Shouto POV:

The photoshoot with Momo continued on much longer than I would have liked.

I'm not sure why we needed to take so many pictures. Or wear so many different outfits. But, the worst part about it was all the touches and....well....especially the kissing.

Kisses with Momo have always been...dull, and I don't mean that in an insulting way. Just an...honest one. I'm sure she'd appreciate that honest truth, who doesn't want that?

Momo was the only person I kissed for a long time, and because of that, I just figured that's how all kisses were supposed to be.

But, Lani really changed that. She really surprised me. Because whenever we kiss....the kisses feel....so different. So much so, it's become almost unbearable to kiss Momo now. Because I know this isn't how it's supposed to feel.

Every time Momo pressed her lips to mine, it felt like cardboard. I mean...not physically, I guess. Biologically, her lips were well moisturized. And she's had a lot of cosmetic procedures to make her lips the way they are right now, even though she denies it to everyone else. But, still, it feels like cardboard. To me. That's just my opinion. I have those.

And every time I had the chance to pull away, I found myself looking offstage at the crowd of people, always looking for one specific person and never seeing her.

It had been a long time since Lani left for the bathroom.

She's been gone for over an hour, and that....well, it just seems like a long time for someone to be in the bathroom. I mean....I....I guess I can understand why. I....I know I made a mess on her lap, and um...also.....in her.

To be honest, I hadn't stopped thinking about what happened in the dressing room for the last forty-seven minutes. Which also made things uncomfortable because my body had more than recovered from the orgasm she gave me, and every time I thought about Lani on my lap, with her shirt pulled down, and her skirt hiked up, and.....the area between her legs so...messy with my release...

It just made my arousal start to heighten, and....I didn't have a lot of experience in having to control such an emotion in public. Before Lani, I didn't even think it was possible to become aroused just by thoughts and memories. But, now I'm learning that....things like that arouse me even more than physical touch at all. That's....that's pretty interesting, right?

It was....addicting in a way. Which is weird to think because I've never been an addictive person. But....with Lani, I just always find myself wanting more. And more....and...

"Shouto." Momo's voice pulled me out of thoughts.

I'd been staring offstage again, looking at Lani's empty seat for a few lingering moments before back at Momo. She was already staring at me, breathing out heavily with a laugh that didn't sound very....happy. She seems to do that a lot. "For the next set of photos, we should get closer. You should put your arms around me, and then we'll kiss again."

She tried to place her arms around my neck, but I backed up instinctively, unable to take much more of her touching. The noise in my head had gradually begun to increase sharply, and I only now realized how many people were crowded together in such a small space. The flashes of the camera were becoming too bright as well.

"Um. Can we take a break before the next one?" I muttered, stepping away from her again when she came closer. "I....I have to use the bathroom."

I didn't really need to, so I guess that would make it a....lie. And we've already established I lie now. But...it wasn't all a lie. I did need a break, and also, I guess I wanted to check on Lani.

But...

"Aw. Can it wait thirty minutes, Shouto? Pretty please with a cherry on top!" The photographer chimed in, looking up from his camera.

"A...cherry-" I asked in confusion before he spoke over me.

"We only have two more looks to photograph and we're losing daylight! Let's keep going!"

The group cheered, but I didn't share their enthusiasm. Lani was usually the one to voice her thoughts, or I guess....voice my thoughts to everyone else when it came to these things. I had no problem asserting myself during hero work, or even against Bakugo because I understand him well enough.

But, in front of strangers? And about...this? Lani was better than I was when it came to this stuff, and she always seemed to know what I was thinking even when I didn't say it. I really like that about her.

Without her here though, I find myself not knowing what to say in a situation like this. I guess...thirty minutes isn't too long. However, um....I did ask for a break thirty minutes before this, and the photographer also said 'only thirty more minutes' then as well. Have they just lost track of time? Or maybe they forgot to count?

I don't know. Lani would though. She was always a little bit mean to people in her profession, and I never really understood why. I...I'm starting to think that maybe they don't listen to you if you're not a little bit mean. Well, that's what she said. But, now, I guess I understand that more (?)

But, Lani wasn't here. So, I sighed and nodded, deciding to believe these people again when they said 'thirty more minutes.' I'm sure they're telling the truth.

The photoshoot resumed, yet the photographer was only able to snap one more picture before my phone dinged in my pocket, causing me to quickly interrupt again—upsetting Momo, I think, from her loud sigh—and check my phone...

