[Just wanted to apologise for the wait. I really struggled getting this chapter together, but I didn't want to just rush and put everything together without it being perfect for you guys. So I hope this one makes up for it...Please enjoy!...BECAUSE IT'S THE START OF READER VS KAITO TIME!!!]
[Man, talk about a week! Yandere Makima surpasses 50k reads, Love is War nears it's finale even more, Jujutsu Kaisen had a BANGER DEBUT WITH OVER 300 VOTES IN 24HRS...FOR BOTH CHAPTERS! And now we're gonna end the week on an absolute bomb of a chapter with ANTI-HERO! And in this chapter, we reach the moment we've all been waiting for...The fight with Itijam 'Aint no rival' Kaito. So if you hate Kaito, be sure to press that vote button and comment how he should be embarrassed next! Because this time around, there will be pain! There will be laughs! There will be power-ups! But most importantly...There will be Bakugo trying to get the reader with a girl. And we all love that! So, let's not waste anymore time and get straight into it!!!]
[Also, massive thank you! Last chapter was the best received (votes wise) since the original chapter. You guys are awesome, here's hoping you like this one even more! I mean...It does have Kaito getting his shit handed to him.]
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[Your POV]
-Degenerate-
--A term used to describe having lost the physical, mental, or moral qualities considered normal and desirable; showing evidence of decline--
--An immoral or corrupt person--
It was a word I wasn't familiar with at one point in my life. I had never been called it beforehand, so I didn't even know if it was bad or not. But the fact it was something the kids around me called me whenever they saw me, along with some much less friendly versions of it, I realized it wasn't a good thing. The first time I was called this word was eleven years ago when I finally returned to my junior high after getting suspended for shoving Kaito with my Quirk. It was the time people first saw me as a monster, but it was also the day I lost my final surge of hope in life. In a way, I feel like that was the day that the person I am today truly came into existence, and the old me was locked away behind a door for good.
But on that day, it wasn't Kaito or any of his friends who hurt me the most. It wasn't even the betrayal from the other students and teachers that affected me the most. Instead, that role fell onto the one person besides Bakugo, who I thought saw me as something other than a monster... Sazama Akiko. She was the prettiest girl in my class at Junior High, and it was fair to say she was the only real crush I had in life. There was just something about her. The way she smiled at everyone, treated those outside of her friend group, and the way she managed to light a spark of happiness inside of me when I truly shouldn't have been happy.
Even Bakugo noticed such, and, now that I think back on it, I feel like maybe this was the moment in life that Bakugo started thinking if I got a girlfriend that I'd be able to forgive myself of past sins and move on in life. If that was right, then I made a grave mistake by telling him I had a crush on her, because in modern day, that was Bakugo's whole life. Though...Being honest. I sometimes wondered what would have happened if things that day were different. That instead of turning away from me after I pushed Kaito, that Akiko would have believed the words I had said. That she would have come to my aid when I felt my soul lift from my body. I still remember it vividly.
The narrowed gazes of the students and teachers around me. I felt like I was engulfed in a world of shadows. their dark gazes from everyone around me, judging me, seeing me as nothing but a monster when I was at my most terrified. I couldn't move. I could speak. I was so scared. Why didn't they just believe me? I never did anything to them. To make them not believe me. So why did they believe Kaito over me? I only pushed him after what he said about Izuku, a-and how it was all my fight. I was frightened. I just wanted to be with Akiko and he just wouldn't leave us alone. He wouldn't stop. I asked him to stop and he wouldn't quit! HE JUST WOULDN'T QUIT!
--Thirteen Years Ago--
Kaito: "What's up, Deku? Any reason why you're talking to Akiko for?"
I remember the grin he offered. Clearly, he was hiding the jealousy he felt at seeing me with Akiko. But at this moment I time, I didn't have a backbone. All I had was fear...
(Y/n): "K-Kaito? N-No. Me and A-Akiko were just playing."
Kaito: "Oh? You were playing? Well, you can go now. I'm here." [Turns to Akiko] "What do ya say, Akiko? Wanna come have fun with me and all the other kids?"
Akiko: "Kaito, what are you doing? I was having fun with (Y/n)."
Kaito: "Fun...With...(Y/n)..."
This was the first moment where his cover dropped. The smile on his face stretched, sweat ran down his forehead. These weren't things I noticed at first. Probably because at this point in life, I felt as if I could do nothing against Kaito. He was this end-level boss to me. I could do nothing to him. But he...He could do everything to me. And he made sure that I knew that...With one single sentence.
Kaito: "Why...Would you want to have fun...With someone who killed their brother?"
(Y/n): "W-What?"
Akiko: "Kaito!"
All he needed to see was the effect that one sentence made, and for the rest of my life, he'd use it against me. I was so frozen in place, my soul leaving my body. I was like a shell of myself. When Kaito saw this, the words that proceeded just flew from his mouth with an abundance of ease.
Kaito: "What? Didn't think we'd know? Or, what? Think less of you? Haha! Dude, we've known about this for years! Why else do you think no one but that idiot Bakugo hangs out with you? You're a freak!"
...I'm a freak?
Akiko: "Kaito!"
Kaito: "You're a killer!"
...I'm a killer?
Akiko: "Kaito! Stop it!" [Turns to you] "(Y/n), don't listen to him."
...But I couldn't help it. Ever since Izuku's death, I blamed myself. My mind told me these exact same words Kaito was telling me now. I don't know if that was what set me back from ever doing anything to him before. That I knew it was my fault Izuku died, and I accepted these harsh words as a knife to the chest for what I did, or in this case...Didn't. Kaito must have sensed this, as he didn't hang back from speaking more.
Kaito: "No! Do listen to me, Deku! Maybe then you'll realize no one of importance will be your friend! That no one will want to be in the same room as you! You're a freak!"
(Y/n): "...Stop..."
Kaito: "You're a murderer!"
(Y/n): "...I-I said stop, Kaito..."
With each sentence, Kaito's words got louder, meanwhile, mine barely reached above the limit that Akiko, who sat next to me, could hear me. Even so, the more Kaito said, the more I felt this rage inside. A selfishness within me, making me believe that what Kaito was saying wasn't true. I wasn't a killer. It wasn't my fault. But as much as I didn't want to believe it back then, it was a dark truth I was forced to accept today. But I didn't have the strength to handle it back then. So when Kaito's words continued to bark over and over again inside of my head, I couldn't hold it. I had to let all this anger that was slowly leaking from my body go...And that's when I snapped.
Kaito: "You won't know love! Or friendship! You're a no one! Always have been! Always will be! You're hated! Dispised! But most of all...You're a worthless, fucking...Nightmare to be around!"
(Y/n): "I. SAID. STOP!!!"
It was that final scream that an explosion of green and black chaotic energy launched from my palms, with it, I witnessed in silence as vile creatures, wicked, deformed monsters that could only be created from the mind of a child. When you're young, you have fears of a monster under the bed. But this creature doesn't take one single form. He looks different to each person.
Perhaps that's why all these monsters were different, yet they had one thing in common...They were based off something that scared me more than anything. But in this moment, I wasn't scared. I was angry. Angry at Kaito. I wanted to hurt him right now. I was done accepting the bullying and the vile words he spat at me. I was sick of being the victim...For once I wanted Kaito to know what it felt like to be belittled.
Kaito: "No. No! Stop! Deku! Make them stop!"
But I didn't stop. I had had enough of Kaito ruining my life. He deserved to pay. He deserved to feel the nightmares I lived with every night. Because that's what I wanted him to see me as right now. Not (Y/n), but a nightmare. Something that couldn't be afraid, but instead made others afraid of them. That's what I wanted for Kaito...But not for everyone else. I don't remember much from that day. My body was too consumed by the dark green energy of my Quirk. My eyes filled with a void of green mist that I barely remember the calls from the teachers, begging me to stop.
"(Y/n), what are you doing?!"
"Stop this! Deactivate your Qurik! (Y/n)? Can you hear me?"
"He's not responding! We have to do something."
"We need a hero!"
"How is he doing this?!"
