Chapter Nine

It wasn't planned when [Y/N] and Monoma bumped to each other in a tea house. Tucked between two tall building, almost hidden if not for the floral and vintage aesthetic adorned outside, along with a windchime, warm lights, and hanging sign written by hand. [Y/N] found the place by accident, occasionally comes—besides tea—for the gentle music, faint scent of different flowers and honey, and its cozy interior. It became a hangout venue in time, a preferred venue in studying.

Until today. Her first thought of Monoma sending a hangout message was for trying new desserts. Instead, sitting at the back corner table where they could fully see the interior and windows, the cozy air around didn't help much at [Y/N]'s frustration. She still listened intently at Monoma's rant.

"Look," she started, the same pastries they've always ordered were still untouched, unlike their teas. "I get why you want our class to be recognized. I appreciate it. It's not always Class A—which to be fair because all the time they're the ones who'll get to call in, then us."

"But—" [Y/N] sighed, remembering the dread she felt when she saw the news and seeing here friends' faces. "—they were attacked Monoma. And before you could point me about them surviving with the help of their powers, think about how they felt when Eraserhead and Thirteen were severely injured."

"Plus, those...things." She shuddered. Whoever created those 'Nomus' has a sickening imagination. "If All Might and the other teachers didn't make it in time...what do you think it'll happen with them?"

Hearing a tight laugh from Monoma made her tighten his grip on her cup. He leaned on the table, hands clasped together as he spoke with edge. "[Y/N], don't you see? Class A will be receiving special treatment. While we keep on grinding, proving we're just as strong. Class A being attacked doesn't change that."

She wanted to lash out, wipe his dumb smirk off his face then storm out. But even if one of them (likely it'll be her for the sake of the boy) apologize after, Monoma would still stick and voice out his opinion. Tension filled the table—logic against sympathy. There were glimpses of emotion from Monoma, she noticed that. [Y/N] just wished he would lower is ego when it comes to other people...he meant well, but always in the wrong situations. [Y/N] breathed slowly, reaching for her tea. The steam from the cup brushing her nose to hope it would calm her down. Her heart was racing, this time not from the chummy warmth.

Placing the cup down from the saucer, she starts. Voice quiet but held firmness. "Monoma, I know you're proud of us. Of Class B. You want people to see we're in the same level as them. But what happened over there—"

"They're fine." Monoma cut in under his breath, crossing his arms. "Better than fine. They'll get interviews, attention, teachers fawning over—"

"Neito."

...

It was the first time [Y/N] said his first name. Stern, calling him out it made him blink, caught off guard. His jaw tensed, the soft music in the tea house he always enjoyed was long forgotten when the girl leaned forward, not to corner him, but enough to make sure he heard her point. [Y/N] met his stare, hoping it swallowed the hint of pride from him. "They had to hold the line until help arrived. It's not favoritism. They survived something they shouldn't have to face early on."

"You keep talking about recognition and surpassing. But what's the point if we can't realize someone else's pain? Even if they're from Class A?" She exhaled. "Both classes work hard, and this attack isn't a win for them."

His fingers drummed once against the table. He wasn't glaring but not backing down either. The stubbornness dug deep. [Y/N] watched for a moment, giving him silence as a chance for him to reflect. Her voice went back to being quiet yet soft. "I'm not asking you to like or pretend to hate them every second. Don't belittle what they've been through. You're smarter than this."

"You're allowed to feel something else too." [Y/N] finally had the courage to break the tension by bringing a pastry first across the table for Monoma. "No one is stopping you when your emotions become real."

She placed a pastry in front of her, cutting a piece on the side with a fork before eating. [Y/N] didn't pushed further, only waiting to let it sit with him knowing Monoma won't admit out loud if her words ever landed.

But they did. He might try to hide but [Y/N] caught on quick, the slight movement of his shoulders was all it took when she glanced while she chew, while Monoma was staring at the pastry and his tea. She gave him space to breathe and react. To choose honesty if he wanted it. No snide remark or dramatic scoff, instead he let the suffocating silence turn into comfort as it settle between them.

