- .My Hero Academia: 180 degrees. -
28. Where Invisible Girl disappears, Uraraka encounters Kai Chisaki, and Deku spends the night at Todoroki's House
—Is something wrong, Hagakure? —Uraraka asked, turning her head back. The light from a nearby streetlamp illuminated her curious face.
Hagakure, whose invisible figure moved alongside her, hesitated for a moment before responding—No, well... I just wanted to say goodbye to Ojiro before leaving...—her voice tinged with a bit of nervousness.
—Really?! —Uraraka exclaimed, taking Hagakure's invisible hands into hers— I didn't know you two were so close! Or is it because you're a couple?!
—No! We're not a couple! —Hagakure quickly clarified, noticing the spark of excitement in Uraraka's eyes— Ojiro is really sweet, and we get along great, but even though I've hinted at it several times and even tried to make him jealous with other guys, he hasn't asked me to be his girlfriend...
Uraraka seemed to reflect for a moment, and then her face lit up with a knowing smile—Some say boys can be a little slow to pick up on signals. But maybe he'll realize his true feelings for you soon.
—You think so? —Hagakure asked, her voice a mix of hope and doubt.
—I have no doubt about it! —Uraraka reassured her with a calm smile, closing her eyes for a moment as she nodded— Now that you mention it, I think I saw him leaving with the other guys earlier. We should probably head out too before it gets any later. They'll be picking me up soon. Do you want a ride home? I think we live in the same direction.
Hagakure nodded, grateful—Yes, thank you. But I think I'll text Ojiro first, just to let him know I'm heading home so he won't worry.
Without Hagakure noticing, Uraraka's expression darkened slightly, though she didn't lose the smile on her lips—Why don't you wait for him to text you first? That way, you can see if he's really paying attention.
Hagakure paused for a moment before sending the message, considering her friend's advice—You're right—she admitted, putting her phone back into her bag—You know, Mina has been giving me advice too, but I'm starting to doubt it, since she hasn't made much progress with the person she likes either —Hagakure suddenly gasped— Ah! But don't tell her I said that! I don't want her to feel bad since I know she means well!
—Of course. It'll be our secret—Uraraka promised with a soft laugh.
Both girls began to descend the long steps of the main exit, laughing quietly and enjoying each other's company.
—If you don't mind me asking...—Hagakure began shyly—How did you get Midoriya to confess to you? He seems like such a shy guy. Of all people, he'd seem like the last one to do something like that.
Uraraka seemed to think for a moment, her gaze lost in the horizon—Well, actually, I was the first to confess—she admitted finally, with a smile that mixed pride and embarrassment.
—Really? That's so brave! I don't know if I could do something like that! —Hagakure exclaimed, impressed.
—It's not that hard. Especially if you've done it before—Uraraka responded, her tone softening as though her thoughts had taken her elsewhere. Her hair swayed gently in the wind.
—You've confessed to someone before? —Hagakure asked, even more surprised—Who?
Uraraka hesitated for a moment before finally smiling—Well... Bakugo —she then waved her hands in front of her—But I quickly realized it was a lost cause, and I don't like him anymore!
Hagakure was momentarily stunned, not knowing what to say at first.
—I can't believe it. I mean, he's not a bad guy, but... with that temper—Hagakure stammered, trying to find the right words.
Before they could continue the conversation, a car with visibly worn and corroded paint pulled up in front of them. The driver was a rough-looking man with scaly skin and a face that looked like it had been carved from stone. Spinner, apparently Uraraka's uncle, was at the wheel, and his expression reflected clear discomfort.
—Oh, this is my uncle—Uraraka said with a cheerful smile—He's a bit serious, but don't be scared by his grumpy face. He's actually really nice once you get to know him, though he's a bit of a ninja geek—she added, opening the car's back door.
Hagakure took a step back, her instincts telling her something wasn't right. There was something in Spinner's gaze that didn't inspire trust.
—What's wrong? —Uraraka asked, seemingly confused. Then she looked at Spinner, as if seeking an explanation, and turned back to Hagakure with understanding—Oh, right. I suppose a lot of people are still afraid of some types of heteromorphs, but don't worry. He's used to being discriminated against in a way.
—What?! No! Not at all! —Hagakure denied quickly— It's not like I'm discriminating against heteromorphs at all!
—Really? Then I'm the one who misunderstood—Uraraka responded calmly, still smiling—So, shall we go?
—No, it's just...
—Oh, sorry about the car, but as you know, my family's going through a tough time financially.
