Rynxenvy: aahhh! i think you'll love this chapter! I really enjoyed writing this one. ❤ it was what i was waiting for so long to write. thank you for reading!

kirika o7: ahah omg, thank you so much! your ideas and scenarios are completely mind blowing! they are so good and interesting. i honestly didn't even think of her joining Chisaki but wow, i wonder how that would go if she did lol. thank you so much for sharing, i truly enjoyed reading your review! i'm also happy you are enjoying this story. i'm sure you'll be able to gain motivation to write again soon. sometimes writing can take a bit to do and get into. writers block truly sucks i would know. but, only write when you feel motivated too. ❤ there's also a thing i do when i try to do something i don't feel like doing. I'll force myself work for at least five minutes, and sometimes that's all it takes for me to be truly into what i'm doing. if that doesn't work, i'll just try again later! (* ^ ω ^) hehe, thank you again, i'll be seeing you again with this chapter ! ❤

LadyAmazon: yup, Aizawa is 100% real! haha. i'm happy you enjoy their relationship, bc i enjoy it too. thank you so much for reading. ❤

Shinoki: she really is such a cutie. (´ ∀ ` *) ❤ and yeah me too, definitely. but... i'm sure karma will get him. o.o , ┐(￣∀￣)┌ thank you for reading!

lovelyhatter: and i love that you love it ! ❤ thank you so much for reading!

MissLaufeyson97: ahh, wow, thank you so much! I'm happy you're enjoying it, and i hope you can keep enjoying it. thank you so much for reading. ❤ ヽ(*⌒▽⌒*)ﾉ

bbymojo: definitely! had to end it on a positive note, haha. things have been so intense and dreary, she needed some inspiration ❤ i think you'll like this chapter! please enjoy, and thank you a ton for reading. ❤

•○●○•

hello, everyone!

it's been so cold and icy these days where i'm at.

but, i'm really praying for those being affected by these natural disasters that's been happening. fires, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions... it's all very scary and heartbreaking.

no matter where you are, be safe, please. ❤

•

I hope everyone can enjoy this chapter.

this one is definitely one of my most favorite ones yet.

To everyone who's been wanting some more Shotaru ~ !

thank you for reading, and i apologize for any errors!

❤•○●○•❤

Reconnect and Connect

❤•○●○•❤

It's a little after sunrise, and the sky is gradually starting to become a bright blue. Birds sing their songs from outside, and the sound of Shoto's older sister doing dishes inside resonates. So far, it's an average morning for Shoto.

He wakes up and takes a shower, gets dressed and has his breakfast, then brushes his teeth before heading off to school. Shoto slides his shoes on and slings his bag over his shoulder, battling a yawn. Before he can leave his house, his father blocks his path.

"Shoto." Endeavor says seriously.

Shoto gazes at him with livid eyes and his jaw grows tight. His lips remained sealed, not caring to respond. Endeavor's eyes narrow in displeasure at his rebellious poise. When will this disobedient side of him fade? He's being childish.

"Why didn't you tell me that villain is a student at your school?" He asks firmly. Shoto stares at him silently for a few seconds before answering.

"You didn't ask."

Endeavor's teeth grit together and his fingers curl into rigid fists. His turquoise eyes glare into his son's, his answer and arrogant tone infuriating him. He folds his arms over his chest, his large muscles bulging.

"Were you trying to protect her just like back then?" He gnarls, and Shoto looks away from him. "Shoto!"

"You're in my way." Shoto bites out.

"Tsk. You should stop being so foolish." Endeavor interjects. "Don't get involved with her. She's scheming and plotting. Whatever front she has on, I'm certain it's a hoax—" The sound of Shoto leaving the house cuts him off, and he roars loudly. "Shotoooo!"

Thanks to his old man, as Shoto walks to the station, he's in a bad mood. His teeth bare slightly. As if he would listen to anything his father has to say. He's going to reject him in all ways possible. His eyes narrow. Hotaru, maintaining a façade?

Perhaps before, but not anymore. Even when she was putting up a front, it was transparent. He was just too blinded by his own hatred for her to realize it. The grudge he had towards her was just as intense as the one he had towards his father.

She was protecting him and was being nothing but honest with him. It seems that one thing hasn't changed—she was always honest. He doesn't think he will ever understand her, though. Subconsciously, he moves his hand towards his hair, recalling how her fingers ran through the many strands. She's unpredictable.

He doesn't think he hates her anymore, but he doesn't like her either. He knew her back then but now it feels like he never really knew her at all. Even though he apologized, he still feels something weighty. It's an almost wistful sensation.

His hand suddenly falls back to his side and he blinks a few times in bewilderment. Just like he can't understand her, he can't understand what he should be feeling towards her. Even inside his own head, she's as enigmatic as she is in person, just like the ever-changing clouds in the sky.

Why's he even thinking so intently about her? She's supposed to be nonexistent to him. His old man's words have really bothered him more than he thought, and it angers him greatly. What would he know?

The train ride to school goes smoothly and uneventful. He manages to grab a seat with no one inhabiting the ones next to him, and he stares out the window the entire time. It doesn't take him long at all to arrive at school.

He enters U.A. and heads towards his shoe locker to switch out his footwear. Once he does that, he makes his way towards the stairwell to head to class. He passes by two gossiping female students, his eyes widening a notch at the information he unintentionally picks up.

