Chapter 5

Don't even think about it, " Ochako warns Mina.

"Aw, c'mon. Not even for a little?"

"No."

"Please?"

"That no part is non negotiable."

This was the third time she had to continuously tell the girls she wasn't going to shop with Deku alone. And it was also the third time they wouldn't listen. But as always they weren't having it.

They should've known by now that Ochako wasn't one to explain her reasonings behind her decisions. But, the girls seemed persistent on seeing if she would let up any of her feelings.

"I'm just going to stick with you guys," Ochako says, taking a sip from her bobba. The boys were taking a break by the food court while the rest of the girls ventured off for something more sweet.

"Then why'd you come out here?" Mina huffs as she rests her hands on her hips.

"I-I was just going to help Deku shop, that's all."

"-And are you helping him shop?" she says, raising an eyebrow at the brunette. Ochako turns away, taking another sip of her drink. It was clear that she wasn't.

"He has some of the guys here to help him out with shopping." she finally responds. The girls let out a loud groan, making some of the locals turn their heads. They always seemed to do that whenever they begged Ochako for more details on her crush with Deku but would never get anything. The only person she's ever told her feelings about him was to Tsu, and she supposed Ida, too

"Ochako, why are you being so difficult with this?" Kyoka says, sounding short.

"Well, why are you guys always trying to get me to be alone with him all the time." She counters back. "Just because he wants to hang out today, doesn't mean that he likes me the way you guys keep thinking he does. In case you guys haven't noticed, he hasn't been talking to me the past few weeks. Today's the first day things seem normal between the two of us."

"But he asked to hang out with you specifically. Not the guys." Toru added. "Besides, I think he's waiting to get the chance to spend some time with you."

Ochako gulps. She remembered what he was about to say before arriving at the shopping mall. It sounded like he was going to bring up the mission but that was quickly interrupted by one of the same girls begging for them to be together. She wasn't particularly sure why she didn't want to be completely alone with Deku. She was fine with it on the metro. But the second he acknowledged the mission. She knew he was going to mention that moment.

"Moving on." She announces, as she takes one of the newly empty tables. The girls take a seat around her.

"No, No, no." Mina persits. "We're not finished."

"Yeah, for real, you need to talk. What is up between you two since the mission." Jirou says, resting her hand on her cheek.

"I have noticed things have been off between you two lately. You guys used to walk together after class or eat together for lunch." Momo adds, "Were you guys arguing back at the mission?"

Ochako exhales deeply. There was no letting up from this, and she honestly felt like giving in. Slowly, she turns her gaze at Tsu, who was looking back at her with a sympathetic smile on her face.

"Ochako." she says softly, "I think you should just tell them."

They could see the girls perk up in their seats, scooting themselves closer to the table.

Ochako looks back at them. Tsu was right. If everyone was seeing that Deku was acting different towards her, maybe telling the truth about that night would offer some insight about the whole situation. Or, maybe it would worsen it.

She closes her eyes, taking herself back to that day. It felt so fresh in her mind, she practically felt that it happened moments ago. The angry look in his eyes when Ryo got a hold of her. The way he looked at her and didn't dare let go. She could feel his hand cup against the back of her head as he brought himself closer to her. Her heart had been beating a million times a second during that time, but if it wasn't for him, she probably would still be in the hospital right now.

"Alright." she exhaled, looking up at the eager faces. "I'll tell you."