The next day approached faster than expected as Amari yawned, walking out to the training course slowly. She had to admit, training with Shinso all night didn't give her much rest but in some other ways the girl was thankful for it. Resting and sleeping meant she had to think about the future, and that's one thing she certainly didn't want to dwell on.

Amari saw Todoroki a couple yards away and internally sighed, wondering how on earth she was going to tell him about her four month lifespan. She didn't even want to see the look on his face, suddenly feeling personally responsible for causing him to hurt like that. She knew she had to tell him, but still found it difficult.

Lifting a hand up to greet him, she paused when Uraraka tapped her on her shoulder, smiling slightly. "Good morning Amari. Where did you go last night? You left the room so suddenly and didn't return for a while. We were all worried."

Amari nodded her head, and began to explain her situation but leaving out the part where she was trying to train as well, knowing that Todoroki might hear about it and then grow concerned. "Oh, I'm sorry for worrying you. I was just helping Shin…"

But just as she was about to speak his name, a strong hand wrapped around her mouth, pulling her back and a couple feet. "If you would excuse me, I need to talk to Bakugo for a minute."

Uraraka seemed confused but allowed the boy to carry her away to the corner, all while she cursed at him through muffled speech. Then when she had enough, Amari stuck her tongue out and licked the inside of his palm, causing Shinso to pull away, now disgusted. "Did you just lick me?"

Spitting out the terrible taste, Amari huffed. "You wouldn't let go. What the hell in your problem Shinso?"

He then wiped his hand across his pants, getting rid of her nasty saliva and replied. "Don't tell them about the training."

Amari lifted her brow in confusion, not understanding the big deal. "What, why? Are you embarrassed?"

Shinso shook his head at that, turning his eyes away from her. "I don't want them to think I need help, especially from you. They'll start to assume things."

Thinking about his explanation, she supposed to did look bad for him to need a short, small girl's help in hand to hand combat. It should be the other way around and surely Class B would heckle him for it. She guessed she couldn't blame him for wanting to keep it a secret.

Crossing her arms across her chest, Amari smirked. "Alright fine, I'll protect your fragile little ego. Only because I know what it's like to be belittled for things you can't control."

Shinso breathed out a sigh of relief then, pointing back to Todoroki who was watching the encounter a couple steps away. "And that includes your boyfriend."

Amari's eyes widened then, immediately shaking her head. "I'm not going to lie to Shoto. He's the one person I can't do that with."

Shoving his hands in his pockets, Shinso replied smoothly. "But haven't you been doing that already, you know, when you train in secret?"

She casted her eyes to the floor then, muttering back. "That's not the same, and I never lied to him. I just withheld what I was doing."

Thinking back to her words, Amari she realized she was being a hypocrite. She hadn't necessarily lied to Todoroki but there were plenty of things she wasn't honest about, like her lifespan or training.

Amari took another small moment of silence before groaning, stomping her foot once in the process. "Fine. I'll keep your little secret, but it won't be for free. If I do this, then you have to help me with something…"

The sudden request was surprising to say the least, now wondering what Shinso had gotten himself roped up in. "What is it?"

That's when she took a small notebook out from her pocket, the same notebook she had during their training last night. The girl seemed very secretive about it. "You're a boy, right?"

The question was odd to him. "Last time I checked yeah?"

Nodding her head in approval, she flipped open the book to the top page before showing him the title. "Good, I need your expertise then."

Shinso read the top line and his eyes widened, now understanding why she was so secretive. How long had she been planning this one event? It seemed like the list ran on forever.

He was about to speak when another voice, caught her off guard. "Amari?"

Jumping five feet in the air, she immediately shut the notebook before hiding it behind her back. "Oh, hey Shoto! What's up?"

Todoroki eyed her actions with confusion, noticing the book she was trying to hide. She had shown it to that Shinso guy no problem, so why couldn't he see it? "What are you doing?"

This made her laugh nervously, playfully slapping him on the shoulder. "Me? What am I doing? Nothing, nothing at all. I'm just talking to my dear friend Shinso, isn't that right?"

Then in her nervous demeanor, she slapped the purple haired boy in the stomach, causing him to double over in a hard groan. Man, she really did hit hard when she wanted to. "Yeah.."

