Avoiding the Spotlight

XII

"Shoto, I made a bunch of cold soba for tonight, but it's probably gonna be a lot for us six, so if you want some more, just get more from the fridge." Your mother said, taking off her apron, and joining the five on the table. Granted, Shoto's expression lightened up just a bit.

"(Y/n), are you done washing your hands? You've been washing it for a long time now..." Fuyumi said, furrowing her eyebrows in confusion and slight worry.

"Oh, sorry. I'm just trying to take the smell of onions off my hands." You smiled at her reassuringly, before finishing up quickly and sitting on the seat only left available which was between your mom and younger step brother, Shoto.

"Thank you for the food." You all said in unison before digging in.

"So sweetie, tell us about what happened at the grocery store." Ahh.. there it is, the thing you dread was finally spoken.

"Well, I met an elderly couple while I lined up to check out the groceries." You paused, before continuing, "I let them infront and held their groceries for them too."

"Awe, that's really sweet of you, honey." She smiled adoringly at you, and you smiled back.

The dinner table was filled with chatter between the three women, while the boys only listened and ate their dinner silently.

Soon, dinner passed and midnight came.

You laid on your futon, staring blankly at the wall. You couldn't sleep.

Suddenly, someone knocks at your door. "(Y/n), it's me. I know you're still awake." She chuckled. It was just your mom.

"Sorry, sorry. I'll go to sleep, mom."

"No, no. It's alright, baby. Come to the living room, we'll discuss about your high school." You sat up slightly at this, raising your eyebrow in a bit of confusion.

"Oh. Okay, then. I'll be there in just a bit." You respond, sitting up and fixing your futon. You just heard your mother hum in acknowledgement before she went on her way.

Shuk.

You stepped out of your room, sliding the door shut behind you. Walking casually through the house, you take a moment to admire the view of the garden. The moonlight illuminated the garden, highlighting its beauty. It looked beautiful, as it always have been.

Taking your gaze from the garden, you continued on your way, your footsteps echoing through the silent halls.

Sliding the door open, you were greeted with the sight of your mother serving her husband tea as they chatted. You held back the urge to roll your eyes, "Mom, you said something about talking about high school?" You said, going over to sit across them.

"Ah, yes. You just finished middle school so we thought that maybe, we should start talking about high school." You nodded along with her words. "So," She clasped her hands, "Do you have a high school in mind?" She smiled.

"I'm fine with anything, it doesn't have to be a prestigious one, I'm fine with just a regular high school." That's what you said, but you know what you really wanted to say?

'Anything but a renowned high school. It must not be a prestigious one, it has to be a regular high school.'

"Well... we have a high school in mind for you. What do you think about U.A High?"

☆⌒(＊＾∇゜)v

'Out of all the schools out there- AAARRGHGHH why am I even surprised at this point..?'

"Oh. Haha.. isn't that a bit much, maybe?.." You smiled, trying to mask your frustration.

"Oh no, no. It's nothing at all, sweetie."

"What about Seiai?? It's a good school too."

"Hun, I hope you understand that you deserve better than that."

"What do you mean? I think it's a pretty cool school."

"Well, I think you should not settle for less, darling."

"Mom."

"(Y/n)."

"Shiketsu???"

"U.A's better."

You groaned, "Fine." Your mother's expression lightened up until- "But, I won't be participating in any activity that's to be made public."

"Won't you want that, honey? You've always participated in every event and competitions, so why do you not want to do it this time?" She asked, confused.

"I guess I just want to enjoy my high school life in private." You shrugged.

Finally, after sipping his tea, "We'll agree to that." (M/n) whipped her head to her husband, "Huh? Enji?"

"But in exchange, you'll atleast join the sport's festival on your first year, (Y/n)." He bargained. Before you could respond, "And, you have to atleast place on the top 3." He added.

You took a moment to think. Sighing, "Alright. After that, you both promise me that you won't pressure me into joining another competition." You crossed your arms over your chest.

They both nodded. "Well, it's settled then, you'll be going to U.A!" She cheered, clapping her hands. "Now, you go sleep. It's already late midnight." She added, making shooing gestures with her hands.

Standing up, you walked out sluggishly with a bored expression on your face. Sliding the door behind you, you're welcomed by the cool air and loud silence of the hallways.

As you kept walking while scrolling through your phone, you passed by the garden again. With the moon shrouded with clouds, the bewitching glow from the last time you walked by was replaced with shadow.

"(Y/n)."

A voice you know all too well, called out to you from behind. Instead of turning around though, you insisted on ignoring him, so you kept walking.

"You're going to U.A?" Shoto asked.

"Why did you insist on not participating in any possible competition?" He asked, you ignored.

"It's strange. You were always competitive and up to the challenge whenever there was some kind of activity you could participate on so why are you suddenly losing interest?" He continued, no matter your ignorance.

"What changed-" kashuk.

You closed the door to your room before he could finish his question, leaving him frozen in place in front of your door.

Right. It's always been like this... you always ignored him. It even seemed as if sparing him a glance was too much for you.

Snapping out of his stupor, he walked away.

(Surprise???)

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