Acid Smash
Part 4: Excuses
The next morning, Uraraka is by herself in the kitchen area. She is then joined by Mina, who groggily stumbles into the kitchen with dishevelled hair and heavy eyes.
Uraraka smiles at her pink-skinned classmate.
Uraraka: Oh, morning Ashido!
Mina: Mornin'…
Much to Uraraka's concern, Mina heads over to a nearby cupboard. She opens it and takes out a jar of coffee and a cafetiere.
Uraraka: Uh, Mina? You okay?
Mina: Can't talk… Need coffee…
Mina puts a spoonful of the coffee granules into the cafetiere before turning on the nearby kettle.
Uraraka: I can tell. You gonna drink all of that yourself?
The two laugh.
Mina: As much as I'd like to, probably not. Care to help me out?
Uraraka turns around and grabs two mugs from the nearby shelf.
Uraraka: Way ahead of you.
Eventually, the two are drinking their coffee. Mina smiles contently.
Mina: Ah… I needed this.
Uraraka: What's wrong, did you not sleep well last night?
Mina: Oh no, I slept great. I just didn't want to get up.
The two laugh again.
Uraraka: So what changed your mind?
Mina: I dunno… I just felt like waking up. Then again, I was out later than I thought last night.
Uraraka pauses for a moment. She smiles awkwardly.
Uraraka: Yeah! You and Deku were gone for some time! Did you two have fun?
Mina is taken aback by the question.
Mina: Oh. We just went out to celebrate after yesterday. It was my idea, nothing special.
The brunette's bright expression does not falter.
Uraraka: Really? That's cool. You were great together in training yesterday!
Mina dismisses the comment.
Mina: Thanks. But I'm nowhere near Midoriya's level.
Uraraka smiles fondly to herself.
Uraraka: I know the feeling. Deku's really great, isn't he? I wish I were more like him.
Mina's face is briefly overcome with guilt but she says nothing.
Uraraka however, takes notice and looks at her in worry.
Uraraka: Are you sure you're okay?
Mina stifles a yawn before smiling.
Mina: Uh-huh! Guess I'm still a little bit tired.
The two are interrupted by Izuku coming into the kitchen. He is holding one of those reusable travel mugs. He greets them with a pleasant smile.
Izuku: Ah. Good morning Uraraka, good morning Ashido.
Uraraka: Good morning Deku!
Mina: Morning Midoriya!
Uraraka: We were just talking about you.
Izuku is startled by the statement. He looks at Mina nervously.
Izuku: O-oh… Y-you were?
Mina gives him a reassuring wink.
Mina: It wasn't anything serious, don't worry. We were just talking about how great you were yesterday.
The green-haired boy rubs the back of his head, relieved.
Izuku: I see… But you were great too Ashido!
The pink girl grins at him.
Mina: Not as great as you though.
The two continue to praise each other.
Izuku: Are you kidding? You're plan to take down Kirishima was brilliant!
Mina: Yeah, but you had to save us from Yaoyorozu, remember?
Izuku: You were the one that disarmed the bomb though. So technically, you won the match.
Mina: Either one of us could have done that though. It just happened to be me.
Meanwhile, Uraraka watches the exchange albeit with some hidden discomfort.
She is distracted when Izuku takes notice of their mugs.
Izuku: I-is that coffee, you're drinking?
Uraraka responds eagerly, reaching for the cafetiere.
Uraraka: Yep! Would you like some?
Izuku nods enthusiastically, presenting his cup.
Izuku: Yes please.
Uraraka fills his mug with the brown liquid. However, a voice calls out to them.
Kaminari: Hey, could you pour me some too?
The three turn to see Kaminari standing in the kitchen, clutching his head in his shoulders.
Kaminari: I could really use the energy boost.
Izuku: Good morning Kaminari. How are you feeling?
Kaminari: Terrible. I wasn't able to get to sleep until two in the morning. But that's what happens when I overcharge myself isn't it?
Mina nods in agreement.
Mina: Yeah. You really didn't look that good when me and Midoriya saw you.
Kaminari looks exasperated. Meanwhile, Uraraka takes a sip of her coffee.
Kaminari: That's right, I ran into you guys outside the dorms. Crazy thing is, I could've sworn I saw you two kissing when that happened.