Group Chat Message With Mr. Aizawa, Midoriya, & Bakugo:
(Mr. Aizawa): My office. Now. We've had a breakthrough on the Mizuchi case and I need all of you here ASAP
3:23pm.

Oh. Well....that seems like a pretty good excuse to leave. Better than the bathroom lie, I think.

"Um. I actually have to go." I read over the message on my phone once more, quickly walking out of Momo's tightly gripped arms and off the set. "There's an emergency at work."

She threw her hands up in...disappointment (?), I assume, since that's the only emotion I can recognize from her. "Right now? We only have two outfit changes left, and we haven't even gotten to the best ones. Can't it wait an hour?"

The photographer nodded in agreement, along with everyone else, and they all looked at me like I was supposed to agree. And...yes...I'm not good with situations like this....

But, I am when they're about my job. My real job. Hero work, not.....not whatever this is.

"Um. No..." I said slowly, ensuring everyone understood before I grabbed my coat and headed for the door. "Goodbye."

I guess...I'll have to see Lani later.

*

It's been quite awhile since Midoriya, Bakugo, and I have heard anything about the Mizuchi case.

If I'm being honest, it's not on my mind the way it should be, or...the way it would have been before Lani came into my life. Work used to be the only thing I thought about, but now....thinking about it for more than a few minutes seems....difficult.

I understand that we aren't meeting Mr. Aizawa's expectations. Almost everything that's been found of this mission so far has been from him, when really, it should be from us.

I'm sure he won't be happy to see the three of us today.

With a deep sigh, I approached the meeting room in the HPSC Headquarters, opening the door to see Midoriya and Bakugo were already there. Mr. Aizawa hadn't arrived yet, and the two of them were looking at something on Midoriya's phone, something I couldn't see.

Their talking ceased once I entered the room, before Midoriya quickly closed his phone. "Shh! He's here." He squeaked out in a hushed whisper, and....from the way he's looking at me, I think I'm the 'he' in question. Maybe.

I looked at him and Bakugo, but the two of them said nothing. Well, Bakugo clearly wanted to say something because that vein in his forehead was bulging again. The one I always tell him to see a doctor about. However, if they opted not to speak, I figured it wasn't important, setting my stuff down next to Midoriya.

"Um. Hi?" I said to the two of them in confusion, placing my hero briefcase and phone on my desk.

"S-Shouto, heyyy!" Midoriya laughed. He laughed in the way he does when he's guilty and doing a bad job of hiding something. "Uhhh. What are you wearing...?"

"Oh. A pirate costume." I clarified, looking down at my attire.

....I thought it was obvious?

"Right." He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I guess the better question is why are you-"

He didn't get to finish his sentence as Bakugo slammed his hand down on the desk, causing Midoriya to jump and me to look at the bulging vein in his head. Again. "Aghhh, enough of this!" He growled like a chihuahua. "I ain't staying quiet anymore!"

"Kacchan!-"

"You think you're slick, dontcha'!" Bakugo sneered, pointing a finger at me and doing the hemorrhoid walk.

I blinked a few times in confusion. I've only been here for thirty seconds, but he's already upset. "Slick? No, I'm quite dry. I had an umbrella with me outside-"

"Oi! Don't play dumb! You didn't fool me, ya know." He grit through his teeth, starting to sweat from how angry he was. "I knew you'd try to play dirty. What, you don't think you can beat me at hero season fair and square, huh? Still, I didn't expect you to resort to cheating of all things!"

Cheating? Now I was even more confused.

Cheating wasn't something I've ever been interested in, as the entire concept of it has always been pointless to me. Also unnecessary. I always worked hard...sometimes, whether I wanted to or not.....and that always got me where I needed to go. Because of that, my biggest challenger to myself was always....well, myself.

And if your biggest competition is yourself, then really, cheating is only a detriment to the person doing the cheating. I think I'm getting off track. But, then again, I only do that when I get confused. And I am.

"What are you talking about?" I asked before Bakugo ripped Midoriya's phone from his hands, shoving it in my face for me to see.

On the screen was Momo's face, and also my own. It was a picture of the two of us from the banquet, but...I think it was the headline of the article that was supposed to grab my attention. It said, 'The Season's Newest It Couple?' with a question mark.

I guess...the people who wrote the article are...just wondering, and that's why they put a question mark? It would make sense since Momo and I haven't officially confirmed our fake relationship. That's what the pirate photoshoot today was for.

