- . My Hero Academia 180 degrees. -
15. Where Deku, Todoroki, Uraraka, and Camie meet in the public baths.
Midoriya was patiently waiting at the corner of a street. The sky had cleared, and the full moon was visible. The weather was generally pleasant, though slightly cool after raining all day.
—I'm sorry to see you so late, Midoriya—said Todoroki as he joined him—. My father asked me to accompany him to Recovery Girl's funeral ceremony. It's not that I wanted to go with him, but my sister reminded me that she helped me heal my injury—he pointed to his eye.
—I understand. Don't worry about it, Todoroki.
They both started walking along the wet streets.
—Is there a specific reason you wanted to come to these public baths?—Midoriya asked, breaking the silence between them.
Todoroki kept his gaze ahead.
—Yeah, well, at least we won't be interrupted by my father here again.
—I guess my house isn't ideal for a quiet conversation either. With my mom coming in and out, always offering you food—Midoriya acknowledged as they arrived at the entrance—. Besides, it seems like a peaceful place.
—That's what the reviews say—Todoroki replied, checking his phone—. I read on a site that this is what friends do.
With that, they entered.
As they waited for the elderly woman, who seemed a bit hard of hearing and moved slowly, to attend to them, and noticing there was no one nearby to overhear, Todoroki continued his conversation.
—At the ceremony today… I didn't see my father approach All Might at any point—Todoroki began in a low voice—. I also didn't notice any signs of discomfort between them, which makes me think my father still hasn't talked to him about Dabi's demands to return my mother.
Midoriya thought about it for a moment.
—I suppose that makes sense, given that it's impossible for your father to agree to that—Midoriya pointed out.
—Either way, I'd appreciate it if you kept all of this a secret from now on, including from your mom, your construction friend, and especially Mr. Yagi.
—Why especially him?
A silence fell between them for a moment, broken only by the distant sound of hot water running through the pipes of the establishment. Todoroki recalled the moment he had questioned that man about his identity, when the streetlight had gone out and then, upon relighting, the man had disappeared.
—Don't you think it's strange that man pays you so much attention?—Todoroki asked, his voice filled with suspicion—. Don't you think he might have some hidden motive?
Midoriya shook his head immediately.
—I doubt it very much. I think he just has a strong conviction to help me. Somehow, when I've seen him smile, it gives me a sense of trust. Like he's telling me everything will be okay and cheering me on.
Todoroki remained silent, reflecting on Midoriya's words. Before he could respond, the elderly attendant finally approached, apologizing for the wait and guiding them to the bathing area.
—I can't believe our umbrellas were stolen. Who would do something like that?—Uraraka asked, feeling a bit uncomfortable in her wet clothes.
—Probably some mischievous guy—Camie replied, not giving it too much thought, though she was still dripping with water—. And that car that just passed didn't help much. Maybe we should take a bath—she suggested, pointing to the establishment across the street.
—I think that's the best idea before we catch a cold—Uraraka agreed.
Soft steam filled the air, creating a sense of tranquility as they both entered.
—What luck, it seems like we're the only ones here—Midoriya commented, glancing around. His voice echoed slightly off the marble walls, wrapping them in a cozy feeling of isolation. He settled into one of the seats, ready for the grooming ritual before entering the water.
Todoroki, who had remained silent for a moment longer, finally took a seat beside him. The steam made the seriousness on his face appear even more intense. There was something about the way his eyes stayed downcast, as if the words he was about to share with Midoriya weighed more than usual.
—So, now I can tell you what I wanted to share last night—Todoroki said, his tone low, almost distant. He ran a hand through his damp hair, water sliding down his forehead before hitting the floor. Midoriya glanced at him from the side, sensing the tension radiating from his friend—. I don't know how you'll take it, but… feel free to say what you want.
Midoriya placed the soap in his lap, focusing his attention on Todoroki. He recalled the vague words from the previous night. But beyond curiosity, what he felt most was concern for Todoroki and how this was affecting him.
—Yesterday you mentioned it's about something terrible your mom might have done—Midoriya said softly, trying to recap what little he knew—. I can't imagine what it could be, but… wouldn't it be better to wait until you can confirm it with her personally?
For a moment, Todoroki's face showed surprise, revealing that he hadn't thought of that.
