Art || Todomomo

Chapter 20

After the entire 'incident', Momo's parents didn't talk to her much, both however having different reasons. Her mom didn't know how to communicate with Momo neither did she know how to reassure her about the situation so she just kept quiet. Her father was sad, disappointed.

Momo knew this, she knew what her parents were feeling and she also knew that nothing could be done about it. So for the few days leading up to the return to UA, her safe haven was her room and also, Shouto.

She was grateful, so very grateful that he was there. She didn't have to tell him anything, he would just get it and that's something she love about him. Momo was in love with him, the last few days confirmed that thought.

She wanted to hold his hand, hug him, maybe even kiss him. She wanted the two of them to go to coffee shops together, pet cats, read books, for her to look at his paintings and for him to read her writings, make new tea blends, have their long, random conversation but also share their long, comfortable silences.

She wanted all of that and more. She really did, but she also knew that an 'I love you' wouldn't just change her life overnight, it wouldn't mean that all her problems would be solved.

If she wanted to be in a relationship, she would want to be committed to it, she would want to enjoy it without having constant reminders of her past by random people.

She wanted to give him all her attention and love that she had to offer but currently there were other things weighing heavily on her mind, and those things would distract her, make her distant and the last thing she wanted to do was hurt him.

Becoming a couple, in the midst of all her problems, would add more complications.

Then again there was the fact that he wouldn't like her back, the fact that he wouldn't reciprocate her feelings. She never wanted things between them to be awkward permanently.

Why would he want someone like me? Someone who has so much of self pity that it could fill up an ocean, someone who always cries, why would he want such a coward? It's a wonder that he's friends with someone like me. Why is he friends with me? Does he enjoy my company? Is he doing it out of pity?

From there Momo would spiral into an endless abyss of her thoughts, plunging deep into a sea of doubts and then her phone would beep with a notification,
'ShoutoTodoroki sent a post by cat_lady101'

And she would smile, a soft, gentle smile.

All she needed right now was a friend. And she had that. She had him.

A friend who didn't ask much from you and just gave you their support and love, someone who accepts you and helps you and gives you the space you need, he had all those traits whether he was aware of it or not.

He was able to pull her out from all her tangled up conclusions and just make her focus on the present and for now, that was more than enough.

~The next day~

Her bags were packed and in the hall, she was to leave in ten minutes so that she could meet up with Shouto at the station. Now she just had to give her goodbyes to her parents.

Mrs.Yaoyorozu hugged Momo tightly, "Goodbye my dear, please eat well, focus on your studies and..." Her voice faltered,

"And take care of yourself, things will be hard my child but don't worry, your father and I will do what we can." She swallowed, like she had more to say,

"Also please thank your friend, a fine, young man he was, a true gentleman." Her mother managed a bright a smile before letting go of Momo, "You're a strong lady Momo." Her mother looked at her.