Chapter 7

As the days passed by, Ichika grew more nervous. Having kept true to her word - and after Izuku's jokingly stated she still needed to do a phonecall, she had actually mustered up the courage to call Mirio. As Nejire had expected, he had been excited to go and didn't seemed bother by the fact that it would be on a schoolday.

What was surprising, was the fact that Mirio had stated he would invite Tamaki himself, after Ichika had stated she would call the others. While Nejire had promised she would call off their date last minute, there was still the fact that they needed to find a way for Tamaki to cancel as well.

'Worse case scenario is the three of you going together,' Nejire stated as Ichika walked up to the large building. 'And in that case, you can still sit next to Mirio.'

'True,' Ichika muttered as she kicked a pebble, her phone against her ear as she walked. 'Though I doubt he will give away any hints on whether or not he likes me with Tamaki tagging along.'

'You worry too much, Ichika! Just be yourself.' Nejire sounded about as excited as she was, even if she was missing out their usual movie night. All for the greater good, the girl had reassured her after Ichika had apologised for the second time. 'Just use your feminine charm and seduce your man, girl!'

'What feminine charm,' Ichika asked with a chuckle. 'I turn into a blushing mess whenever I get near him. That's not exactly the kind of charm I would use. Swaying hips and a confident smile would work better when seducing.'

Nejire laughed at the joke, agreeing with her friend.

'But,' the girl countered, her voice filled with mirth. 'You don't want to seduce him for a one-night stand. You want in for the long run, which is where you gotta be your usual pretty self. I mean hello, have you seen yourself? You're hot! Mirio would be an idiot if he turned you down.'

'I prefer him to like me for me though. But thanks.'

'Don't mention it,' came her quick reply and Ichika could hear the smirk in her voice. Nejire was having way too much fun with this. 'Anyway, you are going to call me later, right? To tell me everything about tonight?'

'Yeah, yeah. I will. Geez, nosey much?'

The blue eyed girl giggled at this, stating she'd been shipping her two best friends since the beginning. With Ichika being 'so damn cute' and with Mirio being 'too oblivious'. Even before she knew of Ichika's crush - which made everything even better!

'Anyway, have fun you two,' came the singsongy voice from Nejire, before she hung up. Not even waiting for a reply.

'Yeah, thanks,' the redhead sighed as she put her phone away.

Though Nejire apparently forgot that Tamaki was still coming along, even if they had discussed him just moments ago. So it would be the three of them, not the two of them.

She was just about to cross the road, when two hands were placed over her eyes. Her first reaction was to turn around and punch whoever was behind her, but stopped herself as soon as a voice cheerfully spoke from behind her.

'Guess who?'

'Oh,' she began exaggerated, sarcastically gasping in shock. 'Could it be? Is that you, Santa?'

'Really, Ichika? Santa? In the middle of July?'

Ichika laughed as she turned around to face the familiar blue eyed teen. His ever present smile on his face as his hands dropped to his side. As expected, Mirio had exchanged his uniform for a simple blue t-shirt and a pair of jeans. And while Ichika wasn't staring, she most certainly didn't fail to check him out quickly. Who wouldn't? With the way that his shirt accentuated his bulging muscles, even if he barely moved his arms. Dang he's been working out a lot, she noted. While he's always been physically strong, Mirio had the lean type of muscles when they first met. And throughout the year he'd been gaining broader shoulders and bigger arms. Then there was that lovable personality of him and his radiant smile that could brighten anyone's day, how could she not have fallen in love with him?

Suddenly her cheeks flushed red. Fallen in love? She was crushing on him, not falling in love! Love was too strong a word that she didn't want to use! It was just a crush, she had to remind herself.

'Are you okay,' Mirio asked as his smile turned into a frown. 'You didn't sound too pleased a moment ago and now you're blushing. And I haven't started teasing you yet.'

There was a soft chuckle as he rubbed the back of his neck. But when he opened his eyes to look at her again, he frowned.

'Oh, it's nothing,' Ichika quickly replied, silently willing her reddened cheeks to disappear. 'It's just... I just got of the phone with Nejire. She can't make it.'

