A Shift in Identity

Weeks passed since the mission. Midoriya's transformation remained, but no one saw it as a weakness anymore. She had grown into herself—stronger, calmer, even a little sassier thanks to Yamada’s questionable pep talks and Aizawa’s ever-present sighs of dad-worry.
The U.A. staff eventually determined the transformation might be permanent, but Midoriya was okay with that now. She had her friends, her dads, her strength—and surprisingly, her own rhythm of confidence.
The Class 1-A dorm was buzzing that day.
“Midoriyaaaa,” Mina sang. “Are you ready?”
“For what?” she blinked.
“The surprise party!” Kaminari shouted from behind the couch.
“You just said it wasn’t a surprise—” Iida facepalmed.
“Oops.”
The dorm filled with laughter. Todoroki handed Midoriya a steaming cup of green tea, Bakugo tossed her a wrapped box with a scowl (“Don’t make a big deal out of it”), and Hawks—well, Hawks landed on the balcony, sliding in like a scene out of a rom-com.
“You throw a party and don’t invite me directly? Rude,” he teased.
“You got an invite!” Midoriya laughed.
“I know. I just like making dramatic entrances.”

Even Shigaraki showed up later that evening, hovering awkwardly outside the door with a katsudon container in hand.
“You... look happy,” he said. “Guess that’s good.”
Midoriya smiled. “I am. Thanks.”
Shigaraki shifted awkwardly. “Look, I... I came here for more than the party.”
Midoriya tilted her head. “Okay?”
He avoided her gaze, fingers twitching nervously. “I think you know I like you. Like, like like you. This isn’t just some weird obsession.”
She blinked.
“I brought katsudon because I didn’t know what else to do. But I... I like how you fight. I like how you talk. I like that you talk back.”
There was a pause.
Then Midoriya giggled. “Are you trying to kiss me or hand me lunch?”
“Both?” he squeaked, red in the face.
And then, awkwardly, unexpectedly, he leaned forward. Their lips brushed—soft, short, a bit clumsy.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was honest.
Midoriya smiled afterward. “That was... okay.”
Shigaraki let out a relieved breath. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. But next time, ask first.”
“Noted.”
Later that night, she curled up in her bed, hoodie back in place, scarf tucked beside her pillow. On her desk sat the snowflake charm Todoroki gave her, a fresh note from Shigaraki that simply said:
You make my chaos quieter.
She smiled.
The journey had been long—but she knew now that her future could be filled with warmth, laughter, and love—even in the most unexpected places.

THE END