I looked out the classroom window, realizing the day is nearly over, and I don't have an excuse to stay late today. I tear my eyes away from the window and look around at my class. Aizawa had left us to work independantly, and I had already finished my work. I see Kaminari struggling, per usual, and it seems Bakugo is already done as well. Mina looks like she's having a hard time. I sigh silently to myself, watching the minutes tick by on the clock.
10 minutes. My anxiety skyrockets.
5 minutes. I can't breathe, but I force myself to remain calm.
2 minutes. Dread forms in my stomach, and I feel as though I may be sick.
1 minute. Kaminari approaches my desk.
"Hey, Iida, I was wondering if you had time today to maybe help me on our English assignment? I'm struggling, man." He rubs the back of his neck, seemingly embarrassed.
"Of course, Kaminari! I'm always happy to help a classmate!" I smile up at the smaller boy, relief washing over me, I don't have to leave just yet.
"You're an absolute life saver!" He cheers, walking back to his desk. I find myself dropping the reassuring smile as soon as his back is turned, and I'm sure nobody noticed, but I can't help but wish that someone did.
The bell rings, and I quickly pull my phone out of my bag, and click on my mother's contact, calling her.
"What is it, Tenya?" I wince a bit at her harsh tone.
"I need to stay back a bit today, a couple classmates badly need help with the English assignment." I keep my tone professional, controlled, and devoid of emotion, lest she think I have an attitude with her.
"Fine, just be home at some point, I guess." She hangs up the phone after that remark, leading me to believe she may actually be in her version of a good mood today. I put my cell back in my bag before making my way to Kaminari, who's chatting with his friend group, Ashido, Hakagure, Kirishima, and Bakugo. Though Bakugo is just silently glaring at everyone, per usual.
"Hello, Kaminari. Are you ready to begin our work?" I stand a bit back from the group, not wanting to feel claustrophobic. He spins around and smiles at me, so care free, I'm almost jealous.
"Yeah, man! Thanks again for helping." He gives an embarrassed, sheepish smile.
"Of, course, Kaminari. I'm always willing to assist a friend." I inwardly cringe at the use of the word 'friend', I doubt he sees me that way. He smiles at me and gently nudges my ribs, it gives a sense of reassurance that he does see me as more than a simple classmate, but it hurts the fractures I have throughout my left side. I keep the pain to myself, but a brief look of concern crosses his face.
"You good? Looked like that kinda hurt." He gives me a puzzled look.
"Oh, yes, I'm fine. I simply injured my ribs in training today." I lie my ass off, like I do every day.
"Ah yeah, All Might's class was brutal today!" He emphasizes the word 'brutal' in a goofy, exaggerated way. I can't help but smile to myself.
After an hour of work, Kaminari seems to understand contractions in English a bit better, but has asked me if I wouldn't mind tutoring him on Thursday nights. I had told him I would discuss it with my parents. It wouldn't be so much a discussion as me simply sending a text or email regarding the addition to my weekly schedule. If it were something like this, they wouldn't get too angry about it.
I step off of the train at my stop, and make my way up to the surface from the subway. It's only about two blocks to my house, and I dread every step.
Walking up my driveway I see my father's car, as well as mother's, I pray they're already in their studies for the night. I open the door, and swiftly take my shoes off, and attempt to make it up the stairs without being noticed, unfortunately for me, they're in the kitchen, and see me right away.
"Ah, Tenya. Come here." I flinch slightly at my father's words. I wordlessly walk to him, knowing I'm not allowed to speak out of turn. "Why are you late? Did you inform your mother of this?"
I nod my head and steel myself to speak. "I apologize for not notifying you as well, sir. I did call Mother immediately after classes ended and let her know that several of my classmates had requested assistance on our current English assignment, and that I needed to stay late to help. She did authorize this over the phone with me." I make sure I am professional, no emotion, all business.
"Good. And are there any upcoming schedule changes we should know of?" He gives me a look, a mix of distaste and disinterest.
"Yes, sir. If authorized my classmate, Kaminari Denki, has requested I tutor him at his residence Thursday afternoons starting after school until approximately five o'clock p.m."
"And does this boy badly need help?" It was my mother's turn to speak.
"Yes, ma'am, he does. He is unfortunately one of the bottom of our class academically, though he is very proficient with his quirk." I immediately knew I messed up, I over explained myself. I see Father move and know, what's about to happen. I feel his fist connect with the left side of my face, breaking my glasses and making my ear ring. I know better than to attempt any form of standing up for myself, so I allow my body to fall to the marble floor. Father stands over me, and begins to kick my stomach and sides, connecting with my engines a couple of times.
"You do not explain beyond what is asked. Do you understand, Tenya?" I manage a nod and a weak 'yes, sir' in response, still curled on the floor in pain. "Good, go to your room, I don't want to see you until tomorrow." That's when it hits me, it's Friday. I hate the weekend.
YOU ARE READING
Sweet
FanfictionTenya Iida, class rep, strict, some would even call him a kill-joy. He seems so well put together, so organized, so dependable. He's there when anyone, in his class or another, needs a shoulder to cry on. But who fixes the broken? Who heals the heal...