I couldn't hear them, I just smiled as I witnessed the face of Kaito beg with fear... begging for me to stop the pain. But I didn't want to. If I was to stake a claim, this was the closest moment in my life where things could have changed right then and there. If it wasn't for all my strength leaving my body, causing my Quirk to finally end...I think I would have killed Kaito that day. Now, it wasn't my intention. But seeing his face, the face of fear and regret, the same face I carried every day, it made me happy for once.
That the person who took no pity on my dark origins, to finally feel every bit of turmoil I grew up with, I couldn't help but find joy from it. In that moment...I felt like a villain. And I didn't realize that until later on. How close I was, that if I killed Kaito, I could have gone down a much darker path that had no return. I think it was the fact I realized how close I was from slipping that it drove me further toward the dream I have today. To end evil once and for all. And who knows, when all is said and done, maybe the last person that needs to go...Is me.
But that was a thought for another day. In the end, I didn't kill Kaito. Which was enough that I only got suspended from school. I still question that choice to this day. It was all Kaito's fault, but most of the time, everyone believed the victim, well, I guess in this case the teachers didn't know who the victim was. To them, Kaito was the victim. He was the innocent child put through so much pain. And along with the teachers, every student believed it just as much. I remember my first day back to school, I was shocked to see all the kids crowded around Kaito's desk as they witnessed the amount of signatures he had on his arm cast.
"Wow, Kaito, you have so many!"
"I can't believe all these people signed your cast!"
"EVEN HEROES AS WELL?!"
"Wow! So many heroes! Best Jeanist! He's an up-and-coming hero!"
Kaito: "Haha! Yeah, I know. It's so cool. My Dad knows a few hero companies and got them to stop by my hospital room."
"That's awesome, dude!"
"You're so lucky, Kaito!"
"I wish I was like you!"
They...They were happy for him? They were jealous of him? Why would they be jealous of someone who...who caused so much pain? My young child brain couldn't process that properly. It left me an afterthought, standing alone at the entrance as I watched it all godown. But my mind was suddenly thrown back to the scene when Kaito spoke a sentence I couldn't believe.
Kaito: [Grins] "You know what's really cool, though? None of those other heroes' signatures aren't nearly as good...As the one All Might did."
Immediately in that moment my eyes widened. The loud screams of joy from the kids filled the air as Kaito lifted his arm to reveal the situation in question. It was just All Might's name, printed in yellow pen. But next to the name was a small sketch of the hero as well. This was what sent me over the edge. Not because I was jealous of Kaito for getting a signature from All Might. I couldn't give a shit about a few printed words. I gave a fuck because someone like Itijam Kaito didn't deserve something that someone like Izuku never got a chance to receive.
It made me sick, and boiled with anger. My fist clenched with air as my eyes glared across the room. However, all the anger I felt, the urge to release it all before Kaito, was suddenly subsided when I noticed a familiar face who wasn't gathered around Kaito. At the front of the class, sitting at her desk in silence as she wrote down some notes in her notebook, Akiko could be seen. All it took was a single glance at her face and smile for the anger within to release just like that. For the time I was away from school, I never once stopped thinking about her.
I was so worried that I may have hurt her during the ignition of my Quirk. I never wanted to hurt her, so the days I spent away from school, it was another form of suffering altogether. To the point now that I saw her, I couldn't stop myself from walking over to her desk. As I did, time slowed. A soft smile crept across my lips. Even after everything that happened, the fact that Akiko said we were friends, it kept me going. I couldn't wait for the days when I knew both Bakugo and Akiko were my friends. Honestly, I was a little terrified to talk to her...Little did I know.
(Y/n): "Uh...A-Akiko? Hey, it's me..."
The mumbled up words, I wished I could have gotten a proper sentence together. I couldn't help but laugh to myself at how nervous I sounded. I just hoped that Akiko wouldn't laugh at m--
"...(Y/n)?"
But then I heard the way she said my name, and all my nerves left. There was a sense of fear in it, and once I picked it up, the smile on my face dropped as I lifted my head to see the silent concern that made itself known to me instantly.
Akiko: "(Y/n)...You're here?"
(Y/n): "U-Uh, yeah...I, um... I was only sent home for a few weeks...Today's my first day back..."
Akiko: "Oh...Um..."
(Y/n): "H-Hey, Akiko, I just wanted to make sure that you were ok--"
My sentence was abruptly cut off, however. But it wasn't by some outer disturbance or something between Akiko or I. Instead, it came when my eyes just so happened to glance down at her desk that my eyes happened to land on her arm, where a noticeable bruise could be seen. Immediately my eyes latched open, a wave if worry coursing through my body. I forgot about myself in this one moment and quickly reached out for Akiko's arm with concern.
(Y/n): "Akiko, your arm, are you ok--"
Akiko: "Stay away from me!"
The words were fast and without hesitation. Followed quickly by the young girl jumping out of her seat and pressing herself up against the window behind her. The suddenness of it all, mixed with the screech of her chair sliding along the ground, was all it took for everyone else in the class to turn toward the front of the room.
There, they could witness my frozen body, stuck in the process of reaching for the place Akiko's arm once was. I didn't dare look down at the watchful eyes focused on me, nor did I look at Akiko right away. Instead, my body remained incredibly still. Sweat running down my face as I processed what she had just said to me.
"Stay away from me!"
They struck me like a truck. Immediately my heart began racing as my mind wrestled with so many thoughts. But in the end, all I could do was lift my head in complete shock and horror, my first moment of witnessing the fear Akiko had on her face. It was this moment I realized Akiko was just like everyone else.
(Y/n): "S-Stay away...B-But we're friends? That's what you said, right? We were friends...?"
"No, you're not. You degenerate..."
(Y/n): "Huh?"
Turning my terrified gaze to the side, I was greeted by the plethora of faces that came from my fellow classmates. Looks of dismay, concern, and anger resonated among them as they looked my way. But my gaze focused solely on the person who spoke to me, Kaito. The young boy kept his gaze narrowed as he made his way over to Akiko and threw his arm around her neck.
She...She didn't hesitate with him. She kept him close, like he was going to protect her...from me. It made me sick to my stomach. I wanted to leave the room. Run away and cry. But instead, I stayed, and witnessed in silence as Kaito whispered something into her ear. I only realized he did such when he muttered loud enough for me to hear a few seconds later.
Kaito: "Tell him..."
A look of hesitation spawned on Akiko's face as she looked up at Kaito, before slowly she turned to me. A stinge of hope plunged through my body. A hope that grace would find me once more and rescue me from this darkness.
Akiko: "(Y-Y/n)...I...We're...We're not friends anymore."
(Y/n): "What? W-Why?"
Akiko: "You...You hurt Kaito, (Y/n). A-And...And you hurt your brother. I-I'm sorry...But I can't be friends with someone like you."
Someone...Like me? S-She said that right to my face...when she was standing next to someone like Kaito. Someone who fed off the current moment. He ate my suffering and wiped his lips, ready for more. But I wasn't going to let him have that victory. Instead, I simply dropped my head, without saying another word. I turned, and began walking to the back of the class where I'd spend the rest of my school life. I never spoke to Akiko again, and a few months later she moved out of the city, and Tokyo in general to go to America with her family for business.
This was the moment right here when I gave up on love, even if Bakugo continued to bring it my way. But I realized that the chance of me finding someone I cared so much about like I did Akiko was never going to happen. I should simply focus on what mattered...And that was keeping my promise to Izuku. And so, there we have it. This was it. The moment in my life I realized it all. I saw the truth for the truth of it all. Everything to do with Akiko, and the brief peace I found after the death of my brother was nothing but a trick. A ploy of the mind.
To put it simply...It was all just another nightmare.
--Present--
...And it was a nightmare that was coming back to haunt me in Modern Day, as I found myself standing just outside the school Cafeteria, a smile slowly fading off my face. By my side, Yaoyorozu, decked in her U.A. Physical training uniform, looked on in confusion as I stared in complete shock, as at the part of the footpath in front of me...Where Akiko stood.
Akiko: "(Y/n)...Is that you?"