At that moment Uraraka chokes on her drink, coughing it up onto her t-shirt. Izuku turns pale as he is caught between concern for his friend and dying from fright. Mina on the other hand seizes up in shock; it looks like her eyes are going to pop out of their sockets.
Izuku: A-are you okay Uraraka? T-that's not- T-that's-
Mina: That's crazy! You must've really overdone it Kaminari.
Kaminari rubs his eyes.
Kaminari: Tell me about it. I was seeing pink elephants all night too, my imagination was all over-the-place. I'm never changing a lightbulb again that's for sure.
Izuku and Mina sigh in relief.
The group then turn their attention back to Uraraka and her now stained t-shirt. Kaminari looks at her apologetically.
Kaminari: Oh, sorry about that. I didn't mean to startle you.
Izuku: Are you okay Uraraka?
Mina: Ochaco?
Uraraka brushes off their concern.
Uraraka: I'm fine guys, really.
She looks down at her shirt.
Uraraka: Guess I better go change though, huh?
With that she leaves the kitchen. Izuku and Mina both turn to look at each other, worried for their friend.
Now in her room, Uraraka takes a moment to think to herself. She looks down at the coffee stain on her top.
Uraraka: What's the big deal Ochaco? Kaminari didn't actually see anything, he said so.
She sits down on her bed. Her face is full of unease and discomfort as her internal conflict continues.
Uraraka: It's not just that though. I've been feeling like this for a while now. Deku and Mina… They seem pretty close.
She lies down, resting her head against her pillow.
Uraraka: Am I jealous? No, there's nothing to be jealous of, right? No, if there was anything going on between her and Deku, Mina would tell you. She'd have to. And Deku? He's your best friend. He'd tell you too, wouldn't he? So why are you so worried?
Uraraka turns her face into her pillow and groans.
Later, the students of 1-A are in their classroom, sitting in their seats and facing the front of the class as Aizawa addresses them with the usual disdain.
Aizawa: Alright, we have ten minutes until the end of homeroom. Do whatever.
At that moment the class erupts into chatter. Aizawa groans.
Aizawa: Try to keep it down though please.
Sitting behind her, Tsuyu reaches over and taps Mina on the shoulder.
Tsuyu: Ashido?
Mina turns around to face her friend.
Mina: Oh, hey Tsu. What's up?
Tsuyu: Can you meet me here during lunch? I need to ask you something.
Mina looks at her in perplexity.
Mina: Can't you ask me now?
Tsuyu: No. It's better we talk about it in private.
Mina: Sure thing. We'll talk later then.
Meanwhile, Izuku is scribbling in his notebook when he is approached by Ojiro.
Ojiro: Say, Midoriya? I have to tell you something I think you should hear.
Izuku looks up in surprise.
Izuku: Ojiro? Is everything alright?
The boy seems embarrassed about something.
Ojiro: I don't really want to talk about it with everyone else around. Can we talk during lunch?
He looks at him with uncertainty.
Izuku: Oh, okay…
Ojiro smiles.
Ojiro: Thanks Midoriya. I'll be waiting for you here.
Izuku is now waiting for Ojiro in the empty classroom when Mina comes in. They are both surprised to see each other.
Izuku: M-Mina! W-what are you doing here?
Mina: I could ask you the same thing. Tsuyu asked to meet me here during lunch. She said that she needed to tell me something. What about you?
Izuku: Ojiro told me the same thing.
She raises an eyebrow.
Mina: That's weird. Did he say what it was about?
Izuku: N-no. He didn't.
Mina: Neither did Tsu.
Izuku begins to fret to himself.
Izuku: You don't suppose either of them-?
He is interrupted by Ojiro's arrival.
Ojiro: Thanks for waiting Midoriya. Sorry if I-
He looks at Mina in confusion.
Ojiro: Ashido? What are you doing here?
Mina: Nothing much, just waiting for Tsuyu. Girl talk, y'know?
Ojiro: Okay then.
Izuku begins to stammer nervously.
Izuku: S-so, w-what did you want to talk about Ojiro?
The boy timidly strokes the furry tip of his tail.
Ojiro: It's kinda embarrassing really. I wanted to talk about you and Ashido actually.
The two teens stare at him, both their faces become flushed.
