[Izuku goes completely still at the mention of bullying and his smile freezes in place, losing most of its genuineness. He can hear his heart pounding in his chest and he knows he needs to speak or do something before the pause goes on too long. Before Kirei notices his stillness and the unnatural quality of the silence.

Finally he manages to swallow and form words.]

I'm not. That's not why. I'm not being bullied. It was just an accident. [He finally glances up, hoping to meet the man's eyes and put as much conviction into his words as possible.]

I was...when I was younger. That's why I was surprised when you mentioned it.