Arts and Crafts
Estelle hunched over the table, her hands holding the cardboard steady as her tongue peeked out of her lips in concentration. The class watched the television, quiet murmurs breaking the stillness every so often like a gentle reminder of their presence. She paid them no mind, the ever-remaining warmth lingering in her soul like a steady waterfall they always seemed to bring these days.
Her eyes glanced up to the male, evident concentration on his face as he finished the project they had been diligently working on. The expression matched hers so effortlessly, and Estelle failed to hold back her smile at the fact he cared about the object just as much as she did.
Fastening the tape, Sero beamed at Estelle once the roof of the house they were building was complete. Raising his hand in a thumbs-up position, he cheered, "It's secure! You just need to cut out the windows and doors before we tape them together."
Estelle nodded, a thoughtful countenance on her face as she leaned over the table for a pair of scissors. Her session with Hound-Dog had prompted the sudden arts and crafts she was doing, and it was only when she plopped the materials down onto the table that she found an eager Sero leaning over her, his quirk in full view as he requested to help.
Estelle found the idea fantastic, and it was evident from how her face lit up and how she enthusiastically nodded that she was all for it. The class, watching a movie, was awed at the endearing scene as the duo instantly jumped to action.
They observed how the two teens avidly discussed their ideas for the project and started making plans immediately once they settled on a house. They decided to go for something a little easier in case they couldn't manage it, but from the sounds of their discussion, they had no trouble. The matching smiles refused to leave their faces when they overheard Sero talking about making a windmill next time to challenge themselves. And the students found themselves positively beaming when Estelle chimed in her agreement.
Their sights constantly drifted to the two, finding it too precious to comprehend. Eventually, they gave up on their subtly, randomly complimenting them throughout their enterprise.
"It's coming together! Can I ask what made you do this today, Estelle?" Izuku questioned as his body leaned forward from the couch to get a better view.
The curiosity spiked for the rest of the students, eying Estelle's attention on the door she was cutting out before she responded. "Hound-Dog had wondered why I liked colouring so much. He asked if it was because I lacked a childhood."
The class broadened their eyes, taken aback by the casual tone in Estelle's voice as she carried on, the scissors in her hand. "I told him I didn't know. But, he said to try something else like arts and crafts and see how I felt about it for our next session."
The students dropped their jaws, their minds whirling on the fact that Estelle was attending therapy. Katsuki and Izuku were the only ones who didn't react, already aware of Estelle's trips to his office from prior discussions, but their interest was piqued by her words. Calming themselves, they noted how comfortable the girl was and wondered if the teacher was onto something.
"How do you feel?" Momo asked softly.
Estelle's eyes closed as her cheeks lifted, not realising that the class were grinning like Cheshire cats in front of her shut eyelids. "Surprisingly, I feel pretty happy! It feels good to do something that doesn't feel crushing. Maybe it's because every decision or action I made led to consequences, but this? It doesn't matter if I mess up; all I have to think about is how to build it. I feel...full."
A wave of emotion surrounded the class, their lips faltering as they failed to figure out how they should feel. On the one hand, they wanted to celebrate that Estelle was sitting before them, tape stuck to her hands as she happily cut into the cardboard, utterly relaxed to the world around her. On the other, it was a bullet to the heart to be reminded of the extent of Estelle's pain, so much so it was hard to deconstruct. The awareness that she enjoyed such tasks mainly because she was delighted she didn't have to make life-altering decisions made them want to hunch over and cry.
Forcing the sides of their lips to stay turned seemed to be a collective decision to remain positive. Thankfully, before their determination wained, Sero broke the moment with a cough, rubbing the back of his neck. "Uh, Estelle?"
Turning round to face him, Estelle raised a brow. "Hm?"
"I don't think the roof is going to fit."
The female squinted her eyes at the cardboard, her lips pursing as she realised he was right. Narrowing her sights in annoyance, Estelle ignored the bewildered faces around her as she continued to stare at the cardboard roof as if it would magically grow a few sizes.
