Naoko woke up the next morning to a missed call from an unsaved number. She rubbed her eyes drearily and glanced up at the time: it was almost noon. She groaned and stretched her arms high above her head, arching her back with a satisfying pop. Sighing, she rolled over to the other side of the bed and drowsily hit the 'Call Back' button. The phone rang once before it connected.
"I cannot believe you."
She sighed and rubbed her eyes again. "You know you're not supposed to call me so often. And what are you talking about?" she asked tiredly.
"That was your big plan? Literally just throwing the match?"
"Would you rather I have stayed and gotten my ass beat?"
"You should have seen everyone's faces when you stepped out of the ring! Even Horus was disappointed!"
"Yea, I don't really want to talk about it."
"Huh? What do you mean? Is something wrong?"
"Not really, I'm just tired."
"Is it because of that blonde guy you were up against?"
"Why is that your first guess?"
"I don't know? He looked crazy pissed- I assume he gave you some trouble afterwards?"
"Maybe your quirk is actually mind-reading? But yea," she sighed, "it's irritating."
"Aw, so you're sad cuz' you had a fight with your roommate? Poor baby- do you think you'll live?"
"I'm hanging up."
"No, wait! I take it back!"
"Did you have something important to say or what?"
"I was gonna ask if you wanted to meet up today! Since it's your day off and all."
"I think you know the answer already."
"You suck, you know that?"
"Not my rules."
"Ugh. It's been so boring around here..."
"Find something to do- I don't know."
"I'm rotting awaaay..."
"Good to know, now go away before you get caught."
"Fine, fine, be like that," she huffed indignantly. "See you."
A flat tone played through the line as the connection dropped.
Naoko sighed and rolled back over. She stared up blankly at the ceiling, as for a long moment, her mind fell peacefully empty. She closed her eyes for what felt like only seconds before the ring of a doorbell snapped her out of her daze.
Quickly glancing at her phone, she saw nearly an hour had passed.
'Fantastic.'
Faint footsteps came from downstairs before the door opened and distant voices rose indecipherably.
"Katsuki! Your friends are here!" Mitsuki's dampened voice called out.
A door squeaked open just outside.
"What do you want, nerd?" the familiarly aggressive tone demanded, clearer this time.
'Midoriya?' She narrowed her eyes, listening quietly.
"Kaachan! We were wondering if you wanted to come to the aquarium with us! We're going to-"
"No!"
And the door slammed shut.
"Katsuki! Don't be rude!" Mitsuki yelled after him. She heard her sigh. "Sorry, kids. He's been in a bad mood since he got back yesterday. Don't let him ruin your fun!"
"That's ok- we understand," Midoriya laughed sheepishly. "Let's see… we just have Iida and Naoko left to ask, right?"
"Yea! Iida's house is just a few streets over!" a voice that sounded like Uraraka piped up.
"Oh, you're friends with Naoko too? Naoko, dear! Come down- your friends are here!"
She sighed tiredly, reaching up to rub harshly at her forehead as her brows furrowed. It seemed she wouldn't be getting out of this so easily.
"Hey, guys!" Naoko waved cheerfully, poking her head into the hallway.
"H-huh? Naoko?!" Midoriya gasped, eyes widening in surprise. "W-what are you doing here?!"
"I heard you're going to the aquarium!" she smiled, "Can I come?"
"Uh, y-yea! We were just about to invite you!"
"Great! Just a second!" Briefly retreating back into her room, she slid her phone into her back pocket and grabbed a jacket before quickly emerging again, padding eagerly down the stairs.
"Have fun, kids! Make sure to be home before sunset!"
"Bye!" she waved cheerfully as the front door closed behind them.
"Naoko! W-what are- do you-?"
She tilted her head at the frantic Midoriya. "Oh! I guess I never told you guys, huh?" she smiled. "My parents live far away, but they're friends with Bakugo's family, so they sent me to stay here for a bit while I attend UA."
"Really? I never knew that!" Uraraka clapped her hands together enthusiastically, eyes shining with a peculiar glint.
"That must be how you two knew each other before school, right?" Tsuyu asked.
"Yep!"
"Huh, Kaachan never told me anything about that," Midoriya thought aloud, tapping his chin quizzically.
"You know how he is," Tsuyu shrugged, "he's probably embarrassed about it, ribbit."
"I think it's cute!" Uraraka beamed, looping her arm through Naoko's.
"Cute?" she echoed curiously.
