"YEAAAAAAH!!"
"OH! YEAAAAAAH!!"
『What the hell are you doing, Midoriya?』
The lunch break ended, and the afternoon session began.
I was currently having the time of my life, blending in with the professional cheerleaders and the rest of the Class A and B girls, dancing to a random routine. That was when the Mummy-teacher's voice crackled over the intercom. He was probably complaining because the other students were too embarrassed to dance properly.
I totally get it.
"Look at that, everyone! We're getting scolded! Jiro! Don't be shy! Lift your head! One, two! One, two!"
"Higher with those legs! Yes! Yes! Shake those pom-poms!"
"That's it! Looking good! You're adorable, Ochaco!"
"Nice hip work, Side-Pony! You could turn pro!"
"Huh? Ashido, you're fine! Just keep going! Your dance style is completely different, but don't let that stop you!"
"Hm? What? 'American Girl'? Oh, I don't speak Japanese! Non, non! I don't understand! Wait, you want me to stand on top? Really? I'm in! Let's go!"
They told me I could stand at the peak of the pyramid, so I had Ochaco make me light and I leaped to the top. They told me—or at least, I think they did—to strike a cool pose to match the rhythm.
So, I thrust my right hand high into the air, put my left hand on my hip, and screamed at the top of my lungs.
"HEY!!!!"
"YEAAAAAAH!!"
『Seriously, someone drag that idiot down from there.』
***
After talking to the Mummy-teacher and Midnight-sensei, the truth came out. Apparently, the whole cheerleader thing was a scam cooked up by the Grape-head and Kaminari.
Momo was devastated when she heard. She looked so pathetic and crushed that I couldn't even find the words to comfort her. Better luck next time, I guess.
Actually, I will never forgive them. The Grape and Kaminari are dead meat.
I left the others to look after the moping Momo and went to represent the "victims" by apologizing to Class B.
"So, that's how it happened. Sorry, Side-Pony."
"Eh, it's fine," Kendo said. "What's done is done. Besides, you guys were victims too, right? Tell Yaoyorozu not to worry about it. Honestly, didn't we all have a pretty good time anyway?"
"I mean, yeah. I got to climb a pyramid."
"That was just you... I can't believe you just dived into that crowd so naturally."
"Well, they invited me."
"Normal people don't go just because they're invited," she said with a strained laugh.
I waved goodbye to Side-Pony and headed back to my class, only to find Kacchan staring at me with an expression that could kill. He's actually going to commit a murder, I thought.
"Yo, Kacchan. Where were you? I was looking for you so you could buy me lunch."
"Is that the first thing out of your mouth?! Damn it! More importantly, what the hell are you wearing?! Are you an idiot?!"
I looked down at my outfit. Sure, the skirt was short and it showed a lot of skin, but I didn't think it qualified as "idiotic." I really don't get Kacchan's sense of style. I mean, isn't this objectively cute? It's cute. (I'm certain of it).
I decided to strike a pose. Yep, I'm killing it.
Doya!
I tried to show off my cuteness to Kacchan, but he responded by slamming his jacket into my face.
I really don't understand this guy.
"Stop walking around in that stupid outfit!! It's an eyesore, you moron!!"
"How cruel."
An eyesore? What does he think a maiden's heart is made of? Usually, in this situation, you're supposed to give a compliment. Like, "You look nice," or "You're cute." That's just basic common sense.
Nico, the girl with the heart of glass, was now officially sulking.
I quietly pulled on the jacket Kacchan gave me, and in return, I got his usual "Tsk."
Fine, fine. Sorry for being such a "visual nuisance." My bad.
"Man, Bakugo really just hands over his jacket like it's the most natural thing in the world. I hate to admit it, but he actually looked kind of cool," one of the girls whispered.
"Right? And Nico just puts it on without a second thought. The winds of youthful romance are blowing hard today!"
"Waaaah! Tsuyu! Waaaaah!"
"I know how you feel, Ochaco, but please stop shaking me."
"Momo, cheer up! You're missing a great show!"
"Why did I... sob..."
***
After the festivities, Midnight-sensei announced the details of the final event.
It was a tournament. One-on-one, full-contact battles using our Quirks. In other words, a brawl.
I've already won. (Confirmed).
Based on what everyone was saying, the final event is always a solo showdown. Kirishima and Sero were talking about it quite passionately.
The bracket was decided by drawing lots. Since Team Bakugo came in first, Kacchan went first, followed by Kirishima, Sero, and Ashido.
Then it was our turn. After a quick discussion, the order was me, Ojiro, Hatsume, and then Ochaco.
"Save the best for last!" Ochaco declared, charging toward the box to draw her lot. She looked so adorable that I couldn't help but pet her head when she got back. I hope she gets something good.
Finally, Todoroki's team went—Todoroki, Iida, Yaomomo, and Kaminari. When I made eye contact with Kaminari, one of the masterminds who ruined Momo's day, I gave him a slow "thumb across the throat" gesture. He looked absolutely terrified.
Once everyone had drawn their lots, Midnight had a surprise announcement for the "losers." Two more slots were being added to the tournament.
Originally, the top four teams from the Cavalry Battle were supposed to move on. However, because I had snatched almost every headband on the field, a "fourth place" didn't technically exist. Everyone without a headband was technically tied for fourth. There were too many of them.
So, the teachers decided to select the top two performers from the upcoming recreational games to fill the final spots. Of course, only those who participated in the Cavalry Battle were eligible.
"Alright, the brackets are set!!"
Midnight pointed to the electronic board. My name was on the far left, suggesting a first-place rank. Plus, I had a seed slot for the first round.
I've definitely won. (Confirmed).
"Hm?"
"Ah!"
Ojiro's name was right next to mine.
"...Even if I win the first match, I have to fight Midoriya?" He looked like he'd just been handed a death sentence. How rude. His opponent's slot was currently blank, pending the results of the recreational games.
Regardless, I knew what I had to say.
"If you get in the way of my victory, I won't show any mercy. I'll pluck that tail right off, you hear me?"
"The scary thing is, she sounds like she's actually gonna do it..." Ojiro groaned.
Ochaco was also seeded in a different block, but looking at the bracket, it seemed like she was on a collision course with Kacchan in the second round. I don't know if that counts as "saving the best for last."
Don't cry, Ochaco. I'm sure something good will happen.
***
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