Chapter Text
Izuku’s POV
”Goddamn, this place is packed.” Kacchan grumbles in a low voice as he weaves us past the hoard of students crowding inside the auditorium; he's still holding my hand, refusing to let go.
I couldn’t help but smile at his grumpiness. Kacchan never was one for large groups of people crowding around him, and all it took was someone stepping on his foot to send him off in a tirade of verbal lashes. But thankfully, the last couple years of therapy have helped Kacchan tremendously with his anger; though every now and again, he’ll slip back into his short-tempered persona, but it’s never anything further than a quick bark and a harsh glare.
”Izuku! Katsuki! Over here!”
We both look over and spot Ochako waving both of her arms around in the air with a big smile on her round face. She and a few of our other friends are seated near the front-center of the auditorium with two empty seats available for us both.
We quickly walked towards them and sit down; Ochako and Mina are sitting on my left, Kacchan sits next to me on my right, still holding my hand, and Eijirou and Denki are sitting next to him on his immediate right. Shouto and Tenya are both sitting behind us, with Tsuyu, Fumikage, Momo and Kyouka sitting directly in front of us.
I don’t get a chance to see if the others have arrived or where they were seated before Principal Nedzu walks onto the stage and up to the podium. Just like Kacchan had predicted, Nedzu went through the same exact speech he always did for every orientation; it was long-winded and seemed to drone on forever but was only about 10 minutes or so.
While the high school and college students all have to attend the same orientation, it’s split into two separate announcements, with both the high school and college students getting to sit through the first quarter of the Principal’s speech, and once that’s finished, almost all of the students are dismissed, leaving only us seniors behind so we can listen in on the rest of the orientation.
The reason for this: the seniors all have a chance to secure a guaranteed future for themselves in the form of the Internship Program. While it’s very similar to any other program involving students being recruited by job sites as interns, the biggest difference isn’t just that it’s any ordinary internship, it’s Yuuei’s Internship Program.
Some of the most well-known and influential figures in the country, most of which are also Yuuei Alumni, will have their sights set on potential recruits who they will then scout out and select as interns for their companies and corporations, where the student will spend between 2-3 months training and learning at their internship site while gaining first-hand experience in the process.
Even though only a handful of students are personally recruited by scouts for workplaces in their field of study, every student is given the opportunity to participate in the program. Not only are seniors heavily encouraged to select a nomination from the dozens, hundreds, even thousands of workplaces in order to gain some experience, but once they do, they are almost always guaranteed a place of employment with their intern sites.
I wonder what I’m going to do for my internship? What will I pick, and how will things play out for me once I decide on an internship?
Only time will tell.
”As many of you are aware,” Nedzu starts once only the seniors are left. “The goal of our internship program is to help you gain valuable real-world experience in relation to your field of study by putting what you’ve learned over the last 3 years to practice. Many of the scouts are very well-known individuals, many of which are prominent figures, so this will be a great opportunity for you all to participate, not just for you to gain experience, but also to help you secure a career in your field and hopefully to establish a place with your intern site as a full-time employee.”
Nedzu skims and shuffles through some forms before clearing his throat and continuing with the explanation. “There are quite a few of you who’ve already received nominations from top-named corporations and companies for you to select for you internship, but that doesn’t mean the rest of you will end up missing out.” He assures, hoping that first part wouldn’t discourage us.
“Regardless of whether or not you received any nominations or offers, you will all be given a chance to select an internship site, and even if you decide not to participate in the program, you still have a chance at getting hired through referrals and references provided by the school faculty and teaching staff, so long as you’ve maintained a clean record with us.”
Everyone in the large space muses about the Internship Program; excited and anxious murmurs and whispers buzzing throughout the auditorium.
Even I can’t help but turn to my friends and gush at them about my own excitement for the internships.
After orientation, we’re dismissed and given the rest of the day to check over our class syllabus and to just relax, but not before Nedzu informs us that we have until the end of the week to pick a workplace for our internship and to turn in the required documents before the program begins the week after next. He also informs us that those who’ve received nominations would have a personalized list mailed to them while those who didn’t receive nominations could swing by the Career Counselor’s office and pick up a list of internship workplaces.
’I wonder if I got any nominations? I have no doubt Kacchan did, given how smart he is and the fact he’s at the top of his class. I wonder what he’ll pick?’
