Fireworks ~ TodoMomo

||Chapter 3||

Shouto felt his stomach do a strange flip. She was humming.

He had never heard Yaoyorozu hum before. It was quiet, barely noticeable, and he probably would have missed it if he wasn't sitting next to her. But it wasn't just the humming that was different. There had been a determined gleam in Yaoyorozu's gaze all day that had drawn his attention and made his chest tighten.

Maybe he had heartburn?

He watched her from the corner of his eye as he slowly slid his pencil case into his school bag. Yaoyorozu continued to ignore him as she scribbled determinedly in a blue notebook that he recognized as the one she used for her class representative duties. Her lips curved up into a faint smile.

"Did something happen?" he asked before he could stop himself.

Yaoyorozu paused and turned to look up at him. Her dark eyes blinked innocently. "Todoroki-san?"

The school day had ended a few minutes ago, and the other students of class 2-A had already filed out. Iida had gone to use the restroom, leaving Yaoyorozu and him alone in the classroom.

Shouto had never been the type to rush, but somehow, hearing Yaoyrozu humming had slowed his feet down more than usual. His hand tightened on his notebook as he picked it up and slid it into his school bag next to his pencil kit.

"I was just wondering if something happened? You seem happier today."

Yaoyorozu's expression flickered, and then lit in understanding. "Mhm. I guess I am," she said, sitting back in her chair. She tucked her loose bangs behind her ear, then raised her head. Her dark eyes glittered as they met his. "Last night, the other girls and I were discussing a possible summer outing over the holiday break — one that we could do as a class. We were thinking of scheduling an event to go see the fireworks at the Sumidagawa festival. I'm going to meet with Iida-san now to discuss the arrangements."

Shouto nodded. He closed his bag and pulled the strap over his shoulder as he straightened. "I see. I'm sure everyone would like that."

"Right?!"

Shouto jumped despite himself. Yaoyorozu's hand shot up to cover her mouth.

"Sorry." A light bashful red dusted across her cheeks. She dropped her hand and looked down at her notebook. A small, embarrassed smile tugged at her lips. "I guess I'm more excited than I thought I'd be."

He stared at her. Something about an excited Yaoyorozu made his chest tighten. It was like the way her whole face lit up talking about chemistry — raw, unfiltered. So different than him. After a moment, the red across her cheeks deepened, and Shouto realized he was taking too long to respond.

"It's okay," he said, avoiding her gaze as she looked back up at him, her eyes searching his face. Shouto cleared his throat. "I think it's good to do something as a class."

Yaoyorozu's expression warmed. "I agree." Her smile returned. "I've actually gotten really into the preparation. I want this to be a memorable event, so I'm going to do my best to plan properly so everyone has a good time."

Shouto looked down at the notebook opened on her desk. A list of activities, dates, and what looked like restaurants was listed in neat calligraphy.

He snorted. She really was good at these types of things. That's why he had voted for her as class rep after all.

Yaoyorozu was a leader; she was smart, dedicated, and had always been the type to go out of her way to think of others. Even last year, when they had gone together to the Ennichi festival, she had been more concerned with his feelings than making sure she had a good time.

Shouto swallowed and curled his left hand into a fist at his side. The memory of watching the fireworks with Yaoyorozu still felt surreal.

During the sports festival, Shouto had told Midoriya what had happened with his family, but he had a purpose when he had done that. Midoriya was a rival, and Shouto needed him to understand why he was going all out to defeat him. But with Yaoyorozu, it had been the first time he had voluntarily spoken about his family to someone who was not involved. He still didn't quite understand what had made him decide — after fifteen years — to open up that night. He had just felt comfortable.

His heart beat faster at the memory.

That's right. Yaoyorozu was that type of person. She was dependable and could make others feel at ease.

Shouto looked back at her. Warmth spread in his chest. She really was going to be a great hero.

Yaoyorozu's expression flickered. "What-What is it?" She reached up and touched her cheek as if feeling for something. "Is there something on my face?"

Shouto shook his head, eyes softening. "No." He felt his lips twitch. "It's just...you're amazing, Yaoyorozu."

Her eyes widened, red returning to spread across her cheeks. "Eh?"

"Planning an event so that there is something for everyone to enjoy. I'm sure you'll be able to do it."

"Well...I hope you will enjoy it too," she stuttered quickly.

His lips flicked up slightly. "I'm sure I will if you're the one planning it," he said.

He looked up as the classroom door slid open with a clack, and Iida walked in, smiling brightly.

Shouto's throat felt tight. He swallowed and reached up to adjust the strap of his bag, unsure why he suddenly felt annoyed by his friend's arrival.

He rolled his jaw, as sudden impulsive words clawed up his throat.

"I look forward to escorting you again," he said as he turned and made his way out of the classroom. His heart raced. He cleared his throat as he discreetly activated his right side to cool his suddenly warm insides.

He would definitely need to talk to Recovery Girl if this continued.