The Red String of Fate [ S. Todoroki x FEM oc ]

Chapter 16: The Menace Named Todoroki Shoto

The cheers of the stadium rumbled around them. Kaori found herself still in Todoroki’s arms, much to her growing frustration—and embarrassment.

“Okay, okay, you can put me down now,” she huffed, trying to wiggle free.

Todoroki, ever the picture of calm, didn’t budge. “I’m comfortable.”

Kaori let out an exasperated groan.

“What is it with you and holding me like this?!”

“Because you fit,” he replied simply.

Kaori’s brain short-circuited for a second. EXCUSE ME?!

Yaoyorozu let out a small, amused chuckle at the exchange, while Iida adjusted his glasses, pretending not to notice the scene in front of him. The cavalry battle had just ended, yet somehow, this was more entertaining than the match itself.

Before Kaori could further protest, Midnight stepped forward onto the stage, her signature smirk in place.

"That was quite the battle, wasn't it?" she teased, flipping her whip over her shoulder. "Now, let’s see which teams made it to the next round!"

The scoreboard flickered to life, listing the top four teams that had successfully defended or stolen enough points.

1st Place: Todoroki Shoto, Tsugikuni Kaori, Yaoyorozu Momo, Iida Tenya
2nd Place: Bakugo Katsuki, Kirishima Eijiro, Sero Hanta, Ashido Mina
3rd Place: Ojiro Mashirao, Kurosawa Hana, Shinso Hitoshi, Kurosawa Hiro
4th Place: Midoriya Izuku, Uraraka Ochako, Tokoyami Fumikage, Hatsume Mei

Kaori sighed. Finally, it was done, and she just wanted to eat. But, of course, her problems weren’t over yet.

Because Todoroki wouldn't let her go.

"Uh, Todoroki-kun, let go now."

He tightened his arms around her and whispered, "A little longer."

Kaori groaned but refused to admit she didn’t hate it.

Before either of them could say anything else, Midnight’s voice rang through the speakers again.

"And now, onto the final event of the Sports Festival!"

The crowd roared in anticipation.

"The one-on-one tournament!"

Kaori sighed. Todoroki finally let her go -though his arm was still hovering around her waist.

The screen flickered once more, revealing the match-ups for the first round.

Match 1: Midoriya Izuku vs. Shinso Hitoshi
Match 2: Todoroki Shoto vs. Sero Hanta
Match 3: Kaori Tsugikuni vs. Kurosawa Hana
Match 4: Bakugo Katsuki vs. Kurosawa Hiro

And so on and so forth.

Kaori raised an eyebrow at her opponent’s name. Kurosawa Hana, huh? Nothing too hard to handle—except her personality.

“…Great. I get to fight Miss ‘The world revolves around me.’”

Yaoyorozu looked at her with concern. “Kurosawa-san is quite skilled. Be careful, Tsugikuni-san.”

“Oh, I know. But don’t worry—” Kaori cracked her knuckles. “It’s not like I'll let her win.”

Todoroki, standing beside her, frowned. “Don’t underestimate her.”

Kaori rolled her eyes. “I know that, Mr. Portable Ice Pack."

Instead of responding, Todoroki simply reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his eyes and voice soft. “Then don’t get hurt.”