Chapter 10 is here. With the confession that so many were hoping for. Maybe, I could have gone for a slowburn but then I think back on another fic. It wasn't a slowburn but jerking readers around and it sucked.
Better to have 10 chapters to settle in instead of 100 chapters of avoidable drama. Not my thing.
Prepare yourselves for some humor though. I was laughing my head off when I had those comments in this.
Momo was deep in thought.
The last few days had been a storm of emotions, and she had spent far too much time trying to rationalize everything.
But the truth?
There was no logic to emotions.
There was no strategy to the way her heart tightened whenever Shoto was near.
There was no battle plan for the way she felt when Saiko kept pressing into his space, trying to claim something that didn't belong to her.
Momo clenched her fists, exhaling sharply.
She had spent so much time pushing away her feelings, telling herself that it didn't matter—that they were just friends, just good teammates.
But she knew better now.
She had been afraid. Afraid of risking what they had. Afraid of what it would mean to acknowledge the truth.
But now?
Now it felt like everything was about to change.
And when she heard a familiar voice behind her, her heart stopped.
"…Momo."
She turned around slowly.
And there he was.
Shoto Todoroki.
Standing just a few steps away, his expression unreadable—but his eyes locked onto hers.
For the first time, Momo felt like she wasn't ready.
For the first time, she had no plan.
But something told her that neither did he.
And that?
That made this moment all the more real.
There were no missions. No battles. No distractions.
Just the two of them, standing face to face—finally acknowledging what had been building between them all along.
Shoto was the one to break the silence first. His words were quiet, but firm.
"…Would you come to the rooftop with me?"
Momo blinked in surprise. "The rooftop?"
Shoto gave a small nod. "That's where we talked before, isn't it?"
Momo felt her heart tighten.
She remembered. Of course she remembered.
That was the first time she had really seen him—not just as a teammate, not just as a friend, but as someone who trusted her in a way he didn't trust many others.
She swallowed. "Alright."
The walk to the rooftop was silent.
But it wasn't awkward.
It was the kind of silence that spoke volumes—a silence filled with everything unsaid.
When they reached the top, Shoto stepped forward, hands in his pockets, his eyes scanning the city below them.
For a moment, he didn't say anything.
Then—
"I don't know when it started."
Momo turned toward him, her breath catching slightly.
Shoto's expression was unreadable.
"I don't know when I started looking for you first. Or when I started listening to your voice more than others." He turned slightly, his eyes meeting hers. "But I do know that I feel… at ease with you."
Momo's heart pounded.
Shoto exhaled, looking up at the stars. "I never thought about these kinds of things before. About what it meant to like someone. But I know this—I've been around you long enough to understand what you mean to me."
His eyes flickered back to her.
"You make me breathe, Momo."
Momo felt something inside her break apart and come together all at once.
It wasn't just words.
This was Shoto Todoroki, a boy who had spent years living under suffocating expectations, under pressure, under the weight of a past that had tried to break him.
And now, he was telling her—she made him free.
"…Shoto," she whispered.
He didn't move, just watched her. "I don't know how to do this the way others do. I don't know if I'm supposed to say the right things or act a certain way. But I do know that I want to try. If you'll let me."
Momo had spent so much time holding back.
So much time pushing her feelings aside, afraid that wanting more would ruin what they already had.
But this wasn't something that could be ignored.
She took a slow, shaky breath.
"…You don't have to do this the way others do," she murmured. "I don't either."
She clenched her fists at her sides, trying to keep her voice steady.
"But I want to try too."
Shoto's lips parted slightly.
And in that moment—
She knew.
This was real.
This was them.
A beat of silence passed.
Then—
"OH MY GOD, THEY SAID IT!"
Momo nearly jumped out of her skin.
Shoto's entire demeanor shifted, his shoulders stiffening.
Because when they turned around—
Class 1-A was watching.
Mina was bouncing up and down.
Kirishima looked way too excited.
Ochako had her hands clasped like she was witnessing a wedding.
Camie was absolutely recording this.
Jiro was smirking like she saw this coming for years.
Izuku was trying to keep composed but failing miserably.
Iida, for once, was NOT stopping this from happening.
And Bakugo?
Standing there with his arms crossed, smirking like this was the most predictable thing he'd ever seen.
Shoto blinked. "How long have you all been here?"
Mina grinned. "Long enough!"
Momo, completely mortified, buried her face in her hands.
"I hate you all."
"WE LOVE YOU TOO!" Mina practically screamed.
Shoto sighed, shaking his head. "…Unbelievable."
Momo groaned, already feeling the endless teasing coming.
And just like that—
The most important moment of her life was ruined.
She was not surviving this.
Not emotionally. Not mentally. Not socially.
