'Iida, Deku and I were supposed to be shopping today. For what? As if I knew. I thought it was going to be the three of us, the three amigos… So what is she doing here?'
Uraraka Ochako walked behind her now 3 companions, she muddled over her thoughts slightly annoyed at the development. It was the 31st, and Ochako had barely been able to really spend time with her two friends. Between classwork, other friends, and heroics, it seemed like a rift was beginning to develop between the trio. Needless to say, she was excited when Deku came by to invite her shopping with he and Iida. She didn't know why and she didn't care, she just wanted to hang out. Well that was until, she showed up.
Hatsume Mei was by no means a problem. Well at least not to Ochako, though they weren't close, they surely weren't enemies. Mei was the type of girl who got too into things. Again, not a bad thing, it was just a bit bothersome. Honestly, she was sometimes tactless and had no sense of personal space or. But there she was.
In the middle of her two friends, laughing, having a good time. She was the reason they were on this trip at all.
It was just this morning when Ochako found out what they were doing.
They were going on a few errands for Hatsume Mei, something about getting the tech for one of her new "babies". Apparently Mei's shopping list had several tools that would be considered contraband for the school so she was having Iida and Deku help her get it and sneak it back into the campus.
But that wasn't why Ochako had a problem. By all means, Mei has been one of the biggest supporters of Class A in general, she was the one to make pretty much everyone's new gear and she should get that paid back to her.
No, what she had a problem with was the fact that it seemed like Mei was becoming the third in this trio of friends.
Since Deku's quirk was so simple, any gadget would be beneficial for him. Because of that, he visits Mei often for upgrades and fixes whenever his gear got busted, which happened a lot.
Iida also visited Mei often, something about responsibility and sacrifice for the greater good. Iida probably came into contact with the girl every week, even making it a part of his schedule to meet with her.
Ochako was jealous, she could admit that much. She didn't like being left out and hated that she could feel that way.
'What am I even doing here? It's not like I'll be much help…' Ochako held a downcast look trailing even further behind the group.
Tenya, Mei and Deku walked ahead, Mei in the center making playful banter with both boys.
'She fits right in.'
Though she couldn't make out the words, it was obvious that Mei had roped the boys into some kind of comedic scene. She'd say one thing to Deku, he'd misunderstand and get flustered, then Tenya would try to scold her.
'They look like they're having so much fun…'
Mei turned her head noticing the gravity girl, fading into the crowd.
"Hey, you two go ahead. I'll meet you there." She said, leaving without another word.
The boys noticing their usually spritely friend so sullen, attempted to approach.
"I told you two I got it!" Mei demanded.
Snapping forward the pair decided to stick close enough to listen.
"Ne, Ochako? This is ground control speaking."
Ochako snapped from her stupor bumping into the pink haired girl.
"Head in the clouds I see."
'Oh, was I being too obvious.'
"Is something wrong?" Mei stood in front of the girl.
"O-oh, nothing's wrong, no problem here, nope, not me…" Ochako's mouth raced slightly embarrassed.
"Now don't go lying to me now dear." Mei got closer, getting overly familiar.
"Really nothing's wrong."
"The wrinkles forming on your forehead tell a different story." Mei came face to face with the girl, their bodies just barely touching.
Ochako's face flared up to a deep red, she averted her gaze embarrassed by how closely she was studied.
"H-hey now! Don't go blurting that out."
"Is this about me being on this trip with you three?" Mei plainly stated, her voice low and serious.
"No, that's not it at all."
"Did you know a person's face tends to tense up when they're lying to someone's face?"
Startled, Ochako took a close look at the inventor.
'She's using her quirk!'
"I-I really don't know what you're talking about." Ochako backed off as Mei continuously got closer.
"It's fine really, just be honest with me. I know I can be a bit over-zealous from time to time…" Mei slipped up showing a hint of hurt and sadness. Her usual façade breaking apart.
Immediately feeling bad, Ochako tried to turn the conversation.
"N-no! It's just my problem! Honestly it's on me."
"No… I get it. I'm kind of just pushing my way into your group right?" Mei's voice turned for the worse, if Ochako didn't know any better Mei would seem like she was on the verge of tears.
"Don't mind that, we're all having fun! I'm just a bit hung up on my own business." Ochako put a hand on Mei's shoulder trying to comfort the girl.
"R-really?"
"Really. I'm so sorry Mei."
"Thank goodness." Mei sighed in relief.
The pair reconciled walking along, Mei hanging close to Ochako.
"Can I be honest with you?" Mei spoke up with a level of vulnerability.
Iida's ears perked paying the most attention to the mechanic.
"Sure anything, just go ahead."
"I was actually really excited when I heard you were going to be coming too…"
'Wha? But we hardly know each other.' Ochako was surprised by the girl's statement.
"I-is that so? Who told you?"
"Tenya did. It all started when I asked him to help me grab some stuff, then he said he invited you two."
"I know we don't talk much but it's nice to be on a friendly outing with another girl." Mei seemed almost bashful as she spoke with her fellow girl.
"Why? Do you not get to do this often?"
"Not at all."
"Oh, Why not? Aren't there other girls in the support department?"
"Well yeah. But I heard they've been friends since childhood…"
"What would that matter?"
"Well you know… It's kind of like I'm trying to cut in to their group, wouldn't that be awkward?"
"I guess?" Ochako understood where she was coming from.
"That's why I was excited! This is my first time hanging out with another girl."
'She seems so lonely…' Ochako felt a pang of guilt in her heart.
"If that's so, you don't have to worry Mei." Ochako reassured.
"If you ever want to hang out, I'm sure Class A would welcome you no problem."
Both Iida and Deku nodded in agreement, still not facing the girls.
"You really think so?"
"Oh I know so."
"Thanks…" Mei shyly thanked her.
"Okay, now it's my turn. Be honest with me, Mei."
"Alright?"
"No offense but you seem so unlike yourself. So shy so awkward, what gives?"
"None taken. Well when I usually talk to others, I'm in the zone. When it comes to my babies or teasing I can just talk for days!"
"Makes sense."
"When it comes to things I'm not so familiar with. I just tense up, y'know?"
"Yeah…"
"So again. It really means a lot to me that you're tolerating me."
"Don't go saying that Mei, I'm over it. Just relax."
"Thanks."
Arriving at the shop, the entire group were enjoying each other's company.
"Alright crew let's get going." Mei said, smiling mischievously. She entered nearly skipping with pep.
'Just what is she planning?' the trio followed, sharing a feeling of slight dread.
Whatever the Me had planned next, Ochako would be fully ready to support her.
'Let's just hope it's nothing crazy…"