"Hey, did you see Endeavor yesterday?"

"Yeah. I was so shocked to see him here!"

Shoto slows his pace, straining his ears. His old man was here? What business would he have here of all places?

"Apparently he was talking to that villain from class A. From what I hear, she tried to attack him, and the teachers had to stop her."

"Really?! I don't understand why she's a student here. It makes me feel so uneasy. Have you seen her before?"

"She's so scary… like a zombie!"

Their voices fade away as Shoto grows out of earshot. He suddenly feels troubled and as a result he grows tense. His old man approached Hotaru? And, she tried to attack him? Is that why she was abruptly brought up by him just earlier? What happened between them?

He enters his classroom and out of all of his classmates, Hotaru stands out the most to him. She's sitting at her desk normally and unharmed, holding her phone out to Mineta who takes it greedily.

"I can't believe you want my number, Taru-chan~!" He coos as he drools.

"Is it that big of a deal?" She mutters with pursed lips, her head tilting ever so slightly in confusion. "I just thought it would be convenient to me. Like, let's say I'm absent one day. You can tell me what I missed."

"You trust him to do that?! What if he sends you something completely irrelevant?!" Kaminari cries out, running over to her in panic.

"Mineta is the first friend I made here, so yeah." She instantly declares, suddenly smirking and pointing her index finger at Mineta. Little sparks of lightning decorate her fingertip, adding to her already intimidating expression. "He won't send anything inappropriate, because he knows what'll happen if he does."

"You're the best, Taru-chan." Mineta smiles blissfully, handing her phone back over to her. Before she can take it, Kaminari grabs a hold of it.

"Here," He begins with a frown and tinted cheeks, opening up her contacts. "I'll give you my number too."

"You can have my number too, if you want." Kirishima says with a grin, making his way over to her.

Before Hotaru even knows it, her phone is being passed around the classroom. She stares with wide eyes and parted lips at this unexpected occurrence. She didn't think asking for Mineta's number would result in her getting everyone's number. Warmth suddenly radiates from her cheeks and she brings her hands over her chest.

"I-Is it really okay?" She questions unsurely about getting their contact information, and Yaoyorozu suddenly stands up from her seat with sparkling eyes.

"I have an idea, everyone!" She exclaims happily, making all eyes move to her. "Let's make a group chat."

"That sounds fun!" Hagakure cheers, dancing around the room in approval.

"We can even help each other out with homework!" Ashido beams.

"No." Bakugo objects, his eyes glaring.

"Eh?" Kirishima frowns at Bakugo. "Why not?"

"I don't want you side characters blowing up my phone."

"How dare you call us side characters!" Iida waves his arms at Bakugo.

Hotaru brings her hand over her mouth, unsuccessful in muffling her giggles. Her eyelids lower and her shoulders quiver as she laughs. Bakugo turns around in his seat to glare at her with a popping vein.

"What are you laughing at, Lightning Bastard?!" He yells, tiny explosions erupting in his palm.

Once her laughter dies down, she lowers her hand from her mouth. Her lips are curved upwards, and when her eyes open they hold a playful glint. Her whimsical expression makes nearly everyone gawk, and a sense of familiarity wash over Shoto as he sits at his desk.

"You." She answers, clasping her hands together behind her back and making her way towards him. "How can I be a side character, if you lost to me?"

"W-Wait Aihara-san…!" Midoriya begins in panic as she closes in on the explosive blonde.

"Huh?!" Bakugo stands from his seat and faces her with raging eyes.

Hotaru comes to a stop in front of him, looking up into his eyes seriously. His fists are clenched, and his irises have disappeared in his anger. Not only that, his eyes have grown considerably bigger too. He's even glowing red. It's an interesting and vicious expression. She holds out her hand to him.

"Fight me."

"Heh. You shouldn't be so cocky, Lightning Bastard. I'll kill you!" Bakugo smirks, getting ready to blast her until she makes an appalled face.

"I-I didn't mean right now!" She stutters out, whacking his fist away from her face with a glare. "I'm not trying to get expelled. Let's spar sometime after school, whenever you're free. I have detention for the next week and a half, so it'll have to be sometime after then. I want to make it up to you for not giving it my all against you before."

Her silvery gaze is sincere, and her hand that is being held out to him is inviting as she tries to make amends. Some would find her current appearance bewitching, such as Mineta who's being held back by Kaminari from behind her. However, it only pisses Bakugo off.

Is she saying that even after he persuaded her to not give up during their combat training, she still wasn't giving it her all? His teeth bare and the muscle in his eye twitches as his anger starts to boil over. For that, he's going to give her the most humiliating defeat, while he rises to the top.

"I'll indisputably crush you…" He begins lowly while slapping her hand aside, making her eyes widen. The coldness in his tone catches her off-guard. It's different from his usual fiery tone. "...At the sports festival."

•○●○•

The day is going by surprisingly quick for Hotaru, and it's lunchtime before she even knows it. She stands in line to get her food while staring blankly ahead and at nothing in particular. Bakugo's earlier words replay in her head, and she stares at her hand he swatted aside.

Honestly, she thought he would be eager to take on her request. He acted much differently than she thought, and she seems to have angered him more. How disappointing. She nearly sighs aloud. She should've just kept quiet and listened to Midoriya's warning. That's what she gets for trying to make amends.

