𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝚴𝐘 ˢ.ᵗᵒᵈᵒʳᵒᵏⁱ

Chapter 31: Todoroki vs Y/n

"IIDA CROSSED THE boundary line, L/n wins! She moves on to the third round!"

There was a pause before the arena bursted into a deafening roar from the crowd. Cheers, applause, and shouts filled the air, creating an overwhelming wave of noise.

I doubled over, taking a few breaths before getting up and smiling the biggest smile I could.

I let the crowd continue to cheer for another moment until I heard footsteps coming my direction.

I turned my head around at the footsteps and I saw a sad Iida coming my way. I could see the sheer disappointment in his eyes.

My smile slowly faded as I realized - Iida had lost. Yes, I was happy to win, but I had never seen Iida look so dejected and filled with regret before.

He stopped a few feet away from me, his voice slightly quiet but still firm and respectful.

"Congratulations, L/n. I underestimated your abilities - you are a worthy opponent."

He extended his hand out in front of me. To which I gladly shook.

"Thank you, Iida" I said, a smile on my face. "You fought incredibly well. I know how strong you are, and I'm honored to have had a battle with you."

A small smile crossed his lip as he nodded and turned his back, making his way to the exit.

I, too, decided I should leave so I made my way down the stairs of the arena and walked towards the exit and stopped a few steps in the long, slightly dark, tunnel. Todoroki was infront of me, and he was leaning against the wall looking directly at me as if he was waiting for me.

"Todoroki?" I called out, my tone confused.

Said boy didn't reply straight away, continuing to stare at me with those beautiful blue and grey eyes.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, making my towards him. "Shouldn't you be at one of the stands?"

"Yeah" he replied, his voice calm. "But I wanted to see your battle up close."

'Up close? Pretty sure the stands were close enough..especially with the big screen..'

"Really" I asked, a skeptical look written on my face. "Are you sure you're not just trying to study me for our upcoming battle?"

"Nu-uh." He replied, his face not revealing any hints at trying to be funny.

'Did he....just say Nu-uh..?'

"Oookay then..." I said, dragging out the words. "Let's go back to the stands - it's Bakugo's match with Tokoyami right?"

Todoroki nodded in confirmation, pushing himself off the wall to stand up straight. "Yeah that's right."