[3rd Person POV]
Forty minutes earlier, and (Y/n) found himself waiting in line at the cafeteria to get a soda. He had decided to go get one during the middle of the Iida Vs Mai fight. He didn't plan to, but after witnessing it's...thrilling moments, he realized it'd be better now than ever to get a drink before the proper fights got underway. And so, the Cafeteria was the chosen location of choice. Where he now waited silently in line as a broadcast of the current fight appeared on a nearby TV held onto the wall. As he waited in line, (Y/n) found his eyes directed toward the TV. Witnessing as Iida struggled to properly use his Quirk due to Mai's support items coming in handy.
(Y/n): "Poor Iida..." [Sighs] "Bakugo's gonna have a field day with this."
"Mmm~ He's not the only one~"
Immediately (Y/n)'s eyes burst open upon hearing the familiar voice, his senses were only altered to their presence further when he felt a pair of very soft, um...things, press up against his arm. An explosion of shock went off over (Y/n)'s face when he turned his head to see the cause of such a thing was Midnight, who sported a seemingly innocent smile as she hugged onto her student's arm.
Midnight: "Hey, superstar~"
(Y/n): "M-Midnight?! What are you doing here?"
Midnight: "Well, I'm on break, so I thought I'd come get something to eat." [Grins] "Little did I know of the snack I'd find here~"
It seemed Midnight carried no fear, her innocent smile quickly shifting to a wicked grin as she continued to press herself against the young boy. It was only when (Y/n) realized such that he instantly pulled his arm from between the clutches of Midnight's chest. Much to the disappointment of his teacher.
Midnight: "Hey! I was hugging that!"
(Y/n): "What the hell are you doing here? Shouldn't you be judging the next match?"
Midnight: [Smiles innocently] "I told you, I'm on break." [Grins] "So I've got fifteen minutes to do whatever I want...Or whoever~"
(Y/n): "W-Whoever...?"
The way in which Midnight said that one word was enough to give (Y/n) a complete meltdown inside. However, his mind quickly snapped back into place when he remembered his goal of acting like he wasn't interested in the smoking hot teacher. He did grow fearful, however, that the shocked expression he currently had on his face was enough to lead Midnight into believing the prospect of him being uninterested in her.
Something he had aimed to perfect since first enacting the plan, had failed. But in a stroke of luck, it seemed Midnight was so used to him being uninterested in her, that she didn't notice the blush he currently carried. Without hesitation, (Y/n) fixed up his mistake and returned to carrying a blank demeanour. Though, inside, he was struggling to comprehend everything that just happened.
(Y/n): "You know, I'm pretty sure it's illegal for you to say that to me. You could get into trouble."
Midnight: "But you're eighteen, right?"
(Y/n): "Yeah...?" [Thoughts] "Crap! Should I have said that?"
It seemed so, as the grin previously plastered on Midnight's face returned, this time as she began drawing circles with her finger on (Y/n)'s chest.
Midnight: "Then I don't see a problem with harmless flirting~"
(Y/n): "I mean, you are my teacher."
Midnight: "I suppose...I guess that just means I need to be punished if I'm caught~" [Leans in and pouts] "You won't tell anyone, will you, (Y/n)?"
All (Y/n) could do was bring his head back as Midnight brought her own closer. A confused look dominated his face as Midnight pouted playfully.
(Y/n): [Thoughts] "Is she trying to be sexy or cute right now?" [Coughs] "Do what you want. Not interested."
Midnight: [Giggles] "Are you sure~"
(Y/n): "Yep."
Midnight: "Really~"
(Y/n): "Uh, huh."
Midnight: "What about if I wear a cheerleader outfit like the girls from your class? I hear you like that~"
(Y/n): "I'm good."
Midnight: "W-What? Why?"
(Y/n): "What can I say? You're just not my type."
COMPLETE! UTTER! MELTDOWN!
A look of complete dread quickly rushed over Midnight's face as (Y/n)'s words echoed in her head. The young boy just watched on in silence, until he was suddenly forced backward slightly as Midnight broke into a full-on meltdown.
Midnight: "But why?! Why?! Bakugo said you liked me! I was your favourite hero! How come you don't find me attractive?!"
(Y/n): "Are...Are you for real right now?"
Midnight: "Of course, I'm for real! I've never had anyone not be into me!"
(Y/n): "Um...A-Alright? Uh, look, I didn't think you'd--"
"Are you (Y/n)?"
(Y/n): "H-Huh? Yeah, I'm--"
He was in the process of turning around, his mind suddenly pulled from the agitated Midnight before him. He didn't know who called out to him, but he knew for certain that it was a female. However, even with such a clue, (Y/n) never expected to see none other than Mt. Lady herself standing before him. A charming smile spread across her lips as a hand rested on her hips. The sudden realization of who was standing in front of him caused (Y/n) eyes to widen and a shocked gasp to escape his lips.
(Y/n): "Y-You're Mt. Lady?!"
Mt. Lady: [Giggles] "I most certainly am!"
Her smile only grew as she struck a pose for (Y/n), one that was rather admittedly...Seductive in a sense. Such a surprise caused (Y/n)'s cheeks to turn red. Unfortunately for (Y/n), this was something Midnight saw. The older woman's narrowed eyes coming into view as she looked over (Y/n)'s shoulder.
Midnight: "Glaaare."
But the remark from the teacher went unnoticed as (Y/n)'s stunned demeanour from seeing such an unexpected face was suddenly forced to the side when Mt. Lady spoke once more.
Mt. Lady: "Sorry to, like, speak to you out of nowhere. I just saw your fight earlier and thought I recognized you."
(Y/n): "O-Oh...Cool?"
Midnight: "Cool?"
Mt. Lady: "Anyway, like, you're pretty good out there. And, you're, like, hot, so I suppose that helps to." [Giggles] "I mean, takes one to know one, right?"
(Y/n) was left silent, more so due to the fact he didn't expect Mt. Lady to be talking to him. However, such surprise on his face was taken as something else by Midnight. Who watched in complete shock as she witnessed (Y/n) show Mt. Lady a type of attention he didn't show her. Now, (Y/n) didn't intend this. Because, as previously mentioned, he was more so shocked than anything else.
However, after being denied for so long, it left Midnight feeling rather annoyed that (Y/n) would look and blush at someone like Mt. Lady, when someone perfectly fine was clearly trying to put herself onto him...T-To only get his attention, of course...T-To prove that he really did think she was pretty. But seeing such vibrant ignorance in the boy before her led the older woman to suddenly turn her head away and cross her arms.
Midnight: "Hmm! Fine! You wanna blush at her, so what? I don't care. I'm going to ignore you now! See how you feel about that, (Y/n)?"
It was at this same time, however, that Mt. Lady was still talking to (Y/n), causing the young boy to struggle to hear what Midnight was saying. Though, to be fair, she pretty much was talking to herself. Either way, when no response came, Midnight merely twisted her head further, tightened the grip her arms made under her chest, and proceeded to walk away and out of the Cafeteria.
Midnight: "If (Y/n) doesn't want my attention...I won't give him mine. See how he likes that." [Smirks] "He'll realize sooner or later that I'm pretty...Just wish I could hear it already."
As she did, she passed by two younger students that just so happened to have their eyes widened upon seeing the busty heroine.
"H-Hey, Miss Midnight? You l-look very nice toda--"
Midnight: "NOT FROM YOU!"
The young boys were left frozen in place as Midnight barked at them, all before turning back to the front and continuing on her way without another word. As for (Y/n), it was at this point that Mt. Lady left with a flutter of her fingers. (Y/n) simply waved back, still shocked to have met such a hero out of nowhere. It was at this point that he turned to see no sign of Midnight anywhere. He looked around for a few seconds, until his focus was suddenly pulled away by Present Mic's voice through the TV.
Present Mic: "And there we have it, in a rather...unsatisfying end to their battle, Tenya Iida moves onto the next round. As for our next match up people, you definitely don't want to miss it. Up next...It's Denki Kaminari vs Itijam Kaito."
All it took was to hear that one name for (Y/n)'s entire attention to fall onto the screen. So much so that he immediately left the Cafeteria without getting anything. After all, this wasn't a match he could just miss. Because whoever came out on top in this match, would be the person (Y/n) faces in the next round. And if life was anything to go by...He had a good guess who it was.
