Today marks the start of the sports festival. I wanted to enjoy it rather than treat it as a competition. It's supposed to be a festival—a time to relax a bit. But others might feel differently. For them, it's a chance to prove themselves to the rest of the world at the best academy.
Currently, I am standing in front of Toru's house, waiting for her so we can go to the festival.
As soon as I saw her coming out, I opened the car door and helped her into the seat.
"Sorry for taking so long," she said while tying her hair.
"It's all good. You can take as much time as you want. I can always wait." Putting on the best smile I could, I looked at her.
This made her giggle. Placing her hand on my seat, she gave me a light kiss on the cheek.
It was her way of saying thanks. I never realized I could feel this shy in my life. We weren't even in an official relationship. What do we even call this stage?
"You look mesmerizing, almost angelic." Summoning all my courage, I finally said those words.
Pin-drop silence. Did I just make things awkward?
Just as I was about to regret my choice of words, she finally spoke. "Thank you. You look amazing too."
I was on cloud nine at that moment. I love life. This is it.
We made it through the car ride and finally reached our destination. The school was packed with people, and a festive atmosphere filled the air.
I got out of the car and pulled her hand, rushing toward the first stall.
"I can smell the grilled meat all over the place. Let's try all the food here!"
Picking up two skewers, I held one out to her. She took small bites, resembling a rabbit nibbling its meal.
We looked like a couple. If anyone saw us, they would think the same.
We moved around, trying more food and playing games.
I even won a cute Hedwig soft toy for her. She seemed like the happiest person after that.
She wanted to try the photo booth, so we walked arm in arm, holding chocolate ice creams.
After taking some pictures, we continued exploring, adding more items for me to carry. I didn't mind holding her things. In fact, I wanted to carry her cute little bag.
There weren't many UA students roaming around and having fun like us. Most of them were busy preparing for the tournament.
It was almost time to head back. The tournament was about to start. I am more than prepared for it.
I wanted to spend more time here. If someone were to ask if I had feelings for her, I would probably say ~
I love everything about her—the way she places her right foot first, the way she walks, the way she breathes. Everything about her is cute to me. I could watch her all day and never get bored. Is this what being in love does to a person? Am I in love? Do I just live with this feeling?
This made me realize that love includes obsession—a feeling of wanting her. Not just her, but everything related to her. From how she chews her food to the way she ties her hair. The shine in her eyes every time I look at her, her bubbly cheeks that make me want to pinch or bite them. The urge to keep hugging her.
Do I want to be her? No. I want to be one with her. I want her.
The sole purpose of my existence feels like praising her.
This might sound like too much, but I'm grateful to be here.
Good things come to an end, and so did our little tour. The festival's main event was about to begin.
As soon as we reached the lobby, we saw everyone gathered, tense and serious. I had to hold back a laugh—they were taking this way too seriously.
"Hey, where were you guys? The festival is about to start. You're the last ones to join!" Kirishima shouted at us.
Before I could respond, someone approached us. His stare was intense, as if it could pierce through me.
"You're stronger than everyone here. But that doesn't mean I'll lose to you. Enjoy the view from the top for now; soon, I'll pull you down," Todoroki said with a heavy tone. If looks could kill, I'd be dead right now.
I wasn't the type to back down from a challenge.
Forming a mischievous grin, I placed a hand on his shoulder and blurted out the funniest line I could think of. "You're not that guy, pal. Trust me."
That remark seemed to agitate him even more. Our classmates stepped in and broke the tension, pulling us apart.
How am I creating beef with people left and right? Is my mouth that loose? I guess good looks have their drawbacks.
After everything was wrapped up, we headed to the entrance, standing before a huge crowd that had willingly paid to watch teenagers fight.
In this world, everything revolves around heroes. And UA, being the best academy for producing top-tier heroes, is the playground for the main characters.
Midnight asked Midoriya to give the opening speech since he was the top performer in the entrance exam. His opening lines were awkward—it was clear he wasn't used to public speaking. But the determination and fire in his eyes by the end said everything that needed to be heard.
He looked at me as he vowed to take the number one spot. What's with everyone challenging me today? At least Bakugo is silent. They're all asking for a good beating.
The first challenge was the same as in canon—an obstacle race. Well, this is going to be so unfair… for them. I almost feel bad for them—if I were to use my latest form, it would be straight up bullying.
On the stands, I could see my parents waving at me. Their extra cheering was a little embarrassing, but I was glad they were here.
Everyone began hurrying toward the starting point, ready to bolt at the signal.