The students had another day off today, and I hadn't spoken to Shota since after the meeting.

He was ignoring me.

I can't even remember the last time I went a day without speaking to him... I had definitely called him more times than I care to admit.

Shota, why are you this upset?

Please don't shut me out...

I was already in bed for the night. We were back in classes tomorrow, and I was still recovering.

I heard my phone buzz.

—Hey, it's Hawks. You want to meet up tomorrow to start going over safety plans?

Great, another thing for Shota to be upset about. I sighed and rolled over to go to sleep.

••••

"Good morning, class." I shouted as class 1A started to pile into the gym.

"As you know by now, the Sports Festival will be held next weekend. Preparing for that is our main focus."

"You will spend half your time training your quirk individually, and the other half sparring with classmates."

"Any questions?" I asked.

"Good! Everyone pair up. We'll spar first, determine some of your weaknesses, and you'll focus on improving those during your individual workouts."

I was walking around the gym, watching the various students battle it out.

"I know you're all friends, but stop holding back! You won't be holding back at the festival, I assure you!"

I looked over, impressed by Uraraka's ambition.

"Uraraka! I don't know where this came from, but I love your new sense of determination. Keep it up!" I called over.

Just then, I saw Shota stroll into the gym and walk up to me.

"You do love positive reinforcement." He commented nonchalantly.

I looked at him in disbelief, "So I guess you're talking to me now? I really can't keep up."

"Let's not do this now," he commented.

I looked at him with hollow eyes. Why is he being like this?

"Ok." I replied completely defeated.

I started to patrol the students again. I couldn't let my life be dictated by Shota's mood swings...

••••

A couple hours went by, and it was time for lunch.

"Alright everyone, good work today! We'll pick this back up tomorrow. Everyone can go shower and head to lunch." I announced.

"Midoriya," I called. "Can you hand back for a second."

When the students had cleared, I asked him, "Can you meet me and All Might in the teacher's lounge during lunch?"

"Oh! Of course y/n-sensei!"

"Great. I'll see you soon then." I said with a smile.

As soon as Midoriya exited the gym, Shota approached me.

"Y/n."

I sighed turning to him.

"What's that about?" He asked.

"Midoriya still can't control his quirk... All Might and I are going to talk to him about stepping up his training. We'll start meeting almost daily to train after school," I explained.

Shota was silent and just nodded.

"I really have to go," I said as I turned to leave.

"Y/n, wait.." He grabbed my wrist and lightly pulled me into him.

I was still so pissed, but I missed his warmth.

We stood there, silently embracing each other.

"Shota, can I please see you soon?" I whispered.

Just silence.

"You could come over tomorrow? We can have a quiet night in." I suggested.

I hate how desperate I feel... But I can't let him slip away.

"Why not tonight?" He asked, which made my heart flutter.

"Well..." I slowly stepped back to look at him. "I need to start planning the safety plans with Hawks. We're just meeting here at the school, but I'm not sure how long it will take."

He sighed in defeat, "Yea. Ok. Tomorrow it is." He started to walk away, leaving me there alone.

••••

Hawks and I were still in the teacher's lounge planning out the safety procedures for the sports festival.

Today had been the longest day ever.

I let out a frustrated groan, "Ughhh! I can't take it anymore.... I'm calling it a day." I said while rubbing my forehead.

Hawks had been so kind and patient with me. My exhaustion was making me more irritable than normal.

"That's alright," he smiled. "I can just wrap this up at home, and send it over to Nezu in the morning."

I checked my phone. 10:12pm.

I sighed and looked at him, "Thank you. I'm sorry you've had to see me like this today."

"No, you're fine!" he insisted. "I'm sorry for keeping you here so late. I didn't realize you would be training today after school. We could've done it another time."

"No, it had to get done." I smiled, "Besides, I train with students after school everyday... I just feel guilty not getting started with Midoriya sooner."

"And.." I trailed off, thinking of Shota. "There's just a lot going on right now."

I sighed again, feeling pretty hopeless.

"Do you want to talk about?" He asked.

I took just a moment to compose myself, "No, that's ok. I think I just need some sleep."

"Well, let's head out. I'll walk you home," he responded.

"Oh, uh, you don't have to do that.."

"No, please, I really should."

It was late. And I was still a little shaken up about the USJ events, but I didn't want to upset Shota.

I kept quiet, so he continued, "Look, All Might said it seemed like the League of Villains was targeting you too... So I really don't feel comfortable just having you walk home alone when it's so late."

"He said that?" I replied. So All Might did hear what Shigaraki was saying...

"I mean, yea. He gave me some more information before I met up with you tonight. He said the villains were calling you by name."

I wonder what else All Might told him.

"I hope that's ok..." He said with concern.

"Of course." I smiled. "I'm sure All Might is just worried. You can walk me home. Thank you."

As we left the school and began walking towards my house, I checked my phone.

Nothing from Shota, not even a text back.

He interjected hesitantly, "So, you and Eraser Head? You two are dating?"

"Uhhhh..." I trailed off still just lost in thought about Shota's lack of communication. I put my phone away and looked at Hawks.

"Yea. I guess we are." I replied simply.

"Hmm." he responded. "Well, I hope I didn't cause any trouble for you the other day after the meeting. He didn't look too happy about us working together."

"Oh no, no, it wasn't you!" I reassured him. "He's just been acting really strange since everything at the USJ. It's not your fault."

I smiled at him. I didn't want to go into details, but I didn't want him thinking he was to blame for Shota's coarseness.

"I see. Well, it does sound like it was pretty traumatic. Are you sure you're doing ok?"

No body ever says that as a hero, but that's exactly what this life is... traumatic.

I chuckled slightly to myself, "I'm hanging in there."

I wish Shota and I could talk about this, but I was really grateful someone had finally asked.

We approached my front door, "Thanks a lot, Hawks. I really appreciate everything."

"Of course, y/n" He put his hand on my shoulder and looked into my eyes, "If you need anything at all, I'm here for you."

I smiled and tilted my head, "You're a good guy. Thank you."

"Anytime," he smiled back. "Well, have a good night chickadee! Make sure to get some rest."

"Bye Hawks, see you soon!" I said as I walked into my apartment.

In less than 5 minutes, I was curled up in bed. It was starting to get colder at night.

I wish you were here, Shota.

I sighed, checking my phone. Still nothing.

To: Shota
**Hey, just got home. Wanted to let you know I'm safe. Goodnight, Shota. I can't wait to see you tomorrow. 💕
11:03pm

From: Shota
—Night
11:05pm

I slammed my phone on the night stand and rolled over.

I couldn't help it anymore. I was crushing under the weight... The tears started to flow, and I cried myself to sleep.