After class ended, we were handed a list of hero agencies to decide where we'd go for our internships. Those who received nominations had to pick from their specific lists, while everyone else chose from a general pool provided by the school.
Of course, even if you were nominated, you were allowed to pick from the school's general list if you had a specific place in mind. The teachers did mention they'd prefer us to choose from the people who actually asked for us, though.
Everyone seemed to be thinking about where they could best show off their skills. The atmosphere suggested most people would decide without too much agony.
As for me? I was still weighing my options.
During the break, I was flipping through the list to kill time when a voice called out to me. I looked up to see the "Red-and-White Peppermint" himself, Shoto Todoroki.
"...What's up?"
"Do you have a moment?"
"Sure. I wasn't doing anything important."
"I see."
Todoroki just stood there, staring at me in silence. Even with that blank, airheaded expression of his, he still radiated "Pretty Boy" energy. Honestly, it was a little irritating.
"...If you have something to say, just say it. What is it?"
"Sorry. I was thinking about where to start. I realized I never actually told you anything about... that matter."
"Oh, that? Look, you only have to tell me what you're comfortable with. Or everything. I'll listen either way."
"...I do want you to hear it. But it doesn't have to be now. I'm still processing a lot of it myself. So, for now, just let me say this."
Todoroki gave me a deep, respectful bow.
"Thank you."
I could tell from his tone that he truly meant it. I don't know exactly what happened inside his head during our fight to make him bow like that, but if he thinks it's thanks to me, I'll gladly take the credit.
"Yeah, sure. No problem."
"That was a very light response."
"Because what I did wasn't that big of a deal."
"...Is that so? To me, it was the hardest thing in the world."
As he turned to walk away, having said his piece, a thought popped into my head.
"Hey, Todoroki."
"Hm? What is it?"
"Let's exchange contact info."
For some reason, he looked completely stunned. "...Are you sure?"
"What kind of question is that? Of course I'm sure. I mean, we're 'Best Friends' and we don't even have each other's numbers? That's just sad. ...Wait, do you not have a phone?"
"I have one."
"Then hand it over."
I snatched the phone from his hand, swapped our data, and handed it back. He was still wearing that dazed expression.
"Now what's the matter?"
"No... it's nothing. I just... I don't really send texts much."
"I'm not exactly expecting a novel. Wait—can you even type?"
He made a face. He can't, can he? He totally can't.
"...I can type as well as the average person."
"Prove it. Send me something."
"..."
There it was. That look again. He definitely couldn't do it. He'd probably never touched the messaging app in his life.
I watched him struggle with the screen for a good two minutes before my phone finally buzzed.
From: Shoto Todoroki.
Message: Shoto Todoroki.
Why did he just type his name? And why is there a period at the end? Does he think this is a formal letter? I told him we were exchanging info!
"...To be honest, I usually only use it for calls," he admitted. "I can read texts fine, but replying is... difficult."
"I mean, if it's not causing you problems, then whatever. But—"
"Midoriya."
"Yeah?"
Another silence. Why is his conversational rhythm so agonizingly slow?! I miss the "easy-to-tease" Todoroki from a few days ago! Give him back!
"...If you don't mind, could you be my practice partner for texting? I feel like if I'm going to be a hero, I need to at least be able to use basic communication tools for work."
"A practice partner? I guess... but I'm not exactly the most diligent texter myself. Hey, if that's the case, why not just practice with everyone?"
"Everyone...?"
Ignoring his confused head-tilt, I summoned the Class 1-A "Girls' Brigade." Since they were all nearby, they swarmed us instantly, surrounding me and Todoroki.
Todoroki actually flinched.
"Is something wrong, Midoriya?" Momo asked.
"Did you call for us, Nico? Ooh, what are you doing with Todoroki?" Mina teased.
"Hah! Is this a secret love triangle?!" Hagakure squealed.
"Really?! Awa... what's going to happen...?" Ochaco whispered, looking panicked.
"Hagakure, that's a mean joke. And Ochaco, don't believe everything you hear," Tsuyu noted.
"If it were true, the stadium would probably explode," Jiro added. "I can already see Bakugo losing his mind for no reason."
Surrounded by the chattering girls, Todoroki completely froze. I think his brain just decided to stop functioning. A wise choice.