It would've been so much better if they agreed to fight one-on-one with no audience. Now she's going to have to train harder than she originally planned so she's not humiliated on national television. Oh well. She's sure going against him someway and somehow during the sports festival is inevitable.

"Aihara-san." An unexpected voice calls out her name. She looks over her shoulder to see Iida in line behind her. Midoriya and Uraraka are with him. She gazes at him a little warily. The two of them aren't exactly on the best terms.

"Yes?" She questions. He points at her with his stiff hands, his fingers extended.

"I misjudged you, and I humbly apologize." He begins sincerely, his facial expression almost implying that saying this is painful. "I was completely blind. Please, forgive me!"

He bows lowly and at a perfect ninety-degree angle with his arms glued to his sides. She blinks a few times in surprise, before slowly smiling and shaking her head. She faces him fully. Politely, she bows too.

"You don't have to apologize, because I completely understand why you would be wary of me. I was a villain." She says, her spiraled tresses falling over her face. "But, I hope you can forgive me for acting improperly."

"You don't need to apologize either. Although I don't know your story, the words you exchanged with your parents at U.S.J. helped me discern it." He informs as he straightens up. "You acted as a villain, but you were a hero in disguise!"

"You were really cool!" Uraraka smiles cutely.

"Thank you, Uraraka-san. You too, Iida-kun." She straightens up too, smiling while looking at the ground. "But, a hero in disguise? I guess."

"Aihara-san?" Midoriya inquires with a small frown, and she looks his way. "Do you mean that you still don't view yourself as a hero?"

He looks a little saddened as he asked that question. Out of all of her classmates, Midoriya is definitely one of the most perceptive. With a tiny smile, she fiddles with her uniform tie as she answers.

"Thanks to you and those around me, I'm able to say for certain that I'm capable of being a hero. Yet, I'm still struggling to see that for myself." She admits with a small shrug. "Calling myself a hero is a little ambiguous as of right now."

"But, Aihara-san," Iida starts up earnestly. "You saved Todoroki-san, and even went up against that monster to help Sensei."

"Yeah." Uraraka frowns, bringing her hands over her chest. "You were brave like a hero."

This is exactly what she meant when she said others view her as a hero. They see her as a hero, but she doesn't see herself as one just yet. That's not all though. They look so concerned and worried for her, genuinely trying to make her view herself as a hero. She looks at them all with a charming smile.

"That's what you see, and what I can't see. Just yesterday, I made it my goal to try and see the hero in me and believe in myself." She lightly scratches at her cheek. "I guess in a sense, I'm just trying to figure myself out right now, so that one day for sure I can call myself a hero."

"Bravo! A journey of self-discovery!" Iida instantly starts clapping with his hands high in the air, making sheepish sweat roll down her temple. He's making a lot of eyes move their way. "Kudos to you, Aihara-san!"

"You can do it, Aihara-san!" Midoriya clenches his fists excitedly, and Uraraka bounces as she hums happily in agreement.

"Mhm!"

"Thank you." She dips her head gratefully with upward curved lips.

The lunch line moves quick as always, so their conversation ends there. She's able to grab her tray of lunch before she even knows it. It's evident that her classmates are starting to become more sociable with her. If not, she doesn't think the trio of friends would've asked if she wanted to sit with them. She's definitely connecting with more and more people. However, she respectfully declines their offer.

She's been socializing a lot today, and right now she would like to be alone to get a breather. Who knew talking could be so exhausting? Perhaps it's not just talking, but the energy the majority of people emit around her. Instead of gloomy and twisted villain personalities, there's a genuine upbeat and kind vibe.

For an example, Yaoyorozu is very kind. She was the one to return her phone to her, and she apologized for taking it without permission. Hotaru claimed it was no big deal and she was just happy that the majority of the class was happy about this new group chat. Yaoyorozu smiled beautifully and told her how kindhearted she was, expressing how she hopes to become good friends, and she embarrassingly grown speechless.

Shaking her head, she drags herself out of her thoughts. A small round table in the corner of the lunchroom stands out to her. A lonely table. It's positioned right by the window, making rays of sunlight shines onto it. It's almost as if it's calling out to her.

As she makes her way towards it, she notices students she's unfamiliar with shy away from her. It seems those that aren't in class 1-A are terrified of her still. Just like there are people who view her as a hero, there's still people who view her as a villain too. That's to be expected. She still has a lot of work to do to tip the scales.

She takes her seat at the round table, humming in content at how the sun caresses her skin, and at how good her lunch smells and looks. Steamed white rice, seasoned vegetables, warm soup, juicy beef, and chocolate milk. This is without a doubt her favorite time of the day.

Her phone vibrates in her pocket as she eats. She's sure the group chat is responsible. Yaoyorozu told everyone to send their names so everyone knows whose number is who's. Hotaru has already sent her name, but she hasn't really paid attention to the group chat itself yet, or the contacts in her phone. She's been too busy focusing on her classes.

Curiously, she pulls her phone out of her pocket. Yes, it's definitely the group chat that's making her phone go crazy. Since everyone's numbers have already been registered into her phone, them sending their names isn't of any use to her like it is for them. Wait. Her eyes suddenly widen.

Does she have… Shoto's number?

After remaining frozen for a few seconds at that thought, she opens up her contacts to see if she actually does have his number. There's no way he put his number in her phone. If she does, what does she do? Ignore it?

