Summertime Fun

Estelle scowled at the girls in front of her. It seemed that because her classmates now knew where she resided, they had decided to intrude on Estelle's life. The females of class 1A stood at the entrance of the Beanery. They held hopeful faces as they tried to invite Estelle to a day out at the pool.

"No."

"But It'll be fun!" Tsu stated optimistically, the rest of the girls nodding in agreement behind her.

"No."

"Come on, stop being a party pooper!" Ashido jumped in joyfully in hopes of sparking up a good mood within Estelle.

"No."

"Please!" All the girls wailed back.

"No. Plus, I'm working." Estelle offered the chance of getting her classmates to leave.

'Why do they keep trying?'

"Go on, Estelle!" Nona shouted from the backroom. She had heard the words of the young girls. The students beam with wide grins towards the woman thankfully before facing Estelle once again.

'But Nona, I-"

"Oh, hush Estelle, go on! You deserve some fun!"

"I appreciate you, Nona, but you gotta have my back more. Seriously" Estelle muttered out before giving a loud sigh. She looked up to the roof for any sort of help but was given none. The girls giggled whilst they clasped Estelle's arms and dragged her out of The Beanery towards UA.

Estelle stood at the pool with the rest of the girls whilst they did their stretches. The girls tried to include her in the exercise, but Estelle was stubborn and stood to the edge with her arms folded and a slight pout resting on her lips.

She was a little bewildered that the whole class was at the pool minus Bakugo and Kirishima. The girls had completed their exercise and jumped into the pool to play some games; Estelle awkwardly watched until Ashido spoke up.

"Join in, Estelle! We're playing water polo!"

"Um, what's water polo?" Estelle responded in puzzlement.

'Huh! How does she not know?'

After explaining the point of the game, Estelle joined them for a few rounds. The girls were delighted that she agreed to play. The happiness they had turned to startled apprehension when she actually began to play. It seemed that Estelle didn't know the meaning of playing for pleasure. She was violently winning as she bashed the ball into the other team's side of the pool.

When she realised that the rest of the girl's demeanour had changed when she took part. Estelle immediately backed off and declared, "I think I'm better off watching."

The girls in the class felt a little sad for her but didn't argue. Estelle sat at the pool with her legs dipped into the water so she could watch them enjoy themselves. She was reminded once again of the fact that they were kids trying to become heroes. They were naive and kind to the world. Estelle wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing anymore.

Estelle wished she was as ignorant as them, but she had seen true horrors, and she would never be able to be like them. At that thought, the distance just seemed to grow larger. Estelle felt a little shame grip at her soul; they were trying so hard. But for what? For her to jump ship when she could.

Shaking off her feelings, Estelle reminded herself that this was temporary. she was doing what was best for everyone. Estelle was destined to be alone. Lost.

They continued playing, unaware of the thoughts swirling around the unsociable girl's head. Estelle noticed Bakugo and Kirishima arrive, causing Iida to propose a race between the boys. The girls overheard and joined the rest of the class.

"Iida, why don't you let us help you out with this?" Yaoyorozu offered with the girls – apart from Estelle - next to her. Estelle had moved to one of the benches and laid across it with her arms behind her head.

Everyone watched her with a sweatdrop.

'Guess that doesn't include her. At least she's here. That's progress.'

Estelle observed whilst all the boys raced each other. Bakugo, Todoroki and Midoriya won their rounds. She couldn't help but snort at their use of their powers.

'So competitive.'

Estelle couldn't help but eye the cooling box with drinks that Iida brought. She felt like being an asshole so before the three winners began their race. Estelle used her water bending to walk across the water as if it were land to reach the other side of the pool.

"Woah! That's so cool, Estelle! I had no idea you could do something like that!" Sero shouted out excitedly, making everyone watch the girl literally walk on the water.

"Yeah, it's a part of my water aspect. Hey Iida, can I have a drink?"

