After the Rainfall: Episode 14
"It's Not You. It's Me"
"I think... that we should break up..."
"Y-You and I want to become heroes... a-and I don't want to burden you anymore! I'll take any punishment, I j-just don't want *your* future to be affected just from ONE high school relationship... "
"I-It hurts... — It hurts me so much because I'm so madly in love with you. I-It's BECAUSE I'm so in love with you that I want this... I've made up my mind..."
...
"I don't want that. I don't want us to end. When I was just a child, all I ever admired were heroes. I wanted to become one so badly, so I entered U.A. High School."
"All of my aspirations changed when I met you, and all of our classmates. I didn't just want to be a hero anymore. I wanted to be somebody that our class can call a friend. I want to be someone my friends can look up to..."
"But most importantly, my biggest wish is to be able to say that I'm yours."
...
"When we graduate, I'm going to become a hero. You and I are going to be partners, and when we have a stable income and assets, I'll propose to you."
"We'll get married, and have a family of our own. We're going to sit down one day, and tell stories to our children by a fireplace. Then we'll go out, and do hero work. We'll both hang out with everybody from Class 1-A, who have children of their own."
"We'll grow old together. We'll watch our children graduate. We'll watch our grandchildren, and even when we're on our deathbed, I won't have any regrets — because I know that I'll have been content having spent my entire life with you, the love of my life."
"H-How do you know if... we can even make it that far...?"
...
"But it's the future you want too, right...?"
...
Izuku: Yaoyorozu?
Momo suddenly awakens from her daydream, slightly jumping from where she's seated. Izuku suddenly begins panicking after seeing Momo so out-of-touch with reality.
Izuku: Y-Yaoyorozu, are you okay? I noticed that you weren't with us during breakfast, and I came to check up on you. You look like you've seen a ghost or something!
Momo: N-No, I'm fine, really — Thank you, Midoriya. I've just been... deep in my thoughts, that's all.
Izuku: Thoughts about what?
Momo: Thoughts about... Shoto...
Izuku: Oh, are you nervous about meeting his mother? Todoroki told me that you were planning to accompany him to visit.
Momo: I-I guess that's partially why, b-but that's not really it.
Izuku notices Momo's unusually woebegone demeanor, leading him to worry about her. Izuku decides to take a seat next to her, trying her best to console his friend.
Izuku: Well, um... Just so you know, if it makes you feel any better, you can always talk to me, Yaoyo-... Yao-momo!
Knowing how usually polite Izuku is, Momo slightly giggles through her frown at Izuku forcing himself to call her "Yao-momo", her pet name given to her by her classmates. Momo gives in, and decides to open up to her friend.
Momo: *Sigh* Well, if I were to tell anyone, I'd much rather it be you, Midoriya. Gosh knows that I can't tell Shoto, nor Mina, nor Kyoka... nor *any* of the girls for that matter...
Izuku: I'm all ears.
Momo takes a deep breath, fidgeting with her hands while Izuku allows her to get ready. She continues attempting to speak, but chokes up before she can say a word.
Izuku: You don't have to tell me if you're uncomfortable.
Momo: It's okay... I have to get this off of my chest.
Momo looks to her right, Izuku following shortly after. Momo stares towards the dining tables, smiling as she sees her classmates interact with one another — each with the person they admire the most.
She sees Fumi and Tsuyu walking outside of the dorms, the two planning on going to a cafè for breakfast; Denki and Kyoka playing and teasing each other on the kitchen counter, and Mina dragging a crying Eijiro up the stairs right after breakfast.
Momo: I'm not sure that I'm... ready to fulfill Shoto's dreams just yet....
Izuku: What do you mean?
Momo: On the night of New Year's Eve, when we were dancing? I told him that I wanted to break up with him because of the overwhelming pressure coming from the rumors about us... I didn't want his bright future to be ruined all for my sake.
Izuku: But those rumors are dying down anyways, Yaoyorozu. What difference does it make now that we know we won't be expelled?
Momo: I know... It's just that he opened up to me in such a way. He told me about... the kind of future he wanted. A future where the two of us would become pro heroes, and where we would be able to watch our children grow up. One where we'll be together until our... deathbed, happily married.
Izuku: Golly, that sounds super romantic.
Momo: See, that's the thing. I said that I wanted that too in the heat of the moment, but... now that I've been analyzing it further, I don't think I'm quite ready for that kind of commitment. It's simply too ambitious for me...
Izuku: Who says ambition is a bad thing? It's what's driven me this far, even though I'm kind of a loser — hahaha!
Momo: I agree, ambition is definitely a good trait to have, but our relationship isn't going to survive on ambition alone.
Izuku: So... are you saying that you really want to break up with him?
Momo: Goodness, no! I truly love him, especially after what we've been through these past weeks. I just... need time to think about where our relationship is going to go in a few months... years, even.
Izuku: I feel you. It's the same with Uraraka and I. Don't get me wrong, I really do love her, but the future is such a scary concept to me. I've experienced firsthand that life isn't going to be sunshine and rainbows. I guess you and I aren't so different in that regard, Yaoyorozu.