”Hey.” Kacchan’s voice startles me out of my thoughts and after looking around for a sec I realize that almost everyone has left the auditorium except for me and Kacchan.
”You ready to go, babe?” Kacchan asks with his hand held out to me. I nod before getting up and taking his hand, allowing him to lead us out of the large and now empty space.
We quickly catch up with the others who were already halfway down the main courtyard and were talking about different things, like their classes and what kind of plans they all have for summer vacation even though the year has just started.
We all decided to take the rest of the day off since the seniors aren’t technically required to attend classes on the first day, and so we go our separate ways before bidding each other farewell, but not before I make a quick stop to the Career Counselor’s office to pick up a copy of the workplace list; I don’t want to waste any time in choosing a workplace for my internship, especially when my future could depend on this.
After that, Kacchan suggests we go and get some food before heading back home, to which I happily oblige.
Later that evening, I stepped out of the bathroom after a nice long shower and make my way into the living room; dressed in a plain T-shirt and shorts while I dry my damp curls with a towel. I spot Kacchan sitting at the dining table while reading some sort of letter.
”Whatcha looking at, Kacchan?” I ask while getting myself a drink. He peers up at me with a grin. “Oh, it’s just the nominations for this Internship Program.” He says before going back to skimming over the paper. “Wow, that was fast!” I sit down beside him and look at the letter curiously.
”Could I see, please?” He hands me the letter and my eyes widened the second they land on the paper. The number of workplace nominations was overwhelming for my eyes but I keep looking down the list in shock.
”Holy crap!” I exclaimed. “There’s gotta be at least a thousand company names here!” I hear Kacchan chuckling softly next to me. “More like 4,000. Some of them I’ve never even heard of before, but they want me as an intern, for some reason…”
I gawk at him, my mouth hanging open in disbelief. “4,000?!” I continue to look at all the names of the workplaces, and the longer I look, the more quickly I realize that not only are these some of the top Computer and Software Engineering companies in the country, but there’s also foreign names from the U.S.
”You even got nominations from America?! America is part of the Internship Program?!” Kacchan smirks in amusement before taking the paper out of my hands and looking over it again. “Yeah. I guess some companies in America are partnered with Yuuei, or something like that. Plus, there’s your dad, he’s an Alumni from Yuuei and he used to be a famous actor who starred in a ton of Japanese and Western films and TV shows.”
I nod in understanding. It makes sense; if someone like Dad, who is well-known by pretty much everyone in the entire world, can come out of Yuuei, then surely companies would want to get in on all the action.
”So, which one are you gonna go with? Have you decided?” I ask him, curiously. He sets the paper down and just stares at it.
”Mmm, not yet. Though, a lot of these companies look promising, especially these foreign ones; it would be a big opportunity for me to get my name out there and show America what I’m capable of.”
Although Kacchan is studying Engineering as his major, he’d decided to take a slightly different turn in his path. Rather than focusing on making tech and equipment in order to become rich and famous, he now wants to create things in order to actually help others, specifically those with mental health issues.
Back in our freshman year, he’d showed me the VR headset used to help those with PTSD, anxiety and other similar disorders and I thought it was very thoughtful of him. The old Kacchan would’ve never considered making something like this, especially to help others; he would’ve made it to only benefit himself. He’s come a long way in order to change, with me being the bedrock to that change, and I couldn’t be more proud of him for his efforts.
”Have you picked anything yet, babe?” He asks me, pulling me out of my thoughts. I stared sheepishly at the tabletop.
”No, not yet… I, uh, I’ve looked over it, but there’s just nothing that...I don’t know...grabs my attention, I guess..” I ended up not getting any nominations from workplaces in my field of study, so I had to resort to getting a list of the more generic workplaces to choose from, but unfortunately, none of them appeal to me.
”What about that support group you used to go to? One For All, I think it was called?” I look at him with a knowing smile.
”I would pick that, but I just don’t think it would be the right choice for me.” He looks at me confused for a bit. I feel my face heat up and I suddenly start to feel anxious and on the spot. But I ignore my nervousness and attempt to explain my reasons for not choosing my former support group for my internship.
