Sighing, I stared out at the window of the therapist's office. I hadn't been able to see Todoroki as of late since his class was busy with their hero training, and I've been seeing a therapist outside of school for the days I haven't been attending classes. The principal instructed me to see a therapist for my psychological stability. I knew I was mentally stable, but I went anyway because the principal was going out of his ways to make sure I was in good condition. Hearing the door creak opened, the therapist came back from the small break she gave me.

"Alright, Abe, let's resume where we left off." I moved back into my seat as we started talking about the event that took place. After some time of talking, I began to daze out and think about Todoroki and I. Could there be a possible future for the both of us? We were both pretty similar in terms of family trauma, but would we both be able to grow with one another if we were similar? People have always said that opposite attracts, and those people were able to learn from each other. "Abe? Is there something on your mind? You look a bit lost and confused." The therapist asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I should ask her since she was a licensed therapist. "There's a boy I like and we confessed our feelings to one another. It ended up mutual, but he's unsure if I should be in a relationship with him because he's afraid of hurting me. His family background is heavy—filled with constant pressure and abuse to where his mother was sent away by his father. He's scared that he'll be just like him and hurt me… I told him that we can do it, we can get through it. Maybe he's not ready and it's just young love that's talking." A heavy sigh left my lips once again. I've sighed a lot in this room ever since I got here a few days ago.

"Abe," The therapist shuffled in her seat to make herself comfortable in her chair. "I believe you should give him time. You already know what you want, but he's unsure of which path to take. It'll hurt him more that he lost a lover and a friend if he were to treat you the same way as his father did to his wife. It's up to him to reciprocate the same feelings and desire."

"You're right. Only time can tell…"

Once our last session was over, she gave me her card in case I needed someone to talk to and I walked out of the building to see that Midnight was waiting for me at the entrance. "Hey Mid...night," My cheery voice dropped when I saw a familiar tall figure approaching Midnight. His fiery signature armor was noted by everyone that it was none other than Endeavor himself. What was he doing here? Then Midnight hesitantly looked at me, saying as if I'm under Endeavor's care until he brought me back home, and she left. What did Endeavor want from me? It's been a few months since I've last seen him up close.

Endeavor turned his attention to me when Midnight was out of range and proceeded towards me. "Abe, am I correct?" He stood right in front of me, making me feel uncomfortable from our last two encounters. I still don't know what to feel about him. He rubbed me off the wrong way when I went to his house.

"Yes," I firmly nodded my head, hiding any dismay of seeing him before my eyes. "Where did Midnight go?" I asked him the obvious question as my eyes flickered back and forth from his face to the scenery behind him.

Endeavor cleared his throat. "I'll escort you back to school because I have some business with you." What did he want from me? Out of everyone it was me? How odd.

"I needed to talk to you about Shoto." My eyebrow arched from his statement.

"What does your son have to do with me?" The nervousness grew as my heart began to race. How long would I have to stand here with Endeavor? I don't know how to act calm.

"How is he?" His question threw me off board. Why couldn't he just text or call him? I shouldn't be the man in the middle of their broken relationship.

Staring at him weirdly, I opened my mouth to reply, "Uh, I don't know. Prior to being back on campus, I was kidnapped so… I wouldn't know how your son is doing." I began walking before the sun set as Endeavor followed. "Why don't you just contact him?"

Endeavor sighed right next to me. "If I could, I would've. It's not so easy as he despises me. A few days ago, when he got his provisional license, I told him that I would be a better hero and father that he could be proud of." It shocked me to hear that he wanted to change for the better, and Todoroki obtained his license as well. It's probably because he's the No.1 Hero and he has to be a role model for the younger people.

"I'm glad to hear that. Knowing your son, it's going to take time for him to fully forgive you and you know that. It's going to be a tough road for your family," I remembered how Natsuo doesn't like his father, but Fuyumi does her best to keep the family together. "But one day they will accept your new look, only time could tell."

I was barely close to campus while I walked with Endeavor. The awkward silence was killing me softly. I didn't know why he even chose to walk me home. He could've pulled me to the side and let Midnight wait for a bit instead of this. I don't really have much to say to him either. "I apologize for my rude behavior when we met." After all these months, I finally got a real apology from him that was face to face. "I know it must've left you a bad impression of me, and I understand that being with me makes you uncomfortable, but seeing how Shoto was angry never settled down in my mind. At the sports festival, I saw Yaoyorozu Momo's quirk and I—" I didn't want to hear it or feel my heart squeeze from remembering the pain of that night.

