A Moment of Radiant Certainty

Izuku's gaze slowly dropped from my face to the action figure still clutched in his hand. As he looked at it, a soft, dreamy expression washed over his face. His eyes sparkled with a childlike wonder, and for a moment, he seemed to forget about everything else around him. The way he cradled the figure, his fingers wrapping protectively around it, made it clear that he already cherished it deeply. As he stood there, lost in his own little world, I couldn't help but smile. It was adorable to see him so starstruck, and I felt a warmth in my chest that I hadn't felt in a long time. Izuku's gaze flickered back up to me, his eyes searching for reassurance. He looked up at me with an insecure expression, his face still flushed from his earlier outburst. "B-But you're the one who bought it... you surely like heroes as much as I do," he stammered. I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Maybe," I replied, "But I don't know if I'll become one. I could be anything in the future. While you will be a hero for sure, won't you?" I stopped speaking and raised my gaze just a little, so I could meet Izuku's eyes. For a moment, we just looked at each other, the only sound being the distant hum of the museum's air conditioning. Then, just as I was about to look away, the sun angled its way through the window, casting a soft shine over my face. Izuku's eyes widened in awe as he took in my expression. He looked lost, as if wondering whether he was dreaming. Despite his small stature, his frailty, and his youth, I could already see the shadow of the man he would one day become. "Y-You-" he stuttered, his voice barely above a whisper. I gave him a close-eyed smile, feeling a sense of conviction that I'd never felt before. "I know you will," I said, my voice filled with certainty. Izuku's face crumpled, and he sniffled, a tear rolling down his cheek. He hastily wiped it away, trying to compose himself. I pretended not to notice, giving him a gentle smile instead. As the moment hung in the air, I felt a sense of connection with Izuku that I'd never experienced before. It was as if, in that instant, we had transcended our mundane surroundings and entered a realm of possibility and promise. And as we stood there, bathed in the soft glow of the sun, I knew that this was just the beginning of something special.