A/N: To make up for my long absence, I decided to write something special for you all! I thought you guys would be curious of Shoto's POV so I wrote this chapter to give you a glimpse of how he feels. It's not that long, but I hope you guys like it. And don't worry, Shoto-Yuriko-Bakugo scenes are already in the making for the next chapter. Just give me some time to polish it for you, guys! Enjoy! ❤︎
CHAPTER 15
- Shoto's POV -
"Forgiven! See that wasn't too bad, was it?" The contentment in Yuriko's voice was more than enough for me, to think that I never deserve her forgiveness. But her smile… The way her eyes lit up when I finally plucked up the courage to utter those simple words was all worth it. It was all I ever needed to forgive myself as well.
It has been days since the Provisional Licensing Hero Exam but those words still rang clearly in my head. After patching things up with Yuriko, our relationship was much better. But it would be a lie if I say things aren't awkward at first. I wasn't used checking up on her often. Although undeniably, I was always curious how she has been doing the past years. I thought that if I sincerely want to restore our friendship, I had to do these simple things to show her I care.
I was staring at my phone for over a minute now. I just sent her a message asking how she was. The hero exam wasn't a joke after all. It was chaotic and I was partly at fault. I took my bag and slung it on my shoulder. School ended and I have the rest of the day to train for the second round of the exams. I shoved my phone in my pocket. Unexpectedly, I was getting a bit impatient waiting for her reply. I caught myself unconsciously grabbing my mobile phone again.
I want to talk to her. I want to talk to her the whole day.
I shook my head. All these thoughts and emotions were new to me. After many months of inconsistent communication with Yuri, plus the fact that we're trying our best to build bridges from square one, I was eager to know more about her. I've shut down all my feelings these past years and this is the first time I've let myself be vulnerable. In retrospect, the thought of Yuri didn't leave my mind. My priority was to get stronger back then. But now, it's different. Discovering that Yuri chose Shiketsu over her recommendations at UA, finding out that she goes to a different school with her best friend from junior high, realizing that this best friend was a guy were just a few things I am trying to get my head around.
DING.
My steps slowed down. The sight of my school locker greeted me. I immediately grabbed my phone and my most awaited reply glinted from the screen.
1 unread message - Sorahiko Yuriko
A grin was all too visible from my face. I unlocked my phone in an instant.
Sorahiko Yuriko:
Hi Shoto! I'm sorry if I replied a bit late. Our sensei suddenly came in when I got your message and we're not allowed to use our phones during class. Recovery Girl did a really great job so I'm all good now. Don't worry!
Todoroki Shoto:
That's good to hear. So, are you still in school?
I realized I was getting impatient over such shallow things. My phone rang again. I sat on one of the benches across my locker.
Sorahiko Yuriko:
Yup! Just had to help Inasa with Math since he suck at it, but I'll be going home in a few minutes.
My eyes furrowed seeing his best friend's name. Does she really have to do that? Aren't there any other students who can do that for him? I shook my head again.
Why am I being too irrational lately? They are just friends.
But they've known each other for a long time too. Maybe longer than I have.
I slid my phone back inside my pocket. I felt irritated all of a sudden. I decided to collect my thoughts first. This isn't you, Shoto. Calm down.
I took out my outdoor shoes and returned the ones I use in school back in the locker. My hand automatically grabbed my phone once more. My fingers fumbled through the keypad as I made my way to the gym.
Todoroki Shoto:
Doesn't he have anyone to help him with it? (Delete)
He can just ask help from others. (Delete)
It's not your responsibility to help him anyway. It's a waste of your time. (Delete)
My fingers tapped heavily on the screen as I kept deleting my replies. I scratched the back of my neck out of annoyance. Once I got in the gym, I placed my bag on the floor and sat close to it.
Todoroki Shoto:
Oh, I see. Hope you won't have a hard time, then. I'll train at the gym for now. I'll catch up with you later.
Sorahiko Yuriko:
Okay! Don't push yourself too much though. Good luck! Talk to you later. :)
Todoroki Shoto:
Can you do me a favor?