******
Twenty minutes later, and the sound of cheers and breaths of awe flooded the air for what seemed like the umpteenth time over these few short hours of U.A.'s Sports Festival. By this point in the day, a good chunk of the first-round matches in the final event of the Sports Festival has taken place. Such spectacles like Ashido of Class 1-A vs Shiozaki, the start of which was certainly...Interesting, to say the least. Basically, whilst Ashido was pumped up for her fight, her opponent, Shiozaki, the girl with vines for hair from 1-B, was more so into avoiding fighting. And I don't mean dodging attacks.
I mean, like, she took the opportunity of being centre stage to speak to the crowd about how fighting was bad and that we should all come together in the world to bring about peace. It was certainly something no one expected for a match between two hopeful heroes, but in the end, despite being against fighting, Shiozaki one thanks to her Quirk. Which was basically the ultimate control of the vines that made up her hair. It didn't take much before such long-range attacks threw Ashido off balance. Following this match, it was Iida vs Mai Hatsume, someone (Y/n) noticed as the girl who partnered up with Uraraka and Yaoyorozu in the Cavalry battle.
Upon first noticing the girl, (Y/n) was quick to turn to both girls and asked them what exactly was her Quirk. They didn't exactly know, however, they did say she was rather fond of her...babies. That, by no surprise, left (Y/n) confused. But he was given some reason as to what they meant when right from the geto-go, Mai walked out decked with robotic boots and a backpack. But she wasn't alone, as Iida himself could be seen wearing a weird-looking jetpack, which had wires leading down to straps that attached around his legs. At first, no one from Class 1-A, or the crowd even, knew what was going on.
It wasn't until long after the match that they found out Iida was wearing one of Mai's 'babies'. What they found even more odd, was the fact that for a majority of the fight, Mai was in control. Well, that's if you wanna call it a fight. In the end, Mai seemed more focused on rapidly describing the capabilities of the support items both she and Iida were wearing. Only when she was done, did she suddenly withdraw herself from the fight. Yeah...All four fights so far had left something to be desired. From (Y/n) and Todoroki winning theirs with a single attack, and Iida's basically being a presentation on Mai's 'babies' rather than fight, only Ashido's and Shiozaki's match was really the only one with action that lasted more than a single attack.
However, all of that seemed about to change with the match that was currently taking place. It was one (Y/n) had just so happened to keep in the back of his head as the hours went by. One he knew would play into the next part of the Sports Festival, that he just knew would lead him down a road of degenerate behaviour. Of course, he was talking about none other than Kaminari vs Kaito. The fifth match of the sports festival seemed to come out of nowhere, timing having passed so quickly since (Y/n) started it all. But now, the young boy and the rest of his class were left in complete silence as they witnessed the wasteland of a battlefield that had been left over from the fight between fire and electricity.
The charred ground appeared black and filled with smoke, like a nuclear bomb had gone off. And in a way, it kinda did. Kaito showcased a form of rage that he had been keeping in for so long now. Like he finally felt he could let loose his power, which was bad news for his opponent. And unfortunately for Kaminari, there wasn't much he could do against a teenage boy with anger issues. Such was shown at this very moment, as the crowd stood in complete silence at the massacre they had just witnessed. Capped off by the sight of a covered-up Kaminari being pulled off the field by a stretcher. The only sign of that he was okay, was the fragile thumbs up he offered to the crowd. It was at that moment that a few sympathy cheers echoed, bringing not only (Y/n), but the rest of Class 1-A back to reality.
Sero: "...He...He did it..."
Kirishima: "...So quickly..."
Iida: "...Kaminari never stood a chance..."
Mineta: "...I never knew Kaito could be so powerful..."
Ashido: "...I hope Kaminari is okay..."
Looks of shock and bewilderment left not only the onlooking crowd, but even the students shocked of what they had just seen. At first, it seemed like a normal fight was going to go down. Kaito kept his narrowed gaze focused on Kaminari, who began trash-talking his opponent right from the get-go as they faced off each other from opposite sides of the battlefield.
--Flashback--
Kaminari: "Well, well, well, if it isn't my old classmate...Itijam Kait--"
Kaito: "So 1-A still has their pathetic dog with them, huh?" [Grins] "What's the matter, sparky? You seem rather confident all of a sudden? Did someone finally get laid~"
Kaminari: "Wha--What? No..." [Chuckles lightly] "Wait. Did...Did someone from 1-B hear I got laid?" [Jumps up and down] "Who man?! Who said it? Tell--"
Kaito: "Hahaha! No, you idiotic monkey! Haha! I'm making fun of you, dipshit. Geez...Is everyone from 1-A still this idiotic?"
Kaminari: [Crosses arms] "Hey, now, man. Not cool...We were on the same team in the Cavalry battle together."
Kaito: "You think I care about that shit? I only did it to mess with Deku. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to do that before his pussied out like the loser he is." [Cackles] "But don't worry, I'll be sure to make quick work of you before I deal with him. So be a good dog...And get the hell out of my way."
The final words that dropped from Kaito's lips were a complete shift from the snarky attitude, to a wave of serious aggression. The glare that followed was enough to make Kaminari gulp loudly before the voice of Present Mic began to get things underway over the speakers.
"And here we have it, folks. Some may call this match up underrated, but I believe this could be the secret prize winner of these early rounds! They're both hail from dealing with villains! In one corner, we have the electric goofball with the power to charge ones phone in less than fifteen minutes...It's Denki Kaminari!!!"
A wave of cheers roared through the stands, whilst Kaminari lowered his head in shame.
Kaminari: [Mutters] "Is that seriously what you bring up when mentioning me? That's so lame..."
"And his opponent, having shifted from classes earlier this year, with fists of fire! It's Itijam Kaito!!!"
Again, a thunderbolt of cheers went off, Kaito chose to not say a word from his introduction. Instead, his gaze slowly shifted from Kaminari in front of him, to (Y/n) in the student grandstands to the side. The young boy with (H/c) and green tips left to watch in silence, as the students gathered around him honed in on the match they were about to see.
Sero: "Let's go, Kaminari!"
Kirishima: "You've got this, buddy!"
Iida: "Don't let Class 1-A down!"
Ashido: "Don't get too hurt! We believe in you!"
Mineta: "GO OUT THERE, BEST FRIEND! DESTROY HIM! FUCKING ROAST THAT ASSHOLE OF A BULLY! MAKE HIM PAY FOR THAT TIME HE KICKED ME OUT OF LINE AT THE CAFETERIA! YOU'VE GOTTA MAKE HIM PAY!!!!"
Of course, when everyone heard Mineta shout such...words...They all momentarily pulled their gaze from the match-up, to their classmate, who seemed to be on edge, a smile primitive to the emotions he currently felt. However, they all soon had their focus directed back to the fight at hand as Present Mic's voice echoed once more.
"Well then, with introductions aside. I'm sure we've waited long enough to see these two in action. So if you're ready for the fight of your lives, count down with me everyone! Three!"
"Three!"
Kaminari: [Breaths in and out] "Come on, me. You've got this! You've got this..."
"Two!"
Kaminari: [Jumps up and down] "You've just gotta remember your training. You go to U.A.! You're a future hero. Just...Gotta remember what the teachers taught you..."
"One!"
Kaminari: [Stretching side to side] "Besides...If things do go bad, the teachers will step in, right? I mean, Kaito sure hates (Y/n)...But not me...I've done nothing to him...So I should be--"
"Go!"
With the cry of that one word exploding into the air, Kaminari was quick to lift his head up as the action took off, but the action wasn't the only thing to get a flying headstart in this race. For upon lifting his head, the yellow-haired male was shocked to find the anger-fueled face of Itijam Kaito no more than a few meters away from his face. The sight of his right fist infused by flames, a precursing to what was about to happen.
Kaminari: "...Fine."
Kaito: "AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!"