Because once Class 1-A latched onto something, they never let go.
And right now?
They had just witnessed the most anticipated confession in their dorm's history.
Which meant—
Shoto Todoroki and Momo Yaoyorozu were about to suffer.
Mina was the first to strike.
"Oh. My. God." she gasped, practically bouncing on the spot. "I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT! I CALLED THIS AGES AGO!"
Jiro smirked, arms crossed. "You called it? I called it first."
"Oh, please," Toru giggled. "We ALL called it."
Kirishima grinned. "Man, you two really kept us waiting, huh?"
Ochako pressed her hands together, eyes sparkling. "You guys are seriously so cute together."
Momo, who had long since given up on regaining control of the situation, hid her face in her hands.
"I regret everything," she muttered.
Shoto, to his credit, was handling this far better than she was.
Which wasn't saying much.
Because all he did was stand there with his usual calm expression—except for the very noticeable tint of red on his face.
Izuku, ever the supportive strategist, smiled brightly. "Todoroki, Momo, I'm really happy for you both!"
"Of course you are, nerd," Bakugo grunted.
Then, without warning, he turned to Shoto.
"You hurt her, I kill you."
Shoto blinked. "…Noted."
Momo's face turned an entirely new shade of red.
"Bakugo!" she exclaimed.
Bakugo shrugged, crossing his arms. "Tch. What? Someone's gotta say it."
Camie, who had been recording everything with a lazy smile, laughed. "Oooh, spicy. Protectiveness? Love it."
Kirishima nudged Bakugo with a knowing grin. "Damn, man, you're really pulling the 'protective big brother' act, huh?"
Mina clapped her hands together. "Wait. WAIT. Does this mean we get to do a group date now?! Like, an actual, official group date?!"
Momo stiffened immediately. "Wait, what?"
Kirishima grinned. "Ohhh, that's a great idea! A class outing with all the couples?"
Toru bounced on her heels. "Yes! Like a whole 1-A Couple's Night!"
Ochako laughed, covering her mouth. "That actually sounds really fun."
Momo, panicked, turned to Shoto for backup.
He met her gaze.
Then, very calmly, he said—
"…I don't mind."
Momo nearly collapsed on the spot.
"SHOTO—"
The class exploded into cheers.
Mina pumped her fist. "THAT'S IT! WE'RE MAKING IT HAPPEN!"
Camie winked. "Gotta celebrate the new power couple, after all."
Jiro smirked. "Oh yeah, we're never letting this go."
Shoto exhaled, rubbing his temple slightly. "I had a feeling that would happen."
Momo groaned. This was her life now.
And Class 1-A was never letting them live this down.
Scene skip
The news spread fast.
Faster than Saiko had anticipated.
She had known something was off when she walked into the common room that evening.
There was an energy in the air—one filled with laughter, whispers, and too many knowing smiles.
It wasn't until she overheard Mina squealing to Ochako that she finally understood what had happened.
Shoto and Momo were together.
For the first time in a while, Saiko felt something unexpected.
A flicker of shock.
She had calculated every possibility. She had played out every scenario.
And yet, this outcome had arrived far too soon.
Folding her arms, she stood in the shadows of the dorm's hallway, watching. Listening.
The way Momo's face still burned with embarrassment.
The way Shoto remained composed but aware of her presence.
The way the class circled around them like they had just won some grand victory.
Saiko's fingers tightened slightly around her sleeve.
So.
She had lost this particular battle.
But the war?
That was still ongoing.
Because Shoto Todoroki had made his choice.
Now?
She just had to figure out how to dismantle it.
Scene skip
Class 1-A had finally started to settle down from their excitement over Momo and Shoto's confession.
Well.
As much as Class 1-A ever could.
Momo was still recovering from the endless teasing, while Shoto remained calm but quietly resigned to his fate.
And then, just when things were finally quieting down—
Aizawa walked in.
The entire class snapped to attention.
It wasn't often their homeroom teacher showed up this late in the evening—and certainly not with the kind of energy he was carrying.
Momo was the first to speak. "Aizawa-sensei? Is something wrong?"
Aizawa stopped in front of Shoto, holding a small box in one hand.
Shoto blinked. "What is—"
Aizawa wordlessly dropped the box into Shoto's hands.
Silence.
Very familiar silence.
Momo's eyes widened. Mina gasped. Ochako covered her mouth.
Denki, Kirishima, and Camie were grinning as they had just won the lottery.
Kirishima nudged Bakugo. "Dude. You're not special anymore."
Bakugo scowled, but there was undeniable amusement in his eyes. "Tch. I figured it'd happen eventually."
Shoto stared at the box.
"…Why?"
Aizawa sighed, already looking exhausted.
