If I had a hundred yen for every time I'd been told to strip at UA, I'd have two hundred yen. Which wasn't a lot, but it was weird that it had happened twice.
"Just the shirt is fine," I said, removing my uniform jacket and starting to unbutton my shirt. "I'm not taking off my pants in the middle of the support department."
Hatsume looked up from her toolbox. "Why not?"
"Because normal people don't strip naked in public workshops."
She shrugged. "Suit yourself. The measurements won't be as precise, but we can work with it."
I finished unbuttoning my shirt and hung it carefully over a nearby chair, leaving me in just my undershirt. After a moment's hesitation, I pulled that off too.
Hatsume's eyes widened as she took in my bare torso. "Whoa! You're built like a tank! Look at those muscle groups!" She darted forward, her hands immediately pressing against my shoulders and chest. "Perfect deltoid development... exceptional pectoral symmetry... and these abs! How many do you have? Ten? That's not normal!"
Her fingers prodded and poked without any regard for personal space, but after dealing with Camie, Momo, and Hitomi, I was getting more and more used to touchy women.
"Hold still," she instructed, pulling out a measuring tape. She wrapped it around various parts of my torso, muttering numbers and jotting notes on a small pad. "Arms up!"
I complied, watching as she worked with surprising efficiency despite her chaotic energy. She moved quickly, measuring my wingspan, the circumference of my biceps, the width of my shoulders, and a dozen other metrics I couldn't guess the purpose of.
"Perfect," she said finally, stepping back to scribble more notes. "Now I just need to attach these sensors to map your movement patterns."
She grabbed what looked like small circular adhesive pads from her workbench. Each was about the size of a coin, metallic on one side and sticky on the other.
"Uh, none of these things are going to explode or anything, right?" I asked as she began placing them strategically across my chest and back.
Hatsume paused, looking thoughtful. "Probably not."
"Probably?"
"Ninety-eight percent certainty of non-explosion," she clarified, continuing to place sensors. "The last batch had some issues with spontaneous combustion, but I've fixed that. Mostly."
"That's not reassuring."
"Science isn't about reassurance, Ten Million! It's about progress!" She placed the final sensor on my lower back, then stepped away to grab what looked like a tablet. "Now, do some basic movements. Punch, kick, dodge—whatever you'd do in combat."
I moved through some basic forms of Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist. The sensors felt strange, like small cold spots that occasionally emitted tiny electrical pulses.
"Perfect!" Hatsume exclaimed, eyes fixed on her tablet. "The motion capture is working beautifully! I can see exactly how your muscles engage during different movements."
She tapped furiously on her tablet, occasionally glancing up to watch me move. "Your fighting style is fascinating—fluid but powerful. Your center of gravity shifts constantly, but you maintain perfect balance."
I finished the form and turned to her. "That's the basis of Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist. It's about redirecting force while maintaining your own power."
"Interesting!" Her eyes lit up. "That gives me ideas for the suit design. You mentioned wanting something traditional but functional, right?"
I nodded. "I was thinking of a gray wraparound tunic over a black undershirt, loose hakama-style pants, and a forest green sash."
"Traditional but with modern elements," she mused, already sketching on her tablet. "We can work with that, but I'd suggest some improvements."
She turned the tablet to show me a rough design that maintained my aesthetic vision while adding subtle technical elements.
"The base layer would be a compression suit made from my newest synthetic fiber—breathable, moisture-wicking, and bullet-resistant." She pointed to different parts of the design. "The gray tunic would actually be a specialized impact-absorbing material disguised as traditional fabric. It'll look like normal cloth but can absorb and redistribute kinetic energy."
She continued, growing more animated with each feature. "The green sash isn't just decorative—it's a utility belt with hidden compartments for emergency supplies. And these sections here," she indicated areas on the forearms and shins, "would have reinforced plates for blocking attacks without injury."
The design maintained the traditional aesthetic I wanted while incorporating practical elements I hadn't even considered. It was, in a word, brilliant.
