembers vaguely when the Vice President also made formal clothes back at I-island. She already felt fancy that time, but with Jirou doing her hair and Touru just accentuating parts of her face with her makeup skills, the glam team’s efforts for today’s shoot makes her feel like she is in a fairytale. This experience is a bit foreign when she knew more of hero comics and victories rather than fairytale books and princess transformations.

With her friends bringing a mirror in front of her, Ochako’s eyes sparkle. Her hair is ironed but maintained its curvy bob ends. Touru’s choice of colors for the eyeshadow and the carefully drawn line on her lids complements the color of her dress. The nude color lipstick also is surprisingly suited for her whole look. Ochako’s lashes were already long enough so she did not have to wear fake lashes, as a swing of mascara did the trick. Never did she think that she would pull off this kind of look in her life when all she cared about were simple things when it comes to physical appearance.

Besides, instead of spending money on glamorous things, she feels like the hard-earned bills in her wallet could fall to more useful ones. She smiles so brightly, appreciating everyone’s efforts, momentarily forgetting her embarrassment.

The three girls smile back (though Touru’s remains invisible) at seeing their friend looking so beautiful. They all acknowledge that perhaps, as a hero, glam is not important (if it is not related to your quirk use), but sometimes, maybe it feels great to just do or have a makeover. Now they have plans for the next sleepover.

Other members of the 1-A’s girls, Tsuyu and Mina approach the four girls and praise their model, the director visibly stunned by Ochako’s looks.

“You are so beautiful, Uraraka! We have to make sure Midoriya is ready for you too,” Mina chips with a thumbs-up, which eventually returns all the embarrassment to Ochako.

Momo, Touru, and Jirou leave the two girls to go to the other room for Izuku’s preparation.

Left in the room, Tsuyu looks at her closest friend among the girls, big onyx eyes, peering with curiosity as she places her index finger on her lips, “Are you alright, Ochako-chan?”

“I’m fine, Tsu, thank you for asking! I’m just… strangely nervous. I didn’t even have the time to reject them when they looked so into this. I hope I won’t disappoint!”

“You’re nervous because of Midoriya, right? Not because of everyone.”

Ochako pauses and sighs in defeat. Nothing can definitely pass Tsuyu’s observant eyes. She brings her hands together, shaking, letting her finger pads touch. “I can’t help but think that this would be a bother for Deku-kun.”

“I’m sure Midoriya doesn’t mind that much. He’s very kind and considerate.”

The second sentence, Ochako agrees, but the former, she is not really sure. “Deku-kun is always ready to help out anyone. So I’m sure he could not say no to everyone too. But I mean… being paired up to me… and all.”

She could not believe she is even letting her feelings and insecurities get to her right now. But she could not help but let these thoughts float when a lot of people suddenly got interested in seeing them as a couple. And there is even no truth in that. Maybe half-true, since she pretty much knows that she really likes him. She looks down, blushing.

When Mina tells the class about how people love them, the class welcomed the idea so much that they cheered for them, especially when they were all present during the joint training with 1-B.

While she does not regret her actions that time, Ochako is just not able to predict this outcome of her actions.

Her feelings for the green-haired lad have been poking out of her heart several times already, seeping out, uncontrollable. And being out of focus in a lot of things definitely discourages her to pursue it. But more than that, the fear of losing her close relationship with him is greater. Worse, if she, herself is losing a sense of herself when her emotions are there, what would that do to him as well? Not that she doubts him at all. She knows full well how much resolve he has in his body, which makes her admire him more.

“I just don’t really want to be a burden to him,” as she says that, her true feelings showing, her eyes widen. She does not mean to say that to Tsuyu. She must think she is weird now. She has yet to even tell anyone about her feelings, even her best friend. Just that, a part of Ochako thinks that romance and this kind of things are things that heroes probably have no time for.

Instead, the reply she gets is “Ochako-chan is a wonderful person. Midoriya is too. And I don’t think he would see you as a burden. Rather, if you ask me, it’s the opposite, ribbit,” Tsuyu’s last words come a bit softer that the brunette misses what it is.

