Chapter Text
A small plum blossom sits in between your shoes in the locker. You gaze at the small flower, it’s a bit early in the month to see one of these. Its dainty white petals are in stark contrast with the plain grey of your cubbyhole. You reach and gently lift it to inspect the blossom more closely. You’re sure it’s not an accident that it ended up in your locker. Someone put it there… and you had a feeling you knew who it was.
“Good morning!” A familiar voice chirps.
“Morning Ochako!” You reply, slipping the small flower into the breast pocket of your blazer.
“It’s so cold!” Your round-faced friend shivers dramatically for extra effect. You smile and nod in agreement. You listen to her complaints about the weather as you slip on your indoor shoes. “Honestly, we should be PAID to walk to school in freezing temperatures!”
“I agree.” You smile and walk with her toward your classroom making general small talk.
“Do you know what you got on the history test the other day? We’re getting them back today and I can’t take the suspense!”
“No idea. I feel like I knew what I was doing though…” Your words trail off as a prickling sensation emerges on the back of your neck. Ochako doesn’t notice and she keeps talking about the test. You try your best to listen while casually looking around for him. However, it’s your friend who spots the person in question.
“Oh! Good morning Deku!” Ochako waves, making her way over to him. The prickling sensation only increases as you get near him. You keep at least an arm’s length away from him, while Ochako has no compunction to stay away from Deku.
“Ah, hello Uraraka. How are you this morning?” The dark-haired boy asks her with plenty of warmth. His flat green eyes gaze at her, they hold none of the comfort or familiarity of his voice.
She pouts. “How many times do I have to tell you to call me by my first name? We’ve known each other for years!”
“Right right. My bad.” He smiles at her and she swoons. His eyes slide over to you and you look at him coolly (suddenly those dull eyes seem to be full of light). “And how are you this morning?” He calls you by your first name.
“I’m fine.” You reply nonchalantly, a hand touching the pocket that holds the flower unconsciously. Your eyes travel over his face. “Did you know that the plum blossoms came early this year?”
“Did they? I’ve always thought they were pretty.” He hums in response. His lips twitch upwards.
“I love plum blossoms!” Ochako declares enthusiastically.
“Really?” You put your hand in your pocket. “Well, I found this, this morning. Here,” You take the small flower and slide it into one of her hair clips. “Cute.”
“Aww! Thanks!” Ochako gushes and hugs you tightly. Your eyes meet Midoriya’s dark ones, you see his mouth twitch again. Just then the bell rings. “Oh! We’re gonna be late! Talk to you later, Deku! C’mon!” She grabs your hand and leads you to class.
You turn one last time to look at Midoriya. He’s smiling. But it’s different than the one he gave Ochako. Different than the ones he gives to everyone else. Ice seems to run down your spine but at the same time, your cheeks flush. You face forward once more, but feel his eyes watching you all the way down the corridor.