Wow, you guys really seem to like this story. I'm looking at all the follows and favorites and I'm practically blushing. It really is such an honor to be able to write something so well received. I really hope I can continue to deliver. It honestly gives me mixed feelings of anxiety and excitement, although part of the reason my heart is pounding so hard is probably because of all the coffee I just drank. The caffeine's really hitting me right now. But regardless, I really am ecstatic to write for you guys. I hope the newest chapter is to your liking as well!

The next morning, all eyes are on me when I enter the classroom. I don't make eye contact with any of them, instead heading straight to my seat in the back. Sitting down, I throw my feet up on the desk, exchanging the bubblegum in my mouth for a candy less likely to be noticed by our teacher.

Two people are notably absent.

"Kyou Megumi." Class rep strides to stand in front of my desk, pushing up the glasses on the bridge of his nose as he obnoxiously inquires, "Where have you been? Not only did you skip the second half of the provisional license exam, but you failed to return to the school dorms at all last night! What is your explanation?"

I suck on my candy, staring at the tip of my shoe. "I went to the arcade."

"You skipped class and stayed out to go to the arcade?" His voice rises as he speaks.

"Yep."

"As your class president, it is my duty to inform you that you will be punished harshly for such disreputable acts! I cannot condone such—"

"Chill out," I sigh, finally turning my eyes upwards. "I know there'll be consequences. I don't plan on doing it again."

This causes him to pause, the rest of the class absorbing what I've said. Then, out of nowhere he declares, "I hope you take the opportunity to turn your life around," and struts back to his seat.

As conversations start back up, Yaoyorozu makes her way back to my seat. Her hands are latched behind her back, her face hopeful as she asks, "Why the change of heart?"

I shrug. "Nothing really changed. It just takes me a while to settle into a new environment. I'm not used to being confined this rigorously."

"Is that so?" She cups her cheek in her hand. "Thank goodness! I was worried you didn't like any of us, and that was the reason you kept running off!"

"There's some news you might be interested in, Kyou," a little ribbit informs me, bringing my attention to Asui. She stands beside Yaoyorozu, her expression unreadable. "They said those who didn't pass the second part of the examination can take a course in March to get their license."

I tilt back in my chair, thoughtful. "I see. Does that mean there are others who didn't pass?"

"Ah," Asui hesitates. "From our class, there were three."

Yaoyorozu counts them off on her fingers. "You, Bakugou, and Todoroki."

"What?" Having been rocking on the back legs of my chair, I let the front legs fall to the ground with a clang. "Shouto didn't pass?"

"He got in a fight with Inasa during the second half, and both of them lost too many points because of it."

I slowly nod as I take this in. So that Inasa guy really was trouble. Judging from the way he looked at Shouto in the waiting room, he must have something against him. I wonder what it was. Part of me wishes I would have stayed, just to see it: Shouto in a one on one match.

Kicking my feet down, I rise and brush past the two girls in front of my desk, heading to where Shouto sits three desks down. He was watching me even before I slammed a hand down on his desk. His posture is impeccably straight, his hands resting and ready for use on his desk. I meet his cautious gaze with a grin. "Too bad I missed that fight of yours."

Apparently, that isn't what he was expecting, because it takes him a minute to respond.

"You shouldn't have ditched to go to the arcade."

"It was fun," I laugh, splaying my hands in a show of innocence. His lack of reaction makes it clear he doesn't know what to think of this. Resting a hand on my hip, I invite, "You should come with me next time. I'll slaughter you in Street Fighter."

"Kyou." His hands have clenched into fists. "What are you doing?"

I purse my lips in a mock pout that doesn't really hide my amusement, offering him my puppy dog eyes. "Being friendly! I just thought that we should start getting along again, if we're going to be taking the course together in March. Do you not like me being amicable?"

"Wow wow wow! The anti-social beauty is asking the class pretty boy on a date!?"

For once, that purple grape doesn't get on my nerves, his comment only raising more laughter to my lips. "Nah," I smirk, never breaking my eye contact with Shouto. "I'm not that generous."

I wait for Shouto's response, and, as it seems, he isn't too eager to reply. It hasn't escaped my notice that most of the classroom has gotten quiet, either. Honestly, I should have decided to do this sooner! Everyone's reactions seriously make me want to laugh! I don't think I've ever enjoyed making waves as much as I'm enjoying it right now!

Eventually, his voice barely above a whisper, he mutters, "You've changed so much."

"Have I?"

Louder, he relents, "Let's get along then," and extends me his hand. His gaze remains wary, his voice formal, but I still have to prevent the rush of triumph from making its way onto my face as I grasp his hand. A small chill zips through me at the nostalgic coolness of his grip, adding fuel to the already burning excitement inside me.