A growl pulled her away from the staring match, her head bobbing down as a fist landed on her head. Jutting her lips out in a pout, Estelle glanced up to find Katsuki on the edge of his seat behind her, having surged forward to examine the unassembled pieces of the house. "You idiots! Do you guys not know math?!"
Estelle's pout deepened, her eyes staring up at rubies with innocence. "I may have memorised it all in theory. But I wasn't in class enough to know how to put it into practice! I had only been taught to read and write for battle tactics!"
The brief flash of gentle rubies disappeared before anybody could take notice, turning sour as he drifted them over to Sero. "What's your excuse?!"
"Aw, man! This is supposed to be fun!"
"It still is, dickwad! Move over!" Katsuki hissed furiously, budging his classmate along before focusing on the paper before him.
Estelle leaned over, her eyes curiously watching Katsuki's hands work as he frantically figured out the measurements. Broadening her eyes at his efficiency, Estelle observed him like a child seeing a master at work. The class nearly laughed at the scene, finding it all the more adorable when Katsuki paused at the expression, a pink flush on his cheeks before he forced his attention back to the equation.
Seemingly coming to a conclusion, Katsuki grinned victoriously as he raised the paper above his head. "Hah! Learn the Pythagoras theorem, suckers!"
Estelle laughed, leaning back to applaud him before taking the sheet with a sweet thank you. Katsuki grumbled at the gratitude, eyeing her as he witnessed her smile again turn into a pout. Scowling at the change of expression, he impatiently grunted, "What?!"
"I don't have a ruler or a measuring tape."
Snapping his focus to the table, Katsuki quickly agreed with her assessment. With an intelligible mutter, he stood up to make his leave to get a damn ruler for her. Luckily, before he made his way out, Momo shouted, "I can make one!"
"Thank you!" Estelle brightened, her body turning to the female as she avidly watched Momo construct a ruler for her. It only took a few moments before she was handed the item, and Estelle was ready to return to work.
Feeling a blush rise on her face from how jovial Estelle was, Momo waved her hand dismissively as she murmured, "Oh, it's nothing!"
"Oh, oh! I have an idea!" Ashido interrupted, her body practically brimming with excitement as she stared at the cardboard. "Why don't you use a flat piece to put the house on, so you can make a pretty garden and front porch!"
Estelle instantly straightened her back from the suggestion, her head nodding away as if she should have thought of it sooner. "Your right. Good idea!"
"Can I make some flowers?" The pink-haired female continued, already moving to sit by the table with a hopeful look.
"Of course!"
"Can I make a little figure? Maybe some little rabbits?" Koda added weakly, his fingers twirling in nervousness before relaxing at Estelle's nod.
"We could paint the house?!"
"We could add a chimney!"
"If there's room at the back, we could add a little swing with some strings!"
Estelle felt like she was becoming a bobblehead, her head trying to keep up with the ideas as she accepted them. Eventually, she just yelled, "Take some cardboard! Let's do this!"
Grinning at the resolve on her face, many students grabbed some supplies, asking Momo to produce more before they set to labour. The movie had been forgotten entirely, playing in the background, which had been lowered in volume.
Estelle would have expected to be overwhelmed by the sudden change, but honestly, the happiness that had stayed concurrent had risen to new heights. Her eyes peeked over to the concentrated classmates chattering with each other, and she found it hard to remove the grin from her face as she continued with her piece.
It felt nicer knowing that it wasn't just her own project anymore, but it would be everyones.
Katsuki grumbled next to her, and Estelle noted the lack of any negative emotion behind it. He seemed perfectly content to watch them all work, playing with a scrap of cardboard as he occasionally threw out insults when he got a good look at one of their pieces.
Eventually, one by one, the pieces were added together like a jigsaw. The house had been fully painted and stuck together, and the garden was nearly finished. As Ashido stuck her flowers onto the board, Estelle grinned at the tiny rabbits Koda had made. There was some space near the swing in the back garden, and he was happy to place them all together, muttering, "They're one big happy family."
Her heart melted at that.