“I-I mean, I appreciate what they’ve done and it’s definitely helped me through my problems, but it just doesn’t appeal to what I want to do, which is to actually go out there and provide help to others. And while it has a good thing going for it and its name definitely matches what it stands for, it just seems too stationary for my liking; they never go out and find people who need help, but rather, they have people come to them, and they’re not very well known, so it makes it hard for them to be noticed unless it’s by word of mouth. I’m not saying all of this to undermine or depreciate what they do and what their message stands for, I just-”
Kacchan places a hand on top of mine to stop me from going into a frenzy, a smile on his face as he looks at me. “I understand, baby. You don’t have to explain yourself to me. If it doesn’t fit what you wanna do, then you shouldn’t have to do it. I don’t think they would think badly of you for that; I’m sure they understand.”
I smile back at him and nod my head. He’s right. People have come and gone from the group many times, so me doing the same shouldn’t make me a bad person; I doubt that Tsukauchi would be angry with me for not choosing them as my intern site. He would instead tell me something like, “Don’t settle for just one option when there’s an entire world out there for you. So, do what feels right to you and go for it!".
”There’s still a little time left before the deadline, so I wouldn’t worry too much about picking something. So, just take your time. I sure am!” He kisses me on the cheek before getting up and heading for the bedroom. I stay seated and glance over at his nomination letter.
I hope Kacchan chooses something that he’s happy with, and I hope I can do the same. But if I’m going to intern for something, it has to be meaningful to me and my goals. One For All was a source of comfort for me during my time of need, and now I feel like I can go off on my own and make my own One For All; not just for those with mental health problems, but for everyone: the suicidal, the homeless, the orphaned, the broken, etc.
My childhood dream is still something I want to bring to life, and although it’ll be a lot of work at the start, I’m always up for the challenge.
Maybe someday, I can make my dream into a reality.
-
The next day plays out like normal, everyone is talking about the Internship Program and what they all plan to do. Meanwhile, I’m still indecisive on which workplace I wanna pick, and I have till Friday to make a decision.
After class lets out, I get a text from Kacchan to meet him and the others at the cafe for coffee. As soon as spot everyone sitting at our usual table in the back, I walk over and sit next to Kacchan who already bought me a drink. Soon after, the topic of the Internship Program comes up, and Denki is the first one to bring it up. “Have you guys all decided on what you wanna do?” A few of us share a look before he turns to Ochako. “What about you, Uraraka? You pick something yet?”
Ochako ponders for a bit before replying. “I think I wanna go with something involving space! Being a Physics major, it makes sense, y’know? Plus, space is so cool!” She giggles with a smile, earning her a kiss on the cheek from Mina. “That’s my Chako-chan! Following her dreams!”
”What about you, Iida?” She turns to Tenya, who perks up at the question.
”Oh, that’s easy! I’m going back to my former junior high school to ask my former track coach to make me her intern.” He says with a proud grin. “I was #1 on my track team back then, and it was Coach Makimura who recommended that I become a track star for the Olympics.”
My eyes widened in surprise. “No kidding, is that true?” I ask. “She must’ve thought you were really good, huh?”
”Indeed! And so, it’s only fitting that I return back to Somei and request an internship with her. It would be a wonderful opportunity to not only myself, but also to the students there! I want to inspire the current track team members the same way Coach Makimura inspired me.”
I feel a smile pull against my lips. It’s so like Tenya to think about others when the opportunity to gain first-hand experience is meant to benefit him. And this Makimura lady sounds like a really nice person.
Katsuki, dude, what about you, man?” Eijirou turns to Kacchan with a toothy grin, his arm wrapped over Denki’s shoulder. “I heard you were one of the ones to receive nominations for the internship. So, have you picked one, yet?” Everyone looks over to Kacchan who just casually sips on his drink before responding.
”Yeah, I think I know what I’m gonna go with.” We all wait anxiously to hear his answer. “There’s this company in San Francisco that specializes in computer and software development and engineering, and apparently they found out about me through Maijima-sensei and want to bring me on as an intern for their company.”
Everyone, including myself, all stare at him in shock and amazement. “Holy crap, dude!” Eijirou exclaims. “San Francisco?! As in, San Francisco, California?! That’s freaking insane, man! Are you gonna do it?!” I glance over at Kacchan waiting for him to answer. He merely shrugs his shoulders before saying, “I don’t see why not. It’s a big opportunity, and I’d be a complete dumbass to turn something like this down.” He takes another sip before speaking again. “I already turned in my documents earlier today; they said they would send me a list of things I need to get ready before the program starts.”