"Of course, Estelle! Take what you like!"

"Thanks, but what if I like you?"

Iida blushed red and stuttered over his words. The rest of the class watched with their jaws on the floor. It was forward for the distant girl.

'whAT?'

Estelle cracked a smirk from the sight before snickering and shaking her head. "Don't worry, Iida; I'm kidding. You can relax."

Iida sighed out in relief, his red face still present when he spoke his following words. "I would appreciate it if you wouldn't catch me off guard like that! It's not befitting of a hero!"

Estelle chuckled and took a sip of her drink; she just cracked open "Who said I was a hero? But I'll bear that in mind. Thanks."

'So confusing.'

"Estelle."

"Yeah, Shoto?"

"Will you cheer me on in the final race?"

"Uh, Sure?"

'She said his first name?!'

Estelle stood with the girls, visibly watching this time when the final race was about to take place. The three boys, which included Bakugo, Midoriya and Shoto, prepared at the starting line. Bakugo and Midoriya held in their tinge of aggravation at the fact he was already on a first-name basis and got her to agree to cheer him on.

'There's no way half and half is going to win', Bakugo thought with a growl whilst his eyes flicked to the indifferent girl.

'Maybe if I win, she'll be impressed', Midoriya thought simultaneously.

Todoroki was just complacent that he had her support. His game plan was to get her to watch and then show her who was better. He still didn't understand why he wanted her to observe him, but he followed his instinct.

Estelle was taking another gulp of her sweet drink when the three males dived into the water. She choked on her drink with a snort when the three flailed into the water like seals.

"What? Why aren't they using their quirks?" Kaminari and Sero quizzed.

"It's five pm. Your authorised pool time is now over. Hurry up and go home." Aizawa stated with red eyes whilst he walked into the pool area.

Estelle let out a stifled laugh, still amused at the expressions they had when they belly-flopped into the water.

"Come on, Just one second!" Kaminari asked.

"Yeah, we were finally getting to the good part!" Sero joined in.

"Are you questioning me?" Aizawa asked before turning his quirk off.

"Not at all, Mr Aizawa!" The class voiced back defensively.

Estelle was walking back to Nona's behind Bakugo and Kirishima when she heard Bakugo roar.

"Dammit! I can't believe he stopped the race like that!"

"Yeah, I know how you feel but cool your blasters, man! Those two aren't just your opponents, you know. They're our friends!"

"Shut up! I don't care if they are my classmates or not. I won't let them get ahead of me. Isn't that what it means to be number one? To be the best, I'll have to be stronger than All Might. It's only a matter of time."

Kirishima grinned.

Estelle snorted.

The two boys turned around in disbelief at the unexpected sound. Bakugo growled in annoyance at the girl once he realised that she was behind them.

"What the hell are you doing here, Lioness?"

"Walking home, idiot. I'm heading in the same direction for now."

"Tch. What was so funny anyway?" Bakugo interrogated.

"Your definition of what it means to be number one. It's an admirable goal anyway."

"Of course, it is!"

"What's your goal Kirishima?" Estelle asked, curious of his answer.

"I want to be an amazing hero like Red Riot!"

"Ahh, I see."

"What about you, Estelle? What's your goal?" The redhead questioned back.

"I...don't know yet."

"Huh, really?"

"Tch, why are you even in the hero course then?!" Bakugo bounded into the conversation, stopping in his tracks and putting his face in her personal bubble. Estelle grimaced at the lack of personal space.

"It's complicated."

"Tch, then simplify it." he retorted, turning back around to continue walking.

"Hmm, I'm looking for something. The hero course might help me find it."

"What is it?" Kirishima queried interestedly.

"Home."

The two boys widened their eyes at the honest response. They snapped their heads back to look at the strange woman. She was gone.

"Tch. Always making an exit."

"What a strange thing to look for", Kirishima observed.

"Hah? It doesn't matter. Sounds like she isn't going to get in my way to the top."

