It's a long road...

ch. 13

388 words --

"i don't think there's anything wrong with me or what i'm doing." todoroki started, piquing ikeda's attention. "i'm not one to just spill everything about me, or be all emotional. even if there's been a few... hiccups in that lately. i won't be some pathetic kid that you get to show off as a 'fixed broken child' or whatever."

ikeda watched todoroki pause. he took in a deep breath and then sighed. todoroki kept his face blank and impassive.

"but, recently i've been told by... someone i'm inclined to trust that it can be helpful to talk with you." todoroki continued. "and since i can't get out meeting with you, i might as well get something out of it."

"okay." ikeda nodded. "i'd just like to clarify that i'm not trying to help you make myself look good, or anything of that nature. i just want to help you, todoroki."

"sure." todoroki said plainly.

"would you like to tell me about the person who encouraged you to cooperate with me a bit?" ikeda asked, giving todoroki a small smile.

"they said they'd kill me if i said anything about them saying that, so..."

"so it was bakugo, then?"

"well, i was going to say that it'd probably be a bad idea for me to say anything more, but yeah."

"the two of you are close?"

"i don't really know. we did supplementary classes together, and i quite enjoy his company, and personally would like to be friends with him, but..."

"yes?"

"well, bakugo just doesn't particularly like me."

"what makes you say that?"

"i've tried to talk to him and get to know him, but every attempt he's just been promptly ended with bakugo yelling at me. so, i had just given up on the possibility of him and i being friendly. but recently he's been... kinder. he's been approaching me, willingly talking to me and spending time with me. i don't quite understand his sudden shift in opinion."

"maybe bakugo has simply just changed his mind on you?"

"he really isn't the type to change his mind on anything."

"maybe so. you oughta see how it goes. give bakugo a shot. now, i'd like to get right into the heart of this all, if that's alright with you, todoroki."

"go ahead. i've never enjoyed small talk anyhow..."