"This looks amazing," I said, genuinely impressed. "You thought of everything."
Hatsume beamed, her entire face lighting up. "That's just the beginning! Wait until you see the boots I'm designing! They'll have—"
Her stomach growled loudly, interrupting her excited explanation. She ignored it completely, continuing to talk about shock-absorbing soles and ankle support.
"When's the last time you ate?" I asked, cutting her off mid-sentence.
She blinked, looking confused by the question. "Ate? Uh..." Her eyes drifted upward as she tried to remember. "What day is it?"
"Monday."
"Then... Saturday? Maybe? I had a candy bar from the vending machine at some point."
I stared at her. "You haven't eaten a real meal since Saturday? That was two days ago!"
She shrugged. "I forget sometimes. Too busy with my babies." Her stomach growled again, louder this time, and she pressed a hand against it absently.
"That's it," I said, reaching for my bag. "We're taking a break. You need food."
"But the sensors—"
"Will still be there after you eat something." I rummaged through my bag and pulled out several protein bars and a bottle of water. "Here. It's not a proper meal, but it'll help until we can get you real food."
She took the protein bar reluctantly, examining it like some alien artifact. "But I'm in the middle of calculating the tensile strength requirements for your—"
"Eat," I insisted, unwrapping the bar and holding it out to her. "You can't work effectively if you're starving."
She sighed dramatically but took a bite. Her eyes widened immediately. "This is good!" She took another, larger bite, suddenly ravenous.
"Of course it is. It's chocolate chip." I handed her the water bottle next. "Drink. You're probably dehydrated too."
She complied, gulping down half the bottle in one go. When she lowered it, water dribbled down her chin, which she wiped away with the back of her hand.
"Better?" I asked.
She nodded, already finishing the first protein bar. I unwrapped a second one and handed it to her. "Pace yourself. Too much too fast will make you sick."
"You sound like my mom," she mumbled around a mouthful of protein bar.
"Someone has to look out for you if you won't."
She finished the second bar, looking slightly more energized. "Can I get back to work now?"
"One more," I said, unwrapping a third bar. "And finish the water."
She reached for the bar, but I pulled it back. "You'll get chocolate all over your tablet and tools. Let me."
I broke off a piece and held it out to her. She leaned forward and took it directly from my fingers, her lips brushing against my skin.
"More," she said after swallowing, opening her mouth like a baby bird.
I broke off another piece and fed it to her, trying to ignore the strange intimacy of the situation. This time, her lips definitely lingered on my fingers, and when she pulled back, her tongue darted out to catch a smear of chocolate from the corner of her mouth.
"You've got a bit..." I gestured to the other corner of her mouth, where another chocolate smudge remained.
Instead of wiping it away, she stuck out her tongue, trying unsuccessfully to reach it. I found myself laughing at her crossed eyes and extended tongue.
"Here," I said, picking up a clean shop rag from the workbench. I gently wiped the chocolate from her face.
"Thanks," she said, her crosshair eyes focused on me with unusual intensity. "You're nice, Ten Million. Most people just tell me I'm weird and leave me alone."
"You are weird," I said honestly. "But that's not a bad thing. And you're brilliant with inventions."
"You really think so?"
"I wouldn't let you build my hero suit if I didn't."
Her smile widened, then she glanced at her tablet, immediately distracted again. "Oh! I just had the best idea for your gloves! What if we incorporated a micro-pulley system to enhance your grip strength?"
And just like that, she was back to work, the moment of vulnerability gone. I watched her tap excitedly on her tablet, marveling at how quickly her mind moved from one idea to the next.
"Can I take these sensors off now?" I asked, pointing to the adhesive pads still attached to my torso.
"Hmm? Oh, no, keep those on. I'm still collecting data." She didn't even look up from her tablet. "Come see this design!"
I moved behind her to look over her shoulder. The glove design she'd created was intricate, with layered protection for the knuckles and a reinforced palm.
