Todoroki-kun to Koi no Yamai
[9]
This had to be a divine sign from the gods, right?
After multiple failed attempts at presenting Shouto with homemade cookies, Kagome decided to let their relationship progress naturally. This meant no more blatant attempts at gaining his favor and attention. Staying within proximity and speaking to him was a "yes". Homemade, fresh confections were a "no".
The very next period after lunch was P.E. and quirk training with Aizawa. The class was directed to change into their P.E. uniforms and then assemble in the fifth training ground. Despite being teenagers, Hero Class 1A was still the cream of the crop (for the most part), so there was no delay in their gathering.
As everyone settled in their places, Kagome briefly glanced up at Shouto, who was standing directly to her left. Despite her resolve to stay near him, she had no clue how she ended up standing so close to him. She usually ended up surrounded by her friends, typically near Momo, Denki, and the rest. But ending up next to and so close to Shouto was something that just happened.
Kagome pursed her lips to fight her internal giddiness.
Mina, who stood on her other side, noticed the position that Kagome was in. She saw her friend's trembling lips and broke out into a wide grin. "Ka-go-" the pink-skinned teen nudged Kagome's ribs with her elbow, "-riiiiiiin~" When Mina had Kagome's attention, her grin curved until it was cat-like. She then made a head gesture to Shouto and wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
"Shut up, Mina-chan!" Kagome hissed in a whisper while lightly shoving her friend. She then cursed her friend's immaturity. Normally, Kagome could up some semblance of composure in Shouto's presence but now—. Warmth crept to Kagome's face as she shuffled ever so slightly.
Lightning crackled through her veins when her arm bumped into Shouto's.
It was a brief brush but it was enough. He felt so much like a boy. Soft skin but firm, defined muscles.
Kagome felt a burning blush growing so she was quick to lift her eyes to Shouto's face. His eyes were on their preparing instructor until she spoke up, "Ah, sorry about that, Todoroki-kun." She offered a sheepish, apologetic smile.
"Un," He nodded in acknowledgment, his face staying neutral and unbothered, "It's no problem."
It was a brief exchange, but Kagome found herself trying to contain the thumping in her chest.
It felt like another sign from the universe.
Aizawa then gave a brief lecture that many pro-heroes worked with partners or sidekicks throughout their careers. Only a select few exceptionally powerful or exceptionally confident heroes worked solo. Because of this, their next few weeks of P.E. would be focused on partnering with classmates to gain co-op combat experience. At the end of the four-week trial period, they would be tested with sparring match-ups against other pairs.
The ever-so diligent and curious Tenya raised his hand. After receiving the green light to speak, he inquired, "If one pair wins the match-ups, does this mean that the losing pair fails the assignment?"
"Not necessarily," Aizawa's answers made many students release held breaths and tensions. "The assignment isn't about winning. It's about cooperation and teamwork. For that reason, a winning pair isn't guaranteed to pass."
Kagome smiled and sweat dropped when Katsuki barked after several sets of eyes fell on him.
"Now then," Aizawa pulled out a binder and looked down at its contents, "The pairs were decided last night through a random lot system. The first pair is Midoriya and Koda. Next is Ashido and Sero."
Kagome had no one in particular who she didn't want to be partnered with—.
"Yaoyozoru and Mineta."
—except for that one grenade. That was one landmine. She would gladly take partnering with Katsuki over the grape hero.
"Higurashi and Todoroki."
Kagome's heart lurched louder than the sound of open sounds of disappointment from Denki and cheers from Mina and Toru.
This felt too good to be true.
Kagome cupped her hands behind her back and dared to bend for a glimpse up at Shouto's face. His expression was decisive and firm. She could tell from the look in his eye that he was ready to get to work.
A smile spread across her cheeks.
She was just as pumped as he was.
"Todoroki-kun, let's do our best," She stated, unable to control her glow.
"Yes," He responded as his hand curled into a fist at his side. "We will be the number one pair."