Ochako smiles at her friend. What is she doing, letting all these thoughts weigh her down? It’s a photoshoot for a contest! Everyone is relying on her and she is with Deku! If it is with him, she can do it. Heroes are still humans. Right now, instead of burying her feelings, maybe she just has to accept it. “Thank you, Tsuyu-chan!” she says, fists up then goes out of the room after hearing a call from Mina.

Tsuyu stares at her walking figure and thinks how it is a shame that those two do not get a hint of what the other feels. If only Ochako sees the way Izuku reacts to anything related to her, and if only Izuku sees how Ochako looks at him. Maintaining her everyday-wear expression, she follows soon, hoping the best outcome for her dear friends.

When Ochako opens the door and Tsuyu behind her, she is greeted by an explosion.

“What happened!?”

“Don’t worry! It’s for the background work! Good job by the way, Bakugou!” Mina calls out to a roaring Katsuki, clearly unamused with the task. “Oh and you too, keep it up, Kirishima!” she says to the red-head whose job is to keep Katsuki firing. No wonder they decided a location near the forest if it is something this destructive.

“Thanks, Ashido. I won’t die!” Eijirou says with a smile, activating his hardness quirk, and dodging the incoming attacks. He can definitely withstand it.

“Die!” Katsuki is heard.

Ochako and Tsuyu watch the two, noting how close their relationship is. They both wonder what the red-head said or did to keep Katsuki firing at him. It seems that for Mina’s plan, an explosion in the background is necessary.

The brown-haired girl lets her eyes roam around, with her classmates running around or staying to build. Behind the camera works look chaotic, but amidst everything, it is his figure that stands out.

A loose red tie, messier green hair, and a light blue suit. This is not the first time that she saw Izuku sport formal wear, but seeing him out of his uniform, casual clothes, or his hero costume, it feels like he is not Deku-kun, the hero-in-the-making she aspires to be like. It’s like he is just a normal boy.

The art director then calls on everyone to reiterate the plan, with the kids gathering in a circle. Tsuyu then pulls the dazed lass.

“So basically, we have the bricked walls all set up, right? Great job on that Tsu, Mineta, Koda and Sato. We just need Midoriya to do a kabedon on Uraraka as they face the camera, very simple. Ojiro and Shoji will guard the walls so those do not fall down from the explosions care of Bakugou. Kirishima should make sure that Bakugou keeps firing and does not kill anyone so we can take multiple shots. Since the explosions will produce unstable lighting, we have Kaminari and Aoyama on the artificial lights, with Sero doing the assisting. Todoroki will use his ice to somehow balance the temperature since we wouldn’t want our models to be all sweaty with all the heat right? If all is set… Project: Love on the Battlefield, start!”

As everyone disperses to their positions, “K-KABEDON?!” Ochako reacts, ignoring all the other detailed tasks and roles that Mina had mentioned.

Izuku, with a small blush, remains quiet. It seems that he has been informed when Ochako was still getting ready.

Mina just smiles with hearts in her eyes. “It’s love on the battlefield, Uraraka.”

For the nth time of the day, Ochako Uraraka’s naturally flushed cheeks produce more rosy shades. She is so preoccupied with thoughts that the people are shipping them in school, but a kabedon is just… “A-ashido, I…”

The art director hands a flyer to Ochako and pats her bare shoulder, “I’m sure you’re nervous to be on cam, Uraraka! But don’t worry, now just read these and hopefully, you get motivated!”

Izuku, on the other hand, could not help but stare at Ochako’s figure, swallowing. He already knew that she is cute, but the way she looks today is just… The lad covers his face with his palm, “This is bad for my heart.”

Unaware of the conflicted Izuku, she stares at the paper that Mina handed her before she left. When a certain item gets her fully attentive, “Deku-kun! We gotta win! We have to win!”

Unsure where the enthusiasm suddenly boosted from in the midst of her evident discomfort, a glowing Ochako shows him the flyer with the top prize saying “Winners get to file for permission to go outside.”

 Back to the present…

Everyone is asked to resume their positions and roles, with Izuku and Ochako reprising as well their pose. Their blushes are also quick to return.

Before Mina gives the signal, she nods to Tenya and Fumikage who return the gesture. “Project: Love on the battlefield take four, start!” The explosions start again.