The others talk about how lucky Kacchan is and how proud they are of him while also talking about their own workplace choices, but I just sit there and let the news of Kacchan going to America for his internship sink in. Part of me feels so happy for him getting the chance of a lifetime; not many college students got the opportunity to train at a facility overseas. But another part of me feels...uneasy. I don’t know why, maybe it’s the idea of Kacchan being away for 3 months while I stay home in Japan, or maybe it’s something else.
”Hey, Izu!” I jump when I hear my name being called. I turn and look at Mina who’s smiling at me. “What about you? Did you pick anything, yet?” Now all eyes are on me, including Kacchan’s, and suddenly, I feel the uneasiness turn into anxious nervousness.
”Uhh, um, well, no. No, not yet. I’m-I’m still trying to decide…” It’s all I can muster out. I feel so embarrassed, because everyone else has an idea of what they want to do, and even Kacchan has already picked what he wants to do, and here I am, with no clue on what I wanna do.
Geez, I suck!
Some time passes and Kacchan and I eventually decide to leave the cafe and head home. The others bid us farewell before leaving themselves.
As we’re walking down the street towards the station, Kacchan gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “Hey.” He says softly. “You okay?”
I look up at him slightly confused. “Yeah, of course, I am! Why wouldn’t I be?” He gives me an unconvinced look. “I just couldn’t help but notice how upset you looked after I told everyone about going to San Francisco.”
We board the train and sit near the back away from the other passengers so we can talk in private. “Do you not want me to go?” He asks me softly, sounding genuinely concerned for me. I quickly try to assure him that I’m fine.
”Kacchan, no, no, that’s not it, at all! This is your internship, so you should get to pick whatever you want.” I smile, hoping the tightness in my chest will go away, but I guess my smile doesn’t match my eyes as Kacchan wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me closer.
”I understand why you would be anxious about me leaving. I mean, I’m going to America for my internship, and even though it’s only for 3 months, that’s still a long time being apart from each other.” He rests his head against mine, and I can feel my eyes watering.
I feel so selfish. This is supposed to be a big opportunity for Kacchan to follow his dreams and here I am acting all sad because I won’t get to see my boyfriend for the next 3 months. I should be supporting him and his choices, not feeling sorry for myself.
”If it’ll make you feel better, I can go back up to the Career Counselor’s office and change my intern site-”
”Kacchan, no.” I say in a soft but firm voice. “Please, don’t worry about me. I want you to go through with this.” I look up at him with a smile. “This is something you’ve always wanted to do, to get to share your work with the world, and what better place to start your career than in one of the greatest places for these types of opportunities? If things go well, you may even end up with a permanent career over there!” I feel my face beam at the very thought of Kacchan’s dream coming true in America, the land of opportunities, itself.
Kacchan gives me a smile before nuzzling my cheek. “If you’re sure, then okay.” We spend the rest of the train ride in comfortable silence before we arrive at our stop.
”You know, Kacchan,” I say after we exit the station and start walking back to our condo. “if you’re going to America, you’re not gonna be able to speak Japanese as much. Will they have someone there who can translate for you?”
”I’m sure they will, love. And even if they don’t, I can understand English just fine. I mean, I did get straight As in English class all throughout high school.” He gives me a playful smirk, causing me to blush. “Oh yeah, hahaha.”
Just 3 more days before the deadline.
-
”Arrggghhh! What am I gonna do?! Just one more day before the deadline and I have YET to pick a workplace for my internship, and if I don’t pick something before 6 PM tomorrow, I’m screwed!!”
I’m sitting next to Dad in his office, he’s holding a tea cup in one hand and using the other to cover his mouth, trying to stifle a chuckle. Meanwhile, I’m hunched over with my hands covering my face as I fall into a slight panic.
”Izuku, my boy, I think you’re taking this internship a little too seriously. It’s not the end of the world just because you don’t participate in the program.” He says with a smirk. “Even if you don’t do the Internship Program, that doesn’t mean you won’t have a chance at getting hired on. This is just a way to give you more hands-on experience for when you do start working.”