She scrolls through the many names. It's weird seeing so many people in her contacts. So far it looks like she has everyone's number, even Bakugo's. How did that happen? His name is written in large capital letters with a bomb emoji right next to it. Ugh. She should've paid closer attention when her phone was getting passed around, but it was kind of embarrassing, especially when her background was noticed.

She's nearly to the end of her alphabetically lined up contact list until the chair across from her is pulled out. With curious eyes she looks away from her phone and ahead at the cause. She nearly drops her phone in shock as her pulse accelerates, her silvery orbs widening.

Shoto has taken a seat across from her, placing his own tray of food on the table. Their eyes meet and her breath gets caught in her throat. It feels like time has slowed as a result of his cordial gaze.

The sun pouring in through the window shines upon him like a spotlight. It casts the perfect highlights and shadows. His eyes are unfathomable, and she finds herself getting lost in them. He looks away from her and at his cold soba, proceeding to eat without a word.

Hotaru continues to stare at him with her widened eyes, her lips parted in bewilderment. Realizing she's just staring at him, she quickly looks away with lightly tinted cheeks. Was this the only available seat for him to eat at?

She takes in her surroundings keenly, continuing to eat although very tentatively. There are plenty of free seats he could've claimed. What's he doing here of all places? She was already getting multiple stares sitting here alone, along with simply being who she is, but now there's more people staring. However, anyone who's staring instantly looks away in fright when she takes notice of them.

"This is a nice spot." Shoto comments, and she quickly swallows down her food.

"I-I think so too." She agrees, regrettably stuttering. "It's not crowded."

"Yeah."

Sitting here and trying to start a conversation… what's gotten into him? Has he forgotten their agreement to ignore each other's presence? That would be unlike him, but even this is very unlike him.

"We're supposed to act like we don't exist, remember?" Hotaru murmurs, gazing at Shoto with a small pout.

"Today, you exist." He states, slurping his cold soba nonchalantly.

She wonders why he would say that, and why he chose to sit at this small lunch table with her. It doesn't particularly bother her, but it's strange. There's no way he's doing this for old times' sake. She looks away from him while sipping her chocolate milk.

He didn't forget. Then, is he actually trying to be friendly with her? That can't be it either. This is getting awkward. He hasn't even forgiven her yet. She knows he wouldn't just sit here without expecting to get something out of it. That's it. Her eyes narrow the tiniest bit.

"Do you need something?" She mutters, and he pauses from slurping his soba.

"Was it obvious?"

As he gazes at her peculiarly, she sets her chocolate mike aside with a small sigh. Did he think he was being slick just now? Was he merely being calm before he stirs up a storm? Or, did he think she would be blinded by joy at his presence like way back then? No matter the answer, her lips curve upwards in amusement.

"Completely." She answers, her silver orbs gleaming.

Surprise engulfs Shoto at her airy response. She acted differently than what he anticipated. He was expecting something either sarcastic or snarky, maybe even something indifferent. The smile she's displaying, and shimmering eyes is something he wasn't prepared for.

He watches as she tucks some strands of her dark hair behind her ear, and as she reaches for her chopsticks to finish up her meal. Her ebony eyelashes briefly shield her silver orbs from his sight as she looks down at her tray to grab a piece of beef.

"Alright." She acknowledges him with ease. "Tell me what you need. I'll see what I can do."

After that, she plops the piece of meat in her mouth and chews in content, clearly enjoying its taste. Shoto briefly looks to the side and out the window. Her benevolence is making things awkward.

Is she trying to raise him up before letting him plunge? Does she think her happy tone and kindness would influence him as greatly as it did way back then? What kind of shrewd thoughts is she thinking?

She stares at him with her awaiting eyes, and he frowns. Before long, she's frowning too. The two of them right then and there have the exact same thought;

I don't understand you at all.

"I want you to tell me what happened between you and my old man." He states in all seriousness, saying what he should have said from the moment he sat down. Her eyelids lower.

"Why?" She inquires almost lazily, twirling some strands of her hair with her finger. "Frankly, it's none of your business."

"It is my business." He rebuts instantly, his eyes narrowed into a cold glare.

She cracks open a single eye to gaze at him. Blindly, she reaches for her chocolate milk and gulps the rest of it down. Letting out a profound breath, she sets it back down on the tabletop with a small smirk. He's been quick to refuse answering her own questions this entire time, and when she does the same thing this is how he reacts?

"Oh, so that's how you react to getting shot down." She speculates to herself, pointing her finger at him and tracing his face through the air. His teeth bare slightly in annoyance. "You turned into such a demanding person."

"And you've turned into an irritating one."

"Really?" She tilts her head slightly, tapping her finger against her cheek in speculation. "I think I've grown more down-to-earth. You just find my honesty irritating."

"'Irritating.'" He repeats, making her lean forward with a glare.

"You're irritating too, you know!" She points at his left side, mainly his scar that she's so curious about how he got. "You don't answer any of my questions, so why should I have to answer yours? Not only that, I answer a bunch of your questions all the time and you always mark my answers off as lies."

During her ranting, she has risen onto her knees in her seat. Her hand is pressed across the tabletop to support her body that's stretched halfway across it, and the tip of her finger is dangerously close to his nose. He simply raises his hand and nudges hers aside without a word, making her head drop in defeat.

"Alright, Shoroki." She says, making his heterochromia eyes widen. "Let's go."