Izuku: I-is t-that s-so?
Ojiro: You see, I was watching the two of you yesterday and it got me thinking about some things.
Izuku: A-and?
Ojiro eagerly looks at Izuku.
Ojiro: I was really impressed by both your moves during training and I was wondering if we could spar together sometime?
The pair instantly deflate as relief washes over them.
Izuku: S-sure! I-I'd be more than happy to help!
Mina: That's it!? He nearly gave me a heart attack!
Ojiro: Really? That's great!
Ojiro then turns to Mina, catching her off-guard.
Ojiro: What about you Mina? Could you help me as well?
Mina: I've been helping Midoriya a bit with his movement and reflexes one-on-one but yeah; I could take on another student.
She winks.
Mina: Careful though, Midoriya can tell you that I'm a no-nonsense coach!
Izuku: S-she's not entirely wrong…
Ojiro laughs.
Ojiro: That's fine. Thanks again you two, I really appreciate it.
They wave each other goodbye as Ojiro leaves the room.
Ojiro: I'll see you guys back in class later, okay?
Izuku: Okay. Bye Ojiro!
Mina: See ya!
Now left alone, Izuku nearly slumps over.
Izuku: That was too close.
At that moment though, Tsuyu walks in. Mina whispers to him under her breath.
Mina: I don't think we're clear just yet.
Tsuyu looks at Izuku, unfazed by his presence.
Tsuyu: Huh, you're here too Midoriya? I suppose this makes things easier.
Mina smiles uneasily.
Mina: So what did you want to talk about Tsu?
Tsuyu tilts her head and blankly stares at the two.
Tsuyu: Are you two in a relationship?
Izuku and Mina are completely blindsided by the question.
Izuku and Mina: So blunt!
Mina tries to dodge the question.
Mina: Say, what!? Where'd you get a crazy idea like that Tsuyu?
Tsuyu remains unconvinced.
Tsuyu: You two kissing each other outside the dorms last night most likely.
Mina: You didn't hear that from Kaminari did you? He dreamt the whole thing up, you know.
Tsuyu: I saw it from the upstairs window.
Mina rubs the back of her head awkwardly. Meanwhile, Izuku continues to stare into the distance with eyes like a dead fish.
Mina: Oh, you did? I guess we can't hide it for any longer then can we?
Tsuyu puts a finger to her lips in curiosity.
Tsuyu: So how long has this been going on?
Izuku looks away shyly.
Izuku: A-About three months now.
Mina places a reassuring hand on her boyfriend's back, giving it a comforting pat.
Mina: We were kinda hoping we could've kept it a secret, for a bit longer anyway.
Tsuyu: I thought as much. I figured you had a reason to hide it, otherwise you would've told everyone. But out of curiosity, has anyone else managed to figure it out?
Izuku looks up and winces slightly.
Izuku: Well…
At the library- Izuku and Mina are amidst a pile of books much to delight of Momo and Iida.
Mina: Midoriya promised to help me with Midnight's research project.
Izuku: I-It's nothing. I'm happy to help.
Momo: We'll let you two continue.
Iida: Nevertheless, I'm proud that you are taking this project so seriously Ashido, and of you Midoriya for always going above and beyond to help your classmates!
Mina turns her head to make sure the class representatives are gone before turning back to Izuku.
Mina: Thanks again Izuku, I'll get that A for sure!
She leans forward to kiss him but he stops her. He looks down at her paper.
Izuku: Actually, I think we should take the time to go over this report again Mina. There's a bunch of inaccuracies with your sections on the British hero system.
Mina pouts as Izuku begins to mutter to himself.
At the park- Toru catches the couple sitting at a bench, sharing an ice-cream at a small refreshment stand alongside several other visitors.
Toru: So let me get this straight? You two happened to run into each other while you were both heading for ice-cream?
Mina raises an eyebrow.
Mina: Why are you acting like it's a big deal? You're here too, aren't you? It's a total coincidence.
Toru's shirt shifts, indicating that she's put her hands on her hips.
Toru: Fair enough. But that still doesn't explain why you're sharing a sundae the size of my head.
Mina and Izuku become embarrassed.
Mina: I may or may not have forgot to bring any money with me.
Izuku: But I didn't have enough to buy for two so it was easier for us to share.