But more than these explosions, the starting signal immediately makes Izuku’s and Ochako’s shoulder square up. They are clearly back to that awkward feeling after the relaxation of the break. Hearts thumping louder by the second, limbs shaking, and expressions sinking, they look like a frozen disaster with random explosions going on the background.

“We’ll be doing this more differently,” Mina announces, “Midoriya, Uraraka, I just have just one request. You cannot move from your positions, alright? Just try to maintain it. Now, Iida.”

Tenya clears his throat, “Midoriya, what do you think of All Might?”

“H-huh? All Might?” Whatever they are up to, his brain cannot possibly keep up. 

“Just answer in your mind, you can’t speak.”

Izuku, at first, lets his eyebrows meet, but tries his best to answer his question mentally. Just do not move from the position, all right.

“All Might is not just any other hero. He is not just the coolest hero and the symbol of peace. All Might is my hero because he entrusted someone like me with his power and his secrets. He is not just any other hero out there who saves people from danger and villains. He also saved me and my dreams. All Might is someone I’ve always looked up to ever since I could remember. They brand me a fanboy but he really is a figure that—”

As the young lad continues to answer Tenya’s question, his face turns stern and unreadable, but the fierceness of his expression is perfect. His green eyes are looking at the direction of the camera, maintaining a solid contact, as his features tense for a tinge of seriousness. There is no ounce of nervousness at all. It might have been unintentional, but his attention on something else made his position closer by a bit to Ochako. Mina could not help but squeal, “THIS IS THE EXPRESSION I WANTED! You’re a genius, Iida! It’s my turn.”

Ochako who can only stare silently looks at Mina who is waving at her. She cocks an eyebrow at her.

“Say, Uraraka, what are the greatest qualities of your dream guy?”

Caught off guard, Ochako’s expression ranges from shock to embarrassment, to fear, and even to confusion. “Same as Midoriya, you have to answer on your mind. Just do it!”

The young lady’s face melts to a tomato-like color, “So this is what they are trying to do.” She stops herself from glancing at Izuku because she might be unable to hold onto her knees anymore, but she does as she is told.

“I… I really like Deku-kun’s determination and power to hold people together. D-deku-kun is someone I really look up to and I could not help but admire him more. He doesn’t seem to know it, but he is really cool even if he is not that strong-looking. I… I wouldn’t admit it but I like that he is plain-looking. Even if no one notices him, I will always see him. I really do like him. He doesn't have to know. I'm fine just being by his side right now. I just wish I wouldn't be this flustered over everything.”

Ochako becomes more honest to herself, the more she answers Mina’s little question, somehow not believing that she stutters in her mind as well. Unknown to her, the bashfulness slowly fills her features, her mouth slowly pointing, her cheeks reddening, and her eyebrows slumping. The small pout his lips are making adds a sense of cuteness, in contrast to Izuku's serious look.

Mina smiles, satisfied. This is not the expression she is expecting Ochako to wear, but the look of a maiden in love is just too perfect. She taps Fumikage, who has already taken several shots and is smiling underneath that lens. Tenya’s plan is working very well, and he is glad to look at his two dearest friends.

Unknown to them, a jealous nugget named Minoru Mineta is someone not considered in their plan.

The purple head bites his bottom lip, eyes boring into Izuku, with flames of anger. “Why does it have to be Midoriya who does the kabedon to Uraraka?! And how many hours has it been? They’ve been in that position for how many hours and attempts!?”

Unable to control his feelings anymore, he runs to the photographer and tries to snatch the camera.

“W-what the… Mineta?!”

“Midoriya is such a lucky man! I want to squeeze Uraraka too! You too, Tokoyami! Why are you the only one who can see Uraraka behind the lens! Give it to me, I need to take some shots!” Minoru whispers panty shots, but everyone still heard him, cringing.

“Stop it, Mineta!” This time it is Mina.

“You wouldn’t understand. I need shots of Uraraka!” Mineta responds, his eyes boggling at her.

Everyone slowly approaches, unable to simply move because all the files are in the camera. It would be unwise to just move. Even Fumikage who is supposed to have the upper hand is finding himself limited in his moves. A few more thugs, Mineta is able to snatch the camera, but he trips over as he runs and the device flies out of his hands.

