Deku-kun,
It’s been five years now since that day, can you believe it? It feels like time hasn’t passed at all, for me at least. This is the first time I’ve written to you, I’m not sure why I’m doing it now to begin with, but I feel like you’d want to know everything that’s been+

going on lately. Eijiro and Ashido finally got married. I remember how we used to pretend to not notice when they would stare at eachother from across the room, and then later when they would randomly disappear during lunch. I still cherish all those memories with you.

We’ve all been moving forward with our lives. Tenya and Tokoyami broke the top 30 rank this year, and momo and kaminari aren’t far behind. Shoto has taken over his fathers agency, and Sero helps him out when the meetings and paperwork go over his head.

Deku-kun, you would have loved to see how everyone has grown and changed over the years, but I’m glad that you had a peaceful end. You rest now in a grave right next to All Might, or should I say Toshinori Yagi, and your mother.

I mentioned to Jirou that I wanted to have something to remember you by, not as the great hero who defeated AFO and Shigaraki, but as our friend. She said that all of us should get together and compile a bunch of photographs and letters that remind us of you. This is mine.

Ahh, I suppose you would’ve noticed by now that I’m stalling from who you really want to hear about. Katsuki... he’s quiet now. I don’t think he could ever lose the rough edges of his personality, but he’s much calmer and composed now. I couldn’t say if it’s a good thing or not.

He doesn't smile much anymore, though when you died he was only just starting to smile in front of us. He’s become the number one hero, just like you always new he would. He thanked you in his speech, you know. He didn’t mention you by name, but I could tell.

I heard many people saying he had a strange look on his face that night, like he was looking out into the distance at something only he could see. I know what it was. It’s you, Deku-kun. It always has been. I wish the two of you would have realized it sooner; maybe then Katsuki+

would be able to live with less regret. I think he knew, though. He’s never said anything to me, but I think he knew how you felt. He was just scared. So much for waiting for the perfect moment, huh. I don’t know if he’ll ever stop waiting for you to be by his side once more.

Katsuki is nothing if not stubborn. A part of him will forever be waiting to see you again. You never realized just how much love people had for you. You still get flowers in front of your statue all the time, I visit it with him every week.

Ah, what am I doing? Besides being a hero, of course, I’ve dedicated my free time to raising money for struggling kids to help them become a hero or anything else they want to be. Tsuyu-chan and I help teach aspiring hero’s martial arts and defense as well.

Sometimes I join Katsuki on his anti-bullying campaigns.

Seeing the spark you carried living within everyone you touched is more than enough for me. I think about you every day, as does everyone else I’m sure, but don’t worry, it’s not only sad thoughts. I know you would hate it if we only ever mourned you.

Deku-kun, five years later, and I’m still so glad I was able to be your friend. You would have made a wonderful hero, no doubt. I’ll keep watch over Katsuki for you.

When all is said and done, Deku-kun, you were my closest friend and my first love. You made the world a better place just by existing in it, and it is better off for having known you, we all are. I wish we could have told you that when you were alive.

With all my love,
Uraraka Ochako