CHAPTER 16

"Maybe I shouldn't join the school festival, ojii-chan." I muttered under my breath while I tend my grandfather's bruises. Layers of bandage were wrapped around the old man's head. He finally told me that he, together with Detective Tsukauchi, were in search of Kurogiri and another villain yesterday. He also filled me in about the mission against the Yakuza group, involving Sir Nighteye's tragic demise. Shoto might have been clueless about this since he was busy preparing for the hero exam. Now that I'm aware of these events, this information must have reached him by now.

I have feared the villains all my life, but I subconsciously held it in as I try to live normally. But hearing all these things from my grandfather, I couldn't help but be fearful of the future. My future, and the part where Shoto was dragged into it. My parents left me, even hiding their existence, just to keep me safe. Now that the responsibility of protecting me was handed over to ojii-chan, to All Might and eventually to Shoto, it makes me worry all the more. Will protecting me from danger put them in a tight spot as well?

I let out a heavy sigh. I picked up a new dressing as soon as I'm finished cleaning grandpa's wounds. My gaze wandered over his face. It was seamed with wrinkles, testifying his years of experience being a hero. I began wrapping the bandage on his forehead. A slight tug pulsated through my chest while I studied his frail form. A drop of tear landed on my cheek. I instantly wiped it with the back of my hand worried that ojii-chan might see it.

"Are you okay, Yuriko?" My grandfather questioned with his eyes closed, wary of the bandage being wrapped around his head.

"I'm okay, ojii-chan." I casually replied but my words were nothing but smoke and mirrors.

"Don't worry about me. Go and enjoy the school festival. Live a normal high school life." Gran Torino opened his eyes and examined the bandage with both his hands. He smiled and patted my head.

I may be capable of suppressing what I feel but my face can never conceal it. I have been living a normal life. Maybe a bit too much…

"Come on, Yuriko. This is just a little cut. Your favorite grandfather will be okay, soon." The old man tried his best to comfort me. Deep down, I want to be mad at him for keeping me in the dark. However, I know that keeping something that confidential was just for my own sake.

"It's just a school festival. It's nothing important. I would rather take care of you here at home." I kept myself busy avoiding any eye contact with my grandfather. With all these worries clouding my head, I'm not sure if I can still hold back my tears.

"Yuriko."

"Hmmm." I retorted and faked a smile as I struggled to look at my grandfather in the eye.

"I am okay and I will be, believe me. I don't want you to regret and miss anything, even as simple as a school festival. So, don't worry anymore. Go and enjoy!" Ojii-chan grinned and patted my head the second time.

I let out a sigh and nodded. "Okay. Just promise that you'll tell me everything from now on."

"Yes, I promise."

"Even if it involves villains. Promise me."

"Okay. I promise, Yuriko."

I went to bed still bothered. The thought of dragging everyone in trouble for my sake doesn't sit well with me. The League of Villains has already brought so much trouble. I couldn't imagine the inhumane things they can do once they found about me. With Sir Nighteye's untimely death, I know that these villains are more than capable of vicious things. What if All For One finally discovered the truth about me? I rubbed my temples out of irritation. Should I just call off my marriage with Shoto? Should I just run away and hide?

DING.

My thoughts were abruptly cut off with a notification from my phone.

1 unread message - Unknown Number

Huh? Who is this? I opened the message and was surprised to receive a message from a certain green-haired boy.

Unknown Number:
Hello Sorahiko-chan! This is Midoriya! I asked Todoroki for your number. I hope this doesn't creep you out. I want to thank you for inviting the whole class to Shiketsu tomorrow!

Me:
Hi, Midoriya-kun! I was actually surprised to receive a message from you. No worries! I hope everyone can come tomorrow! I'm excited to see you all!

I added Midoriya to my contacts. It was refreshing to receive a message from him. I was brimming with such negative thoughts but this partly distracted me from it.

Midoriya Izuku:
To be honest, I had to force Todoroki for your number. I had to bribe him with soba just to get it, but don't mention that to him anymore. Haha! We will all come! I can't wait to see Shiketsu!

Me:
Woah! So all it takes for Shoto to give my number was a bowl of soba? I'm offended. Haha! Just kidding! I'll see you all tomorrow then!

Midoriya Izuku:
Don't be mad at Todoroki, Sorahiko-chan! It was my fault. I pestered him the whole day.