With the cry of that one word gasping out of Kaminari's mouth into the air, seconds later, disaster happened. The next thing he knew, Kaito's flaming fist cut through the air and shattered Kaminari right across the jaw. The power in the punch only boosted Kaito's attack, sending Kaminari launching backward through the air, slamming on the ground over and over again, before just coming short of the white line that would have eliminated him if he had gone over. Kaminari thought he was lucky, but luck had nothing to do with any of this. Kaito didn't eliminate him on purpose. He wanted to use this moment, to show the crowd, to show (Y/n)...That he had no rival.
--Flashback Over--
It was only after seven more minutes of Kaminari getting knocked around did Kaito grab Kaminari's charred body by the leg and dragged him toward his only saving grace, the white line. Fun fact, even with Kaminari's body being lifeless, seeming like he was burnt, as his body was now covered in smoke and black ash, you'd think the majority of it was from Kaito. And whilst the majority was due to his fire-based attacks, a good chunk of it was also caused by the one time Kaminari got to use his own Quirk. Realizing he wouldn't get another chance, he used all his energy he had to send an explosion of electricity directly at Kaito's unphased body.
That...Did not go to plan, unfortunately. Kaito was seemingly able to avoid the attack, despite seeming to not move a foot. It was like he was resistant to Kaminari's quirk. The wave of yellow electricity going through his entire body before continuing on its path as if it made no contact at all. When Kaminari saw such a sight, he was flabbergasted. And basically came to the conclusion then and there that any chance he had on winning was over. A quick one, two, from Kaito later, and Kaminari found his twitching body on the outside of the battlefield...Having lost his match with relative ease. Of course, whereas Kaminari did not like that one bit, the crowd certainly did.
Present Mic: "And there we have it, everyone! Finally!" [Less enthused] "...We have a proper fight that lasts more than a minute..." [Back to full blast] "But what a fight it was! Truly these two have what it takes to become heroes in the future. If you agree...SAY YEAH!"
"YEEAAAHHH!!!"
Present Mic: "But in the end, we only have one winner! ...Itijam Kaito! So if you enjoyed that fight, people, and what he had to show! Be sure to get ready for round 2 of the Sports Festival finals...Because we have old rivals coming head-to-head in a battle you most definitely don't want to miss!"
It was as Present Mic stated such, that on the screens surrounding the arena, the images of both (Y/n) and Kaito appeared. A sight both males were quick to notice, however, whilst (Y/n) said nothing, Kaito simply looked up at the picture and snarled.
Kaito: "...You're no rival, Deku. Just you wait."
And so with that, Kaito took his exit off the battlefield and back into the hallways of the arena building itself. What was noticeable, however, and rather shocking to Kaito, was as he did so...A certain word could be heard being roared from the crowd.
"Kaito!"
"Kaito!"
"Kaito!"
"Kaito!"
"Kaito!"
When Kaito first heard it, he presumed that it was a teacher from behind. But when he lifted his head to see the large smiles on the faces of everyone in the crowd...He was shocked. It took him a while to register what was going on properly. But once he did...He couldn't hold in his excitement any longer. A large smile soon found his face, his arms lifting into the air as a thunderous wave of applause and cheers continued to storm from the crowd.
Eventually, a grin formed on his lips when he remember something...or someone. That someone, of course, being (Y/n). Kaito's grin and snarky gaze was on full display for the boy standing next to the ledge of the student grandstand area. Their eyes remained glued together, until out of nowhere Bakugo appeared in front of (Y/n), and immediately offered two middle fingers down at Kaito.
Bakugo: "Fuck you, Kaito! Go eat a dry condom or something!"
Of course, such just made Kaito chuckle as he continued to celebrate the cheers and exited the field like someone thought they were a badass. Meanwhile, back in the Class 1-A grandstand area, everyone was quick to turn their gazes toward (Y/n). Who remained silent as he stood next to the ledge. Bakugo on the other hand, he was not silent as the cheers continued...He was Bakugo.
"Kaito!"
"Kaito!"
"Kaito!"
Bakugo: "Man, fuck this crowd! They must be even more idiotic than I thought if they're cheering for that fire nerd."
Sero: "I mean, you've kinda got to admit, Bakugo...He did kinda owe Kaminari out there..."
Out of nowhere Bakugo suddenly turned around, and basically spawned in the face of Sero. Such an action caused the boy with a tape Quirk to lean back slightly, yet...That did nothing for Bakugo.
Bakugo: "What did you just say, knock-off Spider-Man?"
Sero: "I...I just said...Um...T-That Kaito won...So...T-The crowd might...L-Like that..."
Bakugo: "Pfft! Bitch, please!" [Stands back] "Flammin' Hot Cheetos-fist only won because he was fighting that nerd, Kaminari. If my boy was out there, Kaito's blood would be on the floor."
"Well, well, well, what do we have here? Is this the pathetic 1-A upset that they lost another match?"
Immediately everyone contorted their head in the direction of the voice to see it was coming over near the wall that separated their part of the student grandstand from that of 1-B's on the opposite side. Though, upon just lifting their heads slightly, everyone was greeted by the snarky grin of none other than Monoma himself.
Monoma: "What's that? All silent from the shock of your class getting wiped by our own?"
Bakugo: [Just staring] "....Why you get over here you lil shit! I still gotta make you pay for what you did to (Y/n)!"
Out of nowhere Bakugo launched off his feet away from Sero and catapulted toward the wall that Monoma was hiding behind. However, Bakugo was quickly held back by both (Y/n) and Kirishima, in a desperate attempt to stop their friend from getting into trouble. As this happened, a look of deranged, yet pleased eyes spawned on Monoma's face.
(Y/n): "Bakugo, it's alright. Let me go. He's just trying to rile you up."
Kirishima: "Yeah, don't let him get to you. He'll get his dues."
Bakugo: "Fuck 'dues' this guy should be kicked out of the school for what he did to (Y/n)." [Yells at Monoma] "Hey! Sleeping dick-less, shouldn't you be converted to a villain already, or heck, even in jail from driving passed too slow in school zones with those eyes? Either way, why aren't you the fuck out of here yet?"
Monoma: [Chuckles] "Why am I not surprised you do not understand. It is obvious that the teachers so how much better I am than--"
BONK!
Out of nowhere, Monoma was silenced. His eyes widened in pain before his body dropped out of view. A few seconds later, the head of Kendo poked up to reveal her apologetic, and smiling, face.
Kendo: "Sorry about him!" [Glances at you] "He, uh...H-He'll be over to apologise to you later (Y/n)...N-Not that that's enough, if you ask me."
Immediately everyone turned to (Y/n), in eagerness anticipation for his reply.
(Y/n): "...It's cool. Not your fault."
Kendo: [Blushes slightly] "O-Oh...Cool..."
The small smile Kendo offered back to (Y/n) did not go unnoticed by everyone in Class 1-A. (Y/n) on the other hand just blankly looked back at her, until an eyebrow slowly began to rose. His gaze shifting to his left, where Bakugo could be seen rubbing (Y/n)'s shoulders whilst narrowing his gaze toward Kendo.
(Y/n): "Uh...What you doing, buddy?"
Bakugo: [Narrows gaze at Kendo] "Getting you ready for your fight with Kaito."
(Y/n): "Alright...I appreciate that, but...You think you can stop the rubbing? It's kinda weird?"
Bakugo: "...Sure...Sure..."
But Bakugo didn't stop the massaging. Instead, his focus remained solely on Kendo. It seemed like the massaging was only being done so no one noticed his narrowed gaze. But it didn't take much for everyone to completely look passed the massaging to notice the narrowed gaze as well. Kendo was one of these people, her eyes quickly darting elsewhere as she gave a quick goodbye and left. Only when she left did Bakugo finally stop massaging (Y/n)'s shoulders.
Bakugo: "Well then, you're all set for your fight with Kaito, (Y/n)! Go get em' tiger!"
(Y/n): "Uh...Okay..." [Glances at Uraraka] "What's up with him?"
Uraraka: "I'll explain later."
(Y/n) only nodded in response as a wave of silence filled the student grandstand. It was as this happened, however, that (Y/n) managed to catch a glimpse of Yaoyorozu silently getting up from her seat at the back and going to leave the room without a word. Such a thing immediately caused (Y/n) to grow confused.