—No! There's nothing wrong with the car!
Hagakure hesitated a moment longer but eventually nodded, trying to calm her nerves.
Once inside, she closed the door behind her, and Uraraka did the same. The car started slowly, pulling away from the mansion.
—Anyway... —Hagakure tried to pick up the conversation again, trying to ease the tension—Tell me more about what happened with Bakugo.
Uraraka turned slightly in her seat, her expression calm and smiling—Actually, it's a funny story. I confessed to him more than once, but every single time, he rejected me. I must've annoyed him quite a bit, and that's partly why I kept doing it. Even though I wasn't interested in him that way anymore, it was really funny to see him react.
—Really? How many times did you confess to him? —Hagakure asked, genuinely curious.
Uraraka smiled, scratching the back of her neck—Honestly, I'm a bit embarrassed to say.
—Come on, tell me—Hagakure insisted, trying to keep the conversation going, though a sense of unease still lingered deep inside her.
The car continued down the road into the darkness.
Another car was slowly moving through the brightly lit city streets. Everyone was a bit cramped in the back of the vehicle, and the only one who seemed comfortable was Bakugo, seated up front.
—Hey, how are we gonna handle the payment for the ride? —Uraraka suddenly asked, glancing at the others with a hint of concern.
—How about the last person to get off pays for everyone, and the rest of us can transfer them the money? —suggested Kaminari with a relaxed smile.
—I'm good with that—Kirishima agreed, checking the app on his phone—But if that's the plan, based on the route, the last person getting off would be... Bakugo.
Upon hearing this, Bakugo turned around immediately with a look of displeasure.
—If you think I'm gonna be the one paying in the end, you better transfer me the money right now! —he growled, his voice full of exasperation— I don't trust any of you!
—Alright, no need to get so worked up —Ojiro commented, pulling out his phone. His fingers moved quickly across the screen as he checked for new messages. When he found none, a shadow of disappointment crossed his face before he opened the app to make the transfer.
Sitting beside him, Uraraka noticed the sadness in Ojiro's eyes. She pressed her lips together thoughtfully, recalling the advice he had given her earlier:
"If you really care about Midoriya, don't play around with him. It's tough on us"
Despite wanting to say something to cheer him up, Uraraka chose to stay quiet. Everyone began using their phones to send the money to Bakugo.
Bakugo wasted no time, quickly checking his phone. His sharp gaze scanned the screen with an intensity only he could muster—You're the only one left, round face! —he barked, turning toward Uraraka— Don't think you're getting away without paying!
Uraraka jumped, startled out of her thoughts by Bakugo's harsh tone— I wasn't planning to! —she quickly clarified, a slight blush rising to her cheeks— I just got a little distracted. But I'll pay you in cash instead.
—Whatever —Bakugo grumbled, and Uraraka handed him her share.
Kaminari grinned, trying to lighten the mood—Come on, Bakugo, no need to be so hard on her. If you two like each other, you should try getting along better —he teased playfully.
Suddenly, the car came to a sharp stop, causing everyone to jolt in their seats. There was a moment of confusion and murmurs.
—Sorry about that. It's not like I was surprised by what the guy just said, seeing as I don't know any of you. It's just that a cat ran across the road —the driver apologized, resuming the ride with a somewhat embarrassed expression.
—How about you learn to drive better! —Bakugo shouted irritably at the driver.
Uraraka cleared her throat, feeling the need to avoid any misunderstandings—You've got it wrong, Kaminari—she said, trying to sound calm, though she was slightly nervous—I already told you I don't like Bakugo.
Kaminari raised an eyebrow, still smiling—Really? It's just that when we were playing in the garden earlier, I got the sense there was some chemistry between you two.
Bakugo scoffed—If that's what you think, you should get your eyes and brain checked!
Ashido, sitting next to Kirishima, leaned forward, her face lit up with excitement— I've also thought you two would make a cute couple! You know, opposites attract! The grumpy guy with the sweet and cheerful girl.
Kirishima tried to stifle his laughter, covering his mouth and tapping on the car door as he found the situation amusing.
—Keep me out of your stupid loser ship fantasies! —Bakugo huffed, crossing his arms in clear irritation.
Uraraka laughed nervously again.
—But really, you like someone else, don't you, Uraraka? —Ashido asked with a mischievous smile—That's why you disappeared during the party for a while, right?
—Mina! —Uraraka exclaimed, her face turning bright red.
The car came to another abrupt stop.
—We've reached the first destination —the driver announced, still slightly flustered from the conversation he'd overheard.
