My Oath to You [Under Reconstruction]

Chapter Thirteen

I called out to Bakugo from the deck of the house, "Please text me when you get home tonight! It's starting to get dark!" He waved behind him, not looking back, "I'll be fine. I can defend myself dammit." I sighed defeatedly and walked back into the house, locking the door behind me. Ben stood waiting. I jumped in surprise, "Ben! Hey! What are you doing?" He gestured towards the door, "Did you and your friend make up?" I nodded, feeling my cheeks get a little rosy, "Yeah, we're still figuring things out but I feel he's a good person, just really bad at expressing it." Ben huffed, "Yeah, I'd say." I stood a little straighter, now a little defensive, "What is your problem?" Ben looked at me evenly, "I'm just looking out for a fellow UA student." I brushed past him, walking to my room, "Then you'll understand when I say, my friendships are none of your business." He flipped around and grabbed my elbow. His grip was gentle but unmoving. I looked at him and he looked pained, "Nozomi, I'm sorry. I just care. You seem like you've grown up to be a very good girl." I touched his hand lightly and he let go, "I'm sorry as well. I shouldn't have snapped like that. I've never really had friends until now. I just want to protect them." He nodded in understanding, "I get that. I want to be your friend too." I looked up in surprise, "My friend?" He shrugged, "Yeah, I guess I failed at making it obvious the past week." I slapped my face thinking back to the past week. He had been trying to get me out of my room and do things with the rest of the house but I was too busy wallowing in self pity. I grabbed his hands urgently and stared into his cool purple eyes, "I am so sorry. I had no idea. I had a rough couple of days." He sweated a little bit, "Yeah, no- uh, it's okay." He patted my hands gently, "It's almost dinner, do you want to head to the dining hall to see what Lunch Rush left us tonight?" I beamed, "Yeah! Just let me change into something more comfortable." He smiled back, "Alright. I'll be down here waiting then."

I rushed into my room and locked the door. I slapped my forehead, "I'm such an idiot." The whole thing between Bakugo and Ben earlier; Ben was just trying to look out for me. I had no idea why he acted like that earlier, but now I know he was just trying to help a friend. It ultimately made me feel better. I shredded all my clothing off and tossed my underwear into the laundry basket in mild discomfort, not exactly wanting to remember why they were like that. I went and cleaned up in the bathroom and came back into my room looking into my closet. I stood naked for a moment when I heard a bling from my phone. I decided to throw on a sports bra and underwear before checking. It was Bakugo but his contact name read Ka-chan. This made me smile knowing full well I didn't put his name in there. He saved it like that for me.

*Hey Brat. Made it home. Have you had dinner yet?*

*Not yet. I had to change clothes. Ben and I and maybe the others in the house are about to go get dinner. How about you?*

It made me giggle a little bit that he's being caring but still manages to be grumpy over the phone. I went back to the closet and decided on an alien graphic long sleeve pull over and with the black joggers I wore not too long ago. Kicking on some sandals, I heard my phone ding again.

*Not yet. Since I came home late, the old hag decided that I could make my own dinner.*

*Oo~ Does Ka-chan know how to cook? Will I get to see the result?"

I threw my phone in my pocket and headed into the living room. Ben was on his laptop typing away. A thought popped into my head and I couldn't help but grin. Trying to be sneaky, I tip toe behind the couch behind where Ben was sitting. Leaning over his shoulder, just as I was about to grab him he gives me a side glance and blows my hair off his shoulder. Ironically I jumped instead, "Ah!" He laughed, closing his laptop, "You really aren't that sneaky but you can keep trying." I pouted, sticking my lip out, "Man, I thought it was a golden opportunity." He stood up and set his laptop on the coffee table, "Maybe you would have gotten me," he turned to me, reached out and gently caressed a strand of my hair, sliding it between his index finger and his thumb, "but I'm very aware of my surroundings." I felt a little warm, my ears burning ever so slightly. He let go smiling, his violet eyes shining, "Let's get dinner, 'kay?"

We left the dining hall. Now it was night time and the moon was our only light. Alfonso, Elric, and Rayen already ate and made it back to the house. Since I took my sweet time getting ready, the stir fry was a little cold. Ben patted his stomach, "That was so good. I ate too much so I feel a little bloated." I poked his hard abs, "Like it even matters, you're ripped." He blushed and raised an arm to flex, "You really think so?" I looked at him bewildered, "Do you not work out?" He shrugged, "I occasionally hit the pool and maybe some weights." I mock him in a dramatic deep tone, "I oNLy hiT tHE GyM a LiTTle BIt." He laughed, "I don't sound like that!" I gave him a questioning look, "Are you sure you're even in the business course? I think they're lying to you." He rolled his eyes and gave me a playful punch to the shoulder, "You're more than welcome to come work out with me." I pretended to stumble for dramatic effect, "Oh no! I could never rise to the strength of my senior!-" While pretending to stumble I actually tripped over my foot and felt the air whoosh beneath me. Suddenly, very strong arms wrapped around my waist, saving me from the doom that is the ground. I clutched the arms, "Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god." The arms helped me back up and looked at the savior connected to them. Right over my shoulder Ben looked softly at me, not letting go. My heart started racing, "Ben?" He let go with a smile, patting me on the head, "Be careful. Maybe you shouldn't over do it so much." I fell silent unsure of what to say. Turning away from me and walking back to the house, "Come on, I'm sure you're just tired." I felt somewhat dejected but maybe after the long day I had, maybe I am a little tired.

After we made it back into the house, I said my good nights and locked myself into my room. I jumped into my bed and silently screamed into my pillow. What was that? The way he looked at me. I blushed profusely. It wasn't like how Bakugo looked at me. Then I remembered Bakugo's lustful gaze and I shoved my face back into the pillow. What is even happening? I checked my phone and I missed two notifications from Ka-chan. I opened my phone and I saw a photo of rice and curry. My mouth watered a little bit as it looked absolutely delicious through the screen. I scroll above it.

*Here.*

*It looks so good.~*

He replied almost instantly.

*You really think so?*

*Yeah! I hardly know how to cook. It's mainly breakfast food. I had to learn because Akira couldn't cook even if our lives depended on it. I've never been taught properly.*

*Maybe I can teach you next time.*

Ka-chan, teaching me how to cook? He might blow up the kitchen if I can't follow directions. The thought made me laugh.

*As long as you don't get mad at me and blow up the kitchen. ;D*

*Just follow my instructions and you have nothing to worry about.*

I sweated a little bit, hearing his tone clear as day in my mind. My phone blinged again and I looked down.

*Did you get something to eat? I don't want you skipping meals.*

*Yeah, I took a minute getting dressed so I was a little late. Ben was nice enough to wait for me so we could eat together and didn't complain about the food being a little cold.*

*Must have been real nice of him. I'm going to bed.*

*Good night!*

I was surprised by the cut in conversation. He sounded a little angry even. Was it something I said? I shook it off and changed into a tank top and pajama shorts. I can't let it bug me. I need sleep. I'll see him tomorrow and check on him then. I flicked off the light and crawled into bed. Pulling up the covers, I was enveloped by it's comforting warmth. Hopefully I can get some good sleep for once. I closed my eyes and fell into the abyss of sleep.