"Yeah, but don't you get the feeling that she's hiding a lot from us?" Kirishima questioned, gazing at Bakugo in concern.

Bakugo softened slightly, his tired and angry eyes looking towards the sunset and replied, "By the sounds of it. She is."

Estelle was working when Bakugo strolled through the doors of the cafe. Raising her eyebrows in confusion, the boy walked up to the counter and started to place an order. Shrugging at the coincidence, Estelle made up his spicy latte and put it on his table. He nodded in thanks, and Estelle resumed working.

Estelle was wiping down a table when Bakugo walked up to her after some time. Noticing a shadow looming over, Estelle turned to face the usually angry blonde. Giving him an inquisitive look, Bakugo raised his hand towards Estelle. She looked at him in perplexity until he finally spoke.

"Give me your phone."

"Huh?"

'I said, give me your phone."

Still puzzled, Estelle took her phone out of her apron and passed it to the Pomeranian. He promptly started typing whilst Estelle stood and waited for some sort of explanation.

Handing the phone back, he finally began to explain, "The class voted me as the one who had to add you to the group chat. You're stuck with us now. My number is on there, too, so if you want me to crush you in training. I'll be there."

Estelle was taken aback by the whole situation but nodded in understanding. Taking that as an answer, Bakugo took one last swig of his latte before taking his leave.

Bakugo stopped abruptly with his back still turned and declared, "Oh and the whole purpose thing you talked about. That's bullshit. Find something better."

Estelle sniffed. "I wish. I'll see you around."

"Heh, turns out this latte isn't half bad. I might grab some again."

"Glad to hear it. Nona deserves it," Estelle remarked, smiling slightly at the thought of the extraordinary woman.

"It was you who made it, wasn't it?" Bakugo grunted back sharply.

"Yeah, why?" Estelle asked in wonder.

"Then you deserve it too."

Estelle was relaxing by the counter, enjoying the silence she was beginning to get used to once again. She was relieved that she wasn't looking out for the sounds of Bakugo and Kirishima anymore. The doors chimed open, interrupting the silence when a voice rang out in the cafe.

"Hey, kitten."

"What do you want, Shinsou?" Estelle asked with boredom. The cafe was really starting to become a hub for UA students when they wanted to annoy her.

"What? I can't meet my friend during summer break?"

"We aren't friends, Shinsou", Estelle reminded for the billionth time.

"Uh-huh," Shinsou countered back unconvincingly.

"Idiot."

"What?"

"Nothing. I just remembered the fact that you're a damn idiot," She snarked, staring at the floof on his head. She still wanted to stroke it.

"Rude, friend."

"Shinsou..."

"Fine! Rude person."

"Good."

"Why do you get all twisted up when I call you that?" The male probed.

"Because I don't have friends."

"Wow, and I thought I was the loner", Shinsou chuckled.

"Pfft, whatever. Coffee?"

"Please."

Estelle grabbed his favourite and poured him a drink. She watched him enjoy the beverage whilst she leaned onto the counter. He looked back up to the female with a satisfied grin, and Estelle knew she kicked coffee's ass once again. Mimicking the female across from him, Shinsou leaned on the counter as he took another gulp of his delicious caffeine.

"You can stroke it."

Estelle widened her eyes and stood up with attentiveness. Shinsou was taken aback by the action. He was aware that she had an interest considering she would look at his hair often. Her human response sparked a genuine smile within the male, and he nodded in confirmation that she did just hear him right.

Shinsou couldn't help but find the action endearing. When she lifted up her hand in question, her childlike wonder again caused his smile to widen into a grin. He nodded again.

Moving her hand slowly, Estelle reached for Shinsou's floof with anticipation. She would never admit it, but she always thought about how soft it would be whenever they met. When the event finally happened, Estelle was not disappointed.