The girl winked and gently nudged her, a sweet smile on her lips. "I'll tell you later!" she whispered.
Naoko blinked questioningly but nodded anyways, turning her attention back to the road in front of them.
After stopping by Iida's house and pulling him along, the group of five made their way to the train station and soon arrived at the city aquarium. They excitedly stepped through the large glass doors, cameras at the ready, and set out with the lofty goal of seeing every fish in the building.
"NTS News brings you the latest events in our fast-moving world with our next segment, and today's headliner is the annual UA Sports Festival that took place yesterday in Musutafu City. Unusually, all eyes were on the first-year events during this much-anticipated tournament, seeing as there were many promising students among their ranks, including the son of the number-two hero, Endeavor. Today, we bring you the most exciting moments of the festival with our panel of commentators providing their professional opinions. Let's start off with a few of the most talked-about moments. First is the highly unusual one-on-one match between these two students from the hero course. As you can see in our frame-by-frame replay, Ito Naoko, on the right, appears to purposefully step out of the arena just moments into the match! This seems like an incredibly strange decision, but what does our panel think? Let's start with the head recruiter of Fourth Kind Agency, Eguchi Satoru."
"It certainly is something I've never seen before, especially not from a UA student. Aside from skill, the main traits our scouts look for are determination and spirit. Even if she was uncertain in her ability to win the match, quitting without a fight is not the attitude of a hero."
"I agree. It's hard to know what her reasoning was, but I think she was familiar with her opponent's abilities and may have been afraid to engage him seriously. His aggressive behavior clearly comes off as intimidating, as we can see in his later matches as well, so she might have instead chosen to forfeit before the round could really begin."
"I don't think that's true. Watch the playback: she didn't really look intimidated to me. She was smiling the whole time, even during the events prior to the single matches."
"What do you think happened, pro-hero, Scepter?"
"It's hard to say, really, but there must have been some personal reason."
"Do you think this lends credibility to the rumors that the festival is rigged by UA?"
"It's possible; they may have engineered moments like this so people like us would talk about it. There's no such thing as bad publicity."
"Absolutely not! As a UA graduate, I can guarantee there was never anything like that! Those rumors have no credible basis at all."
"Isn't it possible that only some students are involved? After all, they would only need a few for publicity stunts like this."
"UA is a very respected school that consistently produces many of the best heroes; let's not give weight to rumors like these until we have solid evidence."
"Thank you, pro-hero, Low Crawler. Now, let's move on to the next eye-catching moment from the festival. During the quarterfinals, Midoriya Izuku from the heroes course-"
A knock came at the door.
Principal Nezu muted the TV as he whirled around in his chair. He called out a "come in" before the door slowly opened and a figure stepped inside.
"All Might," he greeted with a smile, ushering the number-one hero to the seat across from him.
"Thanks for seeing me, Principal." All Might, in his true form, stepped into the office and sat down. "There's something I wanted to talk to you about."
"Of course. What is it?"
"I'm concerned for one of my students: Ito. I'm... sure you heard about what happened yesterday," he frowned, eyes trailing to the silent news report playing behind him.
"Yes, during the matches. She forfeited, didn't she?"
"She did. I'm worried she isn't taking her education seriously, and not only because of yesterday either, but I've also noticed she doesn't put the same effort into her classes as the other students."
"I see…. Have you spoken to Aizawa about this?"
"Not yet, but I plan to."
"What kind of behavior have you noticed, All Might?"
"Well, it seems Ito avoids using her quirk whenever she can; there's been a few times when she's lost during training or practice matches because she didn't fight. I'm worried she may have some personal issues with her quirk that we may not be aware of."
Principal Nezu hummed lightly, tapping his paw in consideration. "I understand. I'll speak to Aizawa about this as well: maybe he can inspire some change in Ito. In the meantime, don't worry too much, All Might, I'm sure your passionate teachings are helping her more than you think!"
The slouching hero looked down at his hands, nodding slowly.
"I hope so."
Naoko dropped onto her bed the moment she got back that evening. The sun had just started to set outside, and she was completely exhausted. They had been at the aquarium for hours; their eventful day had gone awfully well, save for one incident where she kept setting off the metal detector for some strange reason. They had been on their feet almost the entire day, and everyone except Iida was sore and tired by the time they finally left the building. Whenever they complained, their ever-diligent class representative would lecture them about "the vast knowledge marine life had to offer us aspiring heroes" and "the importance that understanding all aspects of our world held to a successful life." She let out a long breath as she rolled over and buried her face into the plush pillow. She smiled faintly.