—Oh! Right! This is my stop! —Uraraka said quickly, relieved to have an excuse to escape Mina's awkward questioning. She opened the door and got out of the car. Mina clicked her tongue, visibly frustrated that she had been interrupted.
The car resumed its journey, pulling away from Uraraka's stop as she waved goodbye. She then began to walk.
'It's true. Because of everything that happened, I never got to answer him when he asked me that,' she thought, walking slowly down the sidewalk. In her mind, she saw the image of Deku, his bright, determined eyes staring at her as he asked:
—Uraraka, will you be my girlfriend? ''I promise to give you my best!'
Uraraka blushed again, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't help but smile at the thought—although I wouldn't mind if he took today as an answer—she thought, as she got lost in the cool night breeze, knowing that soon she would have to face her true feelings.
Was what she felt for Deku really...?
Suddenly, she stopped when she saw a car pulling out of the parking lot of her apartment complex. The vehicle moved slowly, and as it passed by, she noticed the driver.
It was the man with the funny face mask, the same one she had helped save when her father's bridge collapsed a few months ago due to Tomura Shigaraki's attack. She recognized him instantly, and it seemed he recognized her too, as he immediately stopped the car and reversed until he was right beside her.
—Hey there! What a coincidence to find you here —Uraraka greeted with a friendly smile.
—How are you? —Kai Chisaki responded from the car—But no, it's not a coincidence. In fact, I came to see you and your family. Your parents told me you went to a party. I assume you're just getting back.
—Yeah, that's right —Uraraka nodded, still smiling—Were you coming to see us? For something in particular?
—Yes. I actually already spoke with your father about what I wanted to discuss. He was kind enough to listen to the proposal I had for your family —Chisaki explained, giving Uraraka a calm look.
—Oh, about a construction project? I'm sure my dad must've been really excited about that! —Uraraka said, imagining her father going over plans and designs.
—I'm sure they'll tell you all about it when you get home —Kai paused, as if reflecting on something before continuing— I have to say, the way your father spoke reminded me a bit of how my own father used to talk when he was healthier. Though we didn't come to any agreement just yet —Kai took a card from his jacket and handed it to Uraraka—If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to contact me. I feel like I still owe you for what happened that day on the bridge and for the reputation of your father's company that suffered afterward.
—Wow, that's really kind of you! Thank you so much! —Uraraka said gratefully, taking the card.
—In my family, it's very important to settle debts with those who've helped us —Chisaki glanced at his gloved hand for a moment, recalling the day he pricked his finger with a vial while trying to fit it into his weapon. The memory made him frown slightly— I must admit, on that day at the bridge, I wasn't feeling well because of my quirk, so you saved both me and little Eri that day.
—Honestly, I just acted on impulse —Uraraka replied modestly, trying to downplay her actions—By the way, how is your daughter? I remember she seemed pretty scared back then. Though, I guess it's understandable after the bridge started collapsing all of a sudden.
—Eri's doing well. In fact, before coming here, I stopped by a toy store to get her a little gift —Chisaki said, gesturing with a slight nod toward the passenger seat, where a large pink box decorated with pictures of toy diamonds rested.
—Wow! I'm sure she'll love it. Is it her birthday? —Uraraka asked, intrigued.
Kai Chisaki seemed to smile slightly.
—To be honest, a few days ago Eri got into some mischief, and I may have punished her more harshly than I intended. You could say this is my way of making it up to her.
—Oh. My father always says it's better to be honest and straightforward, rather than trying to make things right with material things. If that's the case, maybe Eri would appreciate it more if you apologized for being too harsh rather than giving her an expensive gift —Uraraka suggested with a smile, though when she saw the expression on Chisaki's face, she worried she had touched on something too personal. —Ah! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to intrude on family matters. I know every family handles things differently! —she quickly added, feeling embarrassed.
Chisaki stared at her for a few moments before finally replying:
—No. It's fine —he said, though with a hint of coldness.
At that moment, the sound of a door opening caught their attention. Turning toward the building complex, Uraraka was surprised to see her parents peeking out from the balcony on the third floor. Her mother called out to her with a worried tone.
—Ochako! Come inside right now! —her mother exclaimed, and her father had already started coming down the stairs, visibly concerned.
—I think I should go —Uraraka said with a timid smile—My parents are a bit overprotective, and I might've stayed out longer than I said I would.
—Yes, you should go in so they won't worry —Chisaki said as he started the car again.
Uraraka waved goodbye with a smile, lifting her hand in a friendly gesture as the car drove off.