Experiencing a harsh nudge before she could step back to view the complete masterpiece, Estelle whirled her head to find Katsuki glaring as if she had stepped on his big toe. Observing his frown with furrowed brows, Estelle's eyes dropped to his hand between them, holding something out for her to see.
Her breath hitched at his creation. Estelle hadn't realised it, but the scraps of cardboard he had been fiddling with were actually something he was working on. Feeling the heat rush to her cheeks as his eyes stayed on hers, Estelle failed to articulate a response to his heart-cushioning gesture.
It was a little white rose.
Unable to remove his attention from his thundering heart, Katsuki's hand was on the edge of blowing up the rose from how cute her stunned expression was. Taking her hand with a jerk, he averted his eyes from her own as he muttered, "Put it with the other damn flowers."
Like a plant that had been rooted deep inside of her, Estelle realised that Katsuki had gardened her with enough care that it would eventually reach its bloom. He was like a watering can and the sunlight, a constant stream of nourishment to her very soul. It was borderline euphoric for a wilted flower like hers.
Katsuki blushed harder under her watchful eyes and beaming smile, his feet shuffling awkwardly, knowing that twenty pairs of eyes were currently viewing the scene. He knew if he glanced at them, he would see expressions that would be the final straw in ruining the project in his hands. His thundering heart crashed in his ears, his internal voice screaming at himself to pull it together.
Thankfully, the duo couldn't see the rest of the class shaking and punching each other in chaotic enthusiasm.
Realising she was probably staring for too long, Estelle quickly shook herself out of her daze as she turned to the project, placing the rose in the garden with utmost care. She failed to notice the verbal coo's around the room as she did, her focus ensuring that it was placed at the front of the flower patch.
The class stared at the finished project with various degrees of satisfaction and joy once everyone stood back. Giving each other compliments for their hard work, Iida yelled, "We'll keep it in the living room!"
"Yeah!"
"Awesome!"
Estelle simply smiled, only now realising that her cheeks were aching from the action. This had been the second time it had happened, and it had been for the same reason.
The class.
Focusing her attention on her joyful classmates, Estelle realised that today, just spending time with them, had been more fun than she had ever imagined. Estelle could recall the first time they had brought her downstairs to watch a movie and how much they forced themselves to not even talk, afraid that they would accidentally set her off. They now felt comfortable approaching her, vocalising their opinions, and remaining clear of Estelle's boundaries.
They had grown, and so had Estelle.
She remembered complaining whenever she was with them to maintain her distance. Yet, the longer she has known them, the more she adored these moments with her class. They were like a sea of flowers already blooming, gazing over at her wilted one and encouraging her to grow.
Estelle wanted to protect them even more from the thundering rain heading directly towards their flower patch. To ensure they would continue to have these moments, with or without her. The remembrance of their upcoming war was like ice to the warmth in her veins. Forcing her mind to push back against the thrashing thoughts, Estelle bit back her scowl that her head couldn't allow her to simply enjoy this time with her class. Regardless, she would make sure they were ready.
Estelle was prepared to pour her blood, sweat and tears to ensure they were equipped. She would put everything she had left to make sure they would come out alive. Estelle could care less that she had a million other things to prioritise; she couldn't just stand by and allow them to go in like lambs to the slaughter.
"Oh. What's with the serious face?" Kaminari wondered, his face dampening slightly as he regarded Estelle's frown.
Estelle waved her hand dismissively, forcing herself to brighten and her shoulders to relax. "Ah. It's nothing. I was thinking about inviting everyone to the first class training session with me."
The class straightened up, excitement covering their features as they chimed out their agreement. Katsuki was the only one who remained silent, his eyes scanning over her with furrowed brows as Estelle tried to keep her easygoing facade.
"Score!"
"This'll be fun!"
Oh. It will be anything but.
"Great! I'll see you all at the gym at six sharp!" Estelle finished, heading out of the doors before anybody could argue.
"She meant PM, right?!" Mineta screeched, the walls vibrating from his horror.
"Ah, no. I don't think so, buddy."