His concerns were only doubled when he saw what appeared to be a dejected look on her face. Without a second thought the young boy took off to follow after the girl who had just exited the room. It was as he did so, however, that his arm was suddenly grabbed from behind. Turning around, he saw that it was Bakugo.
Bakugo: "Hey, where ya going? You're gonna miss the next fight?"
(Y/n): "Oh, uh..."
The sudden pause came when (Y/n) realized he couldn't tell Bakugo that he was going to check up on Yaoyorozu. Because his brain would automatically think it was something romantical and lead Bakugo to go on and on with the teasing, and right now, (Y/n) did not need that. So, he decided to say the next most believable thing.
(Y/n): "Just going to get some food..."
Bakugo: "Oh, cool. Want me to come along?"
(Y/n): "Oh, uh...Y-You know what? Why don't you go on ahead, I-I've just..." [Sighs and mutters] "I can't believe I'm about to say this..." [Out loud] "...I've just gotta go into the bathroom and practise what...what I'm going to say...To Midnight after the Sports Festival."
...And just like that Bakugo's eyes lit up like dinner plates, his next words entrusted that suspicion to be true.
Bakugo: "YES! I FUCKING KNEW IT!"
The sudden explosion from Bakugo's mouth was enough to startle everyone surrounding him to life, even causing Sato, who was in the process of eating some french fries, to suddenly spill all over him. That's how loud Bakugo was. Immediately Bakugo wrapped his arm around his friend's shoulder and kept him close.
Bakugo: "I knew it! I knew you liked her!"
The eyes of every girl present in the room immediately lit up, which they all seemed to notice almost instantly, before returning to a position like they didn't even do it. But with (Y/n) not wanting the others to believe his lie, he was quick to pull Bakugo close and silent him.
(Y/n): "Dude, quiet! I don't want everyone else to hear you!"
Bakugo: "What? Why? I was finally proven right!"
(Y/n): "I don't want them to hear, because...because...I-I...I don't want them to think I'm off the market, you know...?"
As soon as (Y/n) said those words, his eyes shifted to Bakugo, who just held his best friend's shoulders and looked at him with a completely blank look. That was until his face leaned in slightly and began nodding his head.
Bakugo: "...Do not worry, I get you. I will make sure none of these girls follow you. You go do what you gotta do, bro."
(Y/n): "Uh, right...Thanks?"
Bakugo just nodded in silence, something which (Y/n) took as his opportunity to go and leave. Which is what he did. With a fake smile on display, (Y/n) went to turn and leave. Of course, this was quickly noticed by Uraraka, who on instinct got to his feet and went to follow after (Y/n). However, she was only able to get a few steps in before she was suddenly cut off by an arm appearing in her way. Slowly her gaze shifted toward Bakugo's face. But when she saw it, she startled back in fear. As Bakugo did what he needed to do in order to keep any girls from following his boy.
Bakugo: [Grins] "...And where do you think you're going, O-chocco?"
Uraraka: "...To...To go see if (Y/n)'s alright?"
Bakugo: "My boys fine. But you...I'm not so sure. Remember, little one. There's only a few matches left before its you...and me out there."
Uraraka: "Uh...I-I know..."
Bakugo: "Now, how about we make this interesting?"
Uraraka: "Uh...I'm good!"
Bakugo: "If you lost our fight...How about...I tell (Y/n) what you really think about him?"
As soon as Uraraka heard that part, her entire body froze in a different kind of fear. Yet, this was exactly a part of Bakugo's plan in order to keep anyone from following Uraraka. Heck, even if it was another one of the girls, he still planned to use this as an excuse to keep them here. Because, despite them not exactly outwardly saying it, Bakugo knew every girl in class liked (Y/n). Even if they didn't show it completely, he still knew they liked him in one way or another. But it just so happened that the person who got up first was Uraraka, a person he KNEW liked (Y/n).
And with the fact they were destined to fight each other in the Sports Festival only added to the matter that kept Uraraka in the room. It was as this happened, that elsewhere, (Y/n) could be seen running passed a row of bathrooms as he dashed through the halls looking for Yaoyorozu. It just so happened that upon suddenly turning around one particular corner that his entire body was brought to a sudden stop. His head immediately zoning in on the sight before him. Yaoyorozu, frozen in state, as she carried a shocked look on her face. All the while it appeared she had been walking back and forth repeatedly.
Yaoyorozu: "Uh...(Y-Y/n)? H...Hello?"
(Y/n): "Hey, uh...Yaoyorozu. Um...Everything okay?"
Yaoyorozu: "Hmm? Oh, yes! Yes! Most definitely!"
She tried her best to hold her confident appearance in order to fool (Y/n), but as (Y/n)'s gaze continued to focus in on her, carrying his normal expression, that out of nowhere she broke. Her head falling forward as a sigh escaped her lips.
Yaoyorozu: "...No, everything isn't okay."
As soon as (Y/n) heard that, his focus zoned in on the girl. Something inside just made him feel bad upon hearing she wasn't okay. Though, a short while later, when the pair could be seen aimlessly walking through the halls of the arena, (Y/n) found that the cause wasn't as serious as he once feared...
(Y/n): "You're nervous?"
Yaoyorozu: "...Kinda of."
(Y/n): [Sighs] "Thank goodness..."
Yaoyorozu: "I'm sorry?"
Immediately Yaoyorozu's head popped up, the dejected expression quickly swapping out for confusion. When (Y/n) realized what he said, he was quick to turn to the girl walking beside him in hopes of fixing his mistake.
(Y/n): "No! I-I...I didn't mean it like that. It's just..." [Sighs] "...I was worried it was something worse."
Yaoyorozu: "Oh...Well, it may not seem like much." [Smiles softly] "But it's doing a number on me."
(Y/n): "N-No, I get that! But...if I'm being honest, I'm a little surprised you feel nervous? The Momo Yaoyorozu I know never seems to be nervous before."
It was as he said that, that Yaoyorozu started to blush. Not only because (Y/n) seemed to have such high regards of her. But also due to the fact that he said her first name for the first time. It was something he never did before, and from what she knew, never did with any of the other girls. It kinda made her feel special in a way, and momentarily caused her to smile to herself and forget about what was going on. Of course, that didn't last for long, however.
Yaoyorozu: "Yes, well, it's not something I'm necessarily proud of..." [Sighs] "Yet it always seems to be something I deal with."
(Y/n): "Really? How so?"
Yaoyorozu: "I don't know. I just get...Nervous." [Smiles softly] "I seem to get like that whenever I have to do something in front of other people."
(Y/n): "You don't seem that way in class? You always seem to be top of your game."
Yaoyorozu: "Yes, but I know you all. You're all my friends..."
(Y/n): "Then what is it? What's making you so nervous?"
(Y/n) had a few guesses, but he didn't want to presume anything in the moment. So, instead, he remained quiet and allowed Yaoyorozu to take the moment as he went. It wasn't until a few seconds later did she finally muster the courage to say what she had been keeping in all this time.
Yaoyorzu: "It's...It's everyone else. I...I always feel like I've got to perform to a particular standard whenever I do something in front of people I don't know. I always get nervous whenever I have to do so. I have since I was young...I feel like because of my last name, there is something that I've always got to live up to. That if I don't do a good enough job...I would have let my family down...."
And just like that, (Y/n) came to realize that just because Yaoyorozu was nervous, that didn't necessarily mean that it was an easy thing to fix. Now, he came to realize there was a much deeper aspect to what was going on with the young girl before him. When that happened, he brought Yaoyorozu to a momentary stop by grasping her hand and pulling her into a small intersection within the hallway.
It was basically a slab of the concrete wall removed to allow for a wire box to be placed in. But with the space that remained, (Y/n) used it as a location for Yaoyorozu to just focus in on him, and he on her. Of course, Yaoyorozu wouldn't have been able to continue saying much, as her focus was still on the hand holding her own. When (Y/n) noticed such, he looked down, and upon realizing, quickly pulled his hand away and placed it behind the back of his head.
(Y/n): [Blushes Slightly] "Uh, sorry about that."
Yaoyorozu: [Blushes] "I-It's fine..."