Me:
I'm just kidding, Midoriya-kun! It's all good! :)

Midoriya Izuku:
By the way, Sorahiko-chan. If it's not too much for you, I want to learn more about your quirk. I'm envious that you have perfect control over it. Mine is still a mess. I mean not totally but I really want to make the most out of it.

Just when I realized that my quirk was too much of a burden, Midoriya thought otherwise. He would always try to see beyond a person. Even if he was clueless of what I am capable of, or what my background is for that matter, I appreciate his admiration of my quirk. Maybe that's the main reason why All Might decided to be his successor. Midoriya is full of optimism; something I wish I had.

Me:
Sure, Midoriya-kun! I'll make sure we'll have that chat tomorrow! Although I am not really in the position to train or teach someone, I will try my best!

Midoriya Izuku:
Really, Sorahiko-chan? Thank you so much! I look forward to seeing you then! By the way, you can call me Deku! I would feel more comfortable that way.

Me:
If that's the case, you can call me Yuriko then! See you!

I stared at my phone and sighed out of relief. Thanks to Midoriya, I felt somewhat exhilarated. We are all essentially training to become a stronger version of ourselves. Perhaps, things would eventually be fine. I decided to sign off for the night. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.

It was nearly 6 in the morning. A black and white maid dress was carefully hung on one of the hooks in my dresser. I sat by the edge of my bed as I blankly stare at the tiny ruffles hanging by the end of the skirt. Little rays of sunshine escaped through my window blinds making the sheer material glow. Even at this moment, a part of me didn't want to go to school. The thought of grandpa forcing me to go and last night's little realization from my short conversation with Midoriya were enough to finally force myself to drag my lazy ass out of bed. I checked my phone before heading to the shower.

1 unread message - Todoroki Shoto

I rubbed my eyes to check if it was really Shoto who sent the message. It was unlikely of him to send one this early. It really is Shoto. I immediately opened my inbox.

Todoroki Shoto:
Just making sure you're already awake so you won't be late for the school festival today. Oh and... Good morning. I'll see you later :)

I can't help but smile from ear-to-ear. Shoto really has a way with his words. I immediately rushed to the bathroom to get myself ready. I decided to keep my maid costume in my backpack. It will be too weird walking to school dressed in an embarrassing outfit. Fortunately, Shiketsu wasn't too far from our house. A row of cherry blossom trees welcomed me as I strolled down the all too familiar road I used to pass by for years. My favorite season has finally arrived. Contrary to how down I was last night, maybe today won't be that bad.

"YU-CHANNN!"

I turned around and saw Inasa running with his butler costume on. Walking to school dressed like that is definitely not a good idea. I stopped and waited for my friend to catch-up.

"Good morning, Inasa!" I tried to keep myself from laughing. He was too out-of-breath to respond right away. "You could've just packed your outfit and changed in school, you know?" We started to walk through the school gates. He was still catching his breath.

"I could've done that but where's the fun in it? Oh, by the way, what time will UA visit?" Inasa replied while we changed into our indoor shoes.

"I told them not to go too early since most stalls aren't open yet. I'll meet the rest of them later. Shoto will send me a message."

"Oooooh looks like we have a development here..." Inasa nudged my arm.

"The only development you see is me and Shoto being good friends, again. That's what it is."

"Whatever you say..." Inasa said with a smirk.

Since our class was given different assignments, Inasa and I parted ways for a while. The boys were in charge of preparing the food, while the girls had to manage and supervise the booth. In all honesty, it was a breath of fresh air to do something normal in school rather than focusing on being heroes all the time. I actually wished to be a normal human being for once. It was less stressful. When I was changing into my maid outfit, I heard my phone ring and checked to see if Shoto and his schoolmates have arrived in Shiketsu.

Todoroki Shoto:
Yuri, we're already here. Let me know where we'll meet. Don't be in a hurry though. We can wait.

Me:
No, it's alright! I'll meet you near the school gates to give you your tickets!

Todoroki Shoto:
Okay then. See you in a bit!

I hurriedly finished wearing my outfit and made final inspections if it was too revealing or not. Okay, this will do! I finally made my way to meet the rest of the UA students

When I reached the school grounds, I easily recognized them from afar. They were all wearing their UA uniforms which doesn't only make them stand out, they looked intimidating as always. All eyes were on them since it was unusual for UA to travel this far to Shiketsu.

"UA!" I waved my hand to get their attention. I smiled as I caught Shoto's gaze and ran towards them. "You made it!" I greeted my new friends with enthusiasm but all I got was a silent stare. Oh yeah, I wasn't wearing my uniform.