—What if… I never see her again?—Todoroki clenched his fists on his thighs, looking distressed.
Midoriya was struck by the sight of his friend finally showing signs of cracking, but he chose not to point it out and continued to scrub with the soap, even though he knew he was already more than clean.
—You have to believe that everything will turn out okay, Todoroki—Midoriya said, his voice filled with hope and understanding—. I don't know if what you have to tell me affects me personally, but the simple fact that you want to confide in me says a lot. It tells me you're a good friend.
Todoroki fell into thought.
Camie slowly glided the soap across her back, letting the warm water gently flow over her skin. With a curious gaze, she paused to look at herself in the mirror, which was beginning to fog up from the steam. Her fingers lingered on her shoulder, dropping the soap without even realizing it as she studied her reflection.
Her hair, her face... the calm expression she had learned to master so that no one could see what she truly felt. She leaned slightly forward, squinting to recognize something familiar in the image staring back at her.
—Ochako—she said, breaking the silence with a soft voice, but laced with something deeper—. Have you ever felt like you don't quite feel like yourself?
Across the bath, Uraraka, submerged up to her shoulders in the water, felt that question resonate within her. Suddenly, memories of her recent dreams flooded her mind, especially the ones where Deku was very close to her.
—Yeah—she finally responded—. Actually, I've felt that way recently.
Camie diverted her gaze from her reflection, a faint smile appearing on her lips as she rinsed the soap off with water, allowing the cool sensation to try to dispel the confusing emotions swirling in her mind.
—I knew you would understand—she said with a smile that seemed to reflect a calm amid the confusion—. I'm really glad we're friends.
—But I don't know if we're talking about the same thing—Uraraka said, a soft blush spreading across her cheeks.
Camie raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. With her usual grace, she leaned closer to the edge of the water, tilting her head slightly.
—Then just tell me—she said, her tone straddling playful and curious.
Uraraka felt a knot form in her throat. This wasn't an easy conversation to have, not even with someone like Camie, who always seemed so open, but there was something about the relaxed atmosphere of the bath that gave her a little more courage to speak.
—Camie, have you ever... had a... dream about a guy...?—The question came out hesitantly, her face completely flushed with embarrassment.
Camie needed only a few seconds to understand what Uraraka was trying to say. Her lips curved into a mischievous smile as she crossed her arms, enjoying her friend's hesitation.
—What, a sexy dream about a guy?—she asked straightforwardly, letting the words flow without inhibition.
Uraraka's eyes widened in shock.
—Ah! You said it!—she exclaimed, her surprise clear in every gesture.
Camie laughed softly.
—Haha, you're so cute, Ochako—she replied, a playful glimmer in her eyes as she joined her in the water, creating small ripples on the surface.
The warm, comforting water enveloped them both, but for Uraraka, the temperature seemed to rise a couple of degrees. Her already flushed face intensified with every word that followed.
—Is this the first time it's happened to you?—Camie asked, this time in a softer, more curious tone, as if she genuinely wanted to understand her friend.
Uraraka slowly shook her head, her gaze avoiding direct eye contact as she sank a bit deeper into the water, hoping it would calm the heat in her cheeks.
—But is it about the guy you like?—Camie insisted, tilting her head slightly, her smile now more understanding.
Uraraka, unable to hold back, nodded. The words caught in her throat, but it wasn't necessary to say more. The silence and the expression on her face said it all.
—I don't see anything wrong with that—Camie closed her eyes, leaning back against the edge of the tub with a carefree attitude, as if they were talking about something trivial—. With the first guy I liked, I had a dream where I wore a tight black suit... I pinned him to the ground, pressed my body against his back, and whispered things in his ear. Although...—she paused for a moment, letting out a giggle—he didn't look too happy. That was a while ago, so I guess I've always been a bit precocious.
The sincerity with which she said it surprised Uraraka, who couldn't help but blush even more at the thought of that scene. Camie seemed to speak with a naturalness that was both disconcerting and comforting, as if those kinds of confessions weren't something to be embarrassed about. It was a relief, a way of telling her she wasn't alone in those emotions, even if their experiences were different.
However, Uraraka pondered for a moment before responding, searching for the right words that could express how she truly felt.
