Left Side

Chapter 1

It was sunny.

So sunny in fact that it was almost blinding. The streets were bustling with busy people, mostly those heading to work or out and about on shopping trips to the blaring city mall or little, quiet cafes around the corner.

Shoto liked sunny days as that meant it was bright. And as a hero on patrol, you don't tend to enjoy dark rainy days considering you have to be outside for hours.

That's besides the point.

The hero lifted a hand to create a shadow over his eyes so he could see better. He was on a break, and just about ready for one too.

Scanning the street, he spotted the small art gallery. Not many people were gathered there, much to his relief.

He sighed out through his nose as he crossed the road, hopping up onto the pavement on the other side.

"Hey, Todoroki!" Izuku waved from across the pavement.
"Hello, Midoriya." He nodded slightly, dropping his hand to his side.
The man smiled "It's a nice day, right? What are you doing around?"
"Patrol break. I'm visiting my mother in her new house and thought she'd appreciate a couple paintings to make it feel less bare."

Rei had been officially discharged from the mental hospital, finding her own home and settling in. Todoroki had gone to see her a few times, each time observing how empty it felt in there. His mother loved artwork and always had, he thought she'd appreciate the housewarming gift.

"Oh, that's nice! I'm about to see Ochaco for lunch." He rocked on his heels excitedly.
"I believe that you two should get together." He admitted plainly, neutral expression.
The heroes face faded to a dark shade of pink "You- you think so? I don't think she likes me in that way-"

Shoto blinked.

And blinked again.

"Have you had a sight test recently?" He asked dead serious.
There was a moment of silence before Todoroki waved slightly "I'll see you around, Midoriya. Have a good date."
"It's not a date!" His friend called back nervously, the dual-haired man only ignoring him and approaching the gallery.

He outstretched his hand... just as another one got there. Slowly, his gaze shifted from the door handle up to the woman who'd reached the door before him.
"I apologise." He said, only then his view fixating on her.

"It's alright." She muttered, pulling open the door and swooping in. He watched as her long black hair floated softly as she walked.

His eyes followed her shortly before he also stepped inside, tearing his sight away from her. Beginning to look among the art, he took his time observing each one, analysing it.

He hummed mindlessly, liking the look of one but concerned about the price.
Eventually, he wound up standing next to the lady again, her on his left side.

Out of nervousness, he cleared his throat.
"Sorry, am i bothering you?" She sounded angry, but that didn't compute in his brain.
"No, you are not. Thank you for checking." He bowed his head before meeting her orange eyes.
She narrowed hers, furrowing her brows in accompaniment "Was that sarcasm?"
"No." He tilted his head as he looked down at her.

She let out a scoff and began walking away, but despite her moody attitude, she moved with such elegance. He was entranced, really, attracted. Still, he didn't understand that emotion, nor did he know he was experiencing it. You could probably tell he hadn't felt this way before.

Exhaling, he turned back around, eyes drifting out of the window - a subconscious thing, always on alert.

And good think he did, because the moment he looked, he noticed the gun pointed directly at his head through the window.