Todoroki turned his head towards the boy and couldn't help but glare. Why did they seem so close all of sudden? They weren't like this yesterday. Had something happened that he didn't know?

Then he caught his eye on her notebook again, noticing it was the same one she was reading on the way to the camp. "Your notebook…"

Gasping at the mention of the object, Amari smiled back, pretending she just realized the object. "What notebook? Oh, you mean this notebook! It's nothing really, just some training strategies and other useless things. Can never be too detailed, am I right? Ha ha.."

Suddenly, Mr. Aziawa called out across the field, saving the poor girl. "Alright everyone, stop messing around and start training."

This was Amari's que to get out of there, slapping both boys on the shoulder and already moving away. "All well, you heard him. Time to get to work! See you both!"

Then before Todoroki could speak again, she was gone from their sight, just leaving the two boys alone.

He knew he shouldn't have pried but the boy couldn't help but grow anxious about what she could be hiding, now speaking low. "That notebook, what was in it?"

Shinso broke away from his usual state and couldn't help but smirk. This boy was really worried, huh. "Wouldn't you like to know."

Although this only made Todoroki even more irritated. "If she's hiding something important, I need to know. If it's about her health.."

His words only made Shinso lose his smile, waving off the boy in question. "It's nothing to worry about. By the way, you act like she's with fragile weak girl all the time when Bakugo is more than capable of handing herself without you being her bodyguard. I've seen it."

A small ball of anger entered in his throat at Shinso's words. He didn't understand anything. He didn't understand how much that girl tortures herself for the smallest things. "You don't understand. She's always so reckless, how can I not worry?"

Thinking about his words, Shinso couldn't help but sigh, now staring at the floor. He suddenly realized he was in the same exact position. He was worried about her also. "Yeah, you got me there."

This caused Todoroki to narrow his eyes, noticing the stance that he was taking. It seemed like he really cared about Amari, he just didn't know it yet. Sure, even Shoto knew how amazing she was, but he just hated it reflected in someone else's eyes.

He was about to speak again, calling him out when Mr. Aziawa called back first. "Todoroki, Shinso, this isn't social hour. Let's go."

This caused the boys to break apart, already moving back to their respective corners.

Although it seemed Todoroki just couldn't get rid of that ugly, terrible feeling.

Throwing a fist up, Amari blocked the punch easily, yawning in the process as if it was no trouble at all. "Is that all you got? Come on Shinso, step with your right foot!"

He eyed her with frustration, trying to follow her instructions before doing so successfully, now feeling more stable in his stance. She really did know what she was talking about.

Amari dodged under his swing before pushing him in the shoulder, and catching him off guard. "That's it, don't falter."

Shinso easily recovered though, learning from his last fight with her, now aiming his fist lower, towards her stomach.

She realized his strategy a bit too late before his hand collided with her chest, knocking the life out of her and crumbling to the ground in a loud groan. He did it, he got a shot in.

His eyes widened at the action, already raising forward to help her, and realized he was stupid for using that much power. "Bakugo? Are you okay? Sorry, I didn't mean to…"

Although he stopped when a soft laughter could be heard from her. It started off small before growing louder, her face now gleamed with pride. "Hell yeah! Now that's what I'm talking about!"

Amari held her stomach in pain as she stood up, Shinso voice now filled with concern. "Are you a masochist?"

This caused her to slap him on the shoulder in an annoyed fashion. "Shut up, I'm fine. You need to hit with that much power all the time."

Then, she thought of something else, pointing to his fists. "Although, you still need to keep your elbow at a forty five degree angle for maximum damage. You are always stuck at about a thirty two."

Clapping her hands together, Amari smirked. "Go on, show me."

Shinso lifted his arms up, as if ready for an attack then, she shook her head, now making her way over to the boy slowly. "See, you're doing it again.."

He then froze when he felt her cold fingers wrap around his upper arm, pushing it up slowly to the degree she wanted. They were only a couple steps away from each other now and Shinso couldn't help but feel his chest flip in anxiety. Was this really necessary?"

Almost as if reading his mind, Amari frowned. "Stay still, would you?"

Then she lifted his arm again until she was satisfied. "There we go. Perfect."

