Love is not a Joke (hiatus)

The Hospital

That evening, around 19:30

"Hitoshi!" (Y/N) rushes up to her cousin, shouting his name, terrified for her mother. She runs right into him with her hands on his chest, looking up at him pleadingly.

He puts one hand on her back and the other on her head, cradling it against himself. "She's fine, (Y/N). They say she's stable, but they won't let us see her yet."

She sobs quietly into his shirt. He smiles down at her sadly before looking up and seeing an awkward Midoriya staring at them. (Y/N) sniffles and backs away from him gently. "Thanks, Hitoshi.."

"Of course, (Y/N). I see you brought a friend." He looks at the greenette with expressionless eyes.

Midoriya bows respectfully, and maybe a bit nervously. "S-sorry, Shinsou-kun! You see, I was with her when you called. I had no idea you were her cousin. I hope your aunt is alright. I can't believe something like this happened. I-" He stops himself by slamming a hand over his mouth and stands up slowly. "I'm so sorry.." he spoke through his fingers.

Shinsou just continued to stare at him blankly until his cousin tugged gently on his shirt. "He helped me get here safely. If it were not for Midoriya-kun, I could have gotten hurt or fainted trying to get here." His expression softened as he looked down at the distraught girl in front of him.

Just then, a nurse came over to the group, asking if they were family of Mrs. (L/N). "You look like her daughter," she addressed (Y/N) who nodded and attempted a smile at her comment. "Your mother is under sedation so she can rest. She will be awake and ready to see you by morning. However, if you would like, you may visit her now."

The anxious girl looked to her cousin who gave a single nod of approval before answering the nurse. "If you don't mind, I'd like to see her. This is my cousin," she gestured to Shinsou, "and my friend," gesturing to Midoroya. "They are both welcome." The nurse smiled and lead them all to the room where (M/N) was.

• • •

"No, (Y/N). You can't stay here tonight! It's Friday. We have school in the morning." Shinsou tried convincing his cousin that staying the night in the hospital on a school night was a bad idea.

"But I can't just leave her, Hitoshi! Surely you understand!" She wined at her relative from her chair at her mother's bedside, hoping he would eventually give in.

"No." He stated simply. "You think I don't want to stay too?" Her face dipped into more of a pout now as he sidestepped to look out the window.

Midoriya, somewhat afraid to butt in, cautiously voices his opinion. "I-i think Mrs. (L/N) should wake up to her daughter b-being here with her. I can contact the teachers for you so they know what's going on.."

They both stared at the boy sitting in a chair against the opposite wall from the hospital bed, one with awe and gratitude, the other with disagreement yet understanding. "Fine," the purple-haird student finally responds, "but you should know, I don't share notes. So don't expect me to catch you up if you miss class." He stared at (Y/N) sternly as she beamed at him.

"Thanks, Hitoshi! I don't plan on missing class." She sounded like her cheery self again, despite the situation at hand. She looked over to Midoriya with a smile. "I appreciate the offer, but since I am still planning on going to class, I shouldn't need anyone to tell the teachers for me."

The emerald-haird Izuku nodded, signifying that he understands, before glancing at Shinsou, who is now glaring at him with his usual drained, unreadable eyes. "May I speak with you? Outside."

"Of course.." Midoriya stood and walked to the door, sliding it open and gesturing for his fellow student to exit first. He turns to leave and catches a glimpse of (Y/N)'s worried face; he gives her a reassuring smile and slides the door shut.

The two boys walk a short distance from the door to avoid being overheard. Hitoshi stared at Izuku as if he were reading him, but he was actually thinking of how to voice the concerns running through his head. "I think she likes him...as a close friend, or a crush..? I don't know. That's not the important thing here..."

Midoriya tilted his head, regarding him. "I-is...is everything alright, Shinsou-Kun?"

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Published August 22, 2019