He watches in confusion as she hops down from her chair and brushes off imaginary dust from her skirt. She stretches her arms out behind her before grabbing her empty tray. He remains seated and now she's the one looking at him in confusion.

"Aren't you coming?" She asks.

"Where?"

"On an adventure." She answers, gesturing to beyond the window. "I'll tell you what you want to know out there. There's too many nosy eyes and ears in here."

That's when he does take a second to look around. Even though they are sitting in the deepest corner of the cafeteria, they do seem to be the center of attention. Wait, did she say go on an adventure? He looks ahead to see that she's gone, and he quickly spots her walking to return her tray. She's not waiting for him.

He hurries after her.

•○●○•

Shoto trails behind Hotaru as they walk down one of the campus trails. The swaying shadows from the trees above them dance across their forms, and occasional birds fly from branch to branch over their heads. Shoto tears his eyes away from the greenery above to look at Hotaru.

Her hands are clasped together behind her back as she walks, her skirt swishing and her hair bounding. She's very light on her feet even though she moves in a frisky manner. She hasn't said anything yet and he wonders if she's just wasting his time. Just as he thinks that, she speaks.

"This feels a little familiar. Us walking together..." She murmurs, gazing up at the blue sky through the thick branches. "It's kind of like old times, don't you think?"

"No."

At that, she looks over her shoulder at him with a pout. She comes to a sudden stop, spinning around and facing him while bringing her hands to her hips. He comes to a stop too. Her cheeks are puffed out like a chipmunk.

"But, it is!" She retorts, shifting her height. Her lips curve upwards into a smirk. "I know you remember following me around at the park. I was totally the leader."

"I don't remember." He coolly lies. Their past friendship is the least of his concerns. In fact, he wishes he could just forget it entirely.

Her silver orbs flash with distress, and her hands fall to her sides. She stares at him silently with pursed lips, taking small steps closer to him. Once she's close and a mere few inches away, she stares deeply into his eyes with great concentration, rising onto the tips of her toes as she does. He's beginning to grow annoyed and it's starting to show on his features.

"Liar." She states, turning away from him and continuing to walk down the path. "You're just overlooking it."

"That was ten years ago." Shoto says monotonously, and his eyes shut in annoyance. "Why are you still so immersed in the past?"

"The past shaped me into who I am now. I used to want to forget, but now I don't." She answers. "I don't want to forget anything no matter how painful or odious. If I did forget…" She briefly pauses. "Huh… I think I would really be dead. You would probably be dead, too."

"Dead?" He repeats, wide-eyed. She nods.

"Precisely. If I forgot everything that happened between us before, I probably would've just let my dad kill you at U.S.J." She holds her hand out to the side for emphasis, looking back at him with a smirk and harmonizing her next words. "You're welcome~!"

"Aihara."

"What?"

"Stop wasting my time."

"Todoroki. Do you know what you're being right now?"

"What?"

"An asshole."

Instantly, Shoto's jaw goes slack. An asshole? Hotaru turns around and looks at him with a bitter glare. A group of birds suddenly fly out of a nearby bush as if her glare has affected them too. It's piercing and thunderous.

"Endeavor told me not to talk to you or touch you. He doesn't want me to interfere with your studies or get involved with you. He also questioned me about the whereabouts of my parents." She finally tells him what he wanted to know. "That's all."

Hotaru spins around on her heels and stomps away, leaving Shoto standing alone and staring after her. He doesn't say anything or walk after her. As a result, her teeth grit and her hands form into fists.

This is partially her fault for comparing their little walk to their adventures at the park. But, it's Shoto's fault for sitting with her at the table. How dare he? Using false kindness to get what he wants, being so demanding when he's been nothing but a bully to her. She doesn't want to compare him to Endeavor, but she can't help doing so as of right now.

Perhaps she really will do what Endeavor told her to and not get involved with Shoto. There really is no point. All he does is cause her pain and makes her feel worthless. That jerk. She hopes all that cold soba he ate gives him a stomach ache.

She passes by a small group of students as she walks. They don't look very interesting or strong, so she assumes they are from the general courses. Nevertheless, she doesn't acknowledge them due to being lost in her angry thoughts. Then, one of them reaches out.

"There's no place for you here, villain."

Her eyes widen and she gasps when she's suddenly shoved roughly and through the shrubs along the walkway. She falls through branches and earns a few scratches, then becoming soaked when she lands in water, completely submerged in it.

She sits up quickly, coughing water out of her lungs. Her drenched hair and attire stick uncomfortably to her flesh, and she breathes heavily to catch her breath. The water is cold, and she begins to shiver, in anger.

"...Seriously?" She murmurs aloud, her teeth baring as she hears their distant laughter. "What the hell?!"

They most definitely must be from the general courses, because why else would they act in such a vile way? How bold of them. She starts to stand up with illuminated eyes while making a finger gun. If they thought they were going to get away unharmed, then they are wrong. They just made one of the biggest mistakes of their lives. That's what she thinks until she finds herself staring into heterochromia eyes.

He looks surprised staring at her, maybe even worried too. Her jaw grows tight and she bites down on her lower lip as he holds his hand out to her through the bushes. Seriously, what is wrong with him?

Even though Shoto's holding his hand out to her to help her out of the murky puddle, she doesn't reach out to him. She just continues to sit there and glare at him through her lashes.

"Are you okay?" He asks, and she grimly slaps his hand away. He frowns. "You'll catch a cold."