—Thank you for not making me feel weird about this —she finally said, a soft smile appearing on her lips, but her eyes showed a hint of vulnerability—. It reassures me to know I'm not the only one who has these... strange dreams. I appreciate you sharing something so personal with me.
She placed a hand on her chest, trying to calm the agitation still lingering within her, but she couldn't help the somewhat sad expression that crossed her face.
—It's just that... —she continued, her voice now quieter— I used to think I knew myself. I thought that when I liked someone, the thoughts I would have about that person would be more... noble. I feel like I'm not myself when I think of him that way, when I have those dreams. Especially because... —her eyes narrowed as she looked at the ceiling, trying to hide how much it affected her— he's someone too sweet and adorable.
—An adorable boy? —Camie said playfully— Well, they say those are usually the ones who are the most repressed and end up being the most perverted.
—Deku would never be a pervert! —Uraraka's voice came out almost without thinking, a quick retort, while her face turned even redder. The mere thought of imagining Deku that way felt completely impossible.
—Deku? —Camie repeated, her smile widening with curiosity— What a cute nickname... —she paused for a second, processing—. But if he's a normal fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy and is close to you, he probably has his own sexy dreams.
—Impossible! —Uraraka exclaimed, unable to contain the immediate denial that bubbled up from her lips.
Camie let out a soft laugh, not mocking, but amused by her friend's exaggerated reaction.
—Looks like you have a lot of faith in him —Camie commented, looking at her nails as if her words were just a casual remark, but with a much sharper undertone.
—That's right —Uraraka replied firmly, even though her heart was racing, as if her admission of trust revealed something deeper.
—Alright. Forget what I said —Camie raised her hands in a gesture of friendly surrender before starting to splash water on Uraraka's back, who closed her eyes at the spray, grateful for the shift in the dynamic of their conversation.
Uraraka let her mind wander for a moment. The image of Deku smiling appeared in her mind, that sweet and genuine smile she had always admired. She remembered the moment she first noticed how beautiful his smile was. No. It was impossible for someone with that face to have those kinds of thoughts, she repeated to herself, trying to dispel any doubts Camie had planted.
—If you think about it... —Camie commented suddenly, with unusual seriousness— it's a bit like how some villains must feel. Having desires or ideas that disturb them, leading them to commit crimes.
Camie's words resonated in Uraraka's mind, and she opened her eyes, a bit surprised by the change in tone.
—But if someone can't control themselves and ends up committing a crime, they'll have to face the consequences —Uraraka replied, her voice sounding firmer now, with a touch of determination. There was something in what she said that she felt deeply.
Camie stopped splashing water on her back, falling silent for a moment. Her gaze rested on her own hand, which began to melt strangely, as if the texture of her skin was fading before her eyes. However, she didn't seem disturbed; she simply watched the phenomenon with a faint smile.
—Only someone who has experienced something intensely could understand how difficult it is to restrain oneself —Camie whispered, her voice growing a bit sharper, a tone that sent shivers down Uraraka's spine—. I think you don't quite get it, Ochako.
The way Camie pronounced her name, with that peculiar inflection, sent a chill down Uraraka's back. She turned slowly, feeling a sudden unease in the air.
—Camie...?
Midoriya and Todoroki had just gotten into the water when they suddenly heard a scream.
—What was that? —Midoriya asked, his voice a mix of concern and alertness.
Todoroki lifted his gaze towards the wall separating the areas, frowning.
—I'm not sure —he responded with his usual calm, though there was a glint of suspicion in his eyes—. I think it came from the women's side. I heard something like "To-ga."
The name echoed in Midoriya's mind like a ringing bell, so familiar that it almost paralyzed him for a second. And then, as if time slowed down, a specific memory materialized: that time when he was falling headfirst and heard Uraraka shout Toga's name in desperation.
—Uraraka! —Midoriya exclaimed, his eyes wide, and he leaped out of the water, splashing forcefully around him.
...
The soft sound of water dripping contrasted ominously with the tense scene by the pool. Uraraka lay unconscious, her face pale, her body still as if her soul had temporarily left her form. Toga, crouched beside her, was carefully handling a small vial connected to Uraraka's leg, her vital fluid slowly flowing into the glass container. The smile on Toga's face, full of satisfaction and twisted joy, was unsettling.