Estelle had been startled to find Shoto standing outside her dorm room. Immediately noticing his outdoor jacket that covered his front, Estelle raised a brow as the two-toned male gave an awkward smile. Shoto nervously shuffled in front of her, his eyes averting to the ground as his quiet voice reached her ears. "We haven't had soba in a while. Would you mind coming with me, soba buddy?"
Estelle's heart squeezed at his nervous tone, her cheeks lifting slightly as she gave a gentle nod. Shoto straightened, his shoulders relaxing from her agreement as Estelle turned around to grab her jacket. Though she was surprised at the invitation, Estelle wasn't opposed to some soba.
After they waved goodbye to their classmates, Estelle smiled reassuringly to a disappointed Katsuki as she headed outdoors. Shoto immediately directed her to the bus stop, his steps quick against the walkway as Estelle ambled behind. Gazing at the male curiously, Estelle wondered if the crafting they did during lunch was the cause of his invitation. It was the weekend, so the students took the day to relax, and Estelle had done most of her work earlier in the morning. The class had mentioned that they had missed her presence ever since they left for the internships, and to their surprise, she was scarce when they returned.
They had been worried about her, she noted. During dinner last night, they had asked if she would be around the next day, and Estelle didn't have the will to decline. Their hopeful expressions were too much, and though her mind yelled at her, Estelle ignored it to squash their concerns. It had been worth it because today had been fun so far, but she'll never admit that to them.
It was quiet between the duo as they travelled out, heading to the Soba restaurant and taking their seats with ease. Making casual conversation, Estelle noticed that Shoto seemed somewhat preoccupied as he continued to zone out in disinterest.
"Is something the matter?" she eventually asked, a layer of concern in her eyes as Shoto's finger tapped on the table.
Shaking his head, Shoto gave a weak smile, "Ah, we'll talk about that later. First, let's eat."
Mentally holding him to it, Estelle observed the waiter smiling as he brought the soba to their table.
"Thank you for the food."
"Ramen."
"Estelle...this isnt ramen."
"I know. I just wanted to say the pun."
"Shoto, what do you call a snake who loves noodles?"
"Hm?"
"Slurp-ent," Estelle grinned victoriously before sweatdropping at Shoto's reaction. The deadpan on his face struck her soul, and Estelle could only turn with a pout as she focused back on her meal.
'Ruby would have found that funny.'
"Udon eating?"
"..."
"I'm disappointed in your lack of humour."
The exit from the restaurant was swift, and Shoto was quick to take her hand, his head gesturing towards the greenery down the road. Shrugging at his evasive action, Estelle silently pondered what could be running through his mind as she glimpsed the contemplation with his expression.
Estelle knew she would have to be patient. He would have already approached the topic if he was ready to discuss it. But, she couldn't help her piqued curiosity as she realised he had led her to a small park with a field. Peering at him in question, Shoto ignored the look, his hand tugging her to the swings within a few strides.
Due to the late hour, no children were at the park, leaving the park dull as the silence became deafening. Immediately taking a seat on the swing, Estelle gently swished back and forth as her eyes followed Shoto next to her, who had also taken a seat. The quiet droned on, Estelle's sights seared into the male as she awaited the words on his mind, but it was becoming quite uncomfortable.
Thankfully, he finally spoke, his legs beginning to push his body on the swing as he scanned the field before him. "I heard your conversation with my brother the other day."
Though Estelle was wholly taken aback by the conversation, the female was swift in her recovery, allowing the hum of acknowledgement to slip by her lips as she pushed herself on the swing.
Shoto frowned at her answer, his gaze flickering to her for a moment before his swing abruptly stopped. His feet skidded onto the ground, his eyes burning with heat before he opened his mouth again. "I never had the chance to spend much time with my siblings, but Fuyumi told me that Natsou was close to Touya, my dead brother."
At the mention of his brother, Estelle's legs halted, her swing losing momentum as her eyes looked at the gravel before her.
"I could see it on his face. Natsuo has never gotten over Toya's death. From what I heard, anytime someone tried to approach the topic, he flew off the handle, and then he would just leave. Eventually, everyone stopped trying. Nobody had ever talked with him about Touya like you had that night."