Sorahiko Yuriko:
Sure! What is it?
Todoroki Shoto:
Let me know if you're already home. Take care :)
My cheeks felt warm as I sent my last message. Was it too much? But I thought it was just appropriate to know if she got home safe. She's my future…
DING.
Sorahiko Yuriko:
I will. Take care, Shoto! :)
As if the redness on my cheeks wasn't enough, my heart pounded, and the butterflies in my stomach fluttered. It was a weird feeling, but it just felt warm. I read her last message again and I caught myself smiling from ear to ear. I felt relieved. Now all that's left for me to do is to train to my heart's content.
Training for the licensing retest took a lot of time from my schedule. The days prior to the actual event, I was busy studying and training all at the same time. I was still checking up on Yuri although it was a momentary exchange of messages. But she would always leave me with an assurance that it was fine. I realized that I never had to worry about her. She has always been understanding even when we were younger. It was the people around her, specifically her buzzed-cut friend, that I worry about. Meeting Yoarashi, I was always pestered with threats when it comes to Yuriko. I can't blame him, though. What I did back then was really harsh. However, I knew for a fact that he was just being protective of her. He's her friend, too. On the contrary, maybe he's not that bad as I thought. I slept early the night before the hero exam. As usual, I sent a message to Yuriko telling her about it. It was just a brief conversation over text but it was all I needed for extra motivation. It was better than getting a phone call from my dad telling me that he'll also be at the venue on that day. It irritated me that I forgot to ask Yuriko if she will drop by at the stadium too.
After days of waiting, the hero licensing exam finally came. Bakugo and I were escorted to the stadium by All Might and Present Mic. UA has been more extra cautious with the League of Villain's rampant attacks lately. I was lost in my thoughts walking towards the arena wishing that Endeavor won't run into All Might. I noticed that my dad's grown more conscious of people continuously comparing him to the former No.1 hero. As much as I'm not fond of him, I don't want that insecurity to grow even further.
My thoughts were disrupted when I heard somebody call us from afar. I looked up to see Yoarashi and…. Yuriko. She's here?
Even from a distance, I easily recognized her entire frame. Her long black hair extending down to her elbows. Thin layers of her fringe were tucked behind her ears making her brown eyes stand out. I admit that I've observed her a lot during the previous hero exam. But this is the first time I've ever looked at her closely. This might actually be the first time I've ever laid my eyes on someone so normal, yet so beautiful.
"I brought Yu-chan for extra support!" It only took me a second to notice Yoarashi wrapping his arm around Yuriko's shoulder. I unconsciously shot him a glare and cleared my throat. I know that he is aware of my relationship with Yuriko seeing him drop his arm around her.
"I didn't know you'd be here." I asked concealing any other feelings that might suddenly surface along with my voice.
"I was dragged. But as Inasa said, I promise I'd cheer for you all." She smiled and gave us two thumbs up.
I'd be more glad if you'd only cheer for me. I was surprised at my own thoughts. Lately, my mind has been out of control. This is one of those times. My brain just blurts out anything randomly. If it had a mouth, I swear it will say the weirdest things, especially with these strange feelings I'm having recently. Maybe I'm just nervous messing up my second exam. I conditioned myself to think normally as I could. I looked forward to seeing Yuri after this so a simple "I'll see you later" was all I could say.
Beyond doubt, the second round of the hero exam was nothing I've seen before. I'm just glad that everyone worked together to succeed. Even Inasa, who I thought I couldn't get along, was surprisingly easy to work with. Just as I was about to spot Yuriko watching from the bleachers, I caught Bakugo's gaze the same as mine. He looked at Yuriko briefly but quickly turned his attention to one of the children in the arena. I didn't have to overthink what I clearly saw. The question is, why? I finally took a glance at my childhood friend. As soon as her eyes met mine, I smiled. And in that moment, I finally came to realize why I've been acting and thinking this way. But I wasn't ready to process it just yet.
All the boys were gathered in the locker room to change. When it was time to leave, I saw Yoarashi waiting for me by the hall.