Moving around him again, Shinso couldn't help but remain frozen as she circled to the front before wrapping her hands around his fist, fixing the placement of a couple fingers. "Also, stop letting your pointer finger lead. You are going to break it that way."

Shinso wanted to nod his head but found it difficult, now staring at the girl in front of him. She really didn't have to do this, help him train of anything. She already had far too much to worry about as it was.

And yet, here she was, helping him regardless. She was the only person that stood up for him, that didn't call him a villain or run scared. This small girl had done so much for him and what was he doing? Still taking from her.

Suddenly a breeze blew through the tree, causing her hair to become astray all at once. She groaned at the action, already trying to smooth it down. "Stupid wind."

Fixing a few strands, Shinso noticed she missed a couple and before his brain could process it, before he could even think, his hand reached forward on it's own.

His fingers wrapped around the small strand of hair before smoothing it around, the tips touching her forehead lightly and lingering for a moment or two.

Amari's eyes widened at the action, already moving back in utter embarrassment and surprise. "Whaa are you doing?!"

Her reaction seemed to snap him back as well, pulling his hand back and trying to come up with a valid excuse rather then just wanting to touch her. "Sorry, there was a hair.."

Nodding her head in acceptance, the girl tried to rationalize the action and spoke. "Oh, uhh it's okay. Thanks, I guess."

Then she stood up from her spot, quickly gathering her items before speaking quickly. "Right so, I think that's good for tonight. Practice those things I said. Okay, see you tomorrow."

Shinso raised a hand out to stop her but the girl was too frantic, already turning around at a rapid rate.

Although because she wasn't looking where she was going, Amari crashed her face into the nearest tree, causing the boy to step closer. "Bakugo?"

Amari realized her mistake quickly though, patting the surface of the tree before laughing nervously. "What, who put that tree there?"

Then before he could ask if she was okay, the girl was gone from his sight.

Looking down at his hand, Shinso could still feel the warmth there, groaning to himself in frustration. Why the hell did he even do that? It was like his hand moved on its own.

What was wrong with him?

The next day approached and Shinso tried everything within his power to apologize to Amari but it seemed that whenever he got close, she would make up some excuse or run away. He really messed it up.

After training, the students decided to make a huge feast together, everyone now wanting to help cook and make this dream a reality.

Amari was busy gathering vegetables when a low voice behind her made her jump. All this running from Shinso was putting her on edge. "Do you need help?"

She turned and found Todoroki staring at her so she couldn't help but smile, already giving him another basket. "Sure, here. You wanna help me cut these?"

He nodded his head, grabbing the basket as Amari teased. "I would have never pegged you as a kitchen person Shoto. Don't rich kids get their lunch made for them usually?"

Chopping up a carrot, Todoroki replied. "Usually, although my mother used to let me cook with her as a child, so I know a couple things."

Amari hummed back in response. "I learn more about you everyday. I bet you were a really big help back then."

Moving the carrot to the side, the boy couldn't help but smile at the pleasant memory. He hadn't remembered doing that for so long. "Yeah.."

His smile made Amari's lips turn up also, that was until she heard another familiar voice cut through the space. It was Shinso's.

Widened her eyes in fear, she chopped the knife down only to slice her index finger slightly, causing her to grunt. Then, before she could register it, Amari ducked under the large table hiding her from sight.

Todoroki eyed this with confusion. "Amari, what are you…?"

But she only placed two fingers to her lips, shushing him immediately.

Watching the purple haired boy, look around the area, he put two and two together, realizing she was hiding from him for some reason. The reason why though was still a mystery.

Once his voice disappeared, Amari popped back up, sighing in relief. "I'm going to give myself a heart attack one of these days."

She laughed to herself but Todoroki just wanted answers. "What happened? Why are you hiding from him? Did he do something to you?"

His multiple questions had her head spinning, waving them off one by one. "What, no. It's nothing like that. I guess I'm just overreacting."

Although that didn't quell his fear in the slightest. "What do you mean overreacting? Amari, I don't want to pry but there is something up with you. What aren't you telling me?"

Her eyes grew wide for a moment before brushing it off again. "There's nothing up. I think you're getting a little paranoid Shoto."

