Blossoms of the Dark

XLII Selene: Reflect

As I enter the surveillance room, I scan around for the chair. Instead, I find Todoroki-kun walking toward me very quickly, determined.

He grabs my arms tightly and I flinch instinctively. Seeing my expression, he releases his tight grip but doesn't let go. There's a flurry of emotions in his eyes. He opens and closes his mouth many times. In the end, he manages to utter just one word. "How?"

I whisper to him, "I promise to answer your questions later. But my arthritis is going to flare up any moment now. I would really like to get the assessment part of the trial out of the way."

He lets go of me. "Oh. Right. Sorry. Later then." But he doesn't leave my side.

All Might-sensei begins his critique of my performance. "That was some ridiculously amazing plan you conjured. You caught me off guard with the darkness first, and then again with those layers of traps. Even though you may have lost, I have yet to see someone surpass that level of thought. GOOD JOB, YOUNG HANADA! I AM IMPRESSED!"

I suppress the urge to cover my ears, and I simply smile in return. "Thank you, Sensei."

All Might-sensei leaves, and I am attacked by the swarm of students.

"You're so smart! I would have never thought of that."

"You surprised the All Might! Cocky, much?"

"Earlier I was doubtful about your challenge. But it makes sense now."

"You're so cool! Let's be friends!"

"I thought you were arrogant and egotistical. But I think I'm going to have to change my opinion of you now."

"Hey, do you mind if I ask about the details of your quirk?"

I whisper to Todoroki-kun. "I'm feeling the start of it. I have to go to the infirmary."

He understands and ushers me out of the room. He holds my hand with his and wraps his free arm around my shoulders. I only make it past two hallways, when I collapse. He bends down with me. "Hanada-chan. Can you get up? We're almost there."

I try to get up, but I fall back down on my knees. I grimace in pain and consider trying to get up again. But before I can, Todoroki-kun loops my arms around his neck and lifts me from the ground. I look at the ground and then at his face. I stammer, "Y-you should put-put m-me down. I'll manage."

He raises a brow. "Yeah. I'm seeing how well you're managing." He says nothing more and carries me all the way to the infirmary. It takes much effort to hide my reddening cheeks all the while.

The infirmary is empty when we reach it. Recovery-Girl notices me and ushers him to set me down on an empty bed. He gently sets me down and removes my boots and mask. When Recovery-Girl prepares some medication, he steps back and watches. Recovery-Girl glances at Todoroki-kun and then at me. The question is clear in her eyes.

"He knows. It's alright," I say.

"Your arthritis is flaring up again, am I right? I brought some painkillers and ice packs. Take them when you need them. Otherwise, you should rest until it passes. That's the best way to let those flares pass. I'll send a note to class excusing your absence."

She heads toward her office, leaving me and Todoroki-kun alone.

After a moment of awkward silence, I say, "You should head back to class," at the same time he says, "Do you want a painkiller now?"

Another moment of awkward silence. I break it. "Sure."

I try to reach over toward the bed stand where the painkiller bottle is set, but Todoroki-kun pushes my arm back. "Remember what Recovery Girl said? You need rest. Moving your body is the opposite of rest."