Finding Me (Todoroki x Reader)

Chapter 86

The energy, the rage, the tunnel vision. Had I lost control again? Had I let my quirk take over again? Looking between Shindo's shocked expression and everyone else's was enough confirmation for me.

"You could've killed him, you monster!"

No one said a word. No one even moved to help Shindo off the floor, too shocked and nervous to dare move.

"... you'll realise just how much a fraud you are..."

My eyes widened as  slight tremors wracked my body, the severity of the situation crashing down all at once. It had happened again. I'd lost control again. All for One was right. That kid from Class B was right. I really was just a fraud, a... a monster! 

A slight touch on my hand had me jumping, only to relax as Shoto's other hand intertwine with mine. The mixture of his heat and coolness relaxed me, and I was suddenly reminded of something; of just this morning, in the early hours of it as we'd gazed up at the the falling stars whilst eating sweets and making promises.

"You are that bright beacon of light and hope, and you do extinguish the darkness...."

That's right. I was that person. I wasn't just this... thing belonging to All for One. He wasn't here. He couldn't hurt me. He couldn't hurt anyone...

"You're already the hero you want to be, Y/N, you've just got to see it the way that everyone else does. The way I do."

Hesitantly, I stepped out of Shoto's half embrace, and I kept walking until I was right in front of the second year boy I'd assaulted. He was staring up at me with wide eyes, and I stared back at him. The silence continued for a moment longer before I finally decided to offer my hand.

"I'm sorry," I said, gesturing for him to take my hand. He eyed it for a few seconds, but eventually took it, and I slowly pulled him to his feet.

Shindo brushed himself off, his cockiness slowly returning. "Apology accepted, Princess-"

"Consider that a warning," I cut him off, my glare hard. "Talk trash about my classmates and school again, and I promise you that you will be one of the students who fails today. Are we clear, Shindo of Ketsubutsu Academy?"

For a brief moment, genuine worry crossed his features, any suave or cockiness he had before evaporating into thin air. I kept eye contact with him, not ready to relinquish just yet. Shindo gulped and just nodded, muttering, "Sure thing, L/N. See you around, then..."

With that, him and his classmates departed, and I allowed myself a breath of relief. A heavy force hit my back, eliciting a surprised grunt out of me as Kyoka hugged me from behind.

"Way to go, Y/N!" she cried. "You really showed that loser who's boss. Am I right, guys?"

Kaminari whooped in agreement, and the others joined in, their enthusiasm making me blush. I looked away from them, only to find Shoto already looking at me, too. Cue more blush.

"They're right, you know," he said, his small smile making a short appearance. "That was... pretty badass. I'm pretty sure he pissed his pants"

I shrugged, letting my gaze drop to the floor. "If that was all I did, I'm grateful. But I let it go again, Shoto..."

He hummed in confirmation. "I know. But you reigned it in. That's better than last time."

"I guess." Honestly, I didn't feel any better than last time, but he did have a point. Maybe I could just take this small victory, just for today, at least. So, nudging his shoulder softly, I said, "Thanks."