Yet right after she said that, Amari yawned loudly, causing him to prove his point. "You've been exhausted this entire trip and Uraraka said that you've been sneaking out at night. You are hiding things from me Amari, don't think I haven't noticed."

Setting her knife down, the girl felt that familiar echo of shame in her throat she knew all too well. She didn't want to hurt Todoroki like this, but she still couldn't tell him. "I'm sorry, but what I'm doing isn't bad. You have to trust me."

He wanted to, he really did but somehow Todoroki couldn't feel at ease with just that. "Does it have something to do with that guy?"

It took a couple of minutes for her to understand the question, and not liking the response. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Although Todoroki could only shrug, Amari now inferring everything from his stance. "Nothing. You two just seemed close."

She couldn't believe what she was hearing? Was he really accusing her of cheating on him? The idea itself hurt, knowing that he was her entire world. "Hold on, are you jealous of Shinso?"

Todoroki didn't like the word on his tongue, and returned to chopping another carrot slowly. "What if I said I was?"

Amari eyed the boy in utter shock before letting her lips curve into a small smile. "You're so cute Shoto."

Her words brought a hard blush onto his cheek, now feeling them burn all at once. "Don't say that. Are you making fun of me?"

Although Amari could only smile even wider, noticing his face grow to an even lighter shade. "Of course not. Sorry, I guess I'm not used to this kind of thing."

Turning away from her, he stopped when she rested her hand on his, covering it lightly. "Hey, it's not like that, okay? I can't tell you now but you have to trust me on this. We are just helping each other out with something."

He wanted to inquire more but the warmth of her hand stopped him. It was like she was giving him her word silently. After that, he felt dirty for distrusting her.

Putting his knife down, Todoroki then returned the action, grabbing her hand slowly and nodding his head. "Alright. I'm sorry for overreacting."

Amari smiled back when a couple students whistled in their direction, the two not realizing that they were out in the open. "Hey! Stop flirting and finish up, would you?"

The couple both flushed with embarrassment before letting go of each others hand and focusing on the dinner before them.

They tried to, but the two couldn't help but smile under each others breath, realizing just how much they valued each other.

Shortly after dinner, Shinso was making his way over to clean the rest of the dishes as the others started telling ghost stories around the campfire. That was never really his kind of thing.

Although as he turned the corner, he almost dropped the pot, now seeing a figure resting against the side of the house on the back steps.

He moved a bit closer only to realize that the strange was none other then Amari.

Her chest rose ever so slightly as she laid across the steps, Shinso wondered how careless she could be to sleep in such a public place. That just spelled danger all over it.

Placing the pot onto the ground, Shinso moving up to the girl before speaking to himself. "Stupid girl, What is she even doing?"

He then crouched down so that they were eye level, poking her cheek in hopes that would wake her up. "What am I going to do with you?"

Sadly it did not wake her up, but the action caused the girl to groan before reaching her hand out and grasping onto the boys shirt in a tight grip.

Shinso gasped at the action, already trying to pry her fingers off. "What are you doing? Get off me short stuff…"

Although she only happily smiled in her sleep, a bit of drool pooling from the corner of her mouth. This caused him to sigh and give up, now watching the sleeping girl.

Suddenly that urge to reach out came again as Shinso wiped a couple pieces of hair away from her face, as he did before. What was wrong with him? Why couldn't he stop thinking about this girl?

She groaned again, this time shivering from the breeze and he knew she couldn't sleep out here like this. Someone had to take care of her.

Grabbing onto her shoulders, he carefully hoisted her up, only for the girl register some kind of human contact and cling to it to escape the cold.

Amari then sloppily wrapped her arms around the boy, causing him to gasp and try to push her off. "Bakugo, stop that…"

But once again, she only smiled in her sleep filled dream, snuggling into his chest and muttering. "Mmmm Shoto…"

That proved it, this crazy girl thought that he was her boyfriend. That's why she was being so clingy. "I'm not Todoroki. Get off of me already.."

Yet after a couple failed attempts, he realized it was hopeless reasoning with this girl. She really was a handful.

Debating on what he should do next, Shinso shivered when he felt her breath run across his neck, his heart rate now picking up at a rapid pace. It was like they were back in the forest, back when he did something he probably shouldn't have and scared her away.