"Because I know how this class works," he muttered. "And I'd rather not deal with any… complications."
Mina cackled. "OH MY GOD. SHOTO, YOU JUST GOT THE 'CONGRATS, YOU'RE IN A RELATIONSHIP' GIFT."
Denki leaned in, grinning. "Dude. This is a rite of passage."
Momo was ready to die on the spot. "Sensei, I-I don't think this is necessary!"
Aizawa shrugged. "I disagree."
And just when it couldn't get any worse—
Shoto, still holding the box, tilted his head slightly.
"…Sensei."
Aizawa paused. "What."
Shoto blinked. Completely deadpan.
"…Aren't you frustrated that Ms. Joke isn't around?"
The room erupted.
Jiro choked on her own breath. Mina fell to the floor, wheezing. Denki and Kirishima were losing their minds.
Bakugo threw his head back, barking out a laugh. "OH, HE GOT YOU THERE, OLD MAN."
Aizawa stared at Shoto.
Shoto stared back.
The silence stretched.
Then Aizawa sighed deeply, rubbing his temples.
"…You are officially worse than Midoriya."
Izuku gasped. "Wait, why me?!"
Ochako was still covering her mouth, but she was visibly shaking with laughter.
Camie winked. "Damn, Icy-Hot's got claws. I dig it."
Momo, entirely overwhelmed, buried her face in her hands. "I regret everything."
Aizawa just turned without another word, walking toward the exit.
As he left, his voice drifted back into the room.
"…Don't make me regret letting you all live in dorms."
The door clicked shut.
And Class 1-A absolutely lost it.
From the top of the staircase, hidden just out of sight, Saiko Intelli watched.
Her hands were clasped behind her back, her posture as pristine as ever.
And yet—
Her expression was tight.
Her gaze flickered over the scene below.
The way the class gravitated toward them.
The way Shoto and Momo, despite their embarrassment, stood together.
The way Momo, flustered as she was, still fit effortlessly at Shoto's side.
The way he let her be close.
It was all… so unbecoming.
Their humor. Their lack of poise. The sheer casualness of it all.
How could someone like Shoto Todoroki—a prodigy, a powerful force in the hero world—allow himself to be surrounded by such foolishness?
And yet, despite it all—
Despite her growing frustration—
She saw the way he looked at Momo.
She saw the way he let her in.
Saiko's fingers tightened.
This wasn't over.
Scene skip
Momo knew this conversation was coming.
There was no way Saiko would simply let the night pass without addressing it.
And sure enough—
The moment Momo stepped into their shared dorm room, Saiko was waiting.
She sat on her side of the room, posture pristine, hands folded neatly over her lap.
But her gaze?
Sharp. Calculated. Watching.
Momo closed the door behind her, exhaling softly.
She had no interest in fighting right now, but she wasn't naïve enough to think this would be a pleasant discussion.
Saiko tilted her head slightly. "Well. Congratulations, I suppose."
Momo raised an eyebrow. "…Thank you?"
Saiko's lips curved into something that wasn't quite a smile.
"You must be very pleased with yourself," she continued, her tone as smooth as ever. "I imagine this was quite the… victory for you."
Momo frowned, crossing her arms. "This wasn't a battle, Intelli."
Saiko blinked slowly like she was speaking to someone she had to dumb things down for.
"Wasn't it?"
Momo sighed, already feeling exhausted.
"Shoto isn't a prize," she said firmly. "And this isn't some game you lost."
Saiko studied her.
Then, in a voice softer than before, she murmured, "I wonder if you actually believe that."
Momo stiffened.
Because for the first time, she heard something different in Saiko's voice.
Not calculation.
Not strategy.
Something else.
Something dangerously close to jealousy.
Momo exhaled, keeping her stance strong.
"If you think I manipulated him into this, you're mistaken."
Saiko let out a soft hum, leaning back against her chair.
"Manipulation?" she repeated. "No, no… I don't think you're that clever."
Momo's eye twitched. "Excuse me?"
Saiko tilted her head, smiling faintly.
"Oh, don't be offended, dear. I simply mean that you're the type who stumbles into things like this. Unintentionally."
She folded her arms, her tone mild but dripping with something darker.
"You don't need to play games when the world simply hands you things, do you?"
Momo's fists clenched at her sides.
She had been expecting something sharper—a more obvious attack.
But this?
This was worse.
This was subtle. Backhanded.
A carefully laid seed of doubt meant to make her question things.
But Momo wouldn't let it work.
She exhaled through her nose, forcing herself to relax her hands.
"Shoto and I got together because we care for each other," she said, keeping her voice level. "Not because of luck. Not because things were 'handed' to me."
Saiko simply smiled.
