When the Stars Align

Chapter 38: Sports Festival (Part 4)

~~

"Racers cross the finish line one after the other! We'll go over the standings later, so catch your breath for now!!"

You swipe at some of the cold sweat that had gathered over your temple during the run, breaths coming in fast and short. While you didn't detest running by any means, it was your least favorite exercise, legs quivering over the momentary exertion that you'd never been able to get quite used to.

A handful of students crossed the finish line mere seconds after you did, signaling the beginning of the end of the festivals first event. The sights a bit touching, you admit, with various exclamations of joy teeming the air at having completed the challenge despite all odds. If it weren't for the fact that your breathing hadn't evened out yet, you might have even joined in on their shared excitement, silently enjoying the display from the sidelines.

"(L/N)! I'm real happy you made it!"

From behind you, Uraraka toddles up, cheeks taking on a redder color than the natural pink they usually are. Her hairs plastered heavily onto her forehead, the color slightly darker in that area than anywhere else, an obvious sign of gathered perspiration. You make no comment of it as she reaches for your arms, shaking them slightly as she raves about the action that had just taken place.

"The way you chased after Todoroki?! Ugh, it was so cool!! Seriously, those robots were a nightmare to go through-!"

You nodded along, walking with her towards the middle of the field where the other participants had begun to congregate. The brunettes still going on over what it is she thought she could have done better, and when she makes to wipe at her face furiously, you summon your Quirk, swiping the sweat from off her entirely. If she notices, she doesn't say anything, though she does draw herself closer to you, bumping you lightly as her hand comes up to fuss at her now dry bangs.

It isn't until she sees Iida and Midoriya that her train of thought shifts, dragging you over to them as she delightedly shouts, "Deku...! That was awesome!"

Iida doesn't seem to really afford the created group any mind, but Midoriya jumps slightly, covering his face shyly as he addresses all of you. "Uraraka, Iida, and (L/N)! I-"

The pink cheeked teen accidentally cuts him off, hands forming little fists in frustrated elation. "First place, though! Man, I'm jealous!"

Whatever it was that Midoriya had been about to say is visibly wiped away at Urarakas words, a different type of look overtaking his usually open face. Before it can be elaborated on further, either by the male himself or your own mental deductions, a buzzer rings through the stadium, officially ending the obstacle course race with a metallic hum as the opening to the created finish line closes.

Midnight emerges back onto the podium, her mask sitting heavy on her head as she declares, "So it's finally over. Let's check the results!"

The previously used screen floats into focus, a myriad of students fluttering by until they begin to stop on specific people, a number popping up soon after. This must be the overall standings of everyone present that Yamada had mentioned, and you watch as people murmur over their won positions. Met with the image of you the staff had captured before you were allowed entry to your classes designated waiting room, you hummed.

You'd managed to place fourth out of the forty three available spots.

You'd assumed as much, especially with the way Midoriya, Todoroki, and Bakugou had fought when reentering. Still, you felt a small bit of surprise when you noticed that the abrasive blonde had placed third, under both teens he wasn't particularly fond of.