Toru's attention shifts towards the ice cream.
Toru: Well, it does look pretty good. But still, it's way too big for you two to finish by yourselves!
Mina holds up a spoon towards her friend.
Mina: Did you want some?
Toru lunges into the seat next to Mina, taking the spoon from her hand.
Toru: Now you're talkin'!
At Gym Gamma- Izuku and Mina are practicing break-dancing. However, Izuku's form is a lot less graceful compared to hers.
Mina walks up to him, placing her hands on his arms and shifting them causing the boy to become flustered.
Mina: Not bad, but you need to loosen up a bit. Go with the flow, y'know?
Izuku: T-the flow?
Mina: That's right.
She looks up at him, resulting in the two getting lost in each other's eyes.
Mina: You feel loose yet?
Izuku: I-
His attention is caught by something. Mina turns around to see Jiro watching the interaction with a curious look.
Jiro: Uh? What are you guys doing?
The pink-skinned girl grins.
Mina: Oh, hey Jiro! I'm just teaching Midoriya how to dance.
Jiro: Still? The cultural festival was months ago.
Izuku: I asked her to. My new fighting style means that I need to be more agile so I thought Ashido could help me with that.
Jiro shrugs.
Jiro: Well, I won't disturb you. I'll just be in the corner training.
At UA- Izuku and Mina are walking down the corridor together, discretely holding each other's hands.
Suddenly, Bakugo walks in between them, forcing them apart. They cry out in annoyance.
Mina: Hey!
Izuku: K-Kacchan!
Bakugo, failing to take notice or simply not caring, shouts at them without turning back.
Bakugo: Watch where you're going losers!
The couple share a bewildered look as the blonde walks away.
At the dorms- Mina is about to leave when she is stopped by Kaminari.
Kaminari: Ashido, where are you going?
Mina: Oh nowhere, just out for a run.
He takes a look at her shoes, confused.
Kaminari: In heels?
Mina: It's, uh, part of my new balance training routine!
He accepts the excuse without question.
Kaminari: Cool!
With that Mina waves goodbye.
Mina: Okay, see you later then!
Outside, Izuku is waiting for her. She quickly and quietly ushers him along, a panic on her face.
Mina: Go! Go! Go!
Back in the present- Tsuyu looks at Izuku and Mina with a blank expression.
Tsuyu: Huh. I would have given our classmates more credit than that.
The couple smile sincerely.
Mina: Yeah, we've been really lucky until now. You're the first person to know.
Tsuyu turns to Izuku.
Tsuyu: So I take it Ochaco doesn't know yet then? I figured you would've at least told her.
Izuku lowers his head in shame.
Izuku: Sigh. No. She doesn't. We've been meaning to tell her but it's never been a good time.
Tsuyu: I see.
Mina looks at Tsuyu with pleading eyes.
Mina: You won't tell anyone will you Tsu?
Tsuyu pokes her tongue out slightly.
Tsuyu: I won't. I know you've kept it hidden for a reason and I'll respect that.
The two breathe sighs of relief.
Izuku: T-thank you.
Tsuyu begins to leave.
Mina: We really appreciate it Tsu.
Tsuyu: It's not a problem.
But she stops in the doorway and turns back to look at them.
Tsuyu: But I do think you should talk to Ochaco. I'm not saying it has to be right now and I understand it'll be easier said than done but I'd say she has a right to know too, wouldn't you?
Tsuyu then heads out of the classroom, leaving the two alone.
Tsuyu: Anyway, I'll leave you to it.
Izuku and Mina sit in silence for a moment. An eternity seems to pass by before Mina throws her head back and lets out a brief chortle.
Mina: Ha. I suppose this was going to happen sooner or later, wasn't it?
A small frown forms in the corner of Izuku's mouth as he ponders the situation.
Izuku: I suppose so. And I'm glad that if anyone from the class were to know, it's Asui.
She turns to him and smiles.
Mina: We really lucked out there, didn't we?
He returns the gesture.
Izuku: Yeah.
Mina then stands up, offering her hand to Izuku.
Mina: Anyway, I think we better go for lunch now. I don't know about you but I'm starving!
He takes it.
Izuku: Okay then, let's get going.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed! The next chapter will be more action-packed so please, stay tuned! (It might take me a while though.)