A smile that said, "Sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night."
Momo turned away, done with this conversation.
"Regardless," Saiko added as Momo moved toward her bed, "I hope you enjoy it while it lasts."
Momo's steps paused.
Saiko's voice was so calm, so effortlessly composed.
Like she already knew something Momo didn't.
Momo turned her head slightly, just enough to glance at her.
"…What's that supposed to mean?"
Saiko closed her book, setting it aside gracefully.
"Oh, nothing at all," she said, the faintest smirk playing at her lips. "Only that things tend to… shift over time."
She met Momo's gaze—cool, calculating, unwavering.
"I just hope you're prepared for that."
Momo held her stare, refusing to flinch.
Because, this?
This was a battle.
And no matter how polite Saiko's words were—
Momo could feel the challenge beneath them.
Scene skip
The morning routine at UA had been going as usual.
Breakfast. Casual conversations. Kaminari nearly electrocuted himself again.
Nothing out of the ordinary.
Until—
Ochako grabbed Izuku's sleeve. "Hey— look!" she whispered.
Izuku turned his head just in time to see Ms. Joke standing near the faculty entrance, chatting animatedly with none other than Aizawa.
The class paused mid-step.
They exchanged glances.
And as one—
They huddled behind a nearby wall to watch.
(As stealthily as a bunch of overexcited teenagers possibly could.)
Toru was practically vibrating. "Look at them! They're so cute together!"
Mina nodded furiously. "Oh my God. It's happening."
Jiro smirked. "Aizawa looks like he's in pain."
And sure enough—
Aizawa stood there, arms crossed, expression completely dead.
But.
He wasn't walking away.
Which meant… something.
Kirishima grinned. "Damn, she's really going for it."
Camie, watching the two, smirked. "Mmm, I dunno~. If someone can handle all that grump, it's gotta be her."
Bakugo snorted. "Tch. As if he'd actually make a move."
Mina smirked. "Maybe she'll make it for him."
Denki leaned against the wall, grinning. "Dude. If Aizawa got laid, he'd be way less high-strung."
Kirishima nodded, barely holding back laughter. "Yeah, that'd be an improvement."
Momo, who had been trying to remain professional, sighed deeply.
"This is completely inappropriate," she muttered.
Shoto, standing beside her, calmly observed the two teachers.
After a moment, he nodded.
"I think he likes her."
Silence.
And then—
Mina screamed.
Denki nearly dropped his coffee.
Kirishima clutched his chest. "BRO. HE SAID IT."
Jiro, grinning, smirked. "Confirmed by Todoroki himself."
Momo sighed, rubbing her temples. "Why are we like this?"
"Because it's hilarious," Camie answered, grinning.
The class completely ignored Momo.
Because at that moment—
Ms. Joke leaned in closer, grinning wider.
Aizawa sighed deeply, looking like he was fighting for his soul.
And then—he muttered something back.
The class froze.
Toru whispered, "Oh my god."
Denki gasped. "WHAT DID HE SAY?!"
Mina grabbed onto Ochako. "I CAN'T HEAR THEM. I NEED A TRANSLATOR."
Jiro, who had enhanced hearing, was straining to listen. "Damn it, I need a better angle."
Momo sighed deeply. "This is getting out of hand."
Shoto, watching calmly, added—
"…It's also interesting."
Momo gave him a deeply betrayed look.
And so, as the class continued watching from a distance, completely invested in the situation—
Ms. Joke smacked Aizawa's arm.
Aizawa sighed again.
But.
He still didn't walk away.
The class lost it.
Mina pumped her fist. "SHE IS SO CLOSE."
Denki nodded furiously. "HE DIDN'T TELL HER TO LEAVE. THAT'S PROGRESS."
Ochako beamed. "I hope it works out for them."
Kirishima grinned. "Man, I never thought I'd be invested in this, but here we are."
Jiro smirked. "I give it a month."
Bakugo rolled his eyes. "You're all idiots."
Shoto, entirely serious, turned to the group.
"…I still have the box."
Silence.
And then—
Denki physically collapsed.
Kirishima fell onto the nearest wall.
Mina was gone.
Jiro's head hit the ground
Even Bakugo was grinning.
And Momo, for the first time, did not protest.
Scene skip
The morning observations had left Class 1-A buzzing.
By the time they settled into their classroom, the energy had not died down.
At all.
In fact—
It had only gotten worse.
Because now?
Now they had time to talk.
Mina leaned back in her chair, grinning. "So. Who else saw that masterpiece this morning?"
Denki laughed. "Dude. We ALL saw it."
Ochako giggled. "She was so confident!"
Kirishima nodded. "Man, I gotta respect it. She's persistent."
Jiro smirked. "And Aizawa? Completely out of his depth."
