Lani POV:

My heels clacked as I walked down the hallway of the hero commission building.

It was no secret I was getting fired after last night's debacle. I had one single job, and it was to have Shouto's new relationship with Momo make a grand entrance to the public and create the season's new 'it' couple.

Instead, he ran off stage and I kissed him in the bathroom, and then proceeded to ride the fuck out of him on my couch today—like so much so, I think I still have some of his cum inside me as we speak, okay. One shower wasn't enough apparently.

As you can see, I've also adopted his bad habit of oversharing. So....ignore that...

But, look—all creampies aside, it doesn't take a genius to understand that last night was an utter failure on my part. And now it's time to pay the price.

I approached Yuna's office door with a sharp exhale, smoothing out my business jacket and keeping my black sunglasses on as I pushed it open. Getting fired from the hero commission's gonna look really bad on my resume, but don't worry, I've got a backup plan. Just watch.

With balls blazing and my entire career already in shambles on the ground, I gave Yuna a sloppy salute and unprofessionally kicked her door closed with my foot, tossing my briefcase on the floor before sliding into the office chair.

No use putting on a boss woman show anymore. While I may be a woman, I am, in fact, not a boss. I'm a peasant and proud.

"Lani." Yuna didn't even look up from her computer, continuing to type rapidly. "Just the disappointment I wanted to see."

"'Sup.'" I nodded with the disrespect of an ex-employee, watching her sigh and close her laptop now.

She folded her hands on the desk and looked at me with that heartless prestige I recognized. It's like when you can see a breakup coming, except this is about my career instead and now I can't pay my rent. "No need for your informalities. I'm sure you can figure out why you're here."

"Of course. It's about last night." I shrugged, waving her off carelessly as I grabbed a piece of gum from my bag. "Go on."

She cleared her throat and silence consumed the two of us, tense enough to be cut through with a knife. Yuna burned her eyes into me and her mouth slowly opened to speak. I could sense the bandaid was about to rip off, causing the two of us to talk our truths simultaneously...

"It appears that Shouto and Momo were an utter success at last night's banquet, Lani-"

"You can't fire me, I quit."

The two of us went blank before simultaneously gasping as the words of the other kicked in, slapping our hand over our mouths in almost humorous sync.

"I'm sorry?" Yuna's eyes went wide with a mixture of shock and offense, causing my blood to freeze.

"I....accept your apology." I tried to deflect, chuckling sheepishly at the hole I just accidentally dug myself into.

Yuna narrowed her eyes at me, and even though I've just made things worse, I'm not gonna lie. It's satisfying as hell that she seems more affected by my panicked resignation than I thought she'd be. Heh, guess I am pretty important around here—even though Mai and I are the last resorts and only ones left. But, you know, details...

"You're quitting?" She grit through her teeth.

Trying to gain back my composure, I waved her off again—only this time, with more respect than before. "A-Absolutely not. It was a joke. But, Shouto and Momo sure aren't. So, please...uh...tell me about...that."

I fidgeted a little uneasily in my chair, already running through the worst case scenarios that came true at the banquet last night. Shouto didn't exactly leave the best impression on the audience yesterday, but somehow, it still seemed to work out in his favor? How? And why do I get a bad feeling about it?

Yuna spun around in her chair before swiping a new magazine from the table behind her, slapping it on her desk for me to see. It was a picture of Shouto in his suit last night, and...Momo was holding onto his arm. I mean, yeah, why wouldn't she? She's his date. But, it doesn't mean I like it...

"Well, I'm not sure I need to tell you anything you don't already know." Yuna crossed her arms and nodded at the magazine. "I trust you've been reading the articles on it all day long, considering Shouto's face is plastered on the cover of every single one."

I haven't read a single thing because Shouto and I were fucking all day.

"Duhhh." I rubbed the back of my neck, quickly glancing the contents of the article for the very first time in front of Yuna. "That just goes without saying."

Dread rose in my stomach when words like 'couple' 'sexy' 'secret' and 'dual hotties' flashed in my vision as I skimmed the article at lightning speed, absorbing none of it and thankful when Yuna put me out of my misery and explained.

"So it seems that while you absolutely failed in solidifying Shouto and Momo's relationship like I asked you to...it actually turned out for the best." She side eyed me, appearing unimpressed by the accomplishment. "Shouto and Momo simply attending the event together was enough to spark rumors of dating—and apparently they had a long conversation at the dinner table that people say looked, quote on quote, 'intense.'"