Her hands gripped the metal chains, her eyes moving to Shoto as she noted how he wasn't finished. His body was slumped, turned towards the ground as he spoke with muted emotion.
"For some reason, he opened up to you. I don't blame him. It is a quality you have, even if you try your hardest to not be that person. He saw it within you almost immediately."
Her instincts demanded her to argue that point, but Estelle knew now wasn't the time to discuss people's perceptions of her. Clearly, this was something he needed to talk about, and Estelle wouldn't refuse even if she wanted to, her heart twisting at the pain within his body.
Straightening up, Shoto seemed to brighten a little as he turned to her, "I wanted to thank you."
Stunned by the change in his tone, Estelle broadened her eyes, her mouth only able to mutter, "What?"
Nodding as if he had expected that response, Shoto explained. "I wanted to thank you. It gave him a perspective he needed to hear, and your words helped me too."
This had not been what she was expecting. Receiving a thank you for simply having a conversation seemed too strange for her to comprehend, and once it became evident that Estelle couldn't respond, Shoto continued.
"I knew how much you despised my old man, so you can imagine my shock when I saw you hurtling insults like you had known each other for years. Something about it was completely different, and I couldn't put my finger on it. I spent the whole week wondering what had changed; how you could look at a man who resembled Nyx so much that it affected your mental state and caused episodes."
Estelle nodded, understanding his point and how it may have looked on the outside. She probably should have mentioned her change of opinion of Endeavour, but it was hard to explain when the majority of their meetings were about his struggles with talking to his own family.
"What you told Natsou that night. I think I understand. My old man is really trying to change, isn't he?"
Estelle softened, her voice gentle as she responded adequately for the first time. "He has a long way to go, but he has improved from the imbecile he was. That doesn't change what happened, though."
Shoto bobbed his head, agreeing with her sentiment before stating, "I haven't forgiven him. I don't know if I will ever be able to. But, if he really is changing, maybe there is hope."
"I'd like to think so," Estelle murmured quietly, "But, remember. You have to do what's best for you, and if that means hating him for the rest of your life, so be it."
"Yes, your right. But, looking back at it, we are similar, aren't we?"
The smile on Estelle's face wasn't one of joy, her heart twisting at how she recognised it during her conversation with Natsou. Some similarities were uncanny, making the woman want to bundle Shoto up and hide him from the planet. She may be dealing with that pain, but Shoto deserved none of it.
"We were raised by power-hungry people who wanted to use us for their own gain. Touya died because of him, and you lost Kiko because of Nyx. They were both family."
Estelle's throat tightened, verging on painful, as she witnessed Shoto's eyes turn distraught. Gosh, it wasn't fair. Shoto had been deprived of so much, yet he still did whatever he could to maintain his morality. He was much better than her, yet he still suffered in the same pain. It made her hands around the metal chains tighten, her voice eventually croaking out, "You're right. We are."
Taking a moment to enjoy the togetherness of the silence, Shoto stood from the swing, turning to face Estelle with the softest gaze she had seen on him yet. Her heart lurched from the sight, twisting when he gave her a weak smile that he attempted to muster up. "It's nice to have someone who understands. I know it's not the same for you since you've struggled so much more, but I appreciate you being here with me."
Estelle instantly lurched from her swing, her head shaking in disagreement as she prevented herself from smacking some sense into him. Deciding the second best option was to speak sternly, Estelle refuted, "Just because I had other issues doesn't make your own past or troubles invalid. If you compare the two again, I'll break your skull. You don't have to understand any parts of my life, but I can admit that you do understand some, as unfortunate as that is."
Shoto's smile turned genuine as he bounced in understanding, amusement crossing his features as he commented, "Hm, we truly are soba buddies."
"Yes, we are."
Eagerly leaning forward, he prodded, "Say it."
Biting back her laugh, it quickly failed as she opened her mouth to utter, "Yes, we are soba buddies."
Satisfied with the verbal confirmation, Shoto opened his arms wide, the tightening around his eyes loosening as he expressed, "Good. I know you are Bakugo's woman, but can I get a hug?"