"I still say he needs to lay some pipe," Denki muttered.
Kirishima groaned. "STOP SAYING THAT."
Momo sighed, rubbing her temples. "You are all insufferable."
"And yet, you're still listening," Mina shot back, grinning.
Momo huffed.
The class continued theorizing, joking, and wildly speculating about their homeroom teacher's romantic life.
Until—
The door slid open.
Aizawa entered.
The room went silent.
For exactly three seconds.
Then Mina grinned.
"So, Sensei," she said, way too casually. "Nice morning?"
Aizawa didn't react. He simply dropped his lesson plan onto his desk and sighed.
"…No."
Denki snorted. "Aww, c'mon. Not even a little?"
"You looked like you were having fun," Jiro added, smirking.
Aizawa rubbed his temples. "I am regretting every life choice that led me to this job."
Toru giggled. "Oh come on, she's cute!"
Mina leaned forward, grinning. "Sensei, don't you think it's about time?"
Aizawa gave her a flat look. "Time for what?"
Mina wiggled her eyebrows. "You know. To settle down."
Denki grinned. "Yeah, let someone take care of you, man!"
Kirishima grinned, flexing. "Man, you need to relax."
Aizawa sighed, entirely too tired for this.
"Unfortunately, I can't expel all of you at once."
At this point, Momo was thoroughly entertained.
And for once, she wasn't the one being teased.
Which was perfect.
Until—
Shoto stood up from his seat.
And calmly walked to Aizawa's desk.
The entire class watched in confusion.
Then—
He reached into his pocket.
And placed a very familiar box on Aizawa's desk.
The class froze.
Mina gasped.
Denki's eyes widened.
Jiro's smirk vanished.
Aizawa blinked. Once.
Shoto, as calm as ever, spoke.
"Momo and I agree that we won't need this anytime soon."
The room erupted.
Denki collapsed onto his desk.
Mina was shrieking.
Ochako was screaming into her hands.
Even Bakugo, grinning, gave Shoto a low-five again.
But Shoto wasn't done.
He tilted his head, expression unreadable.
"…Besides."
The class leaned in.
Shoto blinked, entirely serious.
"You'll probably need it faster than I do."
Silence.
Horrifying, earth-shattering, legendary silence.
Denki slid out of his chair onto the floor.
Mina was gasping for air.
Kirishima clutched his desk, wheezing.
Jiro's head hit the table.
Even Izuku, desperately trying to keep it together, failed miserably.
Aizawa stared at the box.
Then at Shoto.
Then back at the absolute circus that had taken over his classroom.
And then—
Aizawa sighed.
And left the room.
Didn't say a word.
Just walked out.
The class completely lost it.
"OH MY GOD, HE LEFT."
"TODOROKI BROKE HIM."
"WE WILL NEVER RECOVER FROM THIS."
Momo, who had spent the last 24 hours drowning in secondhand embarrassment, finally smirked.
The classroom was still in chaos.
Aizawa had left.
Not stormed out.
Not reprimanded them.
Just walked out.
And in the history of Class 1-A, that was a win.
Denki was still on the floor, wheezing.
Mina was using Ochako for support, still gasping for air.
Kirishima wiped a fake tear from his eye. "Bro. That was so manly."
Jiro thumped Shoto on the back. "Todoroki, I never thought I'd say this, but I might be a little scared of you."
Camie, grinning, gave him a slow clap. "Damn, fam. Absolute savage."
Even Bakugo, reluctantly impressed, huffed. "Tch. About time you did something worth a damn."
Shoto blinked, mildly confused.
"…Was it that impressive?"
Denki wheezed. "BRO. YOU DESTROYED A MAN."
Kirishima nodded furiously. "Dude, you returned the box. And then told him he'd need it before you."
Mina was still shrieking. "PEAK COMEDY."
Ochako, who had been laughing with the others, wiped at her eyes. "I—I can't believe Aizawa just left."
Shoto, still confused, looked to Momo.
"…Did I go too far?"
Momo sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Yes, Shoto. You absolutely went too far."
The class howled.
Shoto tilted his head. "Should I have kept the box?"
Momo immediately turned red. "THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT."
The class lost it all over again.
Denki was banging on the floor.
Mina collapsed onto her desk.
Kirishima nearly fell out of his chair.
Even Izuku, trying so hard to keep his composure, had to turn away to hide his laughter.
Momo crossed her arms, exhaling sharply. "I'm just saying that it was immature."
Iida, who had been silent through most of this, finally nodded.
"Yes. As humorous as this situation may be, I must agree with Yaoyorozu."
Shoto nodded. "I understand."
Then, after a moment—
"…It's not something I'm comfortable with either."