[Y/N] didn't see it as a victory, but rather a small step of grounding him in the present. It was enough for her.

"Mr. Vlad?" Kamakiri called with a raised hand. "Is it really a good call to continue with the Sports Festival after the villain attack?"

"Yeah..." Yanaki mumbled, one eye looking at their homeroom teacher. "We understand the school was temporary close, but wouldn't the festival be broadcast? Not only citizen would watch but also villains."

"And now they know Class A's faces, they'll have more advantage in targeting other students after the stream." Tsuburaba added, earning a nod from Bondo beside him.

"I understand all of you are worried." Vlad King started. "The decision wasn't light but U.A discussed it will be declared as safe to the public once the event starts. Security will be doubled—every risk, every scenario that may happened during the Sports Festival."

"Other than that, besides gaining experience...this will be a great opportunity to be scouted." Some students repeated the last word in confusion and curiosity. "Hero internships. Certain agencies in Japan have the chance to draft a student to intern with them. Usually, it's the second and third years—" A proud smile made its way on Vlad's face. "—but their extending it to first years. Be glad you'll be receiving real action."

[Y/N] felt tingles throughout her body as her classmates murmur their cheer. She watched the previous festivals before online, witnessing every unique Quirks that the U.A. showed off to the country. This time, it was her turn—and with internships. An opening, a reason to push harder.

This is our chance. Her hands curled on her desk. My chance.

Tetsutetsu was the loudest. He didn't stop his growing excitement after Vlad King left or during breaks, he kept declaring how he'll be showing off (like the rest [Y/N] assumed) and beating Class A. Monoma expresses his agreement with him.

"With many people watching, we can show the audience how much our class is better." He stated with arrogance. [Y/N] waited a following comment about the USJ attack to bring Class A down further, but it seemed like Monoma is holding his tongue.

For now, at least. She won't be surprised if he'll be pulling that stunt during the Sports Festival.

The whole day the class was buzzing. It felt good, it felt normal. A calm before the storm would say. [Y/N] with no more patience was texting her mom about the news, polish nails typing fast on her phone's keyboard, earning satisfying sounds in her ears.

"Do you intend for the entire classroom to know you're texting?" Monoma came to her side in an instant with his bag. He leaned closer to take a peek at her messages, sending one and another after. Monoma hummed. "Is your mother even able all your upcoming texts at that speed?"

A dotted bubble appeared. A huff of amusement from the girl before turning her head at him with a cheeky grin. Monoma returned with a sharp but playful glare.

'Seriously? The school pushed the festival and a potential internship opportunity after what happened?'

'Well the parents can't do anything now as much they will protest. I still don't like U.A., but knowing how difficult you are sometimes...'

'We did raised you to be headstrong. Ace this festival princess, bring home an internship. The medal is a bonus. Love you, see you later.'

[Y/N] let Monoma read the replies, preoccupied by the giddy feeling from her mom's support and bluntness. But with a blink she looked back at Monoma. He was...quiet.

It...scared her a little. But it turned to worry when she noticed a distant stare behind his sudden blank expression, due to the closeness. [Y/N] called him softly. No response. She called again, this time putting her phone down and grabbing his hand. "Monoma?"

He uttered a confusion, the uncanny demeanor gone in an instant. His attention immediately at [Y/N], who had her brows furrowed a little. She gave him a small smile. "Are you okay? I sort of...lost you for a moment."

Monoma blinked once, slowly. That hand that [Y/N] was holding twitched, not enough to pull away but instead to show that she was grounding him. "...Lost me?" He scoffed with his chin lifted upwards, his persona back again. "Please. I was simply contemplating how low your standards be if you consider that—" he nodded at the phone. "—as an encouragement."

He tried to play if off, slid his mask back on. But it was too late.