Finding Me (Todoroki x Reader)

Chapter 21

"Times up!"

Present Mic's damning words seemed to pause everyone in the arena. Even if it were just for a moment, a million things ran through my mind.

'It's over? ' No, it couldn't be over. We still needed those headbands. 'No. No, no, no...'

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a flying Bakugou ungraciously land face-first into the hard ground, Dark Shadow retracted to Tokoyami, and Todoroki's team started to disassemble.

"And with that, the second round is officially over," Present Mic continued as teams disassembled, including my own.

I only felt numb as I lowered Midoriya, staring blankly out in front of me. Out towards Todoroki.

I didn't mean to keep staring, but it felt as if within the numbness I felt - as failure started to sink in - a cold ache also covered my heart as I watched him. Not in resentment of Todoroki, but at the realisation that I hadn't been able to beat him.

'Not even close.'

I clenched my jaw as I tried not to let salty tears escape my eyes. The last thing I wanted to do was cry in front of everyone, especially him.

'Oh well,' I sighed, resigning myself to the fact that I'd tried my hardest, and yet... 'It still wasn't enough.'

Wiping furiously at my eyes, I held my head as high as possible. 'I did my best,' I told myself, 'and that's all anyone could've asked for.' I smiled a little at the sentiment, and thought how much like my mother I sounded.

But it was the truth. I had tried all that I could've to win for my team, but the fact was I wasn't ready yet. 'It just means I have so much to learn, and when I do learn it all, I'll be ready to take anyone on and win.'

My breath hitched slightly when I made eye contact with a certain heterochromatic-eyed boy, his stare freezing me into my spot on the ground. However, his gaze wasn't harsh - like it had been all day - nor was it smug from his victory. It held a certain... respect in it. I could only stare at him more as his eyes seemed to speak for themselves. 'Good game,' they showed, and a respectful bow of his head had my cheeks burning up slightly.

Although his actions contrasted that of this morning's, I couldn't help but genuinely smile, showing him two thumbs up in congratulations. I thought I saw a hint of smile stretch his lips, but as quick as it happened, it disappeared without a trace, and his back was suddenly towards me. My smile drooped a little in disappointment, but I was happy with how we were progressing.

'I don't know what's happened in his life for him to act even colder than he was to begin with, but all I can do is persist and hope that he comes to his senses soon.'

I turned around to face my teammates, but the reality of our situation suddenly came rushing back.

"Guys, I'm really sorry..." Midoriya murmured to us as Present Mic rattled off who were the top four teams to get through. I placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, drawing his attention to look at me.

"Midoriya," I calmly said, a sad smile appearing on my face, "it's not your fault. You tried your best, just as we all did, so don't beat yourself up over something we all had a hand in."

He raised his head in amazement, his eyes widening at my words. I giggled, patting his shoulder before letting my hand drop.

"Just think of it this way: we have a whole lot of room to improve, so let's work hard until the next time. Then we'll win, for sure!"