Oh yeah, I was too busy cutting up drugs in the bathroom to eavesdrop on that one, but thank goodness the 'spectators' missed the sheen of tears Momo had in her eyes when I came back to the table after said 'intense conversation' took place. It was clearly intense all right...

I simply coughed at the reality, furrowing my brows in mock focus and giving Yuna a professional nod.

"The speculation theories of if they're dating, when they started dating, and how long they've been dating have been breaking the internet all day!" Yuna's excitement started to show as she opened her laptop again, scrolling through all the new 'Shouto' content plastered all over the internet. "One Reddit user even wrote a seven page analysis breaking down a theory that the two have been involved in a secret, sexy love affair for the last six months. Hah! Can you believe that?"

"No. I really can't..." I uttered under my breath, seeing picture after picture of Shouto and Momo together each time I flipped the page of the magazine.

"And then Vogue gave us a call—ahhh!" Yuna swooned, melting back into her chair with a victorious, greedy grin. "They said Shouto got booked for a dual photoshoot with Momo Yaoyorozu! Do you have any idea how much money that will add to my paycheck? I don't suppose I have anyone else to commend for that one, Ms. Hidaka."

Actually you do, and her name is Momo Yaoyorozu. But, who really needs to know that when it's one of the only things that saved my job?

Also...hey—why don't I get any of that extra money?!

I flipped the final page, and I couldn't help but hesitate at the picture that stared me in the face. It was another picture of Momo and Shouto. The two looked amazing together. So pretty. So put together and powerful. So rich. Momo was stunning.

The title above them read, "Japan's Newest 'it' Couple That Just Works!"

I simply sighed, ignoring the heaviness in my chest as I closed the magazine and tossed it back on Yuna's desk, looking at her with my usual poise. Though, my charm felt emptier due to the side effects of stuffing down my insignificant hurt feelings.

Guess it's not just the Mizuchi that make me worried about starting something with Shouto. Even without that, there's still a huge gap between us. One I won't ever be able to close.

"Of course. I planned for this." I smirked blankly. "Always one step ahead, you know. That's the entertainment business, baby. You know how it is."

"Yeah? Well, don't let it get to your head." Yuna's smile dropped into a deadpan, causing me to wipe the smirk off my face and sit up straighter. "It might surprise you, but after Shouto ran off the stage last night, I had every intention to fire you this morning, Lani."

"Really? That's, like, so crazy. Never woulda' guessed." I mocked in surprise, quickly glossing over that little tidbit. "So, anyways, now that the speculation stuff's been getting Shouto's name out there—and we've now just established that sexy speculation is even better than actually having him date someone—I assume that Shouto and I can move on from this 'Momo business' and think of more...productive ways to build his fan base?"

The question was just as selfish as it was unselfish. Of course, I wanted Shouto to get away from Momo because he didn't have real feelings for her, and she didn't make him happy. But, selfishly, I also wanted her gone because she was just another barrier between Shouto and I. Another reminder of how she fits into his world, and I don't.

The newest it couple that just 'works,' remember?

I'm starting to see why Shouto dated this woman for so long even though he didn't want to. If the whole world tries to convince you that you're perfect for one person, you probably start to believe it—or...at least...try to make yourself believe it.

I'm threatened by Momo, I'll admit. And even though Shouto doesn't have feelings for her now, he could end up getting some if he's forced to spend this much time with her and revisit their past.

He's more likely to get sick of me when Momo and I are both standing side by side. She's got a lot more to offer, and one day, he might see that. Of all the people in this world, I really don't want Shouto to see what I lack...

But, above all else, I'm his publicist. And, according to the rest of the world, neither my opinions, nor Shouto's matter when it comes to his own success.

"You're insane if you think we're gonna let go of Momo now." Yuna shut me down, rising from her chair. "This has started something big, Lani, and I intend to see it all the way through. I got in touch with Miss Yaoyorozu this morning, and I proposed the idea of a contract to her, you see. A very legal and serious binding contract that would ensure big things for 'Sho-Mo.'"

"Shomo? Really?" I grumbled of the couple name, huffing annoyance under my breath. "Uh. And...what kinda big things?"

"A one year public relationship." Yuna stated casually, causing my eyes to widen in panic now.

