𝙼𝚛s. 𝚂. 𝚃𝚘𝚍𝚘𝚛𝚘𝚔𝚒. | Ｆｒｏｓｔｂｉｔｅ | Book 2

2 - Call

It was well after one in the morning when Hiro finally handed you off to your father and you exited the building.

Just before you left, you looked back at Todoroki, giving him a quick gesture that you would be calling him to explain everything. He looked tired, and you did too. And after all this excitement, you weren't sure that you'd be able to sleep for a while yet. 

As for him? Maybe he could.

He nodded in return, which you took as the okay to do so.

Father either didn't see you or didn't mind as you headed up, smiling at the press and ignoring questions. Father opened the door for you in the limo and you stepped inside, gathering your skirts as your father waved his goodbyes to everyone and sat down next to you.

Lee started driving--he was awake at this hour?--and your father let out a long sigh.

"That was a productive night," he said in a tone that you only heard once before. When he was too tired to care about...anything.

You sat up straight, and debated asking him whether he was alright. You didn't.

You caught him looking at you. You glanced over at him.

"Let me see the ring," he said.

You tried not to stiffen as you handed your left hand to him. He leaned forward and twisted your hand in the dim lighting of the car and the city as Lee drove you home.

"It's silver," he said.

"Yes," you said. You didn't know what else to say or think.

"Why is it silver?" he demanded, but you couldn't read his tone. It wasn't exactly sharp, but it wasn't exactly open, nor exactly cutting.

"I--I'm not sure," you said. "Silver engagement rings are in style, maybe he thought it was attractive..." you suggested, trying not to lie too much about it.

He dropped your hand. "Hm."

That went by easier than you thought it would.

No words are good words, you supposed.

The rest of the ride was nearly silent, and you looked at the lights of downtown and the city to keep awake. Your phone was at home, otherwise, you would have been browsing on that.

You made it home and father helped you out of the car. You were surprised that he was being so courteous, especially back at home.

The lights were still on in the house, which you thought was suspicious. You walked upstairs to your room quietly, bidding your father goodnight.

You opened your door and sighed, exhaustion seeping into your bones finally.

A small knock sounded as you tugged your hair out of the bun and you jumped.

"Oh, my--"

"Hanae, dear?" your mother's voice was on the other side of the door. "Can I come in?"

"Mother?" you opened the door for her. "Why are you up so late?"

"Oh, I just woke up. I heard you and your father come in the door, don't worry," she said. You believed it. She looked and sounded like she just woke up, and you felt bad.

"Mother, please go back to bed," you implored. "This can't be good for the baby."

"Oh, tush. I've done longer nights than this while pregnant, I'm fine," she said. "Let's get the dress off of you."

You ignored her last comment. "Yes, but I can take care of myself now--I'm not a child myself anymore."

"True, but you really don't want to ruin this dress," she said, pulling up a stool. She stood on it and gestured for you to lift your arms. You did, with a huff as she lifted the skirt off your figure.