The class had noticed something off about Todoroki and Midoriya. Both were less touchy-feely with each other. There wasn't as much PDA between them. And they weren't being seen together as often either.

"Do you think they're having a fight?", Asui mentioned one day before class. Neither half of the couple had arrived yet.

"To run so hot and then suddenly go cold, something must have happened", Tokoyami theorized.

Kaminari hummed in thought. "But were they running hot? It's not like anyone ever saw them kiss, right?"

"What are you talking about? They kissed all the time", Jirou said.

"Yeah but like, on the cheek and stuff", Kaminari pointed out. "Never on the lips or anything."

Jirou frowned. "Maybe they didn't want pervs like you creepin' on them while they did that."

The conversation ended when Todoroki entered the classroom but the doubt had already settled in. Maybe they were just going through a rough patch. Or maybe things were never that smooth at all. But as much as it worried some of them, they couldn't afford the distraction. The play was in just a few days. The entire school was in full preparation mode for the cultural festival.

The pressure was on. And it wasn't just to impress one's friends and the family members who would be given special access to the school, but the press would be allowed on campus as well. Everyone wanted to be the one to catch the camera's eye. All of the classes doing performances would get preferential treatment. Such as one class was doing an interactive hero show the likes of could be seen at amusement parks.

Another class had quite a few musicians and so they would be doing a concert. And of course...

"Class 1A's play will be broadcast on local television. Be sure to tell those who can't attend the details so that they can watch it at home", Aizawa explained.

The whole class was abuzz with the news that their production would be televised. A few found themselves filling with nerves, but that was normal of course. Midoriya was filled with anxiety that came from a different source.

Since the day he'd decided to come forth to Todoroki, he had been emotionally seesawing and it was enough to make him physically. There were times when he got the courage and was a hundred percent ready to go but then one look at those eyes and his resolve (and heart) melted. At this rate, he would never be able to confess.

And with the play fast approaching, their lie of a relationship would end. Midoriya didn't mind going back to being friends. He just didn't want this to remain unresolved.

Todoroki was biding his time, formulating a plan. After Bakugou and Kirishima had left their meeting, he and Yaoyorozu had stayed together. At her home, they had marathoned some movies and had come to one conclusion. In order for his feelings to be understood with no uncertainty, Todoroki would need to make some kind of big show of his confession.

That wasn't quite his style. But for Midoriya, he would shout his love from the rooftops of UA. Or any rooftop. He just had to think of the right way to do it. During the festival seemed like the perfect location. It would be difficult to find the right time, since they would both be busy most of the day with preparations for the play. He had to think fast.

"I won't let you end everything I have worked so long for! Prepare to die!" Bakugou lunged at Todoroki. Midoriya jumped between them with a shield.

"No! I won't let you!"

Bakugou grabbed him and threw him to the other side of the stage.

"Cut!", Tokoyami shouted.

"What now?! I didn't even throw him that hard", Bakugou yelled back.

"Not you. For once, you were fine. After Midoriya falls, I want a spotlight on him as he powers up", Tokoyami said.

"Got it", Shinsou answered.

Tokoyami looked around. "Ojiro, be ready on your mark at that moment. We should have the backlight cued up for it."

Ojiro nodded. "Alright."

The other stagehands moved about while Jirou, the stagehand manager directed them. The festival would be tomorrow and their play was the main evening event. Backstage, among all the costumes, Yaoyorozu sat with Hatsume.

"It's done!", Hatsume squealed in delight, holding up part of an outfit.

The two of them called Midoriya and Todoroki over and took them between separate privacy walls. Once she had found out 1A was doing a play and the subject, Hatsume knew she had to be involved.

"I don't work with textiles that much, so I wanted to challenge myself. With Yaoyorozu-san's help, I think we've achieved something really special here!"

Midoriya just nodded along as he looked over the outfit. It looked normal to him. With her on the other side of the wall, he put it on to try it out. Meanwhile, behind the other wall, Todoroki was finishing up and redressing in his own clothes.

"Have you figured out how you're going to tell him?", Yaoyorozu asked.

"Not yet", he answered. Nothing that Todoroki thought of was good enough for Midoriya. He needed something that would without a doubt express the depth of his feelings.

"Everyone gather around!", Aizawa called out as he went to go and stand on the stage.

All of the students of 1A stood together in front to see what their teacher had to say. He gave them one of his rare smiles and they all felt their hearts swell.

"You've all done a good job", he said proudly. "Tomorrow, enjoy yourselves at the festival. Us teachers will handle the rest until it's show time."

Everyone cheered, happy to have the freedom for tomorrow and be able to relax before having to perform for what could be hundreds or maybe even thousands of people depending on how many watched from home. Final preparations were completed and they all went home, each one with their own worries and hopes for tomorrow.

For tomorrow the curtain would rise.

Dragon King: I won't let you end everything I have worked so long for! Prepare to die! [charge at prince]

Prince: [braces self]

Hero: [jumps between them] No! I won't let you!

Dragon King: [throws Hero off to side]

Hero: [struggling to stand]

God of Might: To your feet! Stand and use my power!