It Started with a Smile

Chapter 2

I was on my way back from the convenience store, twirling a lollipop in my mouth as I swung my bag of goodies with each step.

The day had been relatively calm and we'd been lucky enough not to get any homework for tomorrow so we all congregated in Mina's room for a game of cards. Toru was quick to complain about the lack of snacks and since I'd been craving some Calpis Soda, I volunteered to go get them.

Entering the dorm, I barely avoided walking into somebody's back. Leaning sideways to identify the culprit, my heart fluttered upon realizing it was Sero.

Schooling my features, I was about to greet him when I caught sight of the pained expression on his face. Following his gaze, I found myself looking at Ochaco and Midoriya on the other side of the room.

We were too far to hear what they were saying but Midoriya was beet red and looking everywhere but her, his hands raised between them to maintain some distance.

Ochaco, on her part, was telling him something with a goofy smile and her hands folded behind her back. The pink marks that perpetually adorned her cheeks were more pronounced and a shade darker.

I glanced at Sero again. It was easy to tell the exact moment he realized Ochaco had a crush on Midoriya for his brows knit together and a frown pulled the corners of his lips down. I felt a twinge in my chest – that expression looked wrong on him.

Sero whirled around and exited the dorm without acknowledging my presence.

"Ochaco, catch," I called, flinging the bag and teleporting it to my surprised classmate.

I didn't check to see if she managed to grab it when it reappeared in front of her, hurrying out of the dorm myself. It didn't take long to find him as Sero had crouched behind a hedge not far from the building. I stopped next to him and waited to be noticed.

When he didn't, I placed the bottle I'd plucked out of the bag on his head. According to the label, it was a juice made from freshly pressed fruit, rich in vitamins. Sero liked healthy stuff so I was hoping this was a good choice. I'd bought it for Yaomomo but would give her my Calpis instead.

Sero raised his eyes to look at me and I dropped the bottle in his hands.

"Thanks," he mumbled with a forced smile that made me want to reach out and wipe it off.

I balled my hands and thrust them in my pockets to resist the urge. I sat on the floor next to him, mindful to keep some distance between us – now wasn't the time to impose my crush on him. We watched the sky in a heavy silence.

I liked to think that I was observant enough to be able to tell what kind of gestures and actions were comforting to which kind of people. Encouragements worked best for people like Ochaco, whereas Toru preferred hugs. Not acknowledging the problem and behaving normally around Kyoka until she managed to work through it was best, whereas distraction and change of subject worked well for Yaomomo.

I hadn't been in a situation where I'd had to comfort one of the boys but I figured waiting until Sero was ready to talk would be best. Silent support tended to have a positive effect on most people.

Sero shifted slightly, his baggy T-shirt brushing my arm. So maybe I didn't put as much distance between us as I should've, sue me.

"You're friends with Uraraka, right?" he asked in a voice so low, I had to strain my ears to hear him.

"Yeah."

"Is she... Does she like Midoriya?"

I bit the inside of my cheek, not sure what to say. While it was pretty obvious to anyone who cared to look, Ochaco was trying to keep her feelings a secret so telling someone about them felt wrong. Then again, Sero had pretty much realized it and was asking for confirmation.