She knew, regardless of how much she complained or how sore she certainly would be tomorrow-
'It was fun.'
Naoko woke up again later that night, much to her dismay. She glanced at the clock to see it was well past midnight, meaning her sleep schedule was officially ruined- and in record time too.
She felt around for her phone, and after a moment, turned it on, seeing the notifications from her class group chat.
Uraraka had sent a barrage of photos she had taken at the aquarium: close ups of turtles, group pictures in front of the shark exhibit, at least ten pictures of Tsuyu staring at frogs, and everything else in between. Naoko smiled as she saw herself grinning cheerfully in the background of a group photo. She tapped the reply button, sending a wink and a smiley face that rose to settle under the many other comments from her classmates.
Buzz-
A notification dropped down from the top of the screen. She blinked curiously at the name it displayed.
Tragic Backstory (12:41 AM):
How was your day?
Naoko (12:41 AM):
Why are you up so late?
This is bad
4 ur health
Tragic Backstory (12:41 AM):
You're awake too?
Naoko (12:42 AM):
oof-
You got me
We went to the aquarium today
Did you see the gc?
Tragic Backstory (12:42 AM):
Yes. Did you have fun?
Naoko (12:42 AM):
I'm always having fun :)))
Hey, you went to see your mom today right?
Tragic Backstory (12:43 AM):
I did.
Naoko (12:43 AM):
Do you...
Wanna talk about it?
Tragic Backstory (12:43 AM):
If you want.
It was good. It went better than I thought it would.
Naoko (12:43 AM):
Tell me more
Tragic Backstory (12:44 AM):
We just talked for a while. I told her about how things have been since she left, and how I enrolled in UA.
She said she was glad to see me.
She seems to be doing better now.
Naoko (12:45 AM):
That's...
VERY!
CUTE!
Tragic Backstory (12:45 AM):
Thanks?
Naoko (12:45 AM):
So do you think you want to go again sometime?
Tragic Backstory (12:45 AM):
I think I will.
Naoko (12:45 AM):
That's great!
Good for you!
Tragic Backstory (12:46 AM):
Thank you for listening.
Naoko (12:46 AM):
Anytime :))
And to be honest
I could sort of tell you had good news
Otherwise you wouldn't have texted me first
;)))
Tragic Backstory (12:46 AM):
You're more observant than you look.
Naoko (12:46 AM):
RUDE? ! ? ?
Tragic Backstory (12:46 AM):
I didn't mean it like that.
I'm sorry.
Naoko (12:47 AM):
I'm kidding!
Don't be sorry small child ur perfect :))
Tragic Backstory (12:47 AM):
You think I'm small?
Naoko (12:47 AM):
Yes
U r baby
Tragic Backstory (12:47 AM):
:(
I'm not a baby.
Naoko (12:47 AM):
No it's a compliment!
Just forget I said anything haha!
Anyway!
I really am happy for you :))
Tragic Backstory (12:47 AM):
Thanks :)
How's it going with Bakugo?
Naoko (12:47 AM):
hahahaha
What do you mean?
Tragic Backstory (12:47 AM):
You can't ignore it forever.
Naoko (12:48 AM):
I can ignore it for now!
Tragic Backstory (12:48 AM):
That's not a healthy way to deal your problems.
Naoko (12:48 AM):
:(
Tragic Backstory (12:48 AM):
Not so easy when you're the one being life-counseled, is it?
Naoko (12:49 AM):
:(((
Ok well
I mean
I know he's not a bad guy
And he probably didn't mean it
But I don't like what he did yesterday
Tragic Backstory (12:49 AM):
Have you spoken to him?
Naoko (12:50 AM):
Nah
I mean it's not like I'll ignore him he if asks, but I don't think he will anytime soon
:/
Tragic Backstory (12:50 AM):
Ok. Whatever happens, try not to let it get to you.
Naoko (12:50 AM):
Haha thanks :))
hnnggg it's been awkward around hereee
I think I'll have to leave the house again tomorrow just to avoid all this :(
Tragic Backstory (12:51 AM):
What are you going to do?
Naoko (12:51 AM):
Hmm I haven't thought that far
Just walk around probably?
There's still a lot of the city I haven't seen
Tragic Backstory (12:51 AM):
Ok, be careful if you go.