He didn't even ask why. He only grinned as he put his arm over her shoulder, effectively guiding her across the street - after making sure it was safe of course! Though his arm did not leave her shoulder as they walked. Nor when they reached the cinema. He only stated there would be more popcorn for them, before chuckling to himself.

'So,' Ichika began, dragging out the 'o'. 'Where's Tamaki? Shouldn't he be here by now?'

Which was true. The socially awkward boy may not be the first to arrive, he was never late either. He usually arrived just in time or 5 minutes ahead max. Yet here they were, a little late even if Ichika had technically been on time. She had just spend about 15 minutes talking on the phone with Nejire. Though neither Mirio nor Tamaki had been there yet, she had decided to stay where she was. Just in case either of the boys would hear her. Just imagine the embarrassment if they had found out she had hoped this to be a date!

But now she was here, along with Mirio. Yet no sign of their indigo haired friend. And that was odd indeed...

'Yeah, about that...'

Ichika turned her head so she could look at a sight she had rarely seen. A bashful Mirio. With soft pink dusted cheeks as he smiled awkwardly.

'He's not coming.'

'Oh? Why not?'

Stupid! You stupid girl! Why did it matter why Tamaki wasn't coming? Wasn't this exactly what she had hoped for?

'I kind of forgot to invite him.'

Though it was meant to be an answer, instead it sounded more like a question and why was he suddenly acting this uncomfortable? She could feel the tension in his body due to her standing next to him. And his arm flexed for a moment, a movement she didn't fail to notice. And the nervous smile he gave her, caused her to feel nervous too. Why would Mirio feel nervous though? It wasn't like this was a date. Not to him at least. To him this was just a movie night with his friends. With two of those friends not present.

'Well, ah... we-we could always do this another time.'

Ichika immediately scowled at herself for stammering. Way to make it obvious. Why not shout it his face how nervous you are! And what's with suggesting to cancel? Wasn't this what she had hoped for? And now she was suggesting to cancel the whole evening? Gheez, she's such an idiot!

'Nah, I'm good with just the two of us. Aren't you?'

His blue eyes met her green ones in wonder as he turned more towards her, so she quickly told him she was okay with just the two of them.

He was uncharacteristically awkward, Ichika noticed as they bought their tickets - which Mirio insisted on paying, no matter how much Ichika pressed that it was her idea. And he didn't let her pay for their popcorn either. And he wouldn't take no for an answer. Then they made their way over to the right room. An awkward silence between the two of them. Not even after they had taken their seats, did either of them say anything. With Mirio insisting on paying for everything, it certainly did feel like a date to Ichika. And of course, with her being the shy person she was around Mirio, she didn't know what to say. But what was up with Mirio?

She shifted her eyes towards the tall boy next to her. Not only was Mirio awkward at this moment, but he had been so throughout the day. Having been deep in thought this morning. So much so, that he hadn't even noticed she had taken her seat behind him during homeroom. And throughout their classes, the boy had seemed to be in his own world instead of paying attention to the teachers.

And now that she was here with him, waiting for the movie to start, Mirio seemed to be uncomfortable. His shoulders were tense and his hands rested on his knees in clenched fists and it seemed like he was desperately trying to avoid looking at her. Was he really okay with just them? Clearly Mirio was uncomfortable, but why? Was she making him uncomfortable?

Oh god! Of course she was making him uncomfortable! With the way she had been behaving around him! Her stuttering, her clumsiness whenever she knew he was looking. And not to forget the touching! She never really paid any attention to it before, but now that she thought about it, she had a bad habit of placing her hand on his arm. Whether it was to gain his attention, to comfort him or any other reason really. And never before had she taken it into consideration that Mirio might not appreciate it.

Shit, he must think she was some kind of freak!

Nervous by her sudden revelation, Ichika clasped her hands together and placed them in her lap. Her own shoulders now as tense as Mirio's, as she did her best not to look at the boy next to her. She'd really done it now. Way to be some kind of weirdo! What was she thinking when she agreed with Nejire? Why hadn't she pressed for the girl to come along? She knew it was a bad idea to trust the bubbly girls' gut feeling! Of course Mirio wouldn't like her the way she liked him!