"Todoroki…" At first glance, Yoarashi seemed like the type who didn't have any care in the world. But behind that facade, I think he was much more. "Can I have a minute?"
I nodded my head and we stayed in a corner.
Yoarashi bowed all of a sudden and spoke. "I apologize for what I did last time. And for what I said about your father." He straightened up his back waiting for a response.
"It's okay. We're both at fault last time so don't act like it was entirely your responsibility."
The guy looked relieved.
"What you said about my father…" I continued. "You were just being honest. You don't need to say sorry for that."
"Even so… I wasn't in any place to say those words."
"As I said, it's okay." I smiled at the humongous guy before me. His apologies were sincere. Just as I thought this conversation was over, he began to speak again.
"About Yuriko…" My eyes widened. Now I am clueless where this conversation will lead to.
"What about her?" I tried to reply calmly.
"I give you my blessing!" Yoarashi bowed down again. More intense than the last one.
"What?" I almost laughed as he blurted out those words.
He looked up to me. I felt his concern, not only in his eyes but through his words. "I'm sure you're aware that I know about your… Uhhhh… Your… That the both of you are in…" Yoarashi was trying to find the right words to say. His voice was softer as if being cautious that somebody might hear our conversation.
"A fixed marriage?" I put an end to all his stuttering.
"Yes." The humongous guy stared at the ground. "As Yu-chan's best friend, it's normal that I have to look after her. That's why I told you that I didn't like you at first. But, I'm wrong. You are a trustworthy guy, Todoroki! I know you can protect Yu-chan at all times!" Yoarashi's voice grew a little louder.
"Shhhh." I looked sideways to check if there are other people. Thankfully, it's just the two of us. Yoarashi covered his mouth with both of his hands. "Yuriko is also important to me just as how she is to you. Right now, I'm trying to make up for a lot of lost time. One thing I'm sure of, I'll protect her at all costs."
Yoarashi let out a sigh. "That's good to hear then. Now I feel relieved knowing there's a good reason why she dumped me years ago."
"WAIT, WHAT?" I stared at the guy before me, my mouth agape.
"Oh, didn't she tell you? I confessed to her when we were in junior high." Yoarashi scratched the back of his head out of embarrassment. "But I was dumped without a second thought. That's the time I learned about your relationship. I admit. I was very jealous back then."
"You had feelings for Yuriko?" I confirmed.
"Come on, Todoroki. What's not to like?" He winked.
"Do you still have feel-"
"If you're asking me if I still like her as a woman... No. I already made that clear, even to her. I still care for her but not in a romantic way anymore. Trust me. I wouldn't give my blessing if I still do!" Yoarashi nudged my arm.
"Okay…" All these information messed up with my head even more. Was there any other person who liked Yuri? Did anybody else confessed to her? Or... Does she like someone? I was so occupied training the past years that I forgot that both us were growing up. We're not the same kids who used to play together anymore.
"Todoroki. Let me be honest. Do you... have feelings for Yu-chan?"
It took me a long time to respond. Do I like her enough to truly say that I have feelings for her? I like talking to her. I look forward to spending time with her. I'm still in the process of figuring what I really feel.
"Yuriko's special to me. I don't think I-"
"STOP!" Yoarashi interrupted. "I don't think you have to answer that for now. If you plan on saying that you don't, you might regret it. So, save it when you've finally made up your mind."
I nodded. He has a point.
"But, make sure it won't be too late when you finally realize that. I'm sure a lot of guys won't hesitate to make a move on her. Just saying! Anyway, Todoroki, that was a good chat! Let's go. I'm sure Yu-chan's waiting for us!"
Yoarashi turned his heel and I followed behind. It's true that Yuriko is special to me. She has always been. She was always there to encourage me. She never hesitated to forgive me after all that I've said and done. But what if she just sees me merely as a friend? Even if we are set to marry each other, I cannot force her to feel the same way for me. Will she return whatever feelings I have for her?
A/N: Just realized that this story is such a slow burn. Haha! I actually like it that way but I guess I'm getting impatient too, so I'll try to speed it up in the following chapters.