Naoko (12:51 AM):
Haha for a second I thought you were about to offer to go with me
And thanks I will! :))
Tragic Backstory (12:51 AM):
Do you want me to?
Naoko (12:52 AM):
...
haha
Tragic Backstory (12:52 AM):
Did I say something funny?
Naoko (12:52 AM):
...
Um
Are you serious?
Tragic Backstory (12:52 AM):
Why wouldn't I be?
Naoko (12:52 AM):
You don't seem like the type to hang out with random classmates in your free time?
Tragic Backstory (12:52 AM):
I'm not.
Naoko (12:53 AM):
...
You got me I'm confused
Tragic Backstory (12:53 AM):
I'm not.
But I'd like to help if I can.
Since you're nice.
Naoko (12:53 AM):
Are you sure? I'm not trying to guilt you into anything
Tragic Backstory (12:53 AM):
I'm sure.
Do you want me to go?
Naoko (12:53 AM):
:)))))))))
yes please
Tragic Backstory (12:54 AM):
Ok. Do you want to meet at noon?
Naoko (12:54 AM):
Yes :))
Wanna go to Kiyabu Center?
Tragic Backstory (12:54 AM):
Sure. I'll see you there.
Naoko (12:54 AM):
Have I told you you're the best? ;-;
The sun shone brightly overhead, warm enough to make the ample crowds in the streets below forget about the slight chill of the wind. It was a Sunday and Kiyabu Center was bustling with people. This area was a popular spot, as Naoko had heard from Ashido: it was a collection of shops, restaurants, and all kinds of entertainment packed into the span of a few city blocks, right in the middle of the busiest part of Musutafu. Naoko stood under the large entrance sign at the end of the main street where they had agreed to meet up.
She waved cheerfully upon spotting a distinctive head of hair emerge from the crowd. "Oh, you came!"
"Of course; I said I would," Todoroki greeted with his usual passive expression, hands in his pockets.
Naoko grinned and fell into step beside him as they started down the busy street. "So where do you want to go?"
"I don't know, I've never been here before."
"Neither have I! We can wander together!"
"Right."
The two walked along the dense strip of storefronts, chatting idly while admiring the attractive displays and bright colors from behind large glass panes.
"So why do you want to be a hero, Todoroki?" she asked offhandedly, glancing up at a passing electronics store.
"I want to help people."
"Is that all?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, people usually have a more personal reason for something like this, right? Not that wanting to help people is a bad thing, of course!"
"I suppose. What's your reason?"
"It just seemed like fun."
"That's not very personal either."
"Yea, I know it's kind of lame," she laughed sheepishly. "It would be nice to have some big inspiring story to tell when people ask that, huh?"
"Are your parents heroes?"
"No. Actually, no one in my family really likes heroes all that much. They were ok when I said it's what I wanted to do though!"
"I see."
"I heard you have siblings, right? What are they like?"
"They're fine."
"Just fine?"
"Yes. I don't know them very well."
"Huh? Are you not close?"
"I was raised separately because of my father."
"Oh," she paused, quickly lowering her gaze. "Sorry, I didn't mean to bring it up."
"It's ok."
"We always end up talking about depressing things, huh?" she mused, smiling slightly.
They stopped for a passing car before crossing the street.
"Why do you talk to me?"
She looked up at him in surprise, head tilting at the odd question. "What do you mean why? Why wouldn't I?"
"I know you have friends, and like you said, I'm sort of depressing," he glanced down slightly. "I thought you would prefer being around happier people."
"We're friends too, aren't we?" she smiled, gently nudging his arm, "And who cares if you're depressing? It's not like that's going to scare me away."
"...oh."
"I don't think you see yourself the way others see you, Todoroki," she grinned as she turned her eyes forward. "Everyone really admires you, you know, and it's not just for your powers either. Believe it or not, you're a good person and you're nice to be around, so I hope you can see it that way too," she smiled encouragingly up at him.
Todoroki's gaze fell to the other side. He remained silent.
"Hey."
He felt a soft tap on his cheek. Turning, he met a pair of smiling brown eyes, and for a moment, he thought they looked nice under the sunlight.
"Don't be so hard on yourself! You're doing better than you think!"
He could only stare back at her beaming grin for a moment before slowly turning away once again.
"...thanks."
"But if I get annoying, you can just tell me to be quiet!" she laughed, scratching the back of her neck sheepishly.
"It's ok."