Oh Shouto, if only you knew.

Mr. Aizawa enters as I retract my hand, so after flashing Shouto a sly smile, I slip over into my chair. Next to me, Uraraka sends me a friendly smile, before turning her attention to the front of the class. I haven't exactly been in the classroom enough to know if that's a regular behavior for her, but I'm inclined to say it means she's not as afraid of me as before. Because I'm being complacent? Maybe. That is the idea.

In the front of the classroom, our teacher waits for our attention, his oppressing presence being all that's needed to quiet us down. His eyes immediately find me and bore into me from across the room. I opt to avoid his gaze, the empty hallway suddenly ever so interesting. The look turns out to only be an assurance that my behavior won't be overlooked, because he launches into homeroom the moment the room is silent. His topic is over the assembly I skipped this morning. He covers one other thing Asui brings to his attention, then declares, "Well then, I'll let Mic take over from here."

I can't help but cringe when the door slides open and that obnoxious screeching hero shouts something about English. My eardrums ringing, I stick a pinky in the ear closer to the door to block out the noise.

"And Kyou." Aizawa pauses on his way out of the classroom to meet my eyes. "I'll speak to you in the hallway."

"Yessir," I comply, sliding out of my desk and slinking past the first hour teacher who's already begun to set up his stage at the front of the room. Even with Eraserhead awaiting me outside, I'm all too happy to shut the door behind me.

The first thing I note when I turn to face Mr. Aizawa is that he isn't blinking. Physically, I don't feel any different, but there's not a doubt if my mind that if right now I were to put my hand to my forehead, nothing would happen. I have to admit, it's almost preposterous how perfect his quirk is against me, and how helpless mine is against him.

"What do you have to say for yourself?" he starts, his tone of voice as grave as grave could be.

"Sorry teach, won't happen again."

"If you aren't going to take this seriously, I will personally expel you from my class, if not from this school."

Whoops, should've done a better job at hiding my smirk. Quenching my amusement for now, I try not to make it obvious I find my current behavior laughable. "I shouldn't have run off. I broke the rules and caused trouble for you, and maybe even my classmates. Sorry."

"You will not be allowed to participate in the March course. If you want your provisional license, you will have to retake the test on your own in the future. We have been patient with you, Kyou. There are a number of things I should have punished you harshly for and have let you off easy. One more strike and you will be suspended from U.A, understood?"

"Yes."

"Also, we have scheduled you a home visit tomorrow. You will go home after school and are allowed to spend the night. You will be expected to be on time to class in the morning."

"Huh? Why are you sending me home?" I would get it if they were kicking me out, but just for one night? Without missing any school?

"Just be glad you get to go. We've hardly allowed any excursions since the dorms have been instituted."

"But—" Before I can get out the why, Mr. Aizawa has already turned and started down the hall.

All levity gone, I stare after him. Did something happen with Dad? Is that why they're sending me home? But the timing is too strange for it to be something as simple as that. And he said "we", meaning this decision was made by the UA, not by him. UA doesn't move without a clear purpose. So what is it this time?

Mood thoroughly soured, I whirl and slam open the door. The class falls silent with the sudden entry, but I just slam it shut behind me and make a beeline to my seat in the back. Plopping myself into my seat, I cross my arms and legs and wave for Mic to go on.

As his rambling starts back up, I dismiss my concerns. Whatever they've got planned, it can't be serious. They may suspect, they may anticipate, but they don't know where I stand for sure, so if they're doing anything, it'll be an attempt to either uncover that or solidify it. Either way, I'm in no immediate danger. They're clearly keeping their eyes trained on me, though. Maybe a little more focused than I'd like.

I subtly peer down my row to where Shouto sits, his eyes locked on the blackboard in the front. While it's true their watching me might not have me in any immediate danger, they might gain some sort of intel. The longer they watch, the bigger the risk of them discovering my intent and acting to prevent its fruition. Ideally, I'd like to take my time, but…

It looks like I might have to rush things along. Just a little.

Shout out to my friend (who will probably never see this 'cause she hasn't read my stuff in so long) for helping me figure out what Megumi's next move would be. I knew what she intended when she became resolved, but I was a bit at a loss as to how she'd do it. If any of y'all are stuck writing, I highly suggest consulting friends. Sometimes, they'll give you answers so obvious you overlooked them. Other times, they'll have ideas you never would have dreamed of. An outside viewpoint really is valuable. Anyway, I'm over the mini writing block I had while trying to write this chapter, so now I can blast through a couple chapters! Hopefully! Thank you guys for reading, and I'll see you again next chapter!