That feeling was there again, the feeling to draw closer to her, even though he knew it was wrong. His fingers twitched at the idea of holding her, of getting closer.

Then, almost as if he couldn't help it, the boys arms lifted towards her back, slowly landing in an extremely light hug, taking in her scent.

But before he could even think about adding anymore pressure, a voice stopped him. "What do you think you're doing?"

Prying his arms away in a single moment, Shinso sharply turned his head around only to find Todoroki glaring back at him. Oh no, now he'd done it. "She fell asleep on the steps so I was trying to take her back inside. That's when she clung onto me for some reason…"

Todoroki took in his explanation quickly before understanding that could possibly be true. He did recall her reaching out to him back in school as well.

Then without a word, he leaned down and picked up the small girl, cradling her in his arms as she snuggled against his chest in a single motion. "I'm sorry about that. It's a habit she has."

Nodding his head back, Shinso froze when the boy spoke again. "But that doesn't explain what you were doing before."

He knew exactly what Todoroki meant, the hugging, the close contact. Shinso wished he had an explanation but couldn't find anything. "That was a mistake."

Todoroki then tightened his grip on the girl before continuing. "What were you doing the last couple days? She's been exhausted. Do you have something to with it?"

Shinso remembered the promise he told her not to reveal but couldn't help but feel the need to explain himself now after everything. He didn't want to cause a hole in something that Amari loved so much. "She's been helping me train at night so I can keep up with the rest of the class. I asked her not to tell you. Don't blame her."

The boy remained silent after that, thinking about how far she was going just for him. She was refusing sleep just so this guy could improve his training? To be honest that sounded like something she would do but that's not what angered him. He was running her down.

At the long silence, Amari's boyfriend then narrowed his eyes, looking down on the boy he just caught trying to make a move and hissed. "I'm only going to say this once. Amari acts like she's strong and independent, but she needs a strong support system."

Taking a threatening step closer, the boy continued. "That being said, don't unload your problems onto her. She already has far too much to worry about."

Shinso's eyes widened as Todoroki then took another step closer, his voice low and scary calm. "Now, answer me honestly Shinso, do you like her?"

Feeling his heart hammer in his chest, sweat started accumulate on his brow. "W-What? What are you talking about?"

Although the boy showed no mercy, narrowing his eyes in disdain. "Maybe you haven't realized it yet, but even so, Amari is precious to me and I will never walk away from her. If you don't wholeheartedly think you can support her like I can, then stay away.."

A sharp chill traveled up Shinso's spine as the boy showed no mercy. Although, he still wanted to believe that his absurd fantasy wasn't true. "I have no idea what you're talking about. You really think I would like someone like her?"

Todoroki wasn't convinced though, just turning away from the boy before muttering. "Call it a hunch. Just remember what I said."

Then the boy walked away, carrying Amari in his arms gently as she absentmindedly smiled against his chest.

No, he was not going to give her up to just anybody, and especially not him.

Amari sloppy opened her eyes to the moon above her and turned confused. One minute she was cleaning up dinner and the next she was sleeping? Those last few nights of no sleep must have really been messing with her body.

Yawning back, she stretched out her arms only for a voice to shake her. "Did you sleep well?"

She nodded head, as if still half asleep, catching her eyes on Todoroki who was leaning over her. Reaching up to touch his face, Amari smiling. "What a nice dream…"

Grabbing onto her hand, Todoroki replied. "It's not a dream."

It took a moment for a words to register in her mind before they clicked, the girl busting up from her position all at once. It seemed she was laying on his lap again. "Oh! Sorry, Shoto..

Although the boy didn't seem to mind, brushing a hair from her face. "You always cause trouble, don't you?"

She felt her face flush in response. "Sorry, and it seems you're always picking up my mess."

Todoroki couldn't disagree with that in the slightest. "Shinso told me why you've been out so late. I'm sorry for not trusting you, although you really shouldn't worry about him so much. Well, at least not to the point of sleeping in random places."

Placing a hand behind her head, Amari answered. "I know, maybe I got a little carried away, but I couldn't help it. He reminded me of myself, wanting to change. I just want to show him that he could."

Her explanation was sweet, her wanting to help others. That was always a quality he admired of hers, no matter how much it got her into trouble. "And you did, right?"