Momo: Our class is definitely going through its romance phase... It's definitely strange, for sure. One month ago, we were all friends just playing games with one another...
Izuku: Man, it really does seem weird — haha...
Momo: I think tomorrow is going to give me chance to really decide on my future. After all, meeting your boyfriend's parents is one big step in a relationship.
Izuku: Yeah! If you really aren't sure, then meeting Mrs. Todoroki will surely help you with that.
Momo: Definitely...
Izuku: U-Um, I just realized. Do you think you're ever going to meet Endeavor?
A shiver suddenly crawls up Momo's spine after the realization that her boyfriend's father is the number one hero.
Momo: Oh, g-gosh...
Izuku: Yaoyorozu?!
Momo: I-It's nothing, Midoriya. I guess I just... got a little nervous, that's all.
Izuku: Same here. I've been wanting to meet Mr. and Mrs. Uraraka, but I've been too scared to ask. What if they don't approve of someone like me? *Sigh* I don't know why Uraraka fell in love with a goofball like me... She's leagues upon leagues higher than me; I don't deserve her...
Momo: I feel the same way about Shoto. He's such an amazing person. He's strong, calm, intelligent... I'm not just a trash can — I'm a whole dump compared to someone like him.
Izuku: Ehehe... I guess it puts me somewhat at ease knowing that we're on the same boat, Yaoyorozu. Seems like we're both just garbage compared to our significant other!
Momo: Ahaha! Yes, I believe so.
Izuku: High five, relationship trouble buddy!
Momo: Relationship... trouble... buddy?
Izuku: Well, we're both in a relationship... we're having trouble, and we're buddies, sooooo....!
Izuku and Momo share a laugh. Izuku looks up at Momo, smiles with wide eyes, and raises his hand for a high five. Momo giggles in surprise, and the two relationship trouble buddies share a high five.
Momo: Thank you, Midoriya. I feel a lot better after talking about it.
Izuku: No problem, RTB!
Momo: Ahaha — You can... stick with "Momo" if you'd like.
Izuku: Oh, then... If you don't mind... Momo!
Momo: No problem... Deku!
Izuku: *Gasp* Wow! It's like we're besties!
Momo: I guess so, hahaha!
Katsuki: Seems like you two are having a moment.
Katsuki arrives in the middle of Momo and Izuku's conversation. With him is a sickly looking Ochaco who is holding Katsuki by the shoulder for support.
Ochaco: *Cough* Bakugo, I told you, I'm fine-!
Katsuki: Shut the fuck up; you don't LOOK okay. Deku, are you sure you should be neglecting your girlfriend right now? Look, she's fucking sick.
Momo: O-Ochaco, are you okay?
Izuku: Yeah, are you not feeling well? Do you want me to take you back to your room? Oh, God... I knew more than two would have side effects!
Ochaco: D-Don't worry about me, Yao-momo, Deku! I'm just feeling a little under the rainfall right now!
Momo: Do you mean... "under the weather"?
Ochaco: Yeah, yeah, that! Haha... I don't know where I got that other one...
Izuku: Hey, Ochaco? You should go back to your room. I'll come with you.
Ochaco: Ahh, whaaat? But I wanna eat breakfast with Deku!
Izuku: We already ate breakfast, Ochaco...
Ochaco: Waaaah... Meanie! Yao-momo, go tell Deku to make me breakfast!
Katsuki: *Whisper* Jesus, what's going on with Uraraka?
Momo! *Whisper* E-Eh... It's a girl thing. Whenever we're sick, or if it's that time of the month, we kind of just...
Ochaco: *Hiccup* I want mochi, Deku!
Momo: THAT. We kind of just that. She'll most likely snap back to her senses in a day or two.
Izuku: Let's go to your room, Ochaco. I'll go to the store and buy you some mochi ice cream, okay? But only if you stay in your room like a good girl.
Ochaco: *Sniffle* O-Okay, Deku...
Izuku begins escorting Ochaco back to her room, but she trips over. Izuku catches her mid-fall.
Izuku: O-Ochaco, be careful!
Ochaco: *Sob* Uwaaa! You're the best b-boyfriend ever, Deku!
Izuku: Th-Thanks. Now, come on, you're sick...
Ochaco: *Whimper* Can you buy strawberry mochi...?
Izuku: O-Of course...
Ochaco: *Sob* Waaaah! You're so g-good to m-me! You know what, that's it! We can do four tonight, Deku — just for you!
Izuku: *Blush* Ochaco, you're embarrassing me!
Izuku continues dragging Ochaco through her dramatic wailing, and the two manage to make it to the elevator.
Katsuki: So, what's up with you, Ponytail?
Momo: Bakugo, have you seen Shoto anywhere perchance?
Katsuki: Didn't you hear? Apparently, Endeavor's visiting U.A. on official business or something. Half-n'-Half's on-campus right now to go see his old man or something.