"Good. Then I get to stay home and not be forced to look at you!"

He lets out a heavy breath, closing his eyes briefly. That weighty feeling from earlier returns as he starts to feel regretful. He looks at her sincerely, making her chest grow painfully tight. He holds his hand out to her again.

"I'm sorry." He apologizes softly, and her glare melts away.

She stares at his hand with glistening eyes, her cheeks growing darker. Slowly and hesitantly, she reaches towards it. Her fingers brush against his palm before her entire hand rests in it. Their fingers intertwine and Shoto starts to help her up, until she yanks on his arm.

He falls forward with a silent gasp and becomes submerged. As quickly as he fell in, he sits up with probably the coldest glare yet. He turns his head to see her standing up and wringing her skirt out.

"Taru!" He yells at her in a biting tone, and she glares down at him. Oh, he's really angry.

"Come on. Don't tell me you expected me to go along with your little 'hero' act. The least you can do is catch a cold with me." She turns away from him. "Just don't start crying. I might actually feel bad—"

Water slaps onto the back of her head, making her words come to a halt. She haltingly turns around to glare at Shoto who's now standing. Did he just fling water at her? Her eyelid twitches and she seethes. He takes heavy steps past her with a scowl. Where does he think he's going? She runs after him.

"Hey!" She grabs onto his shoulder. "What's your problem?!"

He roughly shrugs her off of him. His eyes are blazing as he looks at her. He shoots the same question back at her.

"What's your problem?!"

"You, you stupid gnat!"

"Says the cockroach."

"Excuse me?!" She gnarls and tries to punch him. He catches her fist easily. "Say that again you little—!"

They stand there and bicker back and forth, calling each other every insect species they can think of. Hotaru's the only one trying to get physical by punching Shoto, and he suddenly has both of her fists captured in his hands. He doesn't have any way to stop her from stomping on his foot repeatedly, though. It… doesn't hurt at all. How is she still so weak?

"H-Hey…" A distant and jittery voice catches their attention. They both pause and look down the walkway, and Hotaru gasps at the group of students responsible for pushing her. They are held captive by ice that goes all the way up to their knees. "C-Can you… u-unfreeze us?"

"Huh…? They're frozen?" Hotaru whispers with widened eyes. She looks at Shoto who instantly looks away from her. "Why?"

Shoto doesn't answer her and nor does he look her way. His hair is somewhat blocking his face from her view, but when the wind stirs she can see it for a brief second. Her eyes widen the tiniest bit before she smiles. Her lips part to speak until someone from behind her growls.

She looks over her shoulder, her brow raising to see some large and buff man standing there that resembles a dog. There's a muzzle on his face and he's trembling intensely. She's never seen this guy before and neither has Shoto. Does he work here? If he does, he must be a hero then.

The dog-like man takes in the scene before him. A handful of student frozen to the ground, a soaked Shoto and herself, her foot atop of Shoto's and her fists confined in his hands. A scene that looks like a fight. She gulps.

"What… grrr… is… going on… grrr!" His hands suddenly mimic claws and his eyes turn white in sudden anger. "Grrr! Growl! Fighting… bark! Grrr! Not allowed…! Grrrr! Growl!"

All wildlife scatters when he suddenly howls like a wolf during a full moon. Hotaru and Shoto's jaws drop, their eyes wide as they stare at him. They didn't understand anything he was trying to say, but it's evident they are in trouble. The most logical thing to do is to calmly explain the situation. Shoto proceeds to do just that, but Hotaru suddenly starts laughing.

She's laughing so hard there are tears in her eyes. Shoto releases her hands and her arms end up coiling around her aching midsection as she hunches over. The man howls again in anger, and Shoto brings his hand over his face in defeat.

"Why are you so stupid…?" He whispers under his breath, looking at Hotaru through the gaps of his fingers.

•○●○•

Hotaru picks up another piece of trash, placing it carefully in the trash bag she's dragging around once again. Classes are over for the day, and now she's carrying out her detention assignment. She needs to finish the route Nezu drawn out and it's the majority of this large campus. She assumes she's going to spend the rest of her detentions doing this task. However, this task is much different than last time.

As she walks around and stabs litter with her trash pick, she listens to the sound of footsteps lingering close by. Sheepish sweat trickles down her face and she pauses. Regret washes over her, especially when she turns around to see Shoto picking up trash.

"I'm sorry I got you detention, Shoto." She apologizes sincerely. He doesn't respond to her, but he scowls. "...You don't have to forgive me."

"I wasn't planning on it." He quips, his knuckles turning white from his tightening grip on his trash picker. "I'm supposed to be training for the sports festival, not doing this. That festival is supposed to be my moment to prove to my old man that I..."

He trails off, obviously not meaning to say that much. With a glare he turns away from her and walks towards a crinkled soda can lying afar. She looks after him with downturned lips and remorseful eyes.

The sport festival must be more important to him than anyone else. Others are aiming for the top, but his goal is something more personal. The organ in her chest drops into the pit of her stomach. What can she do to make it up to him? For the longest, she can't think of anything, but then it hits her.

With a grin, she runs towards Shoto. He's forced to come to a stop when she appears in front of him. Her happy smile makes him frown deeply. Before long she's going to make him die of annoyance.

"Let's train right now, then!" She insists, hopping in place. "A full body workout until sunset. You in?"