She nervously stated whilst looking down at the ground and rubbing the side of her arm. A brief period of silence followed before (Y/n) gathered the strength to finally return his gaze to the girl and speak up.
(Y/n): "...Yaoyorozu, I...I-I know I don't know your family exactly--Heck, I definitely don't know the kind of life you grew up in, but...Even so...I'm sure your family would never feel let down if you failed at something. Rich or not, they're still your parents. They love you..."
Yaoyorozu: "I know...I do, really!" [Sighs] "...but still...I can't help but feel like they, and everyone else around them, see me as the future of my family's name. And because of that, they're refraining me from being the person I really want to be..."
(Y/n): "You really think that? I-I'm...I'm sure that's not true?"
Yaoyorozu: [Chuckles Lightly] "Yes, well, truth or not, my brain seems to certainly think so."
(Y/n): "What do you mean?"
A hesitant look spawned on Yaoyorozu's face. It seemed like she wasn't exactly sure if she should say what was on her mind. And, of course, when (Y/n) saw such a thing it left him regretting what he had just said. He was seconds away from taking it back when out of nowhere he was silenced.
Yaoyorozu: "When...When I was young, I...I-I-"
Without a moment to waste, (Y/n)'s gaze darted back to Yaoyorozu. It seemed like she wanted to speak, but she just couldn't find the strength. (Y/n) knew what it was like to be stuck in a moment where strength seemed to be the furthest thing from his life. Yet, back then, (Y/n) had no one to comfort him. He didn't want the same to be said for Yaoyorozu right now.
So, with a moment of courage, he slowly reached out and took her hand into his own once more. This immediately caused Yaoyorozu to shockingly lift her head and blush, but for (Y/n), he just softly smiled at her. It seemed this boost of confidence he had managed to slip into Yaoyorozu, who soon found herself smiling back as she gathered the strength to finally speak her mind.
Yaoyorozu: [Sighs and smiles] "...When I was young, I was raised to be a proper lady. I had to wear pretty dresses, go to formal greetings. My parents made me out like a prized painting, like I was the centre of attention. I was brought up like a trophy to them. Whenever they were interviewed, they'd always bring me into the conversation, as if making the world known I existed to them so any promotions or big names watching knew about me first. But whereas some liked that...I didn't."
It was like, in this exact moment, (Y/n)'s mind was opened up. He now saw Yaoyorozu in a much different light, and felt sorry for her, and ashamed at himself. When he first met her, he thought of her as nothing more than a rich girl. But now he saw that she hated that. And in a way, he caused the pain she currently felt. One way or another, right now, he was no better than the villains.
Yaoyorozu: "Don't get me wrong. I am very proud of the name my family have made for themselves. And I am honoured to know that they entrust me with it...But still...I like other things as well. Other things that the people on the TV never saw from me."
When he heard that, his eyes darted forward, as if eyeing a moment for redemption.
(Y/n): "Yeah? Like what?"
Yaoyorozu: "I-I..." [Blushes and smiles] "I don't know if I should say...It's embarrassing..."
(Y/n): [Smiles] "Oh, come on, Yaoyorozu, you can tell me. I promise I won't laugh!"
Yaoyorozu: "You...You promise you won't laugh?"
(Y/n): "I do."
Honestly, (Y/n) was too intrigued by what Yaoyorozu could possibly be referring to, to even dare risk not being able to hear it now. So, he kept a straight face and waited for her to speak it forth. However, when she finally did, (Y/n) was a little...confused.
Yaoyorozu: "Well, one thing I like...I-Is burgers."
(Y/n): "Burgers? Like...the food?"
Yaoyorozu: "Yes! The food!" [Joyously smiles] "I like eating burgers, with my hands! A-And soda! And going to the movies to watch funny movies, ones I can't watch at home!" [Blushes] "And...And I also like listening to music that has swear words in it."
(Y/n): [Gasp] "Yaoyorozu! I can't believe you're the same girl I knew before!"
Yaoyorozu: "Huh?"
Immediately her head lifted with worry. However, it didn't last for long when she saw the smile spread across (Y/n)'s lips. As soon as she saw it, she was comfortable enough to smile to herself and continued.
Yaoyorozu: "I-It's true. I like all these things, yet..." [Drops smile] "Yet I can't do that at home."
(Y/n): "Why not? If it's what you like, you should be able to do it, right?"
Yaoyorozu: "Not according to my parents. To them, I've got to proper all the time. Even when I'm by myself. If I'm not...I'll get bad habits."
(Y/n): "So, what? You don't get to do what you like?"
Yaoyorozu: [Sighs] "No...And it makes me feel trapped every single day! Like, I want to live up to what my parents need, and I don't mind being proper...But sometimes...Sometimes I just want to be me."
'...I just want to be me.' It was that one sentence that stuck with (Y/n) the most. During his younger years, before he knew what he wanted to do. He just wanted to be himself. Yet, it seemed whenever he tried to be that, the people around him couldn't accept him for it. They'd just snarl at him. Look upon him like he was nothing. It made him sick, and angry. So he went to channel that anger into something that was good. Getting rid of every villain he came across.
But looking at Yaoyorozu, right now, it didn't seem like channelling her anger would work for her as it did him. Which immediately led (Y/n) to begin thinking of ways he could help her get through this tough moment. After all, she was his friend, and he didn't want to see his friend hurt. So he made it certain that he wouldn't stop until he thought up of a way to help Yaoyorozu feel like herself, until one moment...He figured it out.
(Y/n): "Then why don't we do that?"
Yaoyorozu: [Looks at you] "Huh?"
(Y/n): [Smiles] "Let's do it! Let's let you...be you."
Yaoyorozu: "W-What do you mean?"
(Y/n): "I mean..." [Sighs] "I mean, you feel like you've got to live up to your family's name, right? And be the girl you were raised like? But clearly, you don't want that Yaoyorozu. So let's change that."
Yaoyorozu: "B-But I can't. I mean...I want to. But I can't! I'm about to go out on live television after the next match."
(Y/n): "So? There are no cameras here! So let loose a little, Yaoyorozu! Let's go get burgers from the Cafeteria! Let's listen to music with swearing in it! Let's just let you be you."
Yaoyorozu was shocked to say the least. Not only because (Y/n) was suggesting such a thing. But because (Y/n) seemed so convicted on the idea of Yaoyorozu just letting herself be her. Which, was surprising to the young girl. Mostly because she thought that if there was any part of her that (Y/n) would like, it'd be the high society aspect of her. But clearly, she was wrong. The look in his eyes and the smile on his face showcased just how eager he was to see her unwind a little. And honestly, the idea of doing so sparked a bit of excitement into Yaoyorozu's system, enough that she began to forget about the nerves she felt inside.
(Y/n): "Come on, Yaoyorozu! What do you say?" [Grins] "Wanna go eat burgers with our hands?"
The way in which (Y/n) grinned at her whilst saying his sentence in such a funny way was so out of character for the boy, at least to her. But it was something she very much enjoyed. An added thing to it all was the fact that (Y/n) seemed to be showing herself a version of him she presumed only Bakugo, and maybe Uraraka got the chance to see. His closest friends. But he was also showing it to her, so...Did that mean...That he thought that they were close? It was a prospect that caused Yaoyorozu to blush slightly. In the end, she was quick to rid that thought from her mind.
Shaking her head with a smile before realizing what she needed--No, what she wanted to do. (Y/n) soon came to understand that as Yaoyorozu looked at him with a smile and eagerly nodded. The sight alone enough to make (Y/n)'s smile double in size. And so, that's all that was needed. With (Y/n)'s hand still firmly wrapped with Yaoyorozu's the pair immediately took off for the Cafeteria where they planned to eat burgers with their bare hands. Yaoyorozu felt so wild! Though, as this happened, with the pair taking off down the hall, hand in hand, an unknown shadow loomed from the opposite end of the hallway.
