Forever and Always - SHOTOXOC (Eng Ver.)

Chapter Thirty-Five

This is the worst time to be classmates.
Shoto continues to have his jaw contracted in anger from the beginning of class.
I don't know if it was a good idea or a bad one, however, he seemed really jealous. Or maybe he was still angry from before and seeing me "happy" hurt him further.

I try to focus on the lesson.
We have to choose our hero name and I think I already have half an idea.
Some of my classmates have already chosen their names and they are really brilliant.

I write it on the board and look at it contentedly. I know my dad will be pleased.
I raise my hand so I can show the rest of the class my name.
"Takeda come on in."
I stand up, go to the desk and turn the blackboard around.

Ruby.

This is the name I chose.
"I like it! It is short and easy to remember. Why this choice?" Midnight asks me.
"My father always told me that I am his precious gem, a ruby. My uniqueness gives off a red light, just like the ruby. So I was inspired by that in choosing the name."
I give a smile before blushing a little.

"I know it's not as original as your..."
Midnight interrupts me.
"No, it's beautiful. And I bet your father will really appreciate it, too."
I nod happily before returning to my seat.

At the end of class, we are handed sheets with a list of our chosen heroes for the week of work experience.
I get a lot of submissions, not as many as Shoto and Katsuki, but enough.
I scan the list until I am struck by the name I see.
Endeavor.
Surely my parents must have asked him.

I turn to Shoto ready to tell him the news but pause before speaking.
He probably doesn't even care.
I go back and reread the list and notice other famous names.
Mt. Lady is among them.
She hasn't debuted for a long time but she has certainly caught the attention of many.
Best Jeanist is also on the list and I am honored to notice so many high caliber heroes.

The choice is certainly difficult but I think I have made my decision.
I write on the paper to be given to Aizawa the name of the hero I will go to.
I smile contentedly as I stand up with the paper in my hand and head for the teacher's lounge.
I knock lightly on the door.
"Come in."

I enter asking permission and head toward our professor.
"Here you go." I say handing him the paper.
Aizawa examines it for a few seconds before looking at me.
"I figured you would choose to go here."
He tells me, adding the paper to the envelope next to it.

"It seemed the most appropriate choice and the one that would help me the most in using my uniqueness." I say biting my nails.
"How are you Takeda?" He asks, making me sit in the chair across from him.

"In all honesty, I don't know. It's been a stressful few days starting with the festival. I'm proud to have come third however, a lot has happened. Plus it will soon be the anniversary of my sister's dissapear and it's not easy." As I speak I look at my hands to avoid his gaze.
That's all I need is to start crying in front of one of my professors.

"I understand your emotions Takeda. In my life, I too have seen people I really cared about disappear and die. But try to use all these emotions to better yourself. And don't let them take over you, focus well this week and learn as much as you can. I'm sure you will do your best."
His words leave me shocked.
Aizawa is certainly not the kind of professor you expect encouragement or comfort from, but his words make me feel a little better.
"Thank you, professor. I will do as you told me."
"And eat. I noticed you didn't go to the cafeteria today."
I can almost see the shadow of a smile on his face.

I thank him again before leaving the teacher's lounge.

Work experience week
Day One

Mina and I can't sit still as Aizawa explains the latest information for the internship.
"Please Ashido, Takeda stay still. And remember that you have to act like heroes from now on."
My friend and I pull our thumbs up stopping instantly.
"You can go now."
The moment he says this we each take our own direction.

I throw myself at Momo and pull her into a tight hug.
"Give it your best Yaomomo." The girl returns the hug and afterwards musses my hair.
"You too. Shall we talk at the end of the day with the others too then? Then we can tell each other how it went."
I nod in conviction, giving her a smile.

After greeting the others as well, I head toward the agency I have chosen.
As I start walking, I notice Shoto coming in the same direction as me.
I decide to ignore it.
Surely they will only be near our agencies.
I get on the subway and he does the same thing.
Neither of us utter words and we try to avoid each other's gaze.

We get off at the same stop and I still try to convince myself otherwise.
Eventually we both find ourselves in front of Endeavor's agency.

It's going to be a long week.