—Ochako! —her father exclaimed, reaching her and wrapping her in a protective hug—Are you okay? Did he say anything? Did he do anything to you?
—Do anything to me? —Uraraka asked, confused by the concern in her father's voice.
Midoriya stepped out of the car, and with a grateful smile, gave a slight bow toward the driver.
—Thank you for bringing us back, sir.
Always attentive, Midoriya quickly moved toward Todoroki, extending a hand to help him steady himself. However, Todoroki raised a hand, declining the offer.
—Thanks, but I'm fine —Todoroki said firmly.
Midoriya lowered his hand, accepting his friend's decision.
—By the way, Mr. Yagi, was there any particular reason you came to get us? —Midoriya asked, turning toward Toshinori with curiosity.
Toshinori, who had maintained a relaxed expression up until that moment, fell silent for a moment. He recalled the bright red marks that had appeared on his body earlier and the image of Nana Shimura that had flashed in his mind.
—Let's just say it was a bad feeling that turned out to be wrong —he explained with a friendly expression, though his face soon grew slightly more serious—. Just make sure you're checking your phone more often from now on, young Midoriya. Keep in mind that if something ever happened to your mother, which we hope never does, your phone would be the quickest way to reach you.
—You're right —Midoriya admitted, lowering his head slightly in regret—. I promise to be more mindful of that.
—Good —Toshinori replied warmly—. Though I understand, it's easy to assume nothing bad will happen when you're young. There's no other time in life when optimism is so abundant.
Midoriya smiled back, but a question came to his mind.
—Oh, by the way, how did you know where we were?
Toshinori seemed visibly nervous for a moment, scratching the back of his neck with one hand.
—Ah, well, while I was looking for you, I thought you might be with young Hatsume. I gave her a call, and she mentioned the party, so I figured there was a good chance I'd find you there —he explained, trying to sound casual.
—I see —Midoriya said, accepting the explanation.
—And speaking of young Hatsume, that reminds me... —Toshinori lowered his voice, leaning slightly toward Midoriya as if sharing a secret—... it reminds me that next time, I'd like to have a talk with you about a few... topics.
—A few topics? —Midoriya asked, slightly confused—. Is it about the UA entrance exam?
A small smile appeared on Toshinori's lips, though one eyebrow twitched slightly.
—Not exactly. But it's better if I tell you the details tomorrow. How about I pick you up after school, and we can grab a bite to eat and talk?
—Sure —Midoriya agreed with a smile—. After all, I promised I'd join you for a meal whenever you asked, and I wouldn't want you to think I'm breaking my promises.
Toshinori nodded, satisfied, but his eyes drifted behind Midoriya, landing on Todoroki.
—And sometime soon, I'd also like to speak with you alone, young Todoroki —he said, his tone more serious.
Todoroki, who had remained silent until then, frowned slightly.
—If it's about what I think, then I...
—No, your matter is a bit different —Toshinori interrupted, cutting off any speculation.
Midoriya, confused, glanced between the two, sensing there was something he wasn't understanding. Was there some secret topic between Mr. Yagi and Todoroki that he didn't know about?
Toshinori regarded Todoroki seriously before continuing.
—After thinking it over for a while, I finally have an answer to what you asked me some time ago. And I'm ready to tell you.
Todoroki nodded, his expression growing more serious.
—Alright. I'll listen —he responded with determination.
—Good. But for now, it's time for you to head inside. It's gotten late, and I wouldn't want you disturbing Mrs. Todoroki —Toshinori suggested, gesturing toward the house door with his head.
Midoriya nodded, knowing he was right.
—Yeah, see you tomorrow then —he said with a smile as the car began to drive off, disappearing into the night.
As they walked toward the house, Midoriya couldn't help but wonder what those "topics" Mr. Yagi wanted to discuss were. And also, what was it that Todoroki had asked him a while ago?
Izuku was already lying on Todoroki's bed, staring at the ceiling with a faint blush on his cheeks.
The image of him and Uraraka floating among the city lights and stars kept coming to his mind, as if each blink brought him back to that moment. He could still feel the warmth of Uraraka's body against his, a sensation that overwhelmed him. It was disturbing how much he liked it. He just hoped he wouldn't say something inappropriate in his sleep while being in Todoroki's room.
Todoroki stepped out of the bathroom with his hair still damp and a towel hanging from his shoulders. He stood still for a moment, quietly watching Izuku. The slight smile playing on his friend's lips gave him an odd feeling.
