Shie Hassaikai's base,
Izuku's room...

Hari's POV

....Her embrace... Is so warm...

It has been so long since I hug Izuku... If I remember correctly, the last time we hug like this... Was long time ago...

Before I decided to keep a distance between us.

Izuku had always been a cheerful girl. Her presence tended to make people – including me – around smiled and happy. That was a charming, amazing trait of hers that everyone loved.

...yes. Love.

The one word I tried to erase from my life. The one feeling I wanted to forget so badly.

Because I knew I have no chance to win her heart.

Izuku tightened her arms around my torso. I gritted my teeth I'm frustration has hugged her tighter too, not wanting to let her go. I wanted to stay like this longer— in fact, forever.

My conversation with Overhaul from long time ago echoed in my mind.. The very conversation that caused me to completely shut Izuku away from my life.

"...How is Izuku doing?" Overhaul spoke up as soon as I arrived in his office to report regarding Izuku's condition. "It is only a normal fever. I already gave her the necessary medication and made her rest in her room." I informed, earning a sigh of satisfaction from my boss.

"Izuku must feel very traumatized after what had happened to her. We need to watch over her and guard her..." Overhaul shook his head in distaste. I nodded my head, agreeing with him.

"However, we are always busy to be able to watch her for 24 hours. What will you do now, Overhaul?" I asked. Deep inside, I was dead worried about her safety too.

"I will think of this matter later. For now, there is something else I want to discuss with you." Overhaul clasped his fingers, his golden eyes stared into mine silently.

"What is it, Overhaul?" I pulled a chair and sat on it facing him.

"I was planning to make Izuku...My bride."

My eyes beneath my mask widened in literal shock, yet I didn't show my expression, to avoid any suspicion from my leader.

"Bride? You mean..."

"Indeed, that is what I mean. I will do that once she reaches the age 18. For now... I'm going to sort things out between us and make her feel comfortable with me."

"For what purpose, if I may ask?" I wasn't satisfied with his unexpected idea. Why so sudden? Before, he never cared to be in relationship, since he was too focused on his own goal.

Overhaul didn't answer my question. He silently spaced out, as if he was lost in his own world.

I didn't bother to ask further anymore. My heart was slowly breaking apart...
...Because at this moment, I realized I couldn't love her in that way anymore....

•••••

About three weeks later,
In the underground hideout,
Afternoon...

Izuku's POV

FINALLY.

After three weeks of hesitation, I eventually woman up and decided to do it today.

Apologize to Rappa-san for throwing the cake icing in his face.

Though it was his fault for enraging me.

"Um... Rappa-san..." I started, my fingers fiddling in nervousness. Rappa-san, who was arguing with Tengai-san, stopped talking to his partner and turned to look at me. He tilted his head in curiosity, an excited grin graced his masked face.

"Whas'up, Midoriya? Wanna fight? I'm on it!" Rappa-san punched his fist into his open palm. Just hearing his words sent shivers down to my spines.
Back then, I was clouded with anger that I didn't realize how violent and scary he could be—!

"I-I want to apologize. Sorry for throwing the cake in your face before!" I bowed down while my arms reached out to him. I was holding a box of chocolate cake in my hands; the one I baked by myself.

"Hm? What the hell is this?" Excitement evident in his voice which was a good sign. I breathed out a deep sigh of relief.

"Cho-chocolate cake... I baked for you. If you want, you can eat it..." I gathered up my courage to hand over the green box to him. Rappa-san gladly snatched the box from me before opening the seal. His mouth grew wide before a little drool flowed from the corner of his mouth.

"Smell nice! Like ya', Midoriya." Rappa-san leaned closer to my face, a mischievous grin spread on his lips. I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Smell nice l-like me? W- well, thank you for the compliment, I guess..." I awkwardly smiled at the large man.

Rappa-san chuckled and lifted his head up back. He walked out of the living area while humming in joy. I was EXTREMELY relieved when he left.

That was really scary! I thought he is going to beat me up!

Still, what did he mean by... I smell nice like the cake? Could it be, he is saying then cake smell delicious...?

Then that is good! It means he loves the cake!

My plan succeed!

Toya's POV

.... YOUNG LADY GAVE RAPPA A BOX OF WHOLE CAKE?!

WAIT, WHY?! IS IT VALENTINE TODAY?!

B-but why she only gives chocolate to him?

... Did she hate me now? Am I not being a good bodyguard that I don't deserve any reward? Is that the reason?

Y-Young Lady...

Tears threatened to escape from my eyes. I started snivelling in sadness. I was jealous and upset that Rappa was the only one who got cake from Young Lady...

Young Lady hates me. I mean, I'm not important to her from the beginning.

Who am I compare to her?

I'm her mere underling. She is my master.

There is a large gap between us, and I'm hoping she will treat me more specially than that...

Gosh, darn it! Not this feeling again!

SHE IS YOUR MASTER, FOR GOD'S SAKE!

You promise to yourself before! Forget these stupid feelings! It's not worth it! I'm not good for her—

"...Setsuno-san, are you okay? Why are you crying?" Young Lady's soft voice snapped me back into reality. Her warm hand cupped my wet cheeks. She brushed off the tears trickling down my face.

"Are you feeling down again?" She asked, her eyebrows furrowed in sadness. I was taken aback when I saw her honest expression.

I was such an idiot.

If I'm not important to her, then why is she even treating me kindly... Like a real human being...?

She told me before that my life worth more than everything in this world.

"Shall we go to your room? We can talk in there if you want." Young Lady Izuku smiled sadly at me, as if she felt my pain too. More tears fell down from my face.

I placed my hands on hers, holding her hands dearly.

Her hands... Are so kind and gentle.

I want to protect her.
I want to treasure her.
I want to spend more time with her...

..... I want to be together with her....