Chapter - 12 A Promise for the Holiday
The excitement of the Sports Festival had finally settled.
After the award ceremony, all of the students returned to their classroom.
Some were still talking about the final matches, while others looked completely exhausted after the intense day.
I quietly walked into Class 1-A and took my seat by the window.
A few minutes later, the classroom door slid open.
Our homeroom teacher, Aizawa-sensei, entered with his usual tired expression.
The room immediately fell silent.
He placed a stack of papers on his desk before looking at all of us.
"The Sports Festival is over."
"You all represented U.A. well."
"There were victories."
"There were defeats."
"But every one of you gained experience."
No one interrupted him.
"Tomorrow and the day after tomorrow are holidays."
A small wave of excitement spread through the classroom.
Several students smiled.
"Finally, a day off."
"I need to sleep for an entire day."
"I still can't feel my legs."
Aizawa ignored their comments.
"Don't waste your time."
"Recovery is part of training."
"Use your holiday wisely."
Everyone nodded.
"Yes, Sensei."
He continued explaining several things about the Sports Festival, reminding everyone not to become overconfident because of their performance.
"The Sports Festival may have ended..."
"...but your real work as heroes is only beginning."
After saying everything he needed to say, Aizawa picked up his sleeping bag.
"Class dismissed."
Without another word, he walked out of the classroom.
The door slid shut behind him.
The entire class let out a collective sigh.
"Finally..."
Kaminari stretched his arms.
"I thought he'd never stop talking."
Jiro smirked.
"You complain every single time."
Kirishima laughed.
Mina excitedly joined another conversation.
"I still can't believe Bakugo actually won!"
"He looked so angry on the podium."
Everyone laughed.
Even Bakugo clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"Tch."
I looked around the classroom.
Everyone was smiling.
Everyone was talking about the Sports Festival.
Some were celebrating.
Others were reflecting on their losses.
For a moment...
I simply watched them.
Then I quietly stood up.
No one noticed.
"...Let's go home."
With my school bag over my shoulder, I left the classroom.
The hallway was much quieter than before.
Most students were still inside their classrooms.
As I walked through the corridors, the golden light of the setting sun shone through the windows.
Soon, I reached the main entrance.
After changing into my shoes, I stepped outside.
The cool evening breeze brushed against my face.
"...What a long day."
I began walking toward U.A. main gate.
Just as I was about to leave—
"Itsuki?"
I stopped.
That voice...
I turned around.
Standing a few meters away was Momo Yaoyorozu.
She was carrying her school bag neatly over one shoulder.
"Oh."
"You're heading home too?"
She smiled gently.
"Yes."
There was a brief silence.
Then she asked,
"Would you mind if we walked together?"
I blinked for a second.
"..."
"Sure."
Her smile became a little brighter.
The two of us walked side by side through the gates of U.A.
Neither of us spoke immediately.
After a few minutes, Momo broke the silence.
"How are your injuries?"
"They're much better."
"Recovery Girl did an amazing job."
"I'm glad."
She looked relieved.
"You really worried everyone during your match with Bakugo."
I smiled faintly.
"I guess I pushed myself a little too hard."
"A little?"
She gave me a playful look.
"I'd call it much more than a little."
I laughed quietly.
"You may be right."
She giggled.
"I'm happy to see you smiling."
"Hm?"
"You always look so calm."
"I wasn't sure if you ever laughed."
"I laugh."
"...Rarely."
"Maybe."
Both of us chuckled.
Before long, we arrived at the nearest train station.
After buying our tickets, we boarded the same train.
Fortunately, it wasn't crowded.
We found two seats facing each other.
Outside the window, the city slowly passed by.
The orange sky reflected across the glass.
Momo looked outside before speaking.
"Have you thought about what you'll do during the holiday?"
"Probably train."
She wasn't surprised.
"I expected that answer."
"What about you?"
"I'll train as well."
She smiled.
"But..."
"I'd also like to spend some time relaxing."
"That's important too."
She nodded.
"It is."
For the rest of the ride, we talked about school, training, and our goals as future heroes.
The conversation felt natural.
Eventually, the train slowed to a stop.