"Please, I'd rather not hear why you chose to do that. You're changing and trying to become a better person. I will accept your apology because I have faith in those who desire to make a difference. It will also take me awhile to get used to your new attitude if I encounter you again or so." I saw the campus growing bigger as we approached school grounds. "I hope you're able to help people know that the era is changing, the Symbol of Peace is conforming to your undertaking. You're not All Might and the heavy title of No.1 lies upon your shoulder to fix the country. We will part here since I can walk by myself to my dorm. Thank you," I bowed, holding in my breath and letting it out when I took a few steps away from him. The built up anxiety had left my body.

"Shimizu, was that my old man?" I casted my eyes up to see Todoroki standing a few feet away from me at the gates. Why was he out? The sky was changing to a dark blue color, alerting people that nightfall was coming.

"Yes, he decided to escort me home after meeting with my therapist…" I never told him about my constant meeting with a therapist since our paths had not once collided from the past few days. No phone calls or text messages from him because I assumed he wanted me to think about our relationship without any interference of his presence lingering from my phone. "I've been seeing a therapist because of the principal wanting me to." The cooling wind blew in our direction as my hair flew forward and his flew backwards. It was like time stood still, and allowed us to speak from what's been in our heads. No security robots were going to scold us for staying past curfew. "Congrats on passing your provisional license," I clapped, but I knew he wanted to know more about what me and Endeavor exchanged; however, it's weird that he's outside his dorm around this time. "Why are you out? Shouldn't you be inside your dorm?"

Todoroki did his best to cover up his concerned facial expression. "Oh, I just wanted to stroll around." He simply said, shrugging like it was nothing, but to me it seemed like he was hiding something more behind his words. "What did you and my old man talk about?" Todoroki's voice was calm as ever yet it lingered curiosity.

"Well, I don't know if it was pure coincidence or not, but he apologized to me after all these months… And he also asked about how you are, but I told him that I wouldn't know since we haven't been in contact as much as before." I bit my lips, staring at him in the darkening sky. My heart sped up as I knew I had to tell him my answer. This wasn't for me to decide but for him. "Todoroki, my answer remains the same." The atmosphere grew heavy. "After hearing it, it's up to you if you can do it as well. If you're not ready, I understand… However," Gulping, I had to tell him the truth that I was to wait until he was ready to commit. My quivering lips wouldn't stop shaking while my breathing became unsteady. "I don't think I can wait years for you to be ready." It was hard to tell Todoroki that if I wait for too long, I'll lose feelings for him and everything he's built up will crumble. "I'll always care for you—" In the middle of my speech, a warm embrace tightened around my small frame. His arms squeezed me closer to him as our chests touched. I could feel his racing heart.

Todoroki's lips were near my ear, speaking desperately to me, "No. I'm ready! We can do this! I-I can't imagine you with someone else…!" Was this the Todoroki I knew? It didn't sound like him at all. Why does it seem like it's the end of the world for him if I chose to move on? I'm pretty sure there'll be others who can love him better too, if he made me wait.

"Todoroki…" I tried to peel myself off of him, but his arms wrapped around me like strong tape. He really wasn't budging at all and it concerned me of his odd behavior. "I don't know what's gotten into you, but what I'm saying is realistic. I'm okay being your friend than your significant other if you chose to not be in a relationship because of your family issue. I'll learn how to lose feelings and see you as a friend… I just don't want to force you into something that you feel opposed about." Cranking my head back, I stared at his teal-grey eyes and smiled sadly. There was no way I could force him, that's just wrong of me to do.

Then his arms loosened around me, dropping back to his side and he sighed heavily. The sky has now darkened to night and the lamp posts turned on, shining directly above us. "I don't want to regret this, Shimizu." Now his left hand rested on my cheek with his thumb softly caressing my skin. "I'm all in if you're okay going through hardships with me." His eyes gently looked at my face like it was granting him a view of serenity.

"Todoroki," I whispered out his name. "I've told you before that we'll persevere through anything. I'm keeping my promise."

"Then call me 'Shoto'."

"Does that mean we're an official couple?" My hands wrapped around his left arm as we gazed into each other's eyes.

"Yes," A loving smile tugged his lips apart and I felt my heart explode in my chest. I never thought that this day would come. We hugged each other again, feeling content with the life that fate has given us. "Now, let me walk to your dorm." Todoroki wrapped an arm around my shoulder as he took me to my dorm.

The next day, I was pulled out from Recovery Girl's office by Aizawa. "Abe, since Eri woke up, she requested to see you today. Midoriya and Togata will see her tomorrow. I don't want her to be overwhelmed by two or more visitors." A spark of joy erupted in my chest. This will be the first time seeing Eri in a month. I couldn't wait to see her cute face.

