It Started with a Smile

Chapter 3

We entered the classroom minutes before the bell rang. Most of our classmates were already there, cramming some last-minute info before our math test. Math was one of my weaker subjects but after the study session we had with Yaomomo, I was pretty confident that I could get a passing grade.

I scanned the room as I headed for my desk, searching for a familiar mop of dark hair. Warmth spread all the way down to the tip of my fingers when I found him in his seat. Fists clenched atop his empty desk, Sero seemed to be staring out into nothingness. I frowned, somehow doubting that it was the upcoming test that put him in this state.

A peal of laughter on the other end of the classroom had him stiffening and I finally connected the dots. It was our first lesson for the day which meant that this was the time he usually went to Ochaco for a pen. I wondered if him not going meant that he was trying to give up on his crush. My pulse quickened and I chastised myself for my uncharitable thoughts. I knew first-hand what he was going through and should be more sympathetic.

I reached his seat in five steps. "Hey."

He glanced at me, his lips curling into a smile that woke the butterflies in my stomach. "Morning."

There was an awkward pause that I hurried to fill with small talk. "So, you ready for math?"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

Another pause. This was not going very well.

"You, um, got everything you need?"

A small crease appeared between his brows as he tried to make sense of my question. A blush crept up my neck and before it could reach my cheeks, I slammed the pencil down on his desk and scurried back to my own. I was saved from further embarrassment by the bell.

As Ectoplasm strolled in and told us to put our things away, I couldn't help but remember my proud proclamation from the previous night. For someone who'd said she was "going to go all out" I sure did a poor showing today.

~ ~ ~

Ectoplasm left the classroom with our tests and I stretched my arms above my head. Yaomomo turned around in her seat.

"How did it go?" she inquired, the worry melting from her features when I gave her two thumbs up.

"Obviously I'll never rank first in math but I did great, all things considered," I elaborated.

She nodded then faced Todoroki who seemed to have something to ask her. I leaned over to fish out my bottle of water and when I straightened, it was to find Sero standing by my desk. He was peering down at me, a hint of curiosity in his eyes and I automatically straightened under his perusal. He thrust his hand in front of me and I noticed my pencil clasped in his fist.

"Thanks," he said.

"You're welcome," I answered with a weak smile.

There was a moment of silence then I saw him unfurl his fingers. My chest constricted as I looked at him.

"Don't you," I asked as my smile fell. "need it anymore?"

His eyes flickered away from me for a brief instant and he hesitated before saying, "I guess I do."

"You can keep it then."

He raised his other hand to sheepishly rub at his neck. "Thanks."

Sero pocketed my pencil and exited the classroom, probably to find his friends. I waited until he was out of sight before raising my hands to cover the lower half of my face. My heartbeat picked up as I replayed the scene in my mind. Did I just make some progress?