Um, but still. It seems odd to write an entire article on something you're 'just wondering' about. Wouldn't that just make it a public diary-

"When were you gonna tell us, huh?" Bakugo's nagging voice brought me out of my thoughts, scoffing at the article before handing Midoriya back his phone. "That you conveniently got back together with the ponytail bitch after the banquet? Right before her big movie deal, too. Coincidence?"

"Oh. No, it's not a coincidence actually." I explained bluntly. "It's a contract. So...that would make it....the opposite of a coincidence. Because it was planned."

It was only after I said it that I wondered....if I was allowed to say that. But, Midoriya and Bakugo are my friends. So, I'm sure it's fine.

And....even if it's not fine....oh well?

"Contract?" Midoriya chimed in, blinking a few times in what looked to be surprise. "Wait, so you and Momo aren't really back together?"

It was weird, how his words brought me some kind of....I don't know....ease?

I know it's a contract, and I know that Momo and I aren't really back together. But....today, with all the kissing, and touching, and....everything, I did get some feelings that I used to feel when we actually....were in relationship.

The dullness. The distance. That feeling of just....existing within my own mind and nowhere else. That's.....well, that's pretty close to how I've always felt with her.

Today, I realized that whether I'm dating Momo in a contract relationship, or a...real relationship, it's really not so different.

I feel the same about her in both circumstances.

"No. We're not....technically back together." I closed my eyes with a tired sigh, rubbing the sides of my head. "But....um....I don't think Lani would want people knowing that. So....it's best you don't tell people."

Now Bakugo made a face, one he usually makes when he likes to threaten people into...'blackmail,' I believe it is. "Not surprised it was her doing." He seethed, dropping down into the seat next to Midoriya. "That bitch has always seemed sketchy from the start."

"Kacchan..." Midoriya whispered, face palming into his hand now.

Bakugo's words immediately pricked something in my veins. Specifically, in his last sentence.

It's not the first time he's called her that name. He said it about her a few weeks ago, as well. Back at the house party that Lani's friend hosted. I remember I had the same feeling back then that I do right now. Only, now....I guess....it might even be a little bit stronger?

I'm not very good about emotions, whether it's deciphering my own or ones from others. But, I did notice this feeling. Because it's a feeling I used to have a lot of before I came to UA, before I found friends, and met Midoriya.

Anger. The feeling is anger. It's probably the most familiar feeling I know, or at least one of them. It's the one I'm always able to recognize. Because that's how I walked through life for a long time.

I crossed my arms, feeling my fists ball tightly as I glanced at the desk distractedly, "The contract relationship wasn't Lani's idea. And there's no reason to call her that. So don't."

My voice came out with a warning. But, if there's one thing I know about Bakugo from all these years, it's that he treats warnings like challenges. And this is one thing I didn't want him to bother me about.

"I'll call her whatever the hell I want to." He smirked tauntingly. "Besides, it wouldn't be a lie anyways, considering the state I caught the bitch and her ex in at the banquet."

My heart jumped in that moment, and I wondered if I was having another heart attack. But, more importantly, I found myself immediately reflecting on the banquet. Because I wanted to remember. About whatever he was saying. I wanted to remember so I could dismiss it immediately, before any overthinking ideas could form in my head.

But...

"I...don't know what you're referring to." I uttered in genuine question this time.

Midoriya glanced at me, and I wondered what he was thinking. Especially because his next words felt like they were supposed to make me feel better in some way. "I-It was a misunderstanding from what I heard. Really, no big-"

"Caught the two of 'em in a back room." Bakugo cut in. "Sweaty, breathing heavy....both incredibly close to each other. They were about to fuck before I came in and caught them."

I couldn't stop my eyes from visibly widening now. It's not everyday someone manages to surprise me—or making me live in a state of denial.

"You're lying." The words came from my mouth immediately.

Because that was the only explanation. Of course he was lying. Because Lani wouldn't do that. She already told me she has no feelings for her ex-boyfriend. If that's what she said, there's no reason to doubt it. She's Lani, and I trust her.

"Really? You're gonna believe her over me?" He asked, once again, causing my words to come out automatically.

"Yes."

It wasn't a hard choice, if I was being honest. Bakugo was my friend, but Lani...she was more. She understood me better than Bakugo. Possibly better than anyone, and...now that we've been....intimate...it just feels like things have changed between us. Um, in a good way.