"Oh! Look, look! Can we take a picture with that mascot over there? It's so cute!" she gasped, not giving him a chance to respond before grabbing his arm and dragging him towards the small crowd already gathered around it.
Naoko groaned as she stepped through the train doors. "I'm tired..." she whined, sighing in relief as she sank down into a padded seat.
Todoroki sat down next to her as the automatic doors closed behind them. "We've only been walking."
"Some of us are weak, Todoroki."
"Then you should try more endurance training."
"But I won't!"
He shook his head, silently conceding.
"By the way," she sat up suddenly, startling him a little, "you live over in the west sector, right?"
"Yes."
"Nice! I need to run a few errands by the market over there- I'll walk you home!"
"You don't have to."
"It's on the way! Besides, I'm just returning the favor. I feel a lot better since you came with me today," she grinned.
"...ok then."
Cheering triumphantly, she bopped his arm in excitement, undeterred by his passive stare. With a satisfied smile, she turned to gaze out the window at the passing cityscape. The chatter of the other passengers filled the space between them pleasantly. The comfortable air conditioning and the light rumbling of the train, however, soon made her eyelids grow heavy, and it didn't take long for her to drift off into a light sleep.
"Is that the UA student? From the festival?" a woman whispered from somewhere behind them.
"Yea! He won second place, right?"
"That's Endeavor's son- no wonder!"
"Wow, that's cool!"
"Hey, is that girl the one who forfeited in the first round?"
"Huh? Oh, maybe? I can't really tell; there were a few students who sort of looked like her."
"Yea, it's hard to tell…. Hey, why do you think she forfeited the match?"
"Did you see that kid she was up against? Honestly, I might have quit too."
"Yea, you're right. Did you see they had to chain him to the podium at the end?"
"I know! That was too much!"
An arrival announcement sounded from above as the train began to slow.
"Wake up," he tapped her lightly, her head bobbing up in surprise.
"Oh- are we here?"
She apologized sheepishly as the doors along one side of the train puffed open. The pair stepped out among a small crowd of people, heading out of the station and starting in the direction of Todoroki's house.
"Our internships are starting tomorrow, right? Do you know where you're going?" Naoko asked curiously.
"I think so, but I'm not certain yet."
"I bet you'll have plenty to choose from! It'll be fun!"
"...maybe. Where are you going?"
"I just picked one from the list. Any of them would have been fine, honestly!"
"Do you have an agency you want to go to?"
"Not really. They all seem about the same to me, but then again, I don't know much about that kind of thing."
"I see."
Naoko smiled, following cheerfully as he turned towards a neighborhood.
She nearly stopped in her tracks as her eyes widened.
"Whoa."
The houses were enormous. From where she stood, her vision barely stretched far enough to see the second house down. The sprawling homes were spaced out on either side of the street, each complete with lush gardens out front and winding walkways longer than could possibly be convenient. Luxury cars lined the sides of the well-paved road, and she was sure any one of them was worth more than her entire life.
It was a little… intimidating.
"Talk about upper class…" she whispered incredulously, glancing around with wide eyes as they made their way down the immaculately-maintained sidewalk.
"This is my house." He glanced to the side as they stopped in front of a traditional-style building, every bit as impressive as the others around it.
Was it possible for a neighborhood to be too nice?
"Looks like a bad choice for a fire quirk," she laughed, nudging him lightly. "Anyway! Thanks for cheering me up today! I owe you one."
"Sure. I'll see you once classes start again."
Naoko nodded cheerfully, "See you! Good luck at your internship!" she waved, spinning around and starting back down the street.
Todoroki watched as her back slowly receded, eventually slipping from sight as she rounded a corner. He turned around and made his way up the neat stone path at a crawling pace. He was in no hurry, after all. He slowly climbed the small steps before reaching the front door, quietly opening it and stepping inside.
His mood immediately plummeted.
"Shoto, you shouldn't hang around people like her." Endeavor stood just a few feet in front of him, arms crossed with the same burning glare he always had. Todoroki didn't spare him a glance as he took off his shoes. "You should make connections with those who challenge yourself. Cowardly children will do you no good."
He said nothing, his cold gaze shot straight ahead as he brushed past the towering man.
"Don't make assumptions about people you don't know."
He stepped around the corner, noticing his sister, Fuyumi, half-hiding in a doorway and smiling awkwardly as he approached.
"Don't mind him, Shoto," she encouraged in a hushed tone, gently patting his shoulder, "I think she's cute! Good for you!"