"This is my station," I said as I stood up.
Momo also stood.
"I enjoyed talking with you."
"Me too."
As I stepped toward the train doors, Momo suddenly called out.
"Itsuki!"
I turned around.
She looked slightly hesitant.
"Um..."
"Could we... exchange our LINE IDs?"
I blinked.
"LINE?"
She nodded.
"So... we can stay in touch."
"And maybe..."
"...meet up during the holiday."
A faint blush appeared on her cheeks.
"If you're free, of course."
I smiled.
"Who the fck says no to that cute face?" I thought.
"Sure."
I took out my phone.
"So did she."
A few moments later—
LINE Friend Added.
Momo looked at her phone and smiled happily.
"Thank you."
"No problem."
The train doors chimed.
"They're closing."
I stepped onto the platform.
Before the doors shut, Momo looked at me once more.
"Itsuki..."
"When you're free..."
"Would you like to train together during the holiday?"
A small smile appeared on my face.
"I'd like that."
Her cheeks turned slightly pink.
"Then... I'll message you."
The train doors closed.
As the train slowly pulled away, Momo gave a small wave through the window.
I returned the gesture.
Watching the train disappear into the distance, I slipped my phone back into my pocket.
A notification appeared on the screen.
Momo Yaoyorozu: "Thank you for today. Get some rest, and don't overtrain."
I couldn't help but smile.
"...I will."
After looking at the sky,
I did nothing and went home.
---
Meanwhile...
Momo leaned against her train seat as she looked at the new contact saved on her phone.
Itsuki.
A small smile appeared on her face.
"So... we exchanged LINE IDs."
She quietly put her phone away.
---
At the same time...
I finally arrived home.
The large iron gates slowly opened automatically.
Several security guards bowed respectfully.
"Welcome home, Young Master."
I nodded.
Walking through the garden, I entered the mansion.
It was enormous, built with a blend of modern and traditional Japanese architecture.
Inside, several maids greeted me.
"Welcome home, Young Master."
I didn't say anything.
Just then, a deep voice echoed through the living room.
"I heard you finished third."
I turned toward the sofa.
And I nodded.
My father was sitting there in a black business suit, reading documents.
Even after returning home, he still looked like he was working.
He was one of Japan most influential businessmen, leading one of the country largest corporations.
After he stood up and looked at me,
he went to his room.
I looked at him with narrowed eyes.
"He was definitely hiding something," I thought.
Over the years, I had started to understand my father a little better.
...
Then—
I headed upstairs.
After taking a shower, I lay on my bed.
"The Sports Festival was finally over," I thought.
Then I stretched my arms and went to sleep.
---
The Next Day
Morning arrived quickly.
I woke up early for training and other exercises.
The day passed peacefully.
But...
That evening...
My phone vibrated.
I looked at the screen.
I had received a message from Momo Yaoyorozu.
Momo: "Hello, Itsuki. I hope you're enjoying your holiday."
I looked at the message for a moment before replying.
Itsuki: "It's been peaceful."
A few seconds later, another message appeared.
Momo: "I'm glad to hear that."
After a brief pause, she sent another text.
"Since we both have tomorrow free..."
"Would you like to meet for a while?"
"Not for training."
"Just to spend some time together and talk."
I stared at the message for a few seconds.
It wasn't something I usually did.
Still...
After thinking for a moment, I typed my reply.
Itsuki: "Alright."
Her response came almost immediately.
Momo: "Really?"
"Then how about 9:00 in the morning?"
"We can meet at the station near U.A."
I looked at the screen before answering.
Itsuki: "That's fine."
A few seconds later...
Momo: "It's a promise then."
"Please don't be late."
Itsuki: "I'll be there."
"Good."
"See you the day after tomorrow."
After a short pause, one final message appeared.
Momo: "Good night, Itsuki."
I looked at the screen for a second before replying.
Itsuki: "Good night."
I placed my phone on the bedside table.
"...Meeting up, huh?"
"In my entire past life, I never went on a date," I said while looking at the ceiling.
...
[ I know every single person is going to cry. ]
___________END OF CHAPTER___________