I...I can't describe what I'm feeling. But, I guess...I just see her differently now. I...want to be around her all the time. I mean...I did before we became intimate. But, now it's even more so, and...I think about her all the time. Once again, I did before we were intimate, too. It's just....

Everything's just more...intense now. I guess if I had to think of one word for it, maybe it would be....attached—but, not physically, if that makes sense. It's almost like...my emotions are attached.

That doesn't make sense, does it? Also, that was more than one word.

Bakugo scoffed, and I noticed he actually seemed less upset now. Or maybe it's that he was just more calm. I didn't know how it was possible. He usually nags and gets more upset when people don't believe him, because of that no one takes him seriously.

But, this time, he actually seemed more....serious. What.....what does that mean?

"Fine. Think whatever you want." He stated lowly, facing forward in his chair with a crossed arms and a thought filled glare. "I'm just telling it like it is. No reason to lie about things I don't give a shit about. I ain't like you, trying to cheat my way to the top."

I remained quiet to his words this time. Mostly because I didn't know what to say. But, also....

I guess I was....just thinking things over.

Perhaps I should talk to Lani and see if she knows what Bakugo is talking about.

I contemplated pulling out my phone to text her, but I never got the chance when Mr. Aizawa entered the room, causing the three of us to immediately sit up straighter in our chairs.

"Mr. Aizawa!" Midoriya greeted, pulling out his array of colored pencils and clean sheets of paper.

He's always been the best note taker out of Bakugo and I. He's already taking notes right now and I can't imagine what he could be writing, considering nothing's happened yet.

"It's not a pleasure." Our teacher greeted back tiredly, approaching the podium at the front of the room.

I knew he'd be upset.

"Yeah, well you can thank Mr. Prince Charming for that." Bakugo retorted, gesturing to me as....the prince (?) "He was too busy playing dress up with his ponytail bitch to bother doing anything all week!"

I scoffed in annoyance, feeling Bakugo starting to get on my nerves now. "You haven't done anything either-"

"You're wrong, Todoroki." Mr. Aizawa said, admittedly making me go quiet in surprise. It's not every day he defends Bakugo. "The only one who hasn't done anything, is you."

Oh. I...wasn't expecting...that.

"Huh?" I uttered in confusion, seeing Bakugo's gloating smirk in my peripheral vision.

I would say it's rare that I get in trouble, but the truth is, it wasn't rare with Bakugo always dragging me into his problems. However, it is rare that I'm the one who doesn't know what's going on around here. Um...when it comes to hero work, anyways...

Mr. Aizawa sighed heavily, ignoring me and turning his attention to Bakugo and Midoriya, "You guys didn't tell him about the evidence you found at the banquet?"

Evidence?

I looked at the two immediately and Midoriya gave me a sheepish glance, rubbing the back of his neck in guilt, "Well, I tried. But....you weren't listening the night I picked you up—in the rain. And after that, I couldn't get ahold of you, Shouto. I tried, but..."

His words weighed a bit...heavily on me. But, mostly because I was disappointed in myself for not being available. Work has always been my hyper fixation. From the moment I came to UA.

I guess....I've just been...distracted lately. Enough that my work was starting to suffer for it, I suppose.

"Looks like you're not the only one hiding shit around here." Bakugo snickered with a bite of his lip. "Two can play that game, icy hot."

Once again, I stayed quiet, less focused on Bakugo's talking and more on the information I've clearly missed. It's....it's unlike me.

Mr. Aizawa gave me a hard glance before pulling out a small bag, tossing it directly onto my desk. "Bakugo and Midoriya found these in the women's restroom after the event." He said as I picked up the plastic. "Stray pills from the Mizuchi. Not even in a bag when originally found, but the corner of the floor instead. To have something so dangerous just lying out in the open....it's almost like the Mizuchi's taunting us."

I held the little bag up in the light, narrowing my eyes in a bit of realization.

And here I thought nothing happened at the banquet. No...the evidence is right here, the Mizuchi were selling right under our noses. Or....just my nose...apparently.

"There were also residues of white powder in one of the stalls." Midoriya explained. "Forensic evidence tested it, and found the results came back to be the Mizuchi magic pill."

"Oh." Was all I could manage to say, setting the bag back on the table.

"Between the powder residues, and these pills having uneven edges, it's safe to say someone was cutting them in that bathroom." Mr. Aizawa said. "As we've already found out, there's a dealer in this area who's giving half doses of the pill to heroes. Do you realize what that means?"

