Izuku Midoriya was dragged into yet another clothing store by his grandmother.
This one specialized in cosplay outfits—every kind of profession imaginable lined the walls.
"Grandma won't force you to buy anything this time," she said, standing firmly at the entrance. "But you must choose three outfits yourself. Then we'll go take photos."
Her posture made one thing clear:
He wasn't leaving without complying.
"…Okay."
Izuku sighed and began browsing.
He skipped past modern uniforms and headed straight for the historical section.
After a moment, he pulled out a missionary-style outfit.
This one should work…
Then he selected a military uniform.
Finally, he chose a formal suit—something he hadn't worn in a proper setting before.
"These three are fine. Can we go now?"
"Are you sure you don't want more?"
"…What do you mean by that?"
His expression practically screamed I am extremely unhappy.
"Alright, alright," his grandmother laughed. "Let's head to the photo studio. I already made a reservation."
"…Yesss…"
Carrying the outfits, Izuku followed her across to the studio.
Group Chat — Live Surveillance
Toru Hagakure:Izuku just entered the photo studio with his grandma! I'm sneaking in too—no, wait, I'll livestream the whole thing! I can't resist broadcasting Izuku!!
Tenya Iida:Proceed carefully. I support this.
Katsuki Bakugo:What's the stream ID?
Inside the Studio
The moment Izuku stepped inside—
He was surrounded.
Several makeup artists immediately pulled him into a chair and began working on him.
He had no choice but to sit still and let them do as they pleased.
"Wait—what is that?"
Izuku suddenly grabbed one artist's wrist.
"Those are colored contact lenses, requested by the lady."
"…Grandma."
He looked at her helplessly.
"Oh, I've taken so many photos of my sweet little Izuku already," she said with a smile. "This time, I want to capture a dark version of you. Please?"
"…Fine."
Izuku pouted slightly but let them continue.
Soon—
The red contact lenses were placed into his eyes.
When the makeup was complete—
He looked like a completely different person.
Wearing a military uniform, boots, and cap—
Expression cold and emotionless—
He stepped in front of the camera.
A full professional team was already waiting.
"Alright—lower your head, hands together… yes, just like that… lighting!"
Click. Click. Click.
The photos began immediately.
"Now lift your cap slowly… give me a vicious expression… Makeup artist—darken the shadows around his eyes!"
The makeup was adjusted.
But Izuku couldn't produce the expression they wanted.
The photographer frowned.
So did his grandmother.
"…Try this," the photographer suggested.
"Think of something you truly hate. Someone, something—anything. Focus on that, and let it show."
Izuku froze.
Something I hate…
He began to think.
The laughter.
The mocking.
The word—
Quirkless.
The memories surfaced—
Sharp and suffocating.
The darkness returned.
Dark… darker… darker…
A smile slowly crept onto his lips.
Crooked.
Cold.
"Yeah… I remember now," Izuku murmured.
"Back in middle school… when I was a kid…"
"I really wanted to kill them."
His smile twisted into something chilling.
The photographer froze.
"…What are you doing? Take the shot! NOW!"
Click! Click! Click!
The camera shutter went wild.
"Perfect! Now change into the suit—keep that expression!"
Izuku changed clothes.
But—
The expression disappeared.
Not just the dark smile.
Even his usual gentle smile was gone.
"What happened? I told you to keep that expression!"
The photographer started to scold him—
But when he met Izuku's eyes—
He stopped.
Those eyes were empty.
Emotionless.
"…This is incredible."
The photographer's excitement returned.
"This emptiness will make an amazing shot!"
Click! Click! Click!
The camera fired continuously.
The photographer was thrilled.
But—
Izuku's grandmother was not.
She had seen that look before.
Long ago.
When Izuku had first come to live with her.
Empty.
Hollow.
Even when he smiled—
There was no life behind it.
The memory chilled her.
She immediately stopped the session.
"Let's take a break," she said quickly, pulling Izuku outside.
Outside the Studio
"Grandma? What's wrong? Why did we stop?"
"…We're done for today. Let's go for a walk."
She held his hand.
But her palm felt cold.
"…Okay."
Izuku's voice was still gentle—
But the warmth was gone.
They walked aimlessly for a while.
Eventually, they sat on a bench.
"Grandma… you seem worried about me."
"I'm fine. Really."
He smiled.
That same empty smile.
Suddenly—
She grabbed his face with both hands.
Hard.
But he kept smiling.
Then—
She slapped him.
A sharp sound echoed.
His cheek swelled.
But—
He was still smiling.
"Why… why won't you cry?"
Her voice broke.
"You used to cry so easily when you were little…"
Izuku looked at her.
Still smiling.
"…Grandma."
"When you run out of tears…"
"You just… can't cry anymore."
"So now…"
"I live with a smile."
That smile—
Hurt her more than anything else.
"…Let's go eat," she said suddenly.
"I saw a steak place on the first floor."
"Okay."
Izuku nodded.
Still wearing the suit.
Still wearing the red contact lenses.
His strange crimson eyes made him even more eye-catching.
Group Chat — Chaos Continues
Tenya Iida:Attention! Izuku, fully dressed, is heading to the first floor! Anyone who wants photos, go to the open-air steakhouse immediately!
Ochaco Uraraka:Today's Izuku is insanely handsome!!
Kyoka Jiro:I haven't seen it yet—heading there now!
Mina Ashido:OH MY GOD—Izuku looks AMAZING!! Those red eyes are incredible!!
Meanwhile—
Katsuki Bakugo and Ochaco Uraraka silently followed behind Izuku and his grandmother.
Izuku approached the restaurant.
"Hello~"
He raised a hand and greeted the waiter.