I release a groan. “I know, but still. This is such a huge opportunity for me, for everyone, and even Kacchan managed to pick something. I just wish this was easier, but the only internship workplaces under Sociology are law firms, social services and boring desk jobs! That’s not me!”
I sit up and pull my hands away from my face, my eyebrows furrowed in agitation with myself. “Maybe I’m just being too knit-picky…”
Dad places a large hand on top of my head, gently ruffling my curls. “Izu, you’re not being picky. I mean, sure, there aren’t that many creative jobs for the Sociology major, but that doesn’t mean they have to be dull and uncreative. I’m sure that something will come up, and once it does, it’ll be smooth sailing from there!”
I look up at him and manage a small smile. “Thanks, Dad.” I get back up to my feet and grab my bag. “Well, I should be getting home. Kacchan’s working late tonight and the cats haven’t had dinner yet.”
”Okay, son. Take care!” He waves at me before returning to his desk to start grading papers.
-
Normal POV
A few minutes pass while Yagi goes through his students’ papers when his phone goes off.
He checks the caller I.D. and a big smile suddenly spreads over his face when he reads the name and he answers his phone.
<*Hello, David!*>
<*Toshi! How’s it going? Hope I’m not bothering you.*>
Yagi smiles upon hearing his old friend’s voice. Back when he moved to California after graduating from Yuuei, he met a university science student by the name of David Shield.
The two became very close friends and even lived together as roommates during the early days of Yagi’s acting career, and after earning his PhD., David invited Yagi to attend his wedding, to which the man happily obliged. David’s daughter, Melissa, has even referred to Yagi as Uncle Might, in homage to the man’s TV personality.
<*You’re not being a bother to me, my friend. I’m just grading some papers, nothing too difficult.*>
<*Ah, I see! Haha! I thought about you when I drove past our old apartment building and thought that I should give you a call. It’s been far too long, Toshi.*>
<*It sure has. It’s so good to hear from you, David. How’s Melissa?*>
<*Oh, she’s doing great! She’s about to graduate from college in May.*>
<*Oh, how wonderful! What was she studying?*>
<*She’s gonna become an RN. She’ll be busy studying for her exam to get licensed soon, so she's been pretty stressed. But she’s a smart girl, I know she’ll pass.*>
Yagi leans back against his seat while a smile pulls on his lips. It’s been so long since he’d seen his old friend, it felt good to catch up.
<*What about you, Toshi? How’s your son doing? Izuku, right?*>
<*Haha, yes, yes! Izu’s been doing well...*>
Just then a thought comes to mind. David takes note of Yagi’s silence. <*What’s up, Toshi? Everything okay?*>
<*Oh yeah, everything’s fine. Actually, Izuku’s been trying to figure out a place to go for his internship, but...he’s been having a hard time with picking something.*>
Yagi feels his smile fall at the memory of seeing his son so upset. <*I wish I could help him, but I just don’t know how… He really wants to do the internship, but tomorrow’s the deadline to pick something and-*>
Suddenly, a thought comes to mind.
<*Toshi? What is it?*>
<*David. I have a favor to ask you, if it’s not too much to ask.*>
<*Of course! Anything for you, my friend! What’s up?*>
Yagi feels his heart racing and his face starting to hurt with how hard he’s smiling as he tells David about what he needs.
’I think I’ve found the solution to your problem, my boy.’
-
Izuku’s POV
’sigh… Only 6 hours until the deadline. I may as well give up, at this point.’
I’m still sitting in my seat even after everyone else has already left for the day. I’m so lost in thought that I don’t even realize my professor, Miyamoto-sensei, has been trying to get my attention.
”Oh! Uh, s-sorry, Sensei! Didn’t mean to ignore you. What’s up?” I ask, feeling my face turn red. He adjusts his glasses and smiles at me. “No worries, Midoriya. I was saying that you should get going, class has been over for a while now, about 15 minutes.”
”O-Oh! Okay! My apologies, sir!” I quickly get up and start gathering my things so I can leave. But just as I’m heading for the door, my professor stops me before I can leave the room. “Oh, that reminds me! Midoriya, the Career Counselor, Kuroda-san, wanted to see you.”
