Uraraka

"Deku-kun?" I knock on his door.

I don't want to act paranoid or stalker-ish, but he has been so off since he came back from the hospital.

He has been so quiet and broody; it has become hard to tell whenever he is in a room. And as soon as people stop taking notice, he leaves without saying something as small as a good-bye. That's not the Deku that I know!

And he doesn't… want to talk to me.

We haven't spoken since he was discharged. I could say it is because we haven't spent much time alone since then. With the new acclimatization to the buildings, the new residents, his Mom taking a room so far away from the main dorms, my parents as well, everybody coping with our injuries and losses – but it seems he is doing his best to not do as much as looking at me. He avoids my eyes whenever we are in each other's vicinity. (Although, to be fair, he avoids everyone's eyes lately.)

"I brought you sponge cake," I insist, holding the plate in one hand and knocking the door with the other, "Lunch Rush made them as a special dessert for dinner to celebrate everyone was back at school."

"Coming," I hear from the inside.

Okay, being totally honest, I've never been all that good at hiding nervousness. That's probably very obvious since I always act like an idiot around Deku. Though I won't anymore, because I'm focusing on my path as a hero, I don't have time for romantic feelings whatsoever.

There's the sound of steps, then papers falling, and then more steps echoing against the floor, until Deku opens the door to receive me. I thought I would be relieved learning he didn't faint or anything… and I would be relieved, if he didn't look like he is… crumbling down.

It figures that he is so skinny after being in coma for so long, it'll take some time until he regains the weight, but they are the dark circles under his eyes the ones that concern me the most! Has he been sleeping at all ever since he came back? The eye bags look darker against his newly pale skin; I rationalize that could be for spending so many days at the hospital without getting sun, but I have also noticed he does his best to not go outside more than strictly necessary.

The bedroom's lights are off, I can tell looking over his shoulder. Was he trying to sleep just now or was he working on all those papers that I heard falling?

"Hi," he says, or more like exhales, as if he was tired after running.

He is finally looking at me in the eye, but his eyes look different, so… dark.

"Hi," I say back. "Here," I pass him one of the two squares of sponge cake on the plate, "I brought one for you and one for me so we could eat together."

"Thanks," he smiles, already biting the cake.

I bite my own slice, too.

"We missed you at dinner, why didn't you come?" I wonder.

"I… uh… was… busy."

"Mmm," I hum, swallowing a piece of the cake. "And couldn't whatever was keeping you busy wait until you celebrated with us? We are rekindling the school's activities tomorrow. We are finally second-years!"

I put my fist ahead so we can fist-bump, and even though he reciprocates, his touch feels weak. His bare skin feels like paper.

"Uh… It was something very important, sorry," he apologizes, looking down. "We can celebrate… at another time."

"Sure! I live for partying with sponge cakes!"

A laugh that resembles more a mere breath escapes his throat. ('Escapes' is the word; it looks like it had been his intention to not react at all.)

He finishes his cake, and his eyes get lost into space like they have done all these days. Now they're a shade of green closest to black.

"Deku-kun," I say. "What's wrong?"

His eyes come to me again. "Nothing. Sorry, I just… have a lot to think about, but it'll be alright."

I get the feeling I don't want to know what will be alright.

But I choose to nod. "Okay, see you tomorrow at class then! Goodnight!"

I turn to leave…

"Uraraka." Suddenly, Deku's hand is grabbing my wrist. Strongly. Not enough to harm me, but it's enough to cling to me and refuse to let go.

However, that's what he ends up doing. "Sorry," he says once he releases me, "I just meant to say… thank you."

I blink at him, surprised by the sudden gesture and the contact. More than anything, by the impulsiveness of it all. (Deku is always so flustered and careful around girls.)

"For what?" I ask.

"For everything," he answers.

What does 'everything' mean?

What are you going to do, Deku-kun?

"I… uh… I'm tired, and tomorrow is a big day. Goodnight then!"

He disappears back into his bedroom, closing the door firmly and decisively.

What are you going to do, Deku-kun?

Tell me now so tomorrow I won't cry.