The morning sun filtered softly through the tall windows of U.A. High School, casting long, warm beams onto the bustling hallways. Students swarmed through corridors, voices bubbling with excitement and nervous energy — the beginning of a new chapter for everyone, especially Izuku Midoriya and Momo Yaoyorozu.
Izuku adjusted the straps of his backpack, the familiar weight grounding him despite the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in his mind. Beside him, Momo walked with a calm, composed grace, though her eyes reflected a hint of the same nervousness he felt. Their secret — the magic Izuku wielded, the quiet trial-and-error of Momo's quirk-enhanced tactics — remained tightly locked between them.
The first day had been a blur of introductions, the principal's welcoming speech, and a rapid overview of U.A.'s expectations. But the real challenge was in navigating the sea of faces — many familiar from past encounters, others brand new.
At lunch, Izuku and Momo found themselves gravitating toward a group gathered near the benches under the large oak tree in the courtyard. Katsuki Bakugo sat prominently, sharp eyes scanning the crowd, exuding his usual fierce intensity. Nearby, Ochaco Uraraka laughed lightly, her warmth inviting. Tenya Iida stood tall and upright, his demeanor disciplined but friendly.
Izuku's heart beat a little faster — this was his chance to start fresh, but the ever-present edge in Bakugo's gaze reminded him that old tensions weren't so easily left behind.
Momo broke the ice first, her voice steady but approachable. "So, this is where we spend most of our time. The training areas look incredible."
Ochaco smiled warmly. "Yeah, it's amazing here. I'm sure we're going to learn a lot."
Iida nodded. "It's important we support each other. Teamwork is crucial."
Izuku found himself sharing a smile with Uraraka and Iida. Their kindness was a balm to his nerves. The conversations flowed — from quirk quirks to training hopes — and slowly, a sense of belonging began to build.
Momo's quiet intelligence shone through as she shared her strategic approach to learning, prompting admiration from Uraraka. Izuku, careful not to reveal too much, listened more than he spoke, but his quiet resolve was palpable.
But not all interactions were warm.
When Bakugo caught sight of Izuku, his expression tightened, lips curling into a scowl. Approaching with a sharp stride, he loomed over Izuku.
"Don't think hanging around those goody-two-shoes means you're on the same level," Bakugo spat. "You're still weak."
Izuku's eyes met Bakugo's, steady and unflinching despite the sting of old wounds.
"I'm here to grow," Izuku replied quietly.
Bakugo sneered. "You're just gonna get crushed. You don't belong here."
The tension thickened, but Momo's presence steadied Izuku. She shot Bakugo a warning glance, subtle but firm, and Bakugo's smirk faltered for a moment before he turned away with a final glare.
Later that evening, Izuku and Momo sat on the rooftop of the school building, the city's lights twinkling below. The day's exhaustion settled into a quiet comfort.
Momo sighed softly, "It's a lot to take in, but I believe we can do this. Together."
Izuku nodded, a small smile breaking through his usually serious demeanor. "Yeah. We have to. For ourselves, and for everyone counting on us."
The night air was cool, filled with promise and the faint echo of distant training grounds. The first week was just the beginning — and though challenges lay ahead, Izuku and Momo had begun weaving their place into this new world.