The Revelation of Vesper

"No guys, my real name is Vesper," I said, looking at Osby and Bakugo with a serious expression. I didn't know why I had to clarify it, but something about it felt important. Osby's eyes widened in surprise, and Bakugo's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean, Vesper?" Bakugo asked, his voice laced with skepticism. "Your name is Izuku Midoriya. I've known you since we were kids." I shook my head, feeling a sense of frustration. "I don't know why you call me that," I said, trying to keep my tone even. "My name is Vesper. That's what my parents called me, that's what I'm used to. I don't know why everyone else insists on calling me Izuku or Midoriya." Osby leaned forward, his eyes locked on mine. "Izuku, we've known you for years," he said gently. "We've been through thick and thin together. You're...you're Izuku Midoriya, the Vesper-class hero." I sighed, feeling a sense of exasperation. "That's exactly what I'm talking about," I said. "Everyone always refers to me as Izuku or Midoriya, but no one ever uses the name that I actually prefer. It's like, I'm a hero and all, but can't you just use the name that I was given at birth?" Bakugo's expression softened, and he reached out to put a hand on my shoulder. "Vesper, buddy, we're not trying to upset you," he said. "We just...we've always known you as Izuku. It's what we're used to." I pulled away from him, feeling a sense of distance. "I understand that," I said. "But can't you try to use my real name? Can't you try to see me as Vesper, not just Izuku the hero?" The two of them exchanged a look, and then Osby nodded. "We'll try, Vesper," he said. "But can you tell us...why is it so important to you? Why does it matter what we call you?" I took a deep breath, trying to find the words to explain. "It's just...when people call me Izuku or Midoriya, it feels like they're talking to the hero," I said. "They're not talking to me, they're talking to the public persona. But when you call me Vesper...it feels like you're talking to me, the real me." Bakugo and Osby looked at each other, and then back at me. "We'll try, Vesper," Bakugo said again. "But can you understand if we slip up sometimes? It's not going to be easy to change." I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards my friends. "I understand," I said. "Just...try, okay?"