Midoriya knew just one thing like that from an early age. His shoulders rise slightly and self-consciously. He highly doubts Paul or anyone else would have said anything. The half-truth Midoriya told a handful of people isn't a dangerous secret, but it's personal. The full truth is something Midoriya (to his knowledge) has only told one person, and that person closed it up safe like a steel trap, inexorable as a wolf's bite.

"I did grow up thinking something wouldn't be possible, but always kind of hoping... I learned it was an impossible hope--but then I was proven wrong anyway." His eyebrows rise a little, indicating pleasant surprise. "I guess... there's things we just don't know and can't account for. Can't hurt to try, even if something I want is hard."

It's what he's always said. Now he adds something new, eyes flicking down, voice much quieter,

"Even if I fail."