His eyes narrow. The last thing he wants to do is train with her of all people. How are they even supposed to train when they have to pick up all of this trash? However, he can't afford to waste another moment idling around. If he agrees to this, he'll get a full two-hour workout in.

"What do you have in mind?" He asks.

She sets down her trash pick and trash bag, digging out her map from her pocket. He watches silently as she unfolds it and drops onto her knees. She places it on the brick pavement, pointing at the path they are on. He crouches down to get a closer look, his arms folded over his knees. She glides her finger across the trail.

"We'll start here." She says, and he nods. "We'll still be picking up trash, but we can't be walking around like we've been doing. We have to run the entire time, and for every piece of trash we pick up, we do ten sit ups and ten burpees. If we take this path, we'll end up back here. Cool?"

"Cool." He agrees, approving of this workout plan. He's surprised she was able to come up with some effective, however… The way he looks at her makes her head tilt.

"What? Is there something you want to add on?" She inquires.

"I was just wondering if you'd be able to do this."

Her eyelid twitches in annoyance and she rises onto her feet, glaring down at him with her hands on her hips. He sure has some nerve. She wouldn't have suggested it if she couldn't do it. That's what she tells herself, at least.

"I can do this." She retorts, taking her map he holds out to her. "Well, are you ready? Or, are you worried that you can't do this?"

"I can." He affirms while rising onto his feet.

"Then," Her silvery orbs glaze over in all seriousness. "Let's do this!"

They both nod at each other and face the chosen path ahead. Standing side by side, they both shrug off their blazers which leaves them in their short sleeved white shirts. Hotaru loosens her tie before grabbing her trash pick and bag. The two of them crouch down and gaze ahead.

"On three." Hotaru says, and Shoto nods.

"One." He murmurs.

"Two." She whispers, then the both of them exclaim.

"Three!"

The two of them take off into a speedy run. Hotaru takes the lead instantly, much quicker than Shoto expected. Although, he learns that she is insufficient in maintaining that speed and energy. She falls behind when she picks up her first piece of trash.

Doing sit-ups and burpees is making her fall behind. She finishes her first set and she's already winded. She regrets this. She should've just said to do sit-ups, but even that's torture. Once she's able to start running again, she gawks at how quickly Shoto's able to move through these workouts.

He's moving nimbly and with ease. Her eyes widen as she watches him go through his fifth set of burpees. He's much quicker and stronger than she thought. With his short-sleeved shirt, she can easily distinguish his toned arms. He doesn't look tired at all even though glistening sweat adorns his skin. He must workout a ton.

Gradually, she becomes breathless. Her heart races in her rib-cage as she runs after him. She can't catch up. She's forced to follow behind him, forced to look at him throughout it all. His hair mimics a beautifully burning fire as he runs, and she suddenly feels as if she's on fire. This feeling… what is it? Familiarity? Are they reconnecting?

Shoto ends up back where they started just before sunset—right in front of U.A. It was a great workout. He sits on the ground and waits for his rival. It's only until around thirty minutes later when Hotaru finally shows up. She's dragging her feet and drenched in sweat.

Her skirt sways as she waddles like a penguin. As she grows closer to him, she groans loudly through her breaths. She drops her trash pick and full bag, then dropping herself on the ground next to him.

"You were walking." He says, and she falls backwards to lie down.

"Shut up." She breathes out, trying to catch her breath.

He stares at her for a moment. Her eyes are shut, her hands resting over her rising and falling chest. In her exhausted state, her cheeks are slightly flushed while the sweat on her forehead causes her bangs to stick to her face. He knew she wouldn't be able to last, but he commends how she didn't give up.

"You're really strong, Shoto." She breathlessly admits. "I think that you're going to be one of the strongest heroes ever."

Her words make his eyes widen slightly, and the organ in his chest stutter. He looks away from her with softening eyes. It feels as if he's on fire. It's familiar. Has he reconnected with her? Or, is this an entirely different connection?

"Thank you." He responds after a few short seconds.

"You're welcome."

She slowly sits up, her body sore already. She can only imagine what it's going to feel like tomorrow. Oh well. It's hard to truly grow without feeling pain. Her eyes crack open to take in the sunset. She looks over at him with a small smile.

"I'm really sorry, once again." She apologizes, and he turns his head in her direction. "This wouldn't have happened if I didn't laugh at that guy and made him angry to the point he wouldn't listen. I had no clue he was the Guidance Counselor."

"I forgive you."

"Really?" She leans towards him with wide eyes, sitting cross legged and holding her skirt down, of course.

She's radiating with happiness. Anyone can see it. How her silver eyes are sparkling like the stars starting to appear one by one, and how her teeth are showing in her smile, it's obvious. This is the first time he's forgiven and apology of hers, so she can't help herself. Although, Shoto just thinks she's being over dramatic. This detention of his isn't just her fault, and this detention wasn't really a waste of time either.

"Yeah."

After he says that, she scoots closer to him. Too close. Her legs are brushing against his own. His brows furrow and he looks at anything but her. She nudges him with her elbow, a smile still on her face.

"I know you wanted to laugh at him too though." She jokes. Her fingers curl and form the shapes of circles, and she brings them over her eyes. It's kind of like she's mimicking binoculars. "Your eyes were like this. All big. Like a pop-eyed goldfish."

