Bloody Roses

3. Encounter

The air rippled in the distance at the heat of the summer sun. The heat had burned away any signs of the morning storm, the only proof of its existence was the density in the air.

Heat and humidity never paired well, but at least it wasn't cold. I much prefer heat over chill. Besides, I was out of the room.

It was a nice outing, a casual day with streets busied of people heading to and from the market.

Well, it would be a nice outing.

If I didn't feel so alone.

Todoroki had been on a call since we had left, leaving me behind. Of course I noticed the few tails we had as well, you could tell they were guards just by the way they walked.

Heavy, wide steps followed us everywhere. Never too close but not far enough to miss.

Looking up from the ground, I stared at his back as we walked and sighed softly. I pulled the rim of my hat down more as an attempt to block out the summer sun.

He made me wear a hat and sunglasses, acting like I was some star avoiding the paparazzi.

Pursing my lips a bit and stepping closer, I tugged at his shirt harshly to get his attention, "Hey, bastard."

He only patted my head before pulling away and continuing the conversation on his phone.

I let my hands fall to my sides, relaxing my shoulders as I watched him ignore me. I closed my eyes and blew my frustration out of my nose.

He's a busy man, I can't expect him to drop everything and give me attention.

I opened my eyes again, feeling better about the situation now. I just need to enjoy the outing on my own.

I looked at the building we were passing and stopped walking. I turned and looked through the display window.

I smiled softly at the familiar set up behind the glass. My stomach growled a bit and I bit my lip. Pointing at the window, I turned my head to ask him if he was ready for lunch.

I closed my mouth slowly when I realised how far he had gotten without me. He didn't even notice I wasn't at his side anymore.

"Bastard..."

I stumbled a bit when someone knocked into me, throwing me off balance. I turned quickly with a growl to tell them off but my throat went dry at the figure towering over me.

He was in a worn out hoodie with black hair falling past his shoulders. He looked homeless with how much of a mess he was.

He narrowed his eyes a bit, glaring down at me, "What? You're the one that walked off."

I paused for a moment, trying to process the meaning of his words. I narrowed my eyes a bit and flipped the stranger off as I turned away.

I'm not chasing after that dumbass. If he's going to ignore me, he can find me on his own.

I shoved my hands in my pockets as I walked against the flow of traffic, weaving through people.

Keeping my head down, I avoided unwanted conversation. I held my stomach as it growled again and sighed.

I should have taken the money he offered earlier.

I put my hands back in my pockets and bit my lip. I stood up straighter and stumbled when I was shoved to the side. I grunted and fell on my ass, bouncing a bit against the pavement.

Glancing up, I met eyes with bright blue ones. He had black hair that spiked up in a similar way to mine and covered in nasty, purple scars.

He stared down at me with such a concentrated look you would think he was looking for the meaning of life by watching me.