Nodding her head, Todoroki couldn't help but feel a little proud of her, placing a hand on her head like you would do with a small child. "Good job. I'm sure you really helped him. But next time, try to help yourself with that, alright?"

Agreeing with his statement, Amari sighed. "Yeah, I know.."

He seemed satisfied with that, well that was until she grew even more sullen. "Shoto..I have something i have to tell you. You were right, I was hiding something from you."

Growing far more concerned, he placed a hand on her arm, slightly giving her the strength that she needed. "What's wrong?"

Amari then cast her eyes away from him, speaking low. "Remember what I said about having a year to live?"

The boy nodded his head, now more anxious than ever but letting her continue as her lips curved into a sad smile. "Well, I talked to my doctor and it seems that's no longer accurate."

Todoroki felt his heart stop in his chest, drawing her closer in silent fear. When he spoke, his voice was like a whisper. "How long?"

She remained silent then which just made him even more worried, gritting his teeth and speaking a touch more aggressive. He needed to know, now. "Amari, how long?"

Closing her eyes in invisible pain, Amari answered. "Under four months."

He felt his grip loosen on her arm, falling to the side in utter terror and shock. One year was already heartbreakingly painful, but now she only had a couple months? No, it couldn't be..

Standing up all at once, the boy began to pace back and forth, not wanting to come to terms with the reality. "No.."

Then, another question rang in his mind. "Wait, how long have you known about this?"

Amari then stood up with him, placing a soft hand on his arm. "A couple days before the training camp.."

Her response caused the boy to grow lightheaded. That long?! "Why didn't you tell me?"

Shaking her head in response, Amari replied. "I didn't know how to.."

This caused him to become even more frantic. "Amari, you can't keep hiding these things from me."

She nodded sadly in response when Amari felt Todoroki's arms around her, comforting her all and once. "Why do you keep these things to yourself when you're hurting? I'm right here. That way we can face it together."

Amari thought she had come to terms with her short lifespan but in feeling his embrace, she couldn't help but get choked up a tiny bit. "I'm sorry…"

Although he only hushed her cries, rubbing her back in small circles. "It's okay. Don't hold anything back. I'm right here."

She clung onto his shirt for a moment until his next words caused her to freeze. "Amari, I think you should stop using the pills. You are just destroying yourself."

Pulling away from him all at once, Amari somehow felt betrayed for some reason. What was he even saying? "Don't joke about that.."

Yet it seemed Todoroki wasn't in the mood for jokes. "I'm serious. You don't even know who gave you these pills. Maybe if you stopped using them then your lifespan would…"

But Amari wasn't hearing it in the slightest, already shutting him down. "It would mean that I would go back to being that useless frail little girl who couldn't do anything. I'm not going to live without my quirk Shoto, I'd rather die."

Throwing his arms out in desperation, Todoroki tried to make her understand exactly what she was doing. "Don't say that, don't say that you'll just give everything up like that. You are more than just your quirk Amari."

Yet she could only yell back, feeling the shame bubble up in her chest. "No I'm not! I worked too hard to just throw everything away. I have been tortured, shunned, pushed to my breaking point and survived just so I can be here. Maybe I have a memory that forgets chunks of time and I have to force my body to move every damn day but I promised myself that I will be a hero, even if it kills me!"

Crossing her arms over her chest, Amari continued darkly. "So what if those pills eat away at my life? At least then I would know that I was worth something to Katsuki."

Todoroki was about to speak when his mouth ran dry, frozen to his spot.

Amari was about to call him out on it when a voice stopped her, freezing her to her entire core. It was small and quiet, like he couldn't process what he just overheard. "What the fuck did you just say?"

Almost afraid to turn around, she finally gained the courage, now coming into contact with those same red eyes she always knew and loved.

It was Katsuki Bakugo, and he heard everything…

DUN DUN DUNNNN Uh oh, now Bakugo knows about everything. Let's see how that works out. Fast updates cause I'm so excited to write this arc, can you tell? Next chapter should be soon also. This was so fun to write omg. I hope you enjoyed it like I did writing it.

Todoroki really said hands off my girl though. Oops

Next Chapter: Well...I'm sure you know what's coming…