I nodded, feeling my brain stall a bit at the realization, "Yes. It means.....that specific dealer...was at the event..."

How could I have missed this? The....the person we were looking for....was next to me the entire time. Well, not directly next to me, but definitely in the same venue at least.

Mr. Aizawa nodded, boring his eyes down at the pill bag in intense thought, "And from the location of these stray pills in the women's restroom, we now know the dealer is likely...female."

I furrowed my brows in thought, trying to think back to all the women I remembered seeing during the night of the banquet. But, all that came to mind was Lani—because that dress fit her so well, and she was the only woman I could be bothered to even look at.

I'll have to keep thinking.

"So....a woman who was at that event, and who used that bathroom seems to be our target." I concluded, stroking my chin in thought. "What if we check the camera footage just outside the restroom and identity the people who walked in?"

"Heh. Three steps behind. As usual." Bakugo chuckled, dismissing me with a shake of his head.

"There were over five thousand people at the banquet. A lot of people went into that bathroom, Shouto—too many to track." Midoriya explained gently, giving me a small smile.

Of course. I already knew that as well. I....I need to be better.

"Right." I glanced down at my desk, letting my eyes fall closed tiredly.

Mr. Aizawa crossed his arms and leaned against the podium, looking between the three of us. "Besides, it doesn't matter. While you three were messing around at the banquet, I was out gaining information that could be useful."

He pulled out a crumpled piece of paper, unfolding it to reveal a phone number. "I received an anonymous tip from one of the dealer's previous buyers. Apparently, the dealer uses a burner phone to keep in touch with their—her clients, and I now....have the number to that phone."

"What?" Midoriya and I said simultaneously, looking at Mr. Aizawa with wide eyes.

We now have a direct line to the dealer we're trying to catch. I see why Mr. Aizawa called us here today. That's definitely a breakthrough.

"Can we trace the location?" I asked.

Mr. Aizawa shrugged and shook his head, "With a burner phone, it's difficult. Plus, there's no need for that. Not when we can lure her out in a much easier way."

He pulled a phone out of his pocket now. But, it wasn't a standard iPhone or anything within the last ten years. It was also a burner phone. His own burner phone.

"I'll use this phone to ensure the dealer can't trace who I am. Then, I'll breach a line of contact with her, and set up a deal. We've already established that Shouto will be the buyer during this deal." He said, sliding his eyes over to me with strict question. "I trust, you're still willing to participate in that?"

"Of course. I'll be ready." I said immediately.

I wanted to catch the dealer, but....I guess I also wanted to show I could do this as a way to make up for the way I've been lacking this week.

Bakugo tutted, shooting me a rude side glance, "Good to see he's doing something around here."

"Once the line of contact is breached, Shouto will take the burner phone and buy the drugs." Mr. Aizawa concluded, before Bakugo made a feral face.

He slammed his hand on the desk, hard enough to make it rattle. "And then we hide in the shadows and wait to nab 'em right?"

"No." Mr. Aizawa said, causing the smile to fall off Bakugo's face. "We aren't taking down the entire organization right now. Having everyone bombard one person will simply draw attention to the Mizuchi and expose us for nothing. It will make the dealer useless to us. This needs to be handled quietly."

His eyes found me once more, giving me a nod, "Shouto will be the one to capture the dealer and bring her to us. He's skilled enough to do it himself."

"And then what?" Midoriya asked.

Mr. Aizawa went quiet in thought. To be honest, he's been really interested in this dealer himself ever since he found out they were cutting the pills in half. It seems he has his own agenda about everything, one he's keeping to himself.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves." He said, glancing down at the cut up pills perceptively. "Whoever this girl is, she's managed to stay hidden for this long. I have no doubt she has some tricks up her sleeves to make sure she stays that way."

Perhaps he's right. But, it doesn't matter. I won't let her get past me.

With a heavy sigh, I stood up, giving Mr. Aizawa a bow. "I will capture her. At the dealing. I promise."

I have to. It's not fair that everyone else has been doing the work without me. I need to do my part as well.

I will capture that dealer.

Mr. Aizawa seemed pleased (I think). I mean, he didn't react, but that usually means he's...pleased. "I'll set it up and let you know when. Just make sure you don't underestimate her." He warned, causing me to nod.

"I won't—she's a criminal. And, whoever she is, she needs to be brought to justice. No matter what."