—I'm sorry —Toga murmured softly, almost as if she truly meant the apology—. I think I didn't take enough blood from that girl last time... but I won't make that mistake again.
The vial kept draining, sucking the essence out of Uraraka, who remained motionless, trapped in the unconsciousness that kept her unaware of the mortal danger she was in.
Toga's eyes gleamed as she watched the steady flow of blood, fascinated by the deep red color accumulating in the glass. That connection to Uraraka's life, the thrill of feeling her so close, was a strange mix of affection and obsession.
But then, a noise from outside broke her concentration. A male voice, filled with concern, echoed in the quiet atmosphere of the onsen.
—Are you okay? —the boy asked from the other side—. We heard screams.
Toga frowned slightly, a spark of annoyance in her eyes. She knew her time was running out. Slowly, she stood up, giving one last look at the blood she had collected.
—Looks like this will have to be enough —she murmured to herself, pleased with her harvest. The flask glowed with the crimson liquid, and a smile stretched across her face.
Then, she turned her attention to Uraraka, her expression shifting to a mix of sadness and mischief.
—Maybe... —she whispered, leaning down toward Uraraka's body— maybe a little desperation for air will make you feel what I feel, Ochako. I'm sorry it had to be this way, but I had so much fun being friends again, even if it was only for a while. Bye bye —she sing-songed, lifting her leg with chilling coldness and kicked Uraraka into the pool with precise force.
—No one's answering —Todoroki confirmed.
—I have a bad feeling. I'm going in —Midoriya said, clenching his fists.
Partially covering his eyes, Midoriya rushed inside, with Todoroki following him.
They were greeted by the high-pitched scream of a girl.
—I'M SORRY, I'M SORRY! We just wanted to check if you were okay! —Midoriya quickly apologized.
Shielding the parts he wasn't supposed to see with his fingers over his eyes, he was surprised to see that the girl who had screamed was now smiling in a way that seemed a little unnatural to him.
—What am I seeing?! One with a scar and another with bruises! This must be a dream!
—Midoriya, look at the floor —Todoroki whispered.
There were bloodstains.
The strange attitude of the girl, combined with the sight of blood, made Midoriya momentarily forget his embarrassment as he uncovered his face.
—Where's Uraraka?! —he demanded.
—Oh, it's you! Deku!
—Do you know her? —Todoroki asked, and Midoriya shook his head, irritated. The fact that she called him by his nickname confirmed that Uraraka must be somewhere nearby, but he couldn't see her.
—You really look like my first love. You might even be cuter, but I think you'd look even cooler if you were bleeding! —Toga exclaimed, rushing at them with a knife.
Todoroki reacted quickly, striking Toga's wrist to disarm her, but the girl seemed to have anticipated the move. With a swift spin, she slipped between them, escaping their reach.
—She's fast —Todoroki acknowledged, watching her retreat.
—Call me! —Toga yelled as she ran off naked, carrying her clothes in one hand.
—I'll go after her. You search for your friend here —Todoroki decided quickly.
Midoriya's heart pounded as he scanned the area until he noticed bubbles rising from the water.
Without thinking, he dove into the pool and swiftly pulled Uraraka's unconscious body out, laying her beside the edge.
—Uraraka! Uraraka! —he called out, but there was no response.
Recalling his notes on resuscitation from one of his notebooks, he started performing chest compressions, barely registering that she was completely naked. He then proceeded to give her mouth-to-mouth as best as he could.
—Uraraka! —he called again, almost desperate after the third attempt.
'No. He couldn't lose her... because...!'
That's when she suddenly expelled the water from her lungs, coughing as she struggled to breathe again.
—Uraraka! —Midoriya cried out, almost tearing up with relief, and hugged her tightly.
As Uraraka began to regain consciousness, from her point of view, the first thing she saw was Deku pulling away from her, laying her gently on the ground. It didn't take long for her to realize she was completely naked, and Deku was only wearing a towel wrapped around his waist.
For a moment, they locked eyes.
Outside, Todoroki scanned the area in every direction.
—She's too fast —Todoroki admitted again, trying to catch his breath, when suddenly, he heard the sharp sound of a loud slap coming from inside.
Author's Notes.-
Your comments are always welcome! Thank you so much for reading, following, and liking. It always makes me smile.