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CHAPTER 1 —in another universe
you had been working nonstop shifts at Endeavors Agency. constantly going out on patrol—usually without sleep—from when the sun rose till it set and going on solo missions throughout Tokyo, Musutafu, and Kyoto. you were running around everywhere, saving people left and right, filing paperwork back at the office or having to run down to the police station to do their own job for them.
after four grueling months, you had a day off. you debated on whether to spend it relaxing at home; rotting away in bed, eating junk, and watching whatever was trending on social media. however, ochaco said the best way to spend a day off was by going to the spa and getting a massage.
nonetheless, she convinced you so the two of you planned a mini date to the onsen.
so, there she was, soaking herself in the luke warm water and in absolute bliss. she stretched out her arms, letting a mini yawn escape her lips before turning to you with a relaxed smile. "see (y/n)~ didn't i tell you this would feel amazing?"
you simply shrugged in response. to be honest, it did feel amazing but you were just too tired to say anything back. all those hours of forcing your eyes open and drinking espresso shots was finally catching up you.
then, as you were relaxing, ochaco swam towards you, her bare body hugging yours. if you two hadn't gone camping together in the same class back during your first year and bathed together, then it would've been awkward, but the two of you have known each other for nearly four years and were the bestest of friends.
"i was really worried about you (y/n). i hear about you on the news all the time and i get so scared." she couldn't help but hug you even tighter.
in attempt to comfort her, you patted her back, "cmon ochaco—there's no need to be worried. i can hold my own out there you know." you gently pushed her off and smiled softly, "after all i am working for the number one hero in japan!" then you flexed whatever muscle you could, making the two of you laugh.
after about an hour of relaxing at the onsen, the two of you decided to get food and catch up.
you stopped at a nearby cafe which was ran by none other than rikido sato; he carries out hero duties now and then, but has focused his career on running his infamous bakery which you hear is performing extremely well and might have worldwide shops within the next couple of years.
the two of you ordered a couple iced drinks and plenty of yummy desserts and were able to chat with sato for a couple minutes before he left to bake a custom order for a pro which he couldn't disclose.
"so (y/n)..." there was an awkward pause and you couldn't help but remove your gaze from the custard in front of you to ochaco. "how's is going with you and todoroki? the media has been really quiet about the entire situation so i'm a bit surprised."
you replied with a small hm at first, thinking about what to tell her before actually saying it.
"well from what shoto told me, Endeavor threatened some publishing company that first started talking about the entire situation and now everyone pulled back their stories. guess their too scared to say anything." at this point you were picking at the custard, removing each berry individually and practically breaking the whole thing apart.
talking about the situation between you and todoroki made you feel so uneasy and you couldn't understand why. technically you were perfect for each other. compatible quirks, similar family dynamics, and your mother always said the two of you would make the cutest babies.
"they should've done that a long time ago," ochaco awkwardly laughed, her voice tinged with unease as she tried to ease the tension. her fingers fidgeted slightly, unsure on what to say next, but she kept her gaze on you hoping the awkwardness would soon pass. "(y/n), what's got you feeling anxious? you know you can always talk to me." she stretched her hand out towards yours.
there was no lie there. you could always find comfort in ochaco. she was your best friend and knew every little detail about you. no matter what, ochaco was always able to put a smile on your face.
"my parents want me to move into the todoroki's home. they want us to become closer and said the best way to do so is by moving in with them. worst part is i had absolutely no say in the matter, they wouldn't even hear me out and had my stuff boxed up the same day."
ochaco was shocked to say the least. the dessert she held in her hand face planted onto the table, making a mess which she rapidly cleaned up.
"i can't— i can't believe this?! you're moving in with todoroki..?!"
"actually, i move in next week. i noticed the housekeepers slowly sending my things over and honestly, i wish it wasn't happening." you began to pinch your own hands and wrist and couldn't help but stare down as you did so. "i really thought that things were going to change, but it seems like my family is the main supporter of our relationship. they don't want it to end."
it made you furious. no matter how much you pleaded or cried, your family wouldn't listen to you. they didn't care about all the true love crap.
they just wanted power.
maybe in another universe, things were different. maybe there you had the freedom to choose who to love, to follow your heart without the weight of expectations. in that world, you weren't bound by your families thirst for power or forced into a relationship that wasn't meant to be. maybe in that universe you found true happiness on your own terms, surrounded by people who respected it.
not that it matters, you had lost hope to be with the one your heart truly desired many years ago. when they sent him away.
