that's just how it works [REWRITING]

Chapter Twenty two - U.A. Sports Festival Kickoff!

. . .

   'Just breath...' You inhale, wrapping your arms around yourself, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Time had passed by in a flash, and soon enough, you found yourself getting ready on the morning of the Sports Festival. 

   You finish tying your shoes and pick up your bag, sliding your arms through the straps. "Bye Aunti!" You call back, grabbing your key and going to leave. You suddenly get hugged from behind. "Try not to get hurt, sweetie. I'm so proud of you for coming this far..."

   Your cheeks flush, and you turn to smile at her. "Th-Thanks... I love you Auntie, see you this afternoon!" You leave, hearing her call after you, "I love you too (Y/n)! I'll record all of it!" 

   You roll your eyes, sticking your key in your sock and going on your way. On the sidewalk down below, Midoriya catches up to you, "(Y/n)!" You grin, waving at him. "Hey Izuku!" 

   And then, a few hours later, you found yourself sitting in a chair, hugging yourself as you tried to breathe to calm your nerves. Around you, nervous chatter filled the room, drowning out any self deprecating thoughts you felt coming on. 

   It suddenly went quiet, and you looked up to see why. 

   "(last name)."

   You locked gazes with Todoroki. He was standing in front of you, a hand in his pocket. "Todoroki-Kun? What is it?" 

   His deadpan expression loomed over you as he answered, in his chillingly still voice. "Looking at things objectively, I think I'm stronger than you."

   'He's right...' You look down, clenching your fists. "Y-Yeah..."

   "But..." Todoroki pauses, choosing his next words carefully. "All Might has his eye on you, doesn't he?"

   You blink. 'All Might? His eye on me? What...?' You go to deny his absurd claim, "Todoroki-Kun, I don't th-"

   "I'm not trying to pry on that." He cut you off nonchalantly. "But I'm going to beat you."

   The air around you two was still. You stare up at him with wide eyes. 'A.. A declaration of war?'

   As if voicing your thoughts, Kaminari speaks up, breaking the silence. "Oh? Is the best in the class making a declaration of war?" At the same time, Kirishima stands, walking over to put a hand on Todoroki's shoulder. "Hey, hey, hey! Why are you picking a fight all of a sudden? Not now, we're about to start!"

   The dual-haired male knocked Kirishima's hand off. "We're not here to play at being friends. So what does it matter?" And he walked away. You blink, slowly and shakily standing from your chair. You gulp. "Todoroki-Kun."

   The boy paused, turning to look back at you. 

   "I don't know what you're thinking when you say you'll beat me, but of course you're better than me. I think you're more capable than most people..." You're aware of all the eyes on you, but you continue. "Looking at it objectively..."

   Kirishima steps in front of you, waving his hands. "(Y/n)-Chan... You probably shouldn't talk so negatively..." You ignore him, continuing on as if he didn't speak up. "But, everyone--" You look down, brow furrowing. "The students from the other courses are aiming for the top with everything they've got!" Your posture relaxes, and your back straightens. Your aunt's words from that morning ring through your head. 'I'm so proud of you for coming this far...'