Oh, you've gotta be joking right now. This is even worse than the worst case scenario...

"W-Woah, hold on." I stumbled nervously, immediately rising from my own seat. "What happened to that whole 'sexy speculation' thing we had going on? I mean, I was getting hot and bothered just thinking about it-"

"Speculation can only get us so far." Yuna explained, rummaging through some of the file folders on her desk. "After awhile, people are gonna start wanting answers. That's what the Vogue photoshoot is for. It's the perfect hard launch of the official Shomo Era."

I let out a tense breath, trying to keep my cool while simultaneously steering Yuna in a different direction, "Ma'am, with all due respect. As you witnessed last night onstage, Shouto doesn't seem to do well in...forced romantic encounters."

"So what? Then he'll simply fit the bill for the majority of all celebrity relationships." She scoffed dismissively, handing me a giant stack of papers.

My skin paled as I looked at the title, suddenly feeling this whole situation becoming way too real too fast...

MOMO YAOYOROZU & SHOUTO TODOROKI BINDING CONTRACT

I swallowed heavily and gripped the edges of the papers tight enough to fray them, feeling so utterly powerless. I had so much freedom with Shouto's career decisions, and also his comfort level when hero season started. But, the more successful he becomes, the more I get pushed out.

And, I'm starting to worry....that one day, I'll be pushed out completely.

I'm supposed to be Shouto's voice through all of this. I can't let him down.

I tossed the document on the table, prepared to fight for him. "Yuna-"

But, I didn't get further than her name as the woman in question glared at me hard enough to take the words out of my mouth. I can always tell when I push her too far, and when it's time to shut up. That boundary is getting tighter and tighter the more we argue about Shouto.

Her heels clacked slowly as she walked over to me, looming over my frame with an impressive amount of intimidation.

"This is the entertainment business, my dear. This is what it's all about. If you can't handle the heat, then get out." She leered, shooting me a wicked, subtle smile with her next threat. "After all, Mr. Yaoyorozu called this morning, said Shouto was very interested in finding a new publicist."

I held in a gasp at the realization, almost forgetting the conversation I had with Shouto earlier this morning. I'd been too distracted all day by what came from that conversation to really think about the situation.

That's right, Momo's father sent me the release form to surrender the position of being Shouto's publicist. But, I thought that was still just an issue between him and I...

Now I realize, he'd already gone over my head and went straight to my boss. Per Momo's request, I'm sure.

"W-What?" I resented the waver of my voice, causing Yuna to shush me mockingly.

"Oh, not to worry, dear. I told him that wouldn't be allowed due to this new contract that was only possible because of your success from last night." Yuna explained slow and careful. "I told him, that so long as you follow my orders, there's no need for Shouto to switch publicists."

A simultaneous threat and reassurance. Typical hero commission tactic, they really are the masters of manipulation.

I know exactly how this game works. Because I'm guilty of playing it before myself. I'm just like Yuna. Just like everyone here. Before I met Shouto, I didn't give a damn. But, now...I just feel disgusted.

With a sigh of defeated, I had no choice but to nod and back down, causing Yuna to smirk knowingly. "I've told you once and I'll tell you again, Lani. Momo Yaoyorozu is your ticket to winning hero season. If I were you, I'd focus less on fighting with me, and more on trying to make sure you cater to her every whim. Having her unhappy would surely be detrimental for you."

It was already bad enough that Momo was about to be bound to Shouto. Now I had to treat her like a spoiled princess, too? Gimme a break...

"Right." I simply uttered, giving a small bow of respect before Yuna shoved the binding contract into my chest.

"Good. Now let's go. I've got the contract all written and printed up, and the two are waiting in the HPSC meeting to sign it." She said, causing my heart to jump.

"Wait. Shouto and Momo are both here? Now?" I gawked, feeling my anxiety reaching its peak.

This must be what Momo was blowing up Shouto's phone about earlier today. I wonder what he thinks about all of this.

Yuna nodded, "Mhm. Miss Yaoyorozu said she'd talk with Shouto about the contract relationship tonight, and now? Well, here they are. Together. It seems that Shouto is more open to the idea of dating Momo than you are. I wonder why that is."

With that last imposing threat, Yuna brushed past me and snapped her fingers so I'd follow, causing me to close my eyes tiredly and obey.

Damn. I guess in the end, maybe being fired would have been better...