Mr. Cold-Hearted President

Chapter 22

•• Ochako's POV ••

I walk out of the hallway, wearing the outfit that Midoriya picked out for me. The white shoulder trumpet sleeve crop tee and high-rise cuffed denim shorts fit perfectly against my body but I feel a little embarrassed since the outfit hugs my curves perfectly. I stand before Midoriya, and Todoroki compliments me, "Uraraka, you look great," getting a glance at me. I wasn't used to receiving compliments so I blushed a little and shyly looked away then turned my attention to Midoriya. I see him stare at me intensely then something sparks in his green eyes.

He blinks and his eyes revert to their original scowl as he turns his head away. "... You look... presentable, Fruitcake," he murmured under his breath as he opened the door. I blush a little more as my heart skips a beat at Midoriya's quiet compliment. "... We should get going," he vocalized, turning towards the door. He opens the door and holds it for me and Todoroki as we both walk out of the apartment. I see Mom and Dad cleaning out the apartment, spending time together, and enjoying themselves. I guess that's what a happy marriage looks like. Despite the circumstances, they both remain happy and in love.

Will I be able to have that kind of... relationship?

"Ochako! What are you wearing?!" I immediately snap out of my thoughts and notice Dad's eyes staring directly at my outfit with wide eyes. I blush in embarrassment as Dad makes a fuss about my outfit while Todoroki watches from the sidelines. "Ochako, go change your clothes," Dad ordered with a stern voice. I counter back, "Dad, I didn't pick my outfit myself." His eyes widen and he takes a closer while Mom sighs and shakes her head. "Then who picked your outfit?" I was going to answer but Midoriya's blunt, cold voice spoke up, "I did, Mr. Uraraka." I hear the slight jingle of his keys, locking his apartment door and walking up next to me.

"Sir, your daughter is allowed to wear whatever she pleases. She's old enough to make her own choices," Midoriya said bluntly.

"Midoriya, it's a little too revealing for my daughter," Dad argued, looking at me from head to toe.

"She's fine. I'll compensate you if anything happens to her."

"Our daughter is precious to us. No amount of compensation will ever replace her," Dad replied bluntly, narrowing his eyes at Midoriya.

Midoriya sighs, "Fine, I promise you that I'll take good care of your daughter, Mr. Uraraka."

Dad hesitates but seems satisfied with Midoriya's words, nodding and smiling slightly. "Good, we're on the same page. Run along, be safe, and have fun," Dad smiled. Midoriya immediately brushes past Dad while Todoroki follows behind him. I smile softly at my parents and bid them goodbye, running to catch up with Midoriya and Todoroki. Midoriya was holding the cab's door, waiting for me so I quickly slipped inside as he followed after me. He closes the door and the cab driver starts driving as the whole cab ride was unbearable and uncomfortable with how quiet it was. Before I realize it, we're already in front of the mall.

Todoroki pays the cab fare and we all climb out of the cab, entering the mall. "I'll shop alone. Let's meet in the food court," Todoroki advised, walking away. I'm now alone with Midoriya, I turn to him, smile softly, and ask, "Is there anything you need while we're here?" He takes a moment to think and responds, "... Not really. We're only here for Todoroki. You can go on and take a look around the mall." I stare at him a moment, taking in Midoriya's features as I space out while staring at him. "What? Why are you staring at me?" He asked, looking down at me. I blush furiously and run away in embarrassment as my heart beats rapidly.

I touch my cheeks and feel the heat radiating off from them as I stop running. Why do I get shy and embarrassed around Midoriya? Why do I blush so much around him? Do I like Midoriya? I shake my head and take deep breaths, calming down. I start walking around the mall, looking at the various stores. My mind drifts back to Midoriya, he's rude, blunt, and especially cold-hearted... But there were moments when he was sweet, gentle, and comforting towards me. I blush profusely as my heart starts racing a little, thinking about Midoriya's subtle sweet side. I had never seen him acting sweet towards anyone before. Does he like me?

I shake my head and let out a soft sigh as I begin to wander around the mall. After some wandering, I suddenly stopped in front of a clothing store after something caught in the corner of my eye. It's a light pink floral print off-shoulder shirred ruffle hem dress that's on the display window. The dress is very cute and it goes a little above the knee. I sigh softly, knowing that I don't have much money to afford the dress. I sadly walk away from the display window and continue wandering around the mall. The mall starts to feel like a maze. I've never been to this mall before. Then suddenly I realize that I'm lost.

"Hey, cutie! Are you lost?" A loud gruff voice came from behind me.

I immediately turn around and see a group of guys towering over me with a huge smirk plastered on their faces. "N-no, I'm not lost," I replied meekly, lying to them. I start to feel extremely uncomfortable under their gaze so I back away from the guys but they step forward. "I-I have to go. My... b-boyfriend is looking for me," I lied again, turning around to run away. A hand grabs my wrist tightly, pulling me back. I flinch and yelp as the guy who is probably the leader of the group wraps an arm around my waist. "Well, cutie, I don't see your boyfriend anywhere here," he smirked. I scrunch my nose, catching a whiff of his breath.

It's terrible. It reeks of alcohol and cigarettes. These guys aren't much older than me and they're drinking and smoking... They're delinquents.

"Come on, cutie. Let's go have some fun," the delinquent leader purred.

I shiver in disgust and try to push him away. "No, thank you. My... boyfriend will be here soon."

"Aww, don't be like that. I don't see your boyfriend anywhere."

"I-I really need to go. My b-boyfriend will get worried," I stuttered, pushing the delinquent leader away.

I manage to get away from his grasp so I immediately turn around and speed-walk away from the delinquents. "Hey, cutie!" The delinquent leader called out but I ignored him. I pick up my pace, walking as fast as I can to avoid the delinquents. I hear fast, heavy footsteps behind me, and then a hand grabs my wrist. I immediately knew it was the delinquent leader who grabbed my wrist. He roughly spins me around to face him. I wince against his tight grasp and try to pull away from him again. The delinquent leader scowls and tightens his grip then snarls, "You don't get to walk away from me. Nobody gets to walk away from me."

I shudder and feel a sense of dread under the delinquent leader's seething gaze. "Now, be a good girl and come with us," he grinned, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. I squirm against his arm but he just tightens his arm around me more. The delinquent leader begins to drag me away with his group while I look down at my involuntarily walking feet with tears welling up in my eyes, feeling helpless. I wish someone could just save me from these delinquents. "Let her go, assholes! She doesn't want to go anywhere with you," a male voice boomed from behind as I immediately recognized the voice.