Finding Me (Todoroki x Reader)

Chapter 95

I clapped alongside my classmates at Togata's speech, my heart feeling full and my resolve stronger than ever before. As much as the third year was a complete and utter dork, he certainly was inspiring... in an odd way.

"Wow," Ojiro murmured, "he even gives pep talks like a Pro."

"I can't believe he went through all of this for us," Momo said, "even though he could've just explained it."

Kaminari whistled low, saying, "So, these really are different. It did kind of feel like I missed out on stuff in my internship."

"Yeah," Kyoka said, rubbing the back of her neck. "They tried not to let us do anything too dangerous."

In the middle of the group came an affirmative grunt from Sero. "Guess it won't be that way during work studies," he said, holding his chin thoughtfully.

Iida nodded. "Now that we've got our hero licenses, we'll be treated like Pros once we're on the scene."

"We've gotta prepare ourselves for that," Sato added just as Kirishima punched his knuckles together, a manic smile on his face.

"Oh yeah," he said. "Just what I wanted."

"This is great!" Toru piped up, her uniform jumping about to show her excitement. "All of us came to UA because we want to become Pro Heroes, right?"

"That's true," Shoji agree, whilst Aoyama dramatically posed and cried, "C'est la vie!"

Tokoyami nodded beside them, face stoic and cool as he added, "We have to keep climbing..."

"...and become Plus Ultra!" Kota finished, a rare and excitable smile stretching his usually sealed lips.

Hearing my friends' enthusiasm invigorated me, too. Even though we all just got thrashed, everyone had even more drive and determination than before to become Plus Ultra heroes. It warmed my heart knowing that I was surrounded by like-minded people; people who I could help and that could help me back in achieving our goals. I really did have the best classmates anyone could ask for... mostly.

Feeling an intense stare on my back, I twisted around to spot Shoto staring in my direction, still standing solitary beside Mr. Aizawa. I went to wave at him, but stopped myself when I made eye contact with the icy-hot boy. His heterochromatic eyes were narrowed, eyebrows knitted together with what could only be frustration, and his lips pressed into a thin line. His energy radiated that frustration that was so obvious, but I also sensed something else hidden beneath it all.

He looked pained, overall; and from where he was looking - at the rest of my friends happily chatting - I could only guess as to why.

"Let's get back to class, now," Mr. Aizawa's gruff voice echoed through the gym. "Say thank you."

"Thank you very much."

The Big Three just smiled and waved at us - actually, only Togata and Hado did, Amajiki still couldn't bring his eyes up to meet us. After bidding us farewell, they left, strutting out of the gym whilst talking to one another. Watching as they left, a sense of satisfaction washed over me, bringing a small smile to my lips. They Big Three really were cool... even if they all were a bunch of nut jobs.

"Okay, that's enough physical activity for one day," Mr. Aizawa said, walking towards the exit. "Back to the classroom for your afternoon lessons. Now."

"Yes sir."

Without wasting a breath, we all scrambled for the exit doors, speedily walking back towards the building our classroom was situated in. As we drew closer, I looked up at the H-shaped building, and sighed when I remembered just how many flights of stairs we were about to climb. Why did they have to put the first years on the top floor?  I cringed as I reached for the sore spot on my back, still tender from Togata's punch. It was going to be one hell of a stair climb, that was for sure.