Silence.
And just like that—
The tone shifted.
Kirishima, no longer laughing, gave him a nod of respect.
"That's fair, man."
Jiro, who had been enjoying the chaos, softened slightly. "Yeah. That makes sense."
Even Mina, still grinning, relented. "Okay, okay, fine. We'll stop talking about it."
Denki muttered, "For now."
Bakugo snorted. "Tch. Like any of us are actually gonna let this go."
Momo sighed, rubbing her forehead.
At least the conversation had shifted.
Even if she knew this would be brought up again.
Probably for years.
Scene skip
Saiko Intelli had never considered herself an emotional person.
She was a tactician. A planner. A woman of reason.
She was someone who saw things coming before others even thought to look.
And yet—
When she had seen Todoroki and Yaoyorozu together, when she had witnessed the casual ease in which he let her stand so close—
Something in her had… burned.
Now, seated in her room—their room—Saiko calmly replayed everything in her head.
Every interaction. Every glance. Every word.
And she reached one very simple conclusion.
This wasn't over.
Momo Yaoyorozu thought she had won.
She thought that because Todoroki had chosen her, that was the end of it.
How naïve.
How… predictable.
Saiko tapped her fingers against her desk, mind calculating.
Todoroki wasn't someone she could pressure outright.
He was too calm. Too logical.
But Momo?
Momo was a different story.
She was composed, yes. Intelligent? Certainly.
But she was also emotional.
Soft.
A girl who led with her heart before her mind.
And that?
That made her vulnerable.
Saiko's gaze flickered to her phone.
She had connections. Influence.
And most importantly?
She had patience.
This wasn't about stealing Todoroki away immediately.
No, no.
This was about undermining Momo.
Slowly. Strategically.
This was about making her question things.
Saiko smirked, reaching for her phone.
She had a few… subtle moves to make.
After all—
Wars weren't won in a single battle.
Scene skip
The chaos of the day had finally settled.
The teasing had faded into background noise, and for the first time in a while, Momo and Shoto had a moment to themselves.
They stood outside the dorms, cool evening air brushing past them.
For a long while, neither spoke.
And then—
"…They really helped us, didn't they?" Momo murmured.
Shoto nodded, watching the sky. "Yes. More than I expected."
Momo let out a soft chuckle, crossing her arms. "It's strange. Sometimes, I feel like I should be the responsible one in the room, but—"
She sighed, shaking her head. "They always find a way to surprise me."
Shoto tilted his head. "They care about us."
Momo blinked, glancing at him.
Shoto continued, voice steady.
"Even if they act like idiots sometimes," he admitted. "Even if they tease. They wouldn't have done all of this if they didn't… want us to be happy."
Momo exhaled.
He was right.
Through all the chaos, the pranks, and the ridiculous situations, their friends had been rooting for them the entire time.
And she was grateful.
"We should find a way to thank them," she said.
Shoto nodded. "I agree."
For a while, they stood in comfortable silence.
Then—
"…I had a conversation with someone," Shoto said.
Momo turned toward him, blinking. "Oh?"
Shoto hesitated, choosing his words carefully.
"There's someone I trust," he said slowly. "Someone who… understands things better than I do."
Momo watched him, waiting.
Shoto exhaled.
"I spoke to him about us. About what I should do."
Momo raised an eyebrow. "And what did he say?"
Shoto's gaze softened.
"…That you make me breathe."
Momo's heart stuttered.
She opened her mouth, then closed it again.
She wanted to ask.
Who was this person? Why did Shoto trust them so deeply?
But she could see it—the way he held back.
Not out of distrust.
But because…
He wasn't ready to share it yet.
So instead of pressing, she smiled softly.
"…He sounds like a wise person."
Shoto glanced at her, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at his lips.
"Yes," he agreed. "He is."
Momo exhaled.
For now, that was enough.
There were some secrets that weren't ready to be shared.
And when Shoto was ready, she knew he'd tell her.
Because for the first time in a while—
They weren't standing alone.
Scene skip
Momo had been holding it in since her conversation with Saiko.
But it had been weighing on her.
So when she finally sat down with Ochako, Jiro, Mina, and Toru, she knew it was time.
They had gathered in the common area, a casual setting where they often talked about everything and nothing.
But tonight, Momo had something important to share.
She exhaled, choosing her words carefully.
"…Saiko spoke to me."
That got their attention immediately.
Jiro, who had been idly plucking at her guitar strings, sat up. "Yeah?"
Mina tilted her head. "What'd she say?"
Momo hesitated.
"She… implied that I didn't deserve this," she admitted. "That I didn't need to try because things were simply handed to me."
Silence.
And then—
Mina's expression shifted. "Oh, hell no."