"Yes! Of course, I'd love to see her later! I'm glad that she remembers me." I was the only person who interacted with her and had the intention of setting her free during my captive days. "I hope she's doing well,"

When the school day ended, Todoroki walked me to my dorm. "Do you know what your department is doing for the school festival?" He asked and I tilted my head in confusion.

"What? What's this school festival? I've been hearing my peers talk about it, but they never informed me." Telling him that, Todoroki began explaining what the school festival was. "Oh that sounds cool! I'm not too sure what the general education department is doing, but I would assume it has to deal with game booths or obstacle courses… Maybe food? Even if I don't know, the school festival should be lots of fun. How about you?"

"We're doing a concert. There's the performers, dancers, and special effects team." Todoroki told me the details of their plan, and I got very excited by their class putting on a show for everyone. "I'm on the special effects team, so you won't see me dancing or performing anything." I wasn't going to lie, but I was kind of bummed. It would've been nice to see Todoroki dance or play an instrument.

"Awhhh, next time you should be the one who's dancing." I snickered, imagining him being awkward as he danced in front of the audience. "But your ice quirk will be held useful to light up the mood and hype everyone up! Oh yeah, before I forget, I'm going to be out in a bit. I'm seeing a little girl named Eri. I'm pretty sure Midoriya had told you or something, but I was stuck with her when I was abducted. Eri was in a feverish coma from when she used her quirk, and after waking up, she wanted to see me today and Midoriya and Togata tomorrow."

"Alright. Just text me when you arrive, leave, and come home so I know you're okay." It didn't bother me that Todoroki wanted me to text him in those time frames. He only cared for my safety and well-being since I've been kidnapped out of the blue.

Once Todoroki dropped me off at my dorm, I was greeted by Shinsou. "So you two became a couple?" Weirdly enough, it seemed like he already knew despite not being around me at school.

"How nosy are you? You sure you aren't a gossip girl?" I laughed, walking passed him to my room. I quickly changed, knowing that Aizawa was waiting for me since he was the one who was going to drive me there. My casual clothes was simply blue jeans and a t-shirt. "I can't make him wait…" Running out in full speed, I met Aizawa at the gates.

The ride there didn't take long and I texted Todoroki that I arrived at the hospital. Checking at the front desk, we made our way to Eri's room. In front of her door, I felt the jitters running through my body. I was nervous to see her after a month of not visiting her due to her feverish coma. "I'll be right here if you need me." Aizawa said, standing near the doorway as I slowly opened it to see her staring at her window.

"Eri…" My soft voice rang in the air, and Eri's head quickly turned to me with a bright expression. Her eyes and mouth grew as she seemed happy to see me.

"Shimizu!" Eri jumped off her bed and ran towards me, arms wrapped around my legs. The cheeriness in her voice made my heart relaxed. I don't know what's been going on in the hospital, but it looked like Eri was in a good mood. I wondered if the staff were treating her well.

"Hi, Eri! How are you?" I scooped her into my arms and smiled brightly at her. The days I spent with her were dark, but now I could finally show her the bright side of life and let her experience a normal childhood. "It's been so long since I've last seen you," I also forgot that I was dying when I last saw her.

"I'm okay. I feel much safer here than before." Her tone completely changed as she was reminded of Overhaul. That man did so much damage to Eri. It hurts my heart that she went through so much.

Moving to her bed, I set her down and sat beside her. "I'm glad you feel safe now. I'm sorry I didn't do my best to keep you safe from him…" My hand stroked her long, luscious locks. "But now this time is different, he's not here to hurt you anymore. He's locked away where he's unable to escape. No one will hurt you under our care." My fingers trickled down to her sides and started tickling her there. I wanted to move the heavy atmosphere into a playful place. Around the stomach was where it was the most ticklish part for everyone, including grown adults unless they were immune to it.

"AHAHA!" Eri couldn't help but laugh and cry from my fingers tickling her sides. Her tiny body moved around, trying to escape my hands but I would find more opportunities to make her smile and laugh out loud. Eri's enlightened expression reminded me that it was going to be hard to change her living environment, however, she'll grow in the loss of nurture from everyone else around her who wanted to be loved again.

"Let me see you smile!"

"Hahaha! Stop! I'm going to pee!" Eri said it through her big laughs as she wiggled around in her bed, and I stopped before she did wet herself. A few more giggles left her mouth while she scooted herself away from me, in fear that I'll give her another tickle attack.

"I'm not going to tickle you again, Eri." Placing my hands up in the air, I swore her a promise. "Let's just talk or do something fun before I have to leave," I decided to teach her some games to play and talked about life goals she wanted to do or see when she was older. Her ray of hope wasn't diminishing if I was by her side.