#beyond rivals

Izuku was unsure of where to begin with Kacchan. They were finally proper rivals, right? Though he lost during their second match, it felt as though they were finally understanding each other. They were even able to give competitive jabs at each other up until Aizawa lectured them for breaking curfew. 

Still, now that they were alone and under house arrest, Izuku couldn’t help but wonder if the night before was a dream. Were they truly able to move forward as rivals? Could they regain the friendship that they had lost? 

Judging by the bruises and scrapes all over himself, as well as the dull ache through his entire body, it screamed evident that last night was very much real. He just wasn’t sure if what happened was just some fluke. Would Kacchan still be willing to treat him as an equal? 

He had been so distracted in his thoughts that he had walked straight into Kacchan’s vacuum. 

He winced and staggered back. “Ow...” he groaned. Right against his bruised side too. His ribs were tender. “Sorry, Kacchan--!” he said with a sheepish smile. Kacchan seemed very invested in cleaning the commons area. Maybe too invested. His friend’s side of the room was practically sparkling from how clean it was.