Ochako frowned. "She actually said that?"
Momo nodded, feeling the weight of the conversation settle.
Toru crossed her arms. "Ugh, she's the worst."
Jiro, ever the quiet observer, narrowed her eyes. "She's trying to get in your head."
Momo exhaled. "I know. But it still… bothered me."
Ochako placed a hand on her shoulder. "Momo, that's not true. You worked hard to get where you are. Everyone knows that."
Mina nodded fiercely. "Yeah! Shoto chose you because you're amazing. Not because of some dumb luck."
Jiro leaned back. "Saiko doesn't get it. She thinks everything is about strategy. But Shoto's not like that."
Momo's gaze softened.
They were right.
She knew they were right.
And yet—
"I don't think she's done," Momo murmured.
The girls exchanged glances.
"She's going to keep trying," Jiro said, tapping her fingers against her knee.
Mina crossed her arms. "Then we keep shutting her down."
Toru grinned. "She doesn't stand a chance against all of us."
Ochako smiled warmly. "You're not alone in this, Momo."
And for the first time since that conversation—
Momo felt lighter.
Saiko might be a tactician. A strategist.
But Momo?
She had people who truly cared about her.
And she wasn't going to let Saiko win.
Scene skip
Momo had been holding it in since her conversation with Saiko.
But it had been weighing on her.
So when she finally sat down with Ochako, Jiro, Mina, and Toru, she knew it was time.
They had gathered in the common area, a casual setting where they often talked about everything and nothing.
But tonight, Momo had something important to share.
She exhaled, choosing her words carefully.
"…Saiko spoke to me."
That got their attention immediately.
Jiro, who had been idly plucking at her guitar strings, sat up. "Yeah?"
Mina tilted her head. "What'd she say?"
Momo hesitated.
"She… implied that I didn't deserve this," she admitted. "That I didn't need to try because things were simply handed to me."
Silence.
And then—
Mina's expression shifted. "Oh, hell no."
Ochako frowned. "She actually said that?"
Momo nodded, feeling the weight of the conversation settle.
Toru crossed her arms. "Ugh, she's the worst."
Jiro, ever the quiet observer, narrowed her eyes. "She's trying to get in your head."
Momo exhaled. "I know. But it still… bothered me."
Ochako placed a hand on her shoulder. "Momo, that's not true. You worked hard to get where you are. Everyone knows that."
Mina nodded fiercely. "Yeah! Shoto chose you because you're amazing. Not because of some dumb luck."
Jiro leaned back. "Saiko doesn't get it. She thinks everything is about strategy. But Shoto's not like that."
Momo's gaze softened.
They were right.
She knew they were right.
And yet—
"I don't think she's done," Momo murmured.
The girls exchanged glances.
"She's going to keep trying," Jiro said, tapping her fingers against her knee.
Mina crossed her arms. "Then we keep shutting her down."
Toru grinned. "She doesn't stand a chance against all of us."
Ochako smiled warmly. "You're not alone in this, Momo."
And for the first time since that conversation—
Momo felt lighter.
Saiko might be a tactician. A strategist.
But Momo?
She had people who truly cared about her.
And she wasn't going to let Saiko win.
Scene skip
The next morning, Aizawa returned to the classroom, looking even more exhausted than usual.
The class held their breath.
Not because they feared punishment—no, they had already won that battle.
But because when Aizawa walked in, sighed heavily, and rubbed his temple, it meant something big was coming.
And sure enough—
"We have an update regarding the tournament."
The room perked up immediately.
Denki leaned forward. "Ooooh, we getting some surprises?"
Mina grinned. "Are we fighting more schools?"
Jiro smirked. "Is there prize money involved?"
Aizawa ignored them.
"The original plan was a standard series of matches between schools, much like the sports festival. However, after reconsideration… the school boards have decided to raise the stakes."
Murmurs spread across the class.
Ochako blinked. "Raise the stakes? How?"
Aizawa sighed, clearly displeased with the decision himself.
"There will now be a team-based survival round before individual matches."
Kirishima's eyes widened. "Wait—like actual survival training?"
Aizawa nodded. "Yes. You'll be placed in a hostile environment and forced to compete for limited resources against other teams. The objective is to last as long as possible while taking out your competition. Only the top-performing teams will move on to the next phase."
The class buzzed with excitement and tension.
Denki fist-pumped. "YES! That means we can go wild!"
Mina grinned. "I hope it's somewhere dramatic, like a volcanic wasteland."
Jiro raised an eyebrow. "Or, you know… somewhere survivable."
Shoto, who had remained silent, finally spoke.
"What are the rules?"
Aizawa turned to him.