Estelle choked before he could finish his question, dying on her own spit as her hands fell to her stomach. The inferno of heat slammed into her body, rising to her cheeks as she attempted to argue with her sputtering. "Wha-! No, I'm no-"
Shoto narrowed his eyes at the flustered woman, his smile faltering from his face as he regarded her with a seriousness that made her stop. "I think everyone knows that, apart from you, Estelle."
Turning even darker, Estelle shook her head so fast that her neck could have snapped. The bubble within her stomach rose at his declaration, her eyes widening as she responded rapidly. "You don't know what you're talking-"
Unamused, Shoto frowned as he folded his arms, unwilling to listen to her words, as he cut her off again. "I do. Even though you do everything possible to help others, even at your own expense, such as Natsuo. You sometimes fail to take your own advice and refuse to look at your feelings, fearing you'll see something you're not prepared to deal with."
Estelle closed her gaping mouth, shifting uncomfortably as she was suddenly ripped open wide enough for the world to see. She felt sweaty, the heat scalding her body in an entirely unfortunate way, and she could only stare as he continued tearing right into her. She was flabbergasted by the change of topic, and her mind frantically raced to locate a way to avert the conversation to something that didn't make her feel like she was next to the sun.
"The truth is you'll never be prepared. Midoriya said something recently; he said it looked like I was waiting for something, but now that I think about it, what could I possibly be waiting for if he's trying to change? I don't feel ready to forgive him, but what if I never will because I refuse to take the jump? At the very least, it takes time. But for you, you're not even prepared for the possibility; you refuse to acknowledge it. You can't ignore something so blatantly obvious. You need to look deeper within yourself."
Estelle felt a wave of fatigue as she slumped under the truth of Shoto's words, her weary eyes unable to part from the gravel beneath her feet. "I'm going to leave him. What's the point of looking into myself if it will only generate more hurt."
Shoto leaned back, a thoughtful expression across his face as he folded his arms. His stare never wavered, searing right into Estelle with enough knowing that she winced when she finally looked up. "The fact that you know it will hurt is evidence enough that you feel something for him."
The air caught in Estelle's throat, her body lurching forward as if the words had slammed into her gut. Unable to form a response to such a statement, Estelle nearly slipped as the skin around Shoto's eyes tightened. "And if I'm being honest, I think it will hurt regardless. At least gain clarity on what's causing you so much pain than stay ignorant."
Estelle felt the world turning as she rapidly shook her head, her knees trembling as she stepped towards him. Weekly raising her hand like she was trying to grab onto a lifeline, Estelle could only muster, "No, I- You're wrong."
Raising a brow, the bottom of Shoto's lip dipped as he emphasised his look of disapproval. "Oh, is that so? Come on, Estelle. Stop lying to yourself."
"I'm not, I-"
Stepping towards her so their chests nearly touched, Shoto's eyes were fierce as they stared into her frightened ones. It was a far cry from his typical expression, and it didn't fail in shaking Estelle's core as it flared with determination. "I never pictured you to be so blind. Do you laugh with the others as much as you do him?"
Feeling her heart drop at the hard edge of his tone, Estelle's body willed him to stop talking. She desperately wanted him to stop talking. "Shoto-"
"Do you search for him in a crowded room?"
Her heart pounded against her chest, "Please-"
"Do you wish you had more time to spend with him in the day? Do you feel strange around him?" He instantly shot back.
The world was spinning too quickly, "Stop-"
"Do you think about him a lot? Want to support him when he's struggling? Do you like it when he's there for you?"
Estelle's body shook, and her face scrunched to the point that Shoto wondered if she was in pain. He had barreled through his questions, his voice steady as Estelle's continuously weakened with every word. He wanted her to see it, but now, looking at her, Shoto wondered if he had pushed her too far.
Taking multiple steps back, Estelle whimpered like she was wounded, her eyes wet as she moved backwards. Shoto's heart clenched when he noticed her throat bobbing as if she was trying to remain collected, a noise of shock leaving him as Estelle tumbled to the ground. Her eyes didn't depart from his, utter disbelief within her globes as he noted how a meagre rock had managed to trip the veteran over.