I explained the situation on his behalf. Once they heard he wanted to learn how to text, everyone happily agreed to swap info and help him practice.
Mina and Hagakure were especially aggressive about it, promising to teach him the "ABC's of Texting" after school today—including how to use emojis and Kaomoji. Apparently, Momo decided to join the seminar too. Wait, are you a student in this class or a teacher? I thought, but I kept it to myself. Text-illiterate Momo is actually pretty cute.
Still, I really wonder if the day will ever come where Todoroki actually uses a heart emoji. I have my doubts.
***
"—Shut up, Kirishima! Stop bragging or I'll—!!"
"I'm not bragging! But man, being asked for an autograph for the first time... wait, what's going on over there? Why is Todoroki surrounded by all the girls?"
"How should I know?!"
***
After school, I was getting ready to head home when Ochaco stopped me. Since it was that awkward time of day when only club students were left, I was a bit surprised. People were really coming out of the woodwork to talk to me today.
Seeing the serious look on Ochaco's face, I got a hunch. I gestured for Kacchan—who was also still hanging around after his own scolding session—to come over.
"What now?"
"How much money do you have on you? I have twenty yen."
"How are you a high school student with only twenty yen in your wallet?! ...Tsk. I don't have much. Maybe five thousand yen."
Since he had more than enough, I decided we should head to the cafe in front of the station so I could listen to Ochaco properly. Of course, Kacchan was paying.
He resisted at first, but one of my "108 Secret Techniques"—the Once-in-a-Lifetime Favor—did the trick instantly. Kacchan has always been weak to that one, even though I've used it about a thousand times. He's such an idiot.
I mentioned that as his childhood friend, I was worried he'd get taken advantage of by a bad woman someday, and Ochaco gave me a look of pure judgment.
What?
Once we were settled in the cafe, the conversation turned to Iida. Apparently, his older brother—the pro hero Ingenium—had been attacked by a villain while on duty. It was big enough to be on the news. He was seriously injured, and his hero career was currently on hold.
"I tried talking to him today," Ochaco said, looking down at her tea. "But he just keeps saying he's fine. He doesn't look fine at all, and I don't know what to do."
"Maybe try giving him a really hard slap?" I suggested.
"I don't think a pro-wrestler style 'spirit injection' is what he needs right now."
Tough crowd. I looked at Kacchan to see if he had any ideas, but he just let out a bored huff.
"He said he's fine, so just leave him alone," Kacchan barked.
"I... I know, but..."
"Life isn't simple enough that you can just 'do something' and fix it. Use your head for once."
I delivered a sharp, "Mother-special" blow to Kacchan's ribs for that. Stop bullying Ochaco, you jerk, was the sentiment behind the strike.
"...Anyway, ignoring the local explosion-demon," I said to Ochaco, "I don't think there's much you can do. Rushing him won't help. The best thing is to just let him process it in his own time."
"I know that... I really do. But... I don't know. I feel like if we just leave him alone right now, something bad is going to happen..."
"Hmm."
I wasn't as worried as she was, but I could see that Iida was going through a lot. Still, if Ochaco—who had built a real friendship with him—felt that way, I couldn't just ignore it. A woman's intuition isn't something to be scoffed at.
"Alright, I get it. I'll keep a close eye on him too. And if anything goes south, then we go in with the spirit-slaps."
"I'll pass on the slapping, but thanks, Nico."
"Don't mention it. We're friends, aren't we?"
"Fufu. Don't start acting like Bakugo now."
We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying some cake and tea. By the time we left, Ochaco looked a bit better, but there was still a lingering shadow on her face that made me feel a bit down too. I wanted to help, but these things take time. There's a right moment for encouragement, and right now wasn't it.
That night, I got a text from Todoroki. It was as formal as a business contract, but the gist was just "Goodnight."
The emoji at the end made me chuckle, so I sent a reply before going to sleep.
To: Shoto.
Message: Hey Todoroki, you can't put a "BOOM" emoji after saying "Sorry for the late message." You're holding your hand up, but that's a face throwing a bomb! Tomorrow, make sure Ashidon-sensei and Hagakure-sensei give you some extra lessons. Anyway, night-night! (・ω・)ノ
***
If you want to read 10 chapters ahead or support me, visit my p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m /Well_being