Momo: Endeavor... is here?
The opportune moment to finally meet Shoto's father presents itself. Seeing this, Momo has an idea.
Momo: This is my chance to finally meet Endeavor firsthand! I can see for myself what he would be like as a father-in-law!
Katsuki: Um, good for you?
Katsuki immediately goes back to texting on his phone.
Momo: Bakugo, you've been texting up a storm recently. Have you noticed?
Katsuki continues typing, leaving Momo in confusion. After seeing the rare sight of Katsuki giggling piques Momo's interest even further. She peeks over to Katsuki's phone, and sees the words "Camie Utsushimi" written atop the text log. Katsuki immediately blushes, and swipes his phone away from Momo.
Momo: You ARE texting her!
Katsuki: Mind your own fucking business; do you WANT to die?!
Momo: So, has anything happened between you two since, um...?
Katsuki immediately goes even redder in both frustration and embarrassment.
Katsuki: Y-Yeah, so what?! I just... really like texting her...
Momo: Ehehe — Oh, Bakugo...
Katsuki: Shut up, I'm not soft — RAAGH, DIEEEE! See? I'm still as cold and badass as ever!
Even after his half-assed scream, Katsuki immediately goes back to texting on his phone.
Momo: So, what now? Are you only planning on texting her, or do you want something more?
Katsuki: I dunno, I'm just... too damn shy to ask her.
Momo: (Huh, Somehow hearing "Bakugo" and "shy" don't add up.)
Katsuki: I really like her, but I don't fucking know what to do!
Momo: Well, if you want a small piece of advice, one thing I can tell you is that a text relationship isn't going to bring you far. My first boyfriend and I tried it, and let's just say THAT relationship went down the drain fast...
Katsuki: *Scoff* Yeah, thanks, Yaoyorozu. That TOTALLY makes me feel a lot better.
Momo: You're quite in a mood. You want... to be in a relationship with her, don't you?
Katsuki: ...Maybe... I just feel like everyone's been getting a taste of romance this past month, and... I wanna get in on some o' that ACTION, y'feel?!
Momo: You really don't have to rush things, Bakugo...
Katsuki: Eh... You're kind of right. It's not like I WANT a girlfriend or anything like that, right...?
Hanta: *Afar* KAMINARI, YOU HAVE A GIRLFRIEND?!
Momo and Katsuki look over to the kitchen to see all of their classmates staring at Denki and Kyoka in awe. Denki is looking amazingly proud of himself, but Kyoka is blushing and facepalming herself in complete embarrassment.
Denki: Yup! Jiro and I are DATING!
Kyoka: Kaminari, shut UP!
Hanta: But is it true, Jiro?!
Toru: Is it really REALLY true?!
Yuga: Has the imbécile really gotten le petit amie?!
Minoru: TELL US, TELL US, TELL US, TELL US!
Kyoka blushes and looks at all of her classmates. She sighs, and eventually confesses.
Kyoka: *Sigh* Yes. We're dating.
Hanta: LET'S GOOOOOOO!
Everyone immediately begins screaming in excitement except for Aizawa who is covering his ears in annoyance. Even Eri and Kota are jumping up and down despite not knowing what exactly was going on.
Katsuki: *Groan* CAN ALL OF YOU JUST SHUT UP?!
Denki: *Afar* Why, Bakugo?! Where's YOUR girlfriend?!
Katsuki: You wouldn't know her; she goes to another school!
Everyone immediately scoffs and laughs at Katsuki. They all go back to Denki and Kyoka, leaving Katsuki in frustration.
Katsuki: Great, now the MORON'S gotten a girlfriend before I did.
Momo: Bakugo, if you're really that touchy about it, then why not invite her over? I'm sure Mr. Aizawa wouldn't mind another guest...
Mirio, Hitoshi, Eri, Kota, Koichi and Kazuho all notice Momo from afar and wave.
Momo: Ahaha, see? Gueeests!
Katsuki looks down at his phone. In desperation, he gives in.
Katsuki: I'll shoot her one text. If she says no, I'm killing you, Yaoyorozu...
Momo: Great job! If you need some moral support, just know that I'm with you every step of the way!
Somehow, hearing Momo tell him that she'd be there puts Katsuki somewhat at ease.
Katsuki: Wow, uh. Yaoyorozu, thank you, I guess. That makes me feel a little better... kind of.
Momo: I'll be sure not to leave, Bakugo — Hero's honor!
Katsuki: Haha... Yeah, um — Anyways, I'm sure Todoroki and Endeavor'll be fine without you for now. I really appreciate-
Katsuki looks to his side, and Momo's disappeared. He looks to the front door, and sees Momo frantically sprinting towards it.
Momo: *Afar* I'm super sorry, Bakugo — I forgot that Endeavor's here! I'll come back in a while, don't leave! Again, I'm super super sorry!
Momo exits, slamming the door behind her.
Katsuki: *Sigh* Alone again... So much for "every step of the way"...