Watching in silence as (Y/n) and Yaoyorozu raced off together. But neither one noticed. A short while passed for the pair, during which, Yaoyorozu felt that wild feeling inside continue to grow. Whether that be in the way she let her hair hang down in public, or the fact that she and (Y/n) were currently listening to music with swearing in it through (Y/n)'s earphones as they waited in line for their food at the Cafeteria. Yaoyorozu was having so much fun, and the fact she was sharing it with (Y/n) made her even more happy.
To the point she didn't want any of it to end...But unfortunately, she did have a match coming up. And thanks to the TV stationed up in the Cafeteria, the pair were able to see the next match that went by-- 'Kirishima Vs Tetsutetsu'. Both Yaoyorozu and (Y/n) watched their match as they ate their food, commenting how they both found it funny how evenly matched the pair were. To the point, in the end, no winner was called. Leaving it as a draw thanks to the pair having similar Quirks. A fact the duo brought up once more with smiles as they went to leave the Cafeteria a few short minutes later once they had finished eating.
Yaoyorozu: [Giggles] "Look, all I'm saying is that Kirishima and Tetsutetsu have very similar Quirks. You don't need to tease me for that."
(Y/n): [Chuckles] "And I'm not. All I'm saying is, if you said that in front of Bakugo, he'd run along with that joke for the rest of the year."
Yaoyorozu: "But I didn't mean it as a joke."
(Y/n): "Oh, I know...Bakugo won't see it that way."
Again, the pair shared a wave of laughter in union as (Y/n) held open the door of the Cafeteria to allow Yaoyorozu to leave. However, as he did so, his eyes remained on the girl with black hair. That was until the sound of a soft voice caused (Y/n)'s eyes to suddenly shift elsewhere.
"(Y/n)?"
[Your POV]
...You know those moments in life where everything just seems to be going your way, and then bam! Out of nowhere, it all changes. That's what it felt like for me, until I heard that voice. When I first heard it, I didn't believe it. It had been years since I last heard it, yet I knew, almost instantly, who it was. Unfortunately for Yaoyorozu, she didn't. Her eyes just lingered on mine before she too turned in the direction of the voice. Her gaze reached the person quicker than mine. There was a sense of hesitation, of fear, that held me back from going all the way. It was only when I remembered the pain and anguish that this voice caused me, that I got rid of the fear, and turned to face Sazama Akiko.
Akiko: "...(Y/n), is that you?"
[Your POV]
--Present--
...I couldn't move my body. No matter how hard I tried to. It was exactly like that day so long ago, when it was confirmed to me...That the girl I loved with all my heart...Didn't like me back. That one day brought enough pain for a lifetime, however, as I stand here now, looking directly into the perplexed eyes of the one and only Akiko, I came to realize that the bad in my life truly did outweigh the good at times. It was only thanks to the sudden inclusion of Yaoyorozu's voice.
Yaoyorozu: "(Y/n)? Is everything okay?"
(Y/n): [Turns to her] "H-Huh? I--"
"It really is you, (Y/n)!"
Turning back in the direction of the voice I was greeted by the large smile on Akiko's face upon getting it confirmed that the person standing before her...was indeed me. I was so in shock of the person standing before me that I couldn't do anything but just stand there and witness as Akiko seemingly forgot all about the past. However, this smile of hers that once gave me so much joy, now gave me nothing but anger. But what made me even angrier was the way in which she seemed to forget all the pain she had put me through, as she walked toward me.
Akiko: "(Y/n), it's me! Sazama Akiko, from--"
(Y/n): "...I know."
It was in this anger that without hesitation I clenched my fists, but just like when we were kids...Akiko seemed to have very little clue into how I felt... She just continued to smile, bringing her hands together, acting like we were childhood friends that never separated. It made me sick...and rotten to the core.
Akiko: "Oh..." [Giggles] "Sorry, I thought you may have forgotten me. It's been so long that--"
...But now it was Akiko's turn to know what it felt like to be ignored...To be left alone. When she went in for a hug, her arms stretched out, I paid her no attention. Instead, I kept my grip on Yaoyorozu's hand and simply walked passed her. I could tell there would be questions coming from Yaoyorozu, and I'd be sure to answer them in time. But right now...right now all I could do was hold the anger inside from being released. As for Akiko, all she could do was dawn a shocked expression. Her arms slowly coming to lower as she turned around to be greeted by the sight of my back turned to her.
Not a single moment of went by without Akiko left in a clueless state, unsure of what to do. Just like how I was when we were kids. As I walked away, I heard not a single sound come from Akiko's mouth. I don't whether it was because previous to this she had hoped I had forgotten about everything that happened, or I'd just up and forgive her. But it was clear by the lack of words, or the fact she didn't chase after me, that confirmed she at least remembered it all. Such silence continued between Yaoyorozu and myself for another few hundred meters or so.
It was only when we were completely out of the vicinity of the Cafeteria did the aggression in my body finally stop. Once it did, so did my body. Everything from the legs, to my mind. All went frozen. I was just standing there, unresponsive. It wasn't until I felt a warm feeling begin to grow in my right hand did I remember Yaoyorozu. As soon as I did, my gaze quickly switched to her. When it did, I wasn't greeted by confusion, or a look for answers, she just smiled at me. I...I didn't even have to tell her anything, and yet...She was there for me.
(Y/n): "Yaoyorozu, I...I-I just...Back there--"
Yaoyorozu: [Smiles] "Hey. Hey. It's okay. You don't have to say anything. I'm sure...I'm sure whoever that person was, you did what you did for a reason."
(Y/n): "I-I..."
I wanted to say something. Anything. Just a single word to clear my mind of all these sudden thoughts throbbing in my brain. But as my eyes opened once more, to see the smile Yaoyorozu offer, and the comfort her hands brought. In the end, I didn't need to say anything to clear my mind in that moment. She had done that for me. Yaoyorozu herself said nothing, perhaps not wanting to put more pressure on me. Instead, she just tightened the grip of her hand around my own before we continued walking. And we kept walking until we reached the gathering room where we were forced to part ways.
Yaoyorozu had her match with Tokoyami up next, and I...I need some time to think over everything that had just happened. Before I knew it, time passed by relatively quickly. My thoughts were so consulted on my match with Kaito, and Akiko just appearing out of nowhere. I-It didn't feel real. It was all so sudden that my mind didn't know how to process it all. So much so that I just needed to be alone. So after I said my goodbyes to Yaoyorozu, I made my way back to the student Grandstand where I grabbed my duffle bag before going to leave almost instantly.
Of course, when I first arrived, I was greeted with a wave of teasing from Bakugo, asking what 'lines' I had practiced. My mind was too caught up elsewhere to realize what he was talking about. But all it took was a single look into my eyes for Bakugo to realize something was off. Instantly, he pulled me aside after I grabbed my duffle bag and asked me in person if something happened. I told him I'd explain it later, before leaving without another word. By no surprise, that didn't go unnoticed by everyone else in the room. And surely I'd have plenty of explaining to do with Bakugo later on. But right now, all I wanted was to be alone.
I eventually found that safety in the form of an empty bathroom placed on one of the higher floors of the arena building. Four empty stalls remained behind me as I stood in front of an extended mirror. My reflection showcased my lower half decked in my hero costume. My mask resting on the edge of the sink in front of me. I knew it wasn't normal for someone to wear their suit for a match in the Sports Festival, but after what Kaito had already done to me today, I wanted nothing more than to give him what he wanted. He wants to prove that I'm no rival. Well, I want to show him that he's right. I am no rival...
...I'm a Nightmare.
[Okay, chapter done! 12k words, the longest in a while! Now! I know! I did plan for Kaito vs Reader to be in this chapter...HOWEVER! I've really struggled to write properly the last few days, and I just really wanted to get this out much sooner, so I've decided to leave it here...BUT DON'T WORRY! Even though this chapter comes out on a Monday, YOU'LL STILL GET ANOTHER CHAPTER THIS WEEK!!! And that one will contain the action of Kaito vs the reader, and trust me...It's badass. I basically wanted this chapter to be a set up, and the next one to really get into the thick of things. So, yeah, I hope you did enjoy today's chapter. I hope it was worth the wait, and I do hope that you all are still excited for this book. If you are, feel free to vote and let me know your thoughts in the comments. Because trust me, from here on out, things are gonna get wild!!!]