Ever After (BakuDeku)

Chapter Twenty Two

The Baron and his daughters left for the ball quickly, dressed in their finest outfits.

Once they were gone, Asui rushed over to the cellar, attempting to pick the lock, but with no success.

She groaned, "Zuku, it's no use."

"Allow me," came a voice from behind her and she whipped around, coming face to face with Mina.

Ochako watched with interest as her friends normally uncaring face turned a bright shade of pink.

Gaining her composure, Asui stepped to the side, allowing Mina to inspect the lock, before removing the hinges from the door and pulling the door completely out, setting it off to the side. 

"Brilliant!" Ochako gushed, "that was pure genius."

Mina grinned, "yes, I shall go down in history as the woman who opened a door!"

The trio filed into the cellar and Izuku rushed over to Ochako, pulling her into a tight embrace, "Ochako, how?"

The brunette shrugged, "Asui said that the prince was expecting you."

Izuku frowned, "he is expecting someone who does not exist," he turned to Mina, "Signora Ashido, my name is Izuku Midoriya and I am but a servant."

Mina waved him off, "yes, and I am the daughter of a peasant. What has that to do with anything?"

"I have deceived him," Izuku insisted.

"I'm sure the prince will understand."

Ochako grabbed Izuku's arm, "come, Zuku, the night is young! We must get you ready for the ball!"

Izuku tried to pull away, "I do not wish to go."

Ochako narrowed her eyes, "if you stay, the Baron wins."

"Besides, he deserves to hear the truth from the one he loves," Mina added. 

~

Katsuki looked at the sky, trying to imagine himself literally anywhere else but here, at the ball. 

It was funny, only hours ago, he couldn't wait for the ball, wanting to announce his love to the man of his dreams but now, he couldn't wait for it to be over. 

His mother sat down next to him, "you wanted to talk?"

"Yeah, I did," Katsuki replied, putting his head in his hands.

Mitsuki sighed, "Listen, Katsuki, perhaps it was unfair of me to put so much pressure on you. I just thought it was time to make some changes in your life."

The prince looked at her, brows furrowed and she went on, "you seemed to me, to be floundering. And I," she took a breath, "I wanted to say that this university thing is a wonderful idea. We don't have to announce anything tonight-"

"I've made my decision," Katsuki said, and Mitsuki nodded slowly.

~

Izuku waved out the window of the carriage, his friends waving back.

Mina turned towards Ochako, "let's go see these paintings of yours."

The two retreated back into the manor.

~

Mitsuki took Katsuki's hand, giving it a squeeze before letting go as she addressed the crowd, "friends, honored guests, it gives us great pleasure on this festive occasion, not only to honor Signora Ashido," she looked around and rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath, "who seems to have disappeared" before continuing on in her booming voice, "but also to tell you of a long-awaited decision."