"The material is impact-absorbing but thin enough to maintain tactile sensation," she explained, zooming in on different components. "And see these channels along the fingers? They'll help distribute force evenly when you strike, reducing the risk of fractures."
"That's incredible," I said, genuinely impressed by the level of detail. "You've thought of everything."
"That's my job!" She swiped to a different screen, showing the boot design. "Now look at these—"
Her stomach growled again, interrupting her explanation.
"Still hungry?" I asked.
She nodded sheepishly. "Maybe a little."
I reached for another protein bar, but realized we had a problem. All the workbenches were covered with tools, materials, and half-finished inventions. There was literally nowhere for her to set down her tablet and eat properly.
"Here," I said, making a decision. "Sit on this stool and I'll feed you while you work."
Her eyes lit up. "Perfect! Maximum efficiency!"
I pulled up a chair behind hers, unwrapped another protein bar, and broke off a piece. She was so engrossed in her design work that she simply opened her mouth automatically when I tapped her shoulder, accepting the food without looking away from her screen.
We fell into a rhythm—she would work for a minute or two, then I'd feed her another bite of protein bar or offer the water bottle. It was strangely comfortable, this quiet collaboration.
As the evening progressed, the workshop grew quieter. Other support students packed up and left until only Hatsume and I remained, working under the bright overhead lights. Time seemed to blur as I watched her create, occasionally offering input on design elements or answering questions about my fighting style.
At some point, her stool began wobbling—one of the legs was loose, causing her to shift uncomfortably every few minutes.
"This stupid thing," she muttered after a particularly precarious wobble nearly sent her tablet flying.
"Let me see if I can fix it," I offered, examining the loose leg.
"Don't bother," she said, standing up and stretching. "I've been meaning to scrap it for parts anyway."
She glanced at my chair, then at her tablet, clearly calculating the most efficient solution.
"We could share," I suggested, patting my lap before I could think better of it.
She brightened immediately. "Perfect! Maximum workspace optimization!"
Before I could reconsider, she plopped herself onto my lap, tablet in hand, and resumed working as if nothing had changed.
"Um, comfortable?" I asked, not sure where to put my hands.
"Yep!" she replied cheerfully, completely oblivious to my discomfort. "Much more stable platform. Plus, you're warm. The workshop gets cold at night."
I cautiously settled my hands around her waist. Hatsume, meanwhile, continued working on her tablet, occasionally shifting position to reach different tools on the workbench.
"Could you hold this?" she asked, handing me her tablet while she grabbed a caliper to measure something on the workbench.
I took the tablet, studying the intricate design she'd created. Every element had a purpose, from the reinforced seams to the hidden utility pockets. It was impressive work, especially considering she'd done most of it in just a few hours.
"This is amazing, Hatsume," I said as she took the tablet back. "I never expected such a detailed design so quickly."
She shrugged, the movement pressing her back against my chest. "It's what I do. Plus, your requirements were clear, and your body is an excellent canvas for hero gear."
"My body, huh?"
"Anatomically speaking," she clarified. "Perfect proportions, exceptional muscle development, ideal weight distribution. Most heroes aren't so balanced—they overcompensate in certain areas and neglect others."
"Thanks... I think?"
She nodded, returning to her work. "It's a compliment. Makes my job easier when the base model is already optimized."
We fell back into comfortable silence, broken only by the occasional sound of Hatsume muttering to herself or asking me to hold something. Time continued to slip by unnoticed until the workshop door opened, and Power Loader stepped in.
He stopped short at the sight of us—me shirtless with Hatsume perched on my lap, both of us surrounded by tools, sketches, and protein bar wrappers.
"Hatsume," he said, his tone resigned rather than surprised. "It's 10 PM."
"Already?" She looked up, blinking owlishly. "But we're just getting to the good part! I'm designing a new reinforcement pattern for Izuku's gloves!"
Izuku, huh?
Power Loader sighed. "Lights off in 30 minutes. And whatever you're doing..." he gestured vaguely at our seating arrangement, "keep it professional."
"We are professional!" Hatsume protested. "My stool broke, so we optimized our workspace!"
