Protecting Him

Chapter 29. Smack & Drug

**Mentions of gore & drugs**

The next day, it was around midday, Shoto and I had arrived together. Following Shoto who was pushing the stroller, I hid behind him as we got there.

"Why do people have to stare too much?" I nervously whispered.

"Well you are poorly attempting to hide, which isn't common in social gatherings." Shoto explained.

"I told you... I'm not myself in these places... I lose my composure and confidence. It's frightening and—"

"You shouldn't let situations like these frighten you. I saw the way you charged against the villain at USJ, you're daring." Shoto said looking into my eyes, "I'm here to guide you remember? Nothing terrible will happen, you'll like it."

I gulped. I'm being pretty pathetic right now, are I not? Sigh... but it's not only that. I don't feel much like celebrating, Iida's nowhere in sight, his brother must not be well. Who in their right mind wants to party knowing their friend isn't okay?

Fine, I suppose that's where the sayings 'don't cry over spilled milk & life moves on' but it feels wrong. I feel wrong. Even so, Shoto's right. I can't believe crowds make me nervous, but not fighting off villains. Not even Tenko's death threat made me retreat from my plan.

Straightening my posture and exhaling deeply, I nodded and said, "Very well Shoto. Let's go."

Time Skip~

Shoto and I met with the Dekusquad as someone from class had dubbed their group of friends. Ochaco and Tsuyu were fawning over Hiro who they said he was dressed incredibly cute. Hiro unlike me loved the attention he got.

"I can't believe you forgot about the dance [Name]!" Ochaco exclaimed.

I rubbed the back of my neck sheepishly, "Well I don't even remember hearing about it in the first place."

"You were sleeping again weren't you, ribbit." Tsuyu pointed out.

"Not you too!" I sighed, "I wasn't sleeping I was resting my eyes okay."

"Sure you were."

~~

"I'm glad you made it!" Mina happily said.

"Well it's all thanks to Shoto." I replied, looking at Shoto who was talking with a few of our classmates. "He's the one who convinced me."

Her eyes widen, then glinted with something I wasn't sure what it was; mischief? "Oh?" she wiggled her brows.

"Oh?" I repeated oddly.

"Don't tell me you two are together!" She loudly exclaimed making the rest of the girls join our conversation. "It's gotta be that, you two came together, are on first name basis, and you're matching with his hair color!!!"

Ochaco and Kyoka nodded.

"Yeah, and Todoroki isn't one to talk to others much, except for you and Midoriya, ribbit."

"Hiro seems to be fond of him too." Momo added.

"Aw that's so cute! You two make such an adorable couple." Toru commented gleefully.

"Um..." I stuttered, not knowing what to say or do.

Hiro's POV

There's so much going on. There's people talking, dancing, eating. It looks like so much fun. Though Neechan doesn't seem to think the same. She was hiding behind Candy-cane, they both look so nice. Neechan looks the best though; very pretty with her dress. I can see lots of the guys looking at her.