I guess now isn't the right time to tell him... It would probably just make him feel miserable, he thought, convinced that his friend was happy, and he didn't want to be the one to ruin that moment.
Unaware of Todoroki's internal conflict, Izuku watched him hang the towel on a hook. The room fell into a soft silence as Todoroki turned off the main light, leaving only the faint glow of moonlight streaming in through the window. Suddenly, the mattress dipped slightly as Todoroki sat on the edge of the bed, his back to Izuku. That simple action made Izuku sit up as well, feeling restless.
—Todoroki... —he murmured, his voice filled with slight concern—. Are you okay? Are you still feeling dizzy? Do you want me to get you a glass of water? Or would you prefer if I slept on the tatami?
Todoroki shook his head slowly without looking at him.
—I'm fine, but... Midoriya...
Izuku waited patiently for Todoroki to continue.
—Did you manage to tell Uraraka what you wanted? —he finally asked, still not looking at Izuku—. Were you able to clear things up?
Izuku blinked, a little surprised by the question. He had thought Todoroki was going to talk about something personal, maybe about his family or how he had been feeling lately. But instead, his friend was worrying about him, as he always did, putting others' needs before his own.
—Yeah —Izuku replied after a brief silence, smiling softly—. Thanks to you, I realized I wasn't being honest about what I really felt. I was able to talk to her, and now... everything's better than ever.
—I'm glad to hear that —Todoroki whispered before falling silent again.
Izuku couldn't shake the feeling that there was more behind that response. It wasn't just concern for him. Todoroki was dealing with something unsaid, something that was clear in his tense posture and the way he avoided looking at him directly.
—And you? —Izuku asked gently as he crawled out from under the blankets and moved to sit next to his friend on the edge of the bed—. Are you okay, Todoroki?
Todoroki didn't respond immediately. Instead, he slowly rested his head on Izuku's shoulder, a gesture that caught Izuku by surprise. For a second, he didn't know how to react, but then, in a soft and warm motion, he slipped his arm around his friend's shoulders, offering the support he knew Todoroki needed, even if he didn't ask for it.
—I know things haven't been easy for you lately... —Izuku murmured, his voice barely audible—. If you need to talk, you know I'm always here.
Todoroki closed his eyes for a moment, letting the silence between them be the only response. It was a silent understanding, one that didn't need to be expressed in words.
Finally, Todoroki broke the silence with a soft voice:
—The UA entrance exam is coming up... I know you've improved a lot since we first met, and it's always been your dream to become a hero, but... are you really sure you want to try? You could get hurt.
Izuku swallowed, recognizing the concern in his friend's words.
—I know there's no precedent for a hero without a quirk since the emergence of singularities, and honestly... All Might's words about not being able to be a hero as I am still weigh on me. But since then, I've met people who have supported me and believed in me, so I want to try despite everything, even if it goes against all odds —Izuku smiled widely—. But that doesn't mean I'm not scared. It's true that I could get badly hurt, but precisely because I've learned to value my life, I want to give it my all while trying not to get hurt in the process.
Todoroki glanced at him, sadness flickering in his eyes.
—If only you had a quirk... —he muttered with regret—. Things wouldn't have to be so hard for you.
Izuku smiled, shaking his head gently.
—Even if I had been born with my dad's fire quirk or my mom's levitation quirk, there's no guarantee that things would have been easier. In the end, I'm happy that things turned out this way.
Todoroki lifted his head from Midoriya's shoulder, and when he turned to face him, he saw that the smile on Izuku's face was genuine.
—Even if I had to go through tough times for not having a quirk, if that was the price to live in the present as it is, I wouldn't change anything at all. And of course, that includes meeting you and becoming good friends, Todoroki.
Izuku kept smiling with his eyes closed as Todoroki watched him intently, until he leaned slightly toward him, holding his head.
—I think I'm still a bit dizzy from the alcohol I drank.
Instantly, Izuku stood up and grabbed Todoroki's hand, guiding him to the head of the bed where he had been lying earlier.
—Come on, you need to rest.
Without much resistance, Todoroki let Izuku help him lie down and tuck him in. However, as Izuku tried to pull away, he felt a gentle tug on the corner of his shirt. He looked down and saw that Todoroki had grabbed it softly, not wanting him to leave.
With an understanding smile, Izuku lay down next to him, taking up the free space in the bed beside Todoroki, who still had his eyes closed. He watched him silently for a moment before following his example, letting a peaceful smile form on his lips as he too surrendered to sleep.
Author's Notes. -
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