He glances at her, and his hand finds the back of his neck. His lips part to respond before closing. For the first time, he's struggling to figure out what to say. It's true that the identity of their counselor was a surprise, but did he want to laugh too?

"It wasn't funny." He dismisses her words, leaving the two of them staring at each other blankly.

"I… grrr… think… grrr… lying…!" Hotaru tries mimicking Hound Dog.

"Stop being stupid."

That's what he says as he looks back up at the sky, but her stupidity makes him fight a smile. She lets out a laugh and looks at the sky too. Shoto's eyelids drape over his eyes as he realizes that maybe she's not all that different. His lips curve upwards subtly.

Even now, she's capable of making him smile.

•○●○•

"Everyone!" Iida exclaims from the front of the class. "Homeroom is about to start. Cease talking and take your seats!"

"You're the only one not in your seat!" Sero calls out.

"How many times do we have to go through this?" Kaminari laughs as Iida stomps to his seat, sitting down with clenched fists of defeat.

"Kero." Asui brings her finger to her chin suddenly. "Something feels off."

"Yeah." Hagakure agrees. "I thought so, too!"

"Huh? What's wrong?" Ojiro looks over in concern.

"How could you not notice?!" Mineta wails, tears falling out of his eyes as he waves his arms everywhere. Everyone looks to his panicked form, watching as he points to Hotaru's desk. "Taru-chan isn't here!"

Without a doubt, Hotaru's desk is empty. It looks very lonely in the back corner of the classroom. That's not the only thing that's off, though.

"Hey. Todoroki-kun isn't here either." Midoriya notices.

"I wonder where they are?" Uraraka says in worry.

Mineta stares at Todoroki's empty desk too. Taru-chan and Todoroki are both absent on the same day? This can't just be a coincidence. Could it be…? He recalls how closely they walked to class together… how he saw them sitting together at lunch and how they left before he could interfere… He cries loudly.

"How dare you steal my woman, Todoroki—?! Eek!"

"Be quiet, scum." Jiro's earphone jack punctures him.

•○●○•

"How could you catch a cold?"

Daichi sits at Hotaru's beside, handing her a tissue when she sneezes. She brings it over her nose with a miserable groan. He lets out a sigh and ruffles up her hair, making her peek up at him through her watery eyes.

"I'll go make you some peppermint tea." He says, standing up to do just that.

"Thank you." She snivels out, rolling onto her side as she sneezes again.

This is just fantastic. She didn't think she would really catch a cold. Shoto was right. She groans loudly once again in misery, then becomes worried. Shoto didn't catch a cold too, did he?

Her phone vibrates from her side table, and she reaches towards it. Someone just sent her a text message. It's from Kaminari. He's asking where she's at and if she's okay. She starts typing to respond until she gets another text notification. Her eyes enlarge at who sent it and she sits up in a flash.

"Shoto?" She says to herself. His name is already registered in her phone, so he must have really put in his contact information himself. She opens his text message before replying to Kaminari.

"Are you sick?"

That's what his message reads. She lets out a breath of relief. He must have noticed her absence like everyone else at school, and he's the only one who has a good idea as to why she's absent. It's good to know he hasn't caught a cold, too. She replies with a smile.

"Unfortunately."

A few minutes go by before he responds.

"Good."

She brings her phone closer to her face, glaring at his message with a deep frown. He's so mean. She's going to let him know that.

"You're so mean."

The moment she sends that message, it's already showing up as read. Three little bubbles appear as he types his response.

"You told me to share this cold with you. I was just making sure that I was."

Her jaw goes slack and her heart pounds away in her rib-cage. No way. Shoto is sick too? She lets out a heavy sigh before sending her next message.

•○●○•

Shoto blankly stares at his phone screen, sneezing from his spot on his futon. His sister walks into his room with a cup of warm tea. He sits up and takes it thankfully, inhaling its peppermint scent before taking a sip.

"It's unlike you to get a cold, Shoto." Fuyumi says, crouching down and ruffling his hair as he drinks. He stares at her and lowers the cup from his lips.

"Thank you for the tea."

"You're welcome." His older sister smiles. She suddenly gasps and stands up quickly. "Oh, I forgot your soup…"

He stares after her as she leaves his room, then looks down at his phone when it vibrates. Hotaru texted him back.

"Sorry. I hope I'm getting the brunt of it. Get well soon."

Silently, he sets his phone aside. Feeling eyes on him, he looks over to see his sister staring at him curiously from the doorway. She blinks a few times as she walks in with his bowl of soup.

"Were you texting someone?" She asks excitedly.

"No." He lies.

It looks like she's having a hard time believing that, and it's only when his sister leaves when he replies to Hotaru.

"You too."

~ Next Chapter Sneak Peek:

❤•○●○•❤

Declarations of War

❤•○●○•❤

"You being a past villain might have the greatest chance of getting transferred out."

"Oh?" Hotaru smirks suddenly, walking towards what looks to be the leader of this enemy scouting cult. She stares directly into his violet eyes. "Well, that doesn't sound very interesting to me. So, I better try my best. You guys want war, right? I'll give it to you. Me being a past villain..." She brings her index finger over her lower lip, sticking her tongue out in a frightening way while her eyes glow. An eerie aura spreads. "War is something I specialize in."

Nearly everyone clears a path for her like she originally wanted, and she smiles cutely before looking at Mineta in triumph.

"You can use the bathroom now, Mineta-kun."

"I-I don't have to go anymore."