Quickly, Ochako activates her quirk and immediately runs to the chaotic scene, leaping and placing her hand on the ground to cushion where the camera lands. But the impact of her fall bounces the camera off her hands and the camera suddenly floats up and unfortunately, never falls down.

.

.

.

Everyone wraps up after the incident, with Tenya devoting the remaining hours of the day reprimanding Minoru, while the others already left the grounds. They all assure Ochako that it is not her fault, making apologetic smiles at her and Izuku, while delivering different kinds of frowns and scolding at Minoru.

The auburn-head could not help but still feel down after everyone’s efforts get thrown out of the window. She stares at her hands. She is hoping her quirk to be useful in that situation, but it ended up backfiring when she accidentally applied too much force. She closes her eyes as she sits atop the grassy grounds just near their dormitory, looking at the night sky.

There are stars, so beautiful and shining in the absence of the moon. Yet the usual her who loves this scenery is unable to enjoy it. The whole day is such a mess. She sighs.

“Uraraka-san.”

“Deku-kun?” she looks back to see him approaching her.

“You weren’t at dinner, so I came looking for you…” he scratches the back of his head. “Do you mind if I join you?”

She nods at him and shakes her head, and brings her attention back to the sky as he takes a spot next to her on the grass, but with respectable distance. The wind blows and perhaps she could see this as one of the best evenings, but she could not do it too.

Unable to take the sudden silence, Ochako wrinkles the hem of her shorts, bows, and speaks, “I’m sorry, Deku-kun!”

“Why? What’s wrong, Uraraka-san?”

“I… I didn’t want to drag you to the situation. I know, things have been crazy since the morning and it was none of our faults. But proceeding with this photoshoot for the contest is entirely something I could control. If… If I wasn’t so distracted, I… you, we…”

She lets her words trail, not even sure what she is apologizing for anymore. It is too late already, after all their efforts throughout the day. They are unable to join the contest. The camera is probably in space now. And the student body still thinks of them as a couple. When all those things are listed down, Ochako feels more exhausted.

A smile fills his lips as he looks at her down expression. Ironic, yes, but he could not help but be fond of this side of her and just cheer her up. “Y’know Uraraka-san…”

Though he calls her, she refuses to look at him, shoulder stiff, and head down. “I’ve been noticing that you’ve been down these days. Of course, as a person, I’m not expecting you to always be happy and cheerful. You are a really positive person. But sometimes, you have this habit of… just keeping things to yourself.”

Izuku is not sure how she will take his words. But right now, he just wants to be completely honest with her.

“Somehow, a while ago, your face lit up when you pointed to me the prize of the contest. And when I saw that, I just thought that I had to do my best too,” he smiles at her, the blush still dusting his face.

What he is saying is true though. The look on her face at that time when she is filled with determination, it is clear that it has something to do with her family. Though he wishes that she would avoid bottling things inside of her, he knows well how there are things that can only be dealt with one's self. That is why when he finally sees that fire in her, he just wishes to support her, just the same she supports him.

“And also…”

Ochako looks up.

“It wasn’t that bad…” he says, letting the already familiar yet also foreign warmth fill his cheeks more. “I had fun.”

She picks up some of his embarrassment the moment their eyes lock. “The shipping thing? The hours of photoshoot? The kabedon?”

He blushes harder, wondering if he still has blood left elsewhere aside from his face. “Well, y-yeah but also,” he pauses then continues, “I mean… it’s fun to be with you.”

It is her time to give out a small smile.

“It’s always fun when it’s with you, Deku-kun.”

Realizing her words, she faces him with his back, and Ochako places her hands on her face, careful to keep her pinkies lifted.

They both smile, hiding from each other’s gazes.

Izuku’s phone rings all of a sudden, but when he checks it, he suddenly freezes.

“What’s wrong, Deku-kun?” she looks back, pops her head to his side, only to see Mina with a new post, tagging them in their photo uploaded on social media with the caption, “We did not beat the deadline of the contest because of some circumstances, but I am so proud of our class for being able to produce this! Good thing the memory of the camera is connected to my phone so I was able to secure this #IzuOcha: Love at the Battlefield #goodbyecamera”