"You're so pretty, Yuriko-chan!" Ochaco broke the silence and held both of my hands hugging me tight. I hugged her back. "Thank you! Although, I'm a bit embarrassed of my outfit. Please don't judge!"

"Todoroki, I didn't know your friend is this hot!" Minoru, the guy with purple balls on his head, attempted to cling to my leg. I was about to use my quirk but Shoto already froze his whole body ahead of time.

"I'm sorry about that." Shoto said in a very charismatic way, I almost forgot to distribute their tickets. I cleared my throat and started to brief them about our school.

"Here are your tickets! You can roam around other areas first. Feel free to go wherever you want. Our class is still preparing but we will open up in a bit. There's a map attached to your tickets so you'll know which booths you want to visit first. The one with the red x-mark is our classroom."

"Got it!" Midoriya joyfully exclaimed. "Thank you for inviting us Yuriko-chan!"

"No problem!" I smiled widely.

"It's my first time visiting Shiketsu." Tenya said observing the school grounds. "It's just as big as UA. No doubt it's called the best school in the West."

"Is that so?" I smiled at Tenya subtly acknowledging his admiration of our school. "I'm gonna go and head back to the classroom. You guys can go with me if you like." I looked at Shoto.

"I'll go with you." Shoto quickly reacted.

"Alright, let's-"

"I'll go with you too, Sorahiko." Bakugo suddenly exclaimed out of the blue. All UA students stared at him confused.

"WHAT? I WANT TO CHECK THE HEROES CLASS!" The spiky blonde screamed at his classmates sensing their bewildered look.

"Anyone else who wants to go with us?" I politely asked with one hand raised.

"No, we're good Yuriko-chan! We'll just visit you in a while." Kirishima quickly replied pushing both Shoto and Bakugo near me. "You can take these guys with you."

"That makes the three of us then! Please follow me, Shoto and Bakugo." I waved the rest of UA goodbye.

The distance from the school ground to our classroom wasn't really a long walk. But the presence of Shoto and Bakugo made it feel like miles. Even without looking, I can sense an edgy aura between the two guys behind me. The silent chatter of those we have passed by made it more intense.

"Woah! Todoroki and Bakugo are in Shiketsu!"

"I heard they're friends with Yoarashi-kun and Sorahiko-chan."

"It's my first time seeing them up close. They look so handsome!"

I slowed down my steps and let myself fall in line between them. I smiled to conceal my awkwardness.

"It's their first time seeing other heroes from a different school." I started to talk.

"I see... Shiketsu that's not different from UA. Except that the doors are normal in size compared to ours." Shoto smiled at me calmly surveying the hallway .

"Oh..." I smiled back tucking in a strand of hair between my ears.

"So how long are you gonna be dressed like that?" Bakugo asked.

"Uh.. This?" Why is he asking this weird question suddenly? Do I actually look ridiculous with a maid outfit? "Maybe for a while, just until our cafe closes." I rubbed the back of my head.

"Don't mind, Bakugo. You look good in whatever you wear anyway." Shoto slightly patted my head.

It's a good thing I applied a decent amount of make-up today. If I didn't, it would be too obvious that my face is flushed.

"Oh, spare me with mushy talks! Are you guys even a couple?"

Shoto and I suddenly stopped walking and looked at each other. Does Bakugo know something about us?

"Why? Do we look like we are?" Shoto responded with a smirk on his face.

I reflexively tapped Shoto's shoulders out of uneasiness. "Hey!"

"What? I'm just asking Bakugo if we really do look like a couple." Shoto was about to pull my arm so I can get close to him when Bakugo abruptly pulled my other arm.

"Isn't it disrespectful to touch a girl just like that?" The spiky blonde shot Shoto a glare.

"I should ask you the same thing." Shoto eyed Bakugo's hand on my arm.

The tension between the two spiraled so quickly. I am starting to feel suffocated with their bickering.

"Hey guys. Please calm...-"

"HEY HEY HEY! WHAT'S HAPPENING HERE?" A loud thud echoed through the hallway as Inasa dashed outside our classroom and witnessed the ruckus that was happening. "Come on guys, this is no place to start a fight. Please let go of the poor girl."

As soon as Inasa said those words, Shoto and Todoroki finally let go of my arm not taking their eyes off each other. I took a deep breath and sighed. This is definitely going to be a long day.