The Burden of Time [Aizawa x OC]

- fourteen -

"Can you hand me the ethics book?" I asked July, who reached into the messenger bag he brought with him and pulled it out. He handed it over to me. I figured while we were watching the students, I could also get some last minute studying in.

I peeled the book open to where I had the bookmark placed. Chapter 10 - Ethical Interventions to Disarm Villains. I began to review the strategies.

"Have you found the book helpful?" Aizawa asked softly, glancing at me out of the corner of his eye.

"I think so." I shrugged. "I guess I'll find out soon, huh?"

Aizawa nodded in understanding. He offered what he could to us, while July and I were simply hoping for the best. We had to pass this supplemental exam, or we would ruin the rest of our plans in Japan... and potentially the welfare of its citizens... No pressure, or anything.

Aizawa leaned forward and reached over, his hair tickling my face. Our faces were so close that I forgot how to breathe. He smelled of coffee and clean laundry.

My heart fumbled a beat, and in that pause he used his long index finger to flip to a new chapter. "You should study this." He suggested, his body brushing against mine as he retreated back into his own personal space. "I remember it being a heavy hitting point on my own exam."

I was still staring at him and knew a blush had already overtook my face, so there was no sense in hiding it. "Thank you." I was finally able to breathe again once he was finally reclined in his own seat.

He nodded once before returning his gaze to the arena.

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All of Class 1A had passed the first stage of the provisional exam. Both July and Joke had gone to the restrooms, while Aizawa and I lingered around the arena during the intermission. July and I would have to take our leave soon for our own exam.

Aizawa was at a concession stand while I glanced around. Suddenly, stumbling out of the same hallway, was July and Joke. Joke was hanging on July's arm, July holding her steady while they both laughed hysterically. Both of their teeth were covered in black.

Joke's prank gum.

I made my way over to Aizawa, who was awaiting his order at the counter. I tugged on his sleeve, his eyes shifting to meet mine. He raised his eyebrow in confusion. I glanced behind me, nudging my head slightly in the direction of July and Joke.

I still held the end of Aizawa's sleeve as he caught the notion that I was suggesting. His eyes glanced in their direction. Realization flashed in his eyes. He was about to reply, when the concession worker placed two to-go cups on the counter.

As Aizawa was reaching for the to-go cups, I realized I was still holding onto his sleeve. I dropped it in embarrassment, my cheeks heating faster than I could control. "S-sorry."

Wordlessly, Aizawa picked up the same hand I'd dropped. He placed it on his wrist, instead. I was hesitant at first, just draping my hand over his thick wrist. I felt a shock through my system, tingles making their way throughout my body. Were my ears ringing? I'm pretty sure they were ringing. What was happening? I barely had any time to analyze when he placed his hand over mine and squeezed.

He wanted me to hold it tighter. He wanted me to actually hold it.

Fuck.

My heartbeat sounded in my ears as he scooted one of the to-go cups toward me. I picked it up silently, him picking up the other one. He led us to a bench and we sat down. I released my grip from his wrist and fiddled with the to-go cup in my hand.