I feel my stomach sink at the mention of the Career Counselor. I feel so pathetic; everyone else has managed to choose a place for their internship and I haven’t even considered any of the other possible choices for my field. I already know what she’s going to say to me, and I’m dreading every moment of it.
I politely thank Miyamoto-sensei before making my way to the Career Counselor’s office. I knock on the door gently and instantly hear her say to come in.
”Ah, Midoriya! I was hoping it was you!” She says cheerfully. I force a smile on my face, but it probably looks more like a grimace attempting to imitate a smile.
”G-Good afternoon, m-ma’am. Uh, my p-professor said y-you wanted to s-see me…?” I can feel my anxiety starting to spike, and it’s taking all of my will-power not to turn around and bolt out of the building.
She gives me a friendly smile. “Yes, I did! In fact, it’s about the Internship Program.” I clench my fists and try to steady my breathing. ’Here it comes…!’
“It looks like you got yourself a nomination!”
...
....
.....
”What?”
She pulls out a sheet of paper and hands it to me, still smiling. I take the paper from her and look over it, and my eyes grow wide with what’s on it. “It’s a bit last minute, but yeah, someone nominated you. And it’s from overseas. How wonderful!”
Right there, in black and white, is the name of someone I don’t recognize; a foreign name, and they’re from… ”New York?!”
”I know! Isn’t that exciting?” The Career Counselor exclaims with joy. “Now, you’ve still got time to choose a workplace for your internship, and since you have a nomination, I would suggest you go with that one.” She clicks away at something on her computer before turning back to me. “So, what do you think? Is this the one you wanna go with?”
I swallow the lump in my throat before I quickly look over the paper again, making sure I’m reading it correctly.
’I’ve literally waited till the last minute to decide on a workplace, and now that something has presented itself to me, should I really waste it?! But...who’s David Shield? I don’t recognize that name. Is he famous, and how does he know who I am…?’
”If you need a little time to think it over, that's fine. But try not to take too long, okay?” I nod my head and thank her before leaving her office, paper in hand.
Just then, someone comes up from behind me and grabs my shoulders, I let out a squeak as I jump, almost dropping the paper.
”Oops, sorry Izu! Didn’t mean to scare you!” It’s Dad. I sigh with relief and smile up at him. “Hey, Dad! Check it out!” I show him the paper with the nomination, he takes it and looks over it, and I notice the smile on his face grows even wider.
”Oh, good! It came through!” I look at him in confusion. “What came through? Do you know who that is?” I ask, referring to the name of the man who nominated me. Dad nods with a big grin.
”Of course!” He hands me the paper again, still smiling. “David Shield is a very good friend of mine. I asked him if he would nominate you, and he was more than happy to accept.”
My eyes grow wide and my mouth hands open.
”You...You really did that for me…?” He nods. “I know how important this is to you and I wanted to try and help you out. David and I used to work together back when I lived in the states, and he mainly works as a Science professor at a national university in New York.”
”No way, that’s awesome!” I reply with a smile.
”But that’s not all.” He states. “He’s also the co-founder of the International Japanese Safeguard Project.” I didn’t think my eyes could grow any wider, they probably look like saucers.
”You’re kidding me.” I say, completely beside myself with disbelief.
”Nope! He helped me put the organization together with different recommendations and referrals, and even got the funds needed to make it all come together. If it weren’t for David, the IJSP wouldn’t be where it is today.”
”And this David guy, he wants me as his intern?” He nods. “There’s a New York-based board of directors office in New York that I’m certain he’d be more than happy to show you, and he also knows of several branching non-profit organizations that you could check out.”
He places a hand on my shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze, a soft smile on his face. “I knew that this would be something that better fit your goals, and I know that you can gain something from this, Izuku. So, what do you say?”
I ponder over this, taking in everything I’ve been told. It all seems too good to be true. I get to actually see what my dad had spent nearly his entire adult life creating for the good of others and to help those in need, and I would get to meet the man who helped him along the way.
I would be a fool to turn this opportunity down.
”Yes! I’ll do it!!”
He smiles at me. “Excellent! I’d expect no less from you, my boy!”
I wrap my arms around his waist in a tight hug before thanking him and heading back to the Career Counselor’s office.
This is it. The beginning of my journey, and my future.
New York, here I come!