"There will be three-person teams, randomly assigned. You'll have to rely on strategy, endurance, and combat ability to last. Teams who fail to hold their ground or lose too many resources will be eliminated."
The room buzzed louder.
Toru grinned. "Oooooh, this is gonna be fun."
Izuku rubbed his chin. "This kind of format changes things. It's not just about individual fights anymore."
Momo, sitting beside him, nodded. "Tactics will matter just as much as strength."
Bakugo grinned. "Tch. Doesn't matter. I'll blow through anyone who gets in my way."
Camie, casually stretching, smirked. "Damn, this sounds kinda dope."
Aizawa exhaled. "Try not to get too excited. This means you'll need to start training for endurance, survival tactics, and team-based combat."
Denki leaned back in his chair. "Man, I hope I get a good team."
Jiro smirked. "Yeah? Praying you don't get Bakugo?"
Bakugo scowled. "SHUT UP."
Aizawa ignored the bickering and checked his notes.
"We'll be finalizing teams soon. For now, expect increased survival training in preparation."
And with that—
The class knew.
Things were about to get serious.
With the new tournament structure in place, the class eagerly awaited the team assignments.
And when Aizawa finally read them out, the class exploded.
Team 1: Shoto, Momo & Shoji
Momo exhaled in relief as soon as she heard Shoto's name.
They worked well together.
They trusted each other.
And Shoji?
A perfect addition. His stealth, scouting abilities, and adaptability balanced their combat-heavy strengths.
"We can work with this," Momo said, glancing at her teammates.
Shoto nodded. "Shoji's mobility will give us an advantage."
Shoji, ever the calm presence, simply nodded. "I'll keep us informed of enemy movements."
Mina grinned from her seat. "Aw, the power couple gets to be together!"
Momo flushed. "That's not why we were assigned together!"
Jiro smirked. "Sure. Total coincidence."
Shoto blinked. "Would you prefer I wasn't on your team?"
Momo floundered. "T-that's not what I meant!"
The class snickered.
Team 2: Izuku, Ochako & Tokoyami
Ochako beamed. "This is gonna be great!"
Izuku nodded, already calculating strategies. "Tokoyami's Dark Shadow will give us an advantage at night."
Tokoyami folded his arms. "And Midoriya's analysis will make us an efficient unit."
Mina wiggled her eyebrows. "Ooooh, Deku and Ochako together, huh?"
Denki grinned. "Bet they'll be too distracted making heart eyes to strategize."
Ochako sputtered. "T-that's not—"
Izuku, already spiraling into a mumbling fit, turned red.
Momo, watching their reaction, felt a twinge of sympathy.
She knew exactly how that felt.
Team 3: Bakugo, Sero & Ojiro
Bakugo scowled. "Tch. I better not have any damn weaklings."
Aizawa didn't even look up. "Sero and Ojiro."
Sero grinned. "Oh, hell yeah!"
Ojiro nodded firmly. "This will be a solid mix of offense and agility."
Bakugo rolled his eyes. "Just don't slow me down."
Sero grinned. "Oh yeah? Try to keep up with us, Blasty."
Bakugo's eye twitched.
The class braced for impact.
Team 4: Kirishima, Mina & Iida
Kirishima grinned. "Hell yeah! Manly squad!"
Mina giggled. "We got both brawn and speed!"
Iida pushed up his glasses. "This will require structured leadership and coordination."
Mina snickered. "Which means Kiri and I should handle the plans, right?"
Iida paused.
Then sighed.
"…I'll do my best to cooperate."
The class laughed.
Team 5: Denki, Jiro & Hagakure
Denki fist-pumped. "HELL YEAH, TEAM AWESOME."
Jiro sighed. "As long as you don't electrocute yourself…"
Toru giggled. "You two already bicker like a couple anyway."
Denki flushed. "W-wha—"
Jiro glared at him. "Don't make this weird."
Denki immediately shut up.
As the teams wrapped up discussions, small moments continued to unfold.
Mina grinned at Kirishima. "Guess we'll be spending a lotta time together, huh?"
Kirishima chuckled. "Not complaining!"
Denki nudged Jiro. "You know, we're a pretty solid duo."
Jiro rolled her eyes. "You're lucky I tolerate you."
And in the corner—
Ochako glanced at Izuku, smiling. "Guess we're partners again."
Izuku, flushing slightly, nodded. "Y-yeah! I-It'll be great!"
Camie, watching all of this, smirked.
"Daaamn," she muttered. "This whole thing's turning into a rom-com."
Mina perked up. "OMG. COUPLES NIGHT."
Jiro facepalmed. "Here we go…"
Momo sighed.
This was going to be a long tournament.
Planting some seeds on this chapter and working on some of the side pairings in this. I hope that you all understand that.
Saluut.