Power Loader looked at me, his expression unreadable behind his helmet. "You're Midoriya? The one who won the Sports Festival?"
I nodded, acutely aware of how this must look. "Yes, sir. I'm just helping Hatsume with my hero costume design."
He studied me for a moment, then shook his head. "Thirty minutes. Then I want this workshop empty and clean. Understood?"
"Yes, sir," we replied in unison.
He gave us one last look before leaving, the door swinging shut behind him.
"We should probably wrap up," I suggested, gently nudging Hatsume.
She sighed dramatically but saved her work on the tablet. "Fine. But we've made good progress! I have your measurements, motion data, and preliminary designs. I can start on the prototype tomorrow."
She stood up, stretching her arms above her head. I saw her toned stomach peek out from under her tank top as she reached upward.
"How long will it take to complete?" I asked, standing up as well and retrieving my shirt.
"Hmm, normally a few weeks, but for you..." She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I can have a basic version ready for your internship next week. It won't have all the features I want to include, but it'll be functional."
"That would be amazing, thank you."
She waved off my thanks. "It's what I do!"
I buttoned up my shirt, watching as she began tidying up her workstation. Despite her chaotic energy, she seemed to have a system for everything, returning tools to specific places and organizing materials by type.
"Need help cleaning up?" I offered.
"Nope! I have a system. If you touch anything, I'll never find it again." She continued putting things away, occasionally pausing to jot down a note or sketch a quick idea.
I finished dressing and gathered my things, making sure I hadn't left anything behind. The sensors Hatsume had attached to my torso were carefully removed and placed in a labeled container.
"So," I said as she finished cleaning, "same time tomorrow?"
She looked up, surprised. "You want to come back?"
"Of course. It's my hero costume. I should be involved in the process, right?"
Her face lit up with that now-familiar manic grin. "Right! Most clients just give basic requirements and leave the rest to me. It'll be fun having you involved!" She paused, then added more quietly, "And maybe bring more of those protein bars?"
I smiled. "I'll bring actual food next time. Maybe we could have dinner while we work?"
"Dinner," she repeated, as if testing the word. "Yeah, okay. Efficiency-optimized nutrient consumption while working. I like it!"
I laughed. "Most people just call it 'eating together,' but sure."
She shrugged, closing down her tablet and slipping it into one of her many pockets. "Ready to go? Power Loader gets grumpy if we're still here after lights-out."
We walked out of the workshop together, Hatsume pausing to hit several switches that powered down various machines.
"Which way are you headed?" I asked as we reached the main entrance.
"That way," she replied, pointing east. "I live fifteen minutes away from UA."
"I'll walk you there," I offered.
She looked genuinely confused. "Why? It's right there."
"It's late, and it's the polite thing to do."
She studied me for a moment, head tilted like I was some fascinating new invention she couldn't quite figure out. "You're weird, Ten Million. But okay."
We walked to her apartment, Hatsume chattering excitedly about various design elements she wanted to incorporate into my costume. I listened, occasionally asking questions or offering suggestions, enjoying her unbridled enthusiasm.
When we reached the building, she stopped abruptly. "Thanks for the protein bars. And for feeding me. Most people just tell me to take care of myself, but they don't actually help."
"Anytime," I replied. "Someone has to make sure you don't pass out from malnutrition in the middle of inventing."
She grinned, then surprised me by poking my chest with one grease-stained finger. "You're interesting, Izuku. Your body, your fighting style, your..." she waved her hand vaguely, "personality thing. It's all very... data-rich."
Coming from Hatsume, I suspected this was high praise. "Thanks. You're pretty interesting yourself."
"I know!" She said it without a hint of modesty or pretense. "See you tomorrow? After school? I'll have preliminary material samples ready by then."
"After school it is. I'll bring food."
She nodded, satisfied with the plan, then turned and bounded into the building without another word of goodbye. I watched the door close behind her, shaking my head with a bemused smile.
What a strange, brilliant girl.