To say the first part of the movie was uncomfortable, was an understatement. Neither of them dared to speak and kept their distance. And other than an occasional stolen glance, their eyes did not leave the big screen. Only when the lights went on as the sign of the intermission and they had a bathroom break, did Mirio finally found his voice again.

'So... ah... W-Would you like to get something to drink?'

Ichika only nodded, as she followed the taller boy through to crowd. Her eyes to the ground as she did so. An action that caused herself to scowl at herself once again. She was behaving more like Izuku than her regular self! Sure, she could be timid, but never like this! And now she couldn't even utter a simple reply. Damn it, she was messing everything up! Come on, say something. Anything!

'W-what do you think of the movie,' she finally forced herself to stutter as the two of them stood in line.

'Hm? I think it's...' Mirio was about to answer, when he noticed she was still standing behind him. 'Hey, what are you doing standing behind me, Ichika? You don't have x-ray eyes, so you can't see through these shoulders of mine.'

He smiled brightly at her, showing he was goofing around. Yet there was a tinge of nervousness behind it as he flexed his arms. Perfectly showing off those broad shoulders of his to prove his point. Even if it was meant as a playful jest. Then he reached his arm to pull her next to him.

'There,' he then said as he draped his arm over her shoulders. 'That's better, isn't it?'

Instantly, she nervous girl felt her cheeks heating up at their close proximity, her right arm now touching his left side as she stood next to him. Yet she did not pull away. While she did not know why he had been so distant before, she was glad now at least seemed to act like his usual self. Though she could still tell he was uncomfortable.

'Yes,' she told him quietly as they moved forward in line. 'I guess I can see what I want to order now.'

'Right?' He gave her his radiant closed eyed smile again, giving her that fluttering feeling in her stomach she had gotten used to. 'So, what do you want to order? A Sprite and sweet popcorn?'

'Y-Yeah,' she replied, shocked by his correct answer. 'How did you know?'

'Because I know everything,' he said with a teasing wink. 'You should know that by now.'

Ichika felt her cheeks darkening even more at this. While she was used to Mirio's occasional playful flirting, this was something different. He wasn't just playfully flirting with her, he was acting boastful. Something he had never done before. While not insecure about himself, he was never boastful. And was it just her, or had he pulled her closer just now?

No, of course not, you foolish girl. It just seemed like he did, because he took another step forward and pulled her along by doing so. Why would he pull her closer? It was just her mind playing tricks on her. Still, it didn't stop her from pretending that it was.

'Alright, who's next?'

'Yes, I'll have a Sprite,' Mirio began, before looking at Ichika for conformation. 'Medium, right?' She nodded. 'And a large Pepsi.'

The woman placed the ordered beverages on the bar.

'And I'll have a large box of sweet popcorn,' Mirio continued. 'Not that this cutie needs it. She's sweet enough.'

Mirio gave Ichika a bashful smile as he paid for his order, before walking back. It seemed Mirio had gotten back to his usual flirty attitude, which of course resulted in Ichika turning bright red. Yet it seemed Mirio was left blushing as well, for she noticed a soft pink colour dusting his cheeks and ears as she dared glance over at him. And even if she didn't dare get her hopes up, it did give her a warm feeling. He just looked so cute, with his flustered expression and soft smile.

'You know, it's actually quite refreshing going to a movie without Tamaki and Nejire,' Mirio spoke once they found their seats again.

'Why is that?'

'Because Nejire can be quite loud when she's getting into the movie, which usually results in Tamaki scowling at her.'

Ichika agreed with a nod. But before either one of of could open their mouth to say anything else, the lights dimmed and the movie continued.

With the tension between the two of them seemingly lessened, Ichika found herself being able to enjoy the movie more. Even if she dared glancing at Mirio every now and then, Ichika soon found herself gasp as the valiant knight fell down to the ground in defeat.

No! He couldn't be defeated, could he? No, of course not! He was the main character afterall. And they had this so called plot armour. Of course he wasn't defeated. He would get up by some miracle and defeat the evil wizard once and for all!