Shoto softened as Estelle looked utterly lost in front of him, her chest rising and falling in quick succession as the words sunk to the deepest parts of her. Crouching before her, his level eyes meeting hers, Shoto gave her one last knowing glance as he muttered, "You know. Deep inside. You do. It's for you to decide if you'll ever admit it."
The world seemed to stop spinning, time freezing before her as his gentle tone hit Estelle harder than his previous words ever did. Her body shook to its core like an injured animal he had found on the side of the road, and her hand slammed to her pained heart like she needed to hold it into place. Her eyes stung, pooling with wetness that she refused the chance to fall.
The earth collided beneath her, every part of his questioning hitting the truth Estelle wasn't prepared for. He slammed it in front of her very eyes like a car crash, and she couldn't look away no matter how hard she tried.
Why was every answer to his questions yes? Oh, gods, She couldn't possibly be thinking about Katsuki in such a way. No, no, no. It was impossible; she had done everything she could to ensure that wouldn't happen!
She had failed. Everything she had tried so hard to maintain, and yet, she still failed. She couldn't think about this! Dammit! She was going to go home soon! She shouldn't be confronted with how she feels affection for Katsuki!
'Ah shit.'
Estelle's mind scrambled, doing everything to pick up the fragments of her mind as they fell apart. As much as she wanted to ignore it, Shoto's words had refused her the ability to do so at this moment. It was now brought to her mind like a petal on water; no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get it to sink.
The truth was right in front of her, in bold lettering.
Estelle held affection for Katsuki.
Shoto winced as the air leaving Estelle's lips only began to get louder, her knees moving up to become a brace for her head as she began to hyperventilate. Feeling his heart plunge, Shoto cursed himself for prodding her more than he probably should have. Scanning her in concern, his hands lurched to her shoulders when her air intake became of struggle to her lungs. "Estelle. You need to breathe."
Realising he was right but feeling helpless as she struggled to number her breaths, Estele lifted her head with panicked eyes. She saw the two-toned male halt at the expression on her face, his eyes mirroring her own as he tried to figure out a way to soothe her as the blonde had always managed to do so easily. "I can't, I can't-"
'-Feel like this. I'm not supposed to-'
Pulling her forward, Shoto quickly wrapped his arms around her shoulders, his head leaning over her as his hand held the back of her crown. He wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do, having no clue how to ease her panic, but his own finally began to calm when her breathing finally settled. Muffling his sigh of relief, Shoto allowed the serenity to linger between them, unsure of how much time was passing as they gripped each other for dear life.
"I apologise," He eventually muttered, "I shouldn't have pushed you so hard."
Estelle didn't respond, slumped within his embrace as if she had fallen asleep. The hitch in her breath was the only indication that she was listening, most likely still recovering from the mayhem the truth had brought to her mind.
"I just want what's best for you. If that's going back to your world or staying with an angry blonde who you're too good for, I want you to be happy. But I can't help but notice that you are the happiest with him. I've seen it with my own eyes. You're my soba buddy; I don't want you to leave without even realising it yourself."
Estelle was mute, listening to his words with a clenched heart as she gazed into the trees at a distance. She whispered in answer, her words coming out croaky from the heaving she had just committed. "I am?"
"Yeah. It makes me happy to see you like that; it makes everyone happy."
"It does?"
"It does," Shoto murmured back, his grip loosening as he pulled back to look at her. "Regardless of what you choose to do. I will stand by you. I am your friend."
Estelle stared at Shoto, incredulity covering her entire face as she again suffered under his words. The gentle stare of resolution made it clear that he was telling the truth and made it unmistakable that he was right. They were friends.
Letting out another noise from the declaration, Estelle leaned forward, her arms wrapping around his middle as her head leaned down on his chest. Shoto followed suit, his hands tightening around her once again as he smiled softly, his gaze unable to part from Estelle's head as he nodded to himself.
'Yes, true soba buddies.'
"Watch where you're going, IcyHot!"
"You're welcome."
"Hah?!"