Stroking his hair, Estelle could only describe it as rubbing a cloud. The puffy texture of his locks made Estelle want to keep petting. Estelle relaxed slightly at the feeling, her eyes still holding the marvel of experiencing something new for the first time.

Shinsou was beginning to expect 'ooh' and 'ahh' noises at this point. He was highly amused at the situation. Gazing down at the female, he drank in everything about her at that moment. This was Estelle. The girl who could kick ass, make delicious coffee and be surprised by the fluffiness of his hair.

He found it comforting, so he didn't stop her from continuing. Leaning further onto the counter, Shinsou closed his eyes to the moment to enjoy the delightful massage to his head. Estelle continued for quite a while, she savoured the action, and she could see Shinsou didn't mind either.

"Floofy", Estelle muttered to herself, causing Shinsou to snort at her comment. She just continued to surprise him.

When a long time had passed, Shinsou's back had begun to hurt from the excessive time hunched over. Sad to cut the time short, Shinsou stood back up and turned to face Estelle with a gentle smile. He could see she was disappointed that she couldn't play with his hair any longer.

"Don't worry, you can massage my head any time."

Estelle lightened up at his words slightly but hid the expression the best she could. Shinsou shook his head at the girl, entertained still.

"It was great coffee as usual. I'll see you for training before you head to that training camp."

"Got it, see you then."

"Ah, I need my hug first."

"Yeah, yeah."

After Shinsou had left the cafe, Estelle closed up shop as usual and headed to Nona's place. To her surprise, Estelle found an envelope addressed to her sitting at the front door. Looking down at the paper intriguingly, Estelle didn't waste any time and opened up the letter. Reading through its contents, Estelle found herself in disbelief.

It was a ticket.

To go to a place called I-Island in a few days.

Estelle was perplexed.

Coincidentally, Estelle's phone began to ring a tune. Taking the device, Estelle answered the call without looking at the number since her eyes were transfixed on the invite sitting in her hands.

"Hey, did you get my letter?"

"Shoto, this was from you? Why?"

"I had a spare ticket. Why not?"

"I'm afraid I will have to decline", Estelle started whilst walking further into the house. Dropping into the kitchen to place the cafe keys onto the counter, Estelle nodded to Nona in hello.

"Why?"

"I have a cafe to help run. Plus, I have no idea what I-Island is or what it's for."

"Really? Everyone knows."

Estelle frowned to herself in annoyance. She should probably go back to researching so she didn't sound like a complete idiot half the time. Nona, overhearing the conversation, walked over to have a look at the invitation with enquiring eyes. The tilt in her head immediately straightened up as she bounced with emotion in front of the stubborn girl. Estelle watched her in complete bewilderment as Shoto attempted to explain the event of the trip.

Before Estelle could say another word, she found that the phone was missing from her hand. Snapping her head to the right, she found Nona cheerfully hopping out of the room whilst murmuring into the phone.

"Nona!" Estelle shouted with a growl, "What do you think you're doing?"

Storming into the other room with a frown, she found Nona standing in the middle of the living room with a satisfied grin. Estelle stopped for a second at the look, her eyes softening from the joy surrounding her. She was still wholly muddled, but she couldn't be angry at the look on her face. Walking to the woman slowly, Estelle requested.

"Can you please explain why you did that?"

"Oh, dearie. My family always talked about going to I-Island. We never had the chance to go and when I saw the invite - I couldn't let you say no! It was a dream of ours, and to see you reject it so easily broke my heart. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that, but I want you to go. For me, for us."

Estelle had no words.

She was physically speechless.

Eventually, Estelle came to with a sigh. She saw the compassionate woman who had done so much for her. Nona was looking down with so much pleading and earnestness in her gaze. Estelle couldn't say no to that; it wasn't fair to her.

"Okay, I'll go."

"Woohoo!" Nona whooped in glee, a happy dance on her toes.

"But can you please explain what I-Island is?!"

"Of course, take a seat! I'll grab some tea!"