She was so fixated on the movie, that she didn't noticed Mirio shift in his seat and stretch his arms. But she did feel his hand brush against her shoulder as he did so while shifting closer towards her. The gesture immediately made her freeze in her place and heat rush to her cheeks.

'Oh, ah... Sorry.'

The moment Mirio noticed her tense up, he pulled away his arm and apologised. His own cheeks flustered as he watched the girl from the corner of his eyes.

'It-it's okay,' Ichika stammered as she turned to face him to give him a shy yet reassuring smile.

Though at the same time she wished for him to place his arm around her shoulder and pull her close to him. Yet she lacked the guts to say so. So instead the two of them remained as they were, while continuing watching the movie. Though with Ichika now painfully aware of how close the boy next to her now was in his seat. Why? Why had he moved closer to her in his seat? Did he just needed to sit differently and was this a more comfortable position? Was he getting bored? Not possible! He had wanted to see this movie since he heard of its making!

Her cheeks turned even more red as she thought of another possibility. That he actually wanted to sit closer to her! But she remained silent. Instead all she did was steal a glance every now and then.

A couple of minutes later though, Ichika got her answer as she felt Mirio move again. She could see him nervously lift up his arm, before slowly draping it over her shoulder. His blue eyes scanning her every move from the corner of his eyes, but when she made no indication of being uncomfortable with this position, he let out a silent sigh of relief.

'Where will I go?'

'North, as far as you can go.'

'What about you?'

'My love, you know I would have followed you if I could. But I have to remain here and fight.'

Ichika blushed as the onscreen lovers shared a kiss farewell, before the horse was send of, along with its rider. Wishful thoughts filled her mind as she thought about the handsome blond next to her. He was gallant, just like the valiant knight. And he had a strong sense of justice too. He would be the kind of person to make sure his loved ones would get to safety, while he fought off a villain. In medieval times he would have been an ideal knight. No, she corrected herself quickly. Mirio would have been a prince. Kind and caring, brave and handsome. And most of all, passionate.

Would he be as passionate about a relationship as he was with becoming a hero? Would his kisses be sweet and tender, of filled with emotion as the pair had done so in the movie?

She dared glance over to the said boy - or more precise, his lips. Her face flustered as she thought about what it would feel like to kiss him. But before she could look away, blue eyes found her green ones and held them. Shit! He had caught her staring at him! Look away, you stupid girl! Look way! You've done it before, so why can't you do so no?

But for some reason, Ichika didn't look away. Whether it was because she was too shocked to do so, or she suddenly had a bold moment, she did not know. But as Mirio turned his head to fully face her, Ichika did the same. She felt his arm pull her closer, while at the same time he leaned in as well. His shoulder was now touching hers, while his hand on her opposite shoulder now had a firm, yet gentle hold on her.

But the most surprising thing was that Ichika found herself inching in too. She didn't know why, it wasn't a romantic moment, the romantic scene had passed too, yet still she felt a flutter in her stomach and a sudden surge of bravery. She had wanted to kiss him for quite some time now and this was the perfect moment, right? In the dark while watching a fantasy movie, with just a handful of other visitors. And he was giving off vibes that perhaps he might want to kiss her as well. She should just follow her gut and kiss him, that's what she should do. That's what Nejire would want her to do!

But... what if he didn't want to kiss her? What if he just wanted to whisper something, softly in her ear not to disturb the others. What if she was reading this all wrong and he didn't like her? Then she would make a fool out of herself and ruin their friendship. Was she really ready to risk their friendship?

No, of course not! Even without her romantic feelings for the tall boy did she enjoy his company. The way he always made her smile, the fooling around. Tickling her until she had tears in her eyes. And just sitting next to eachother while studying. She could not risk losing all of that, simply because she did not read his behaviour properly! As long as she didn't know for show whether or not he reciprocated her feelings, she could not make a move and that was final!

Her eyes suddenly widened in surprise as she felt something soft on her lips. While she was so busy arguing with herself, she had failed to notice Mirio had closed the gap between them.