"Tess...I need to talk to you"
She tilts her head, eyebrows raised slightly. "Oh my God, this sounds serious."
You hesitate for a second, words catching in your throat. Shyness? Shame? You're not sure, but Tess's calm gaze and her knack for listening give you the courage to keep going.
"Yesterday…" You lower your voice, even as the chatter around you continues. Aizawa-sensei yawns nearby. "I saw Ryota…"
Tess blinks, as if asking, Are you kidding me?
"Ryota? So what? Don't you live in the same house?"
"No! I mean…" You lean closer, letting your shoulder brush hers. "I saw him… in the bathroom. He was… touching himself."
Tess freezes. You see her blush spread from her neck to her cheeks. She spins around as if someone might have heard, even though everyone else is too busy laughing or scrolling through memes.
"God, Eri," she whispers, barely audible, "this is… private!"
"I know!" You giggle, almost hysterically, hunching over. "I can't stop thinking about it! This sucks."
Tess bites her lip, glances at Aizawa-sensei, then back at you. "I… I don't know what to say."
"Come on, Tess," you insist, noticing her avoidance of your gaze. "It's not like… you're interested, are you?"
Her blush deepens, and she clutches her notebook. "No! I mean… no," she stammers. "It's just… nonsense. There's nothing…"
You smile slowly. "You're blushing."
"It's so hot in here today," she mutters, voice too loud and fast to sound believable.
"Uh-huh." You cross your arms, savoring this tiny victory. "So you've never wondered what it's like? Ryota, I mean."
Now she glares at you, but there's little conviction in her eyes. "Eri, stop it."
"Come on, admit it! He's cute. And then…" You lower your voice almost to a whisper. "I saw his… I know what he's like."
Tess straightens, as if your words physically affected her. "It… it's not fair."
"No, but it happened." You follow her hesitant gaze. "Don't deny it, Tess."
"There's nothing, really!"
"Then let's make a deal."
She eyes you suspiciously. "What kind of deal?"
"If you admit you're attracted to my stepbrother," you say, enjoying her embarrassment, "I'll accept your invitation to your beach house, the one you extended to me the other day."
Tess's eyes widen. She smiles. "So… you'll talk to Aizawa-sensei and come with him to my house?"
You stare at her, then glance at him. He's looking at you. Ah… how sweet.
"I…"
"So you're saying… your first time… with him?"
Your heart skips, twice, before settling into its rhythm. What do I do now? If you accept the deal, you have to keep your word. You sigh, stealing another glance at your sensei. Yes, you're truly in love with him, and losing your virginity to him, could be magical.
"Y-yes, I will."
Tess hugs you, bouncing in her seat. "Yay! So… yes, I'm attracted to Ryota. You'll talk to sensei today, right?"
Sensei is standing up, walking toward you! Your heart is pounding, and your stomach is in knots. Oh! You've made up your mind: you'll talk to him on the first day of your internship.
"Well, did you all write it down on the paper?" He reaches across your desk and takes the document in his hands. Those smooth, strong hands… you can't help but think how much you want to touch them.
"Togata, you really want to do everything with me, huh?"
You're embarrassed, almost shaking. It feels like smoke is coming out of your ears. I have to respond, right? If I'm this nervous about something so trivial… what will I do when I actually have to propose… that thing to him?
"Uh… actually… yes," you whisper, looking down, cheeks flushed, heart racing. He smiles.
"I'll see what I can do, but I can't promise anything."
You nod, still avoiding his gaze.
"All right, everyone, quiet down and let's get started. Everyone on page 35…
***
"Listen, Eri… would you be… free tonight for dinner? Just… just you and me?"
You look into Kaito's eyes, your own widening like you've seen a ghost.
"Kaito, I…" No. You can't tell him that your heart, and your virginity, belong to Aizawa-sensei. No one must know about this unrequited love. "I don't think I'm the right girl for you. I'm sorry."
He lowers his gaze and shrugs. "I knew it. I knew you'd say no. You like someone else, I noticed."
"Yes… even if my feelings are one-sided," you reply, your voice maybe a little too sad.
"Lucky him," Kaito whispers, standing up and smoothing his pants with one hand. "And I also figured out who he is. I know it because you laugh every time we talk about him."
Great. Just what you needed. You stare at him, more intently this time, but thankfully Tess comes running toward you, shooting you a nasty look.
"Tess, I didn't do anything! Don't look at me like that," you protest.
"You're coming with me now," she says, grabbing your jacket and pulling you along.
"Sorry, Kaito! See you later!" you call, wriggling free from Tess's grip. She plants herself in front of you, arms crossed, eyes fierce.
"What's wrong?" you ask, though you already know the answer.
"You still haven't spoken to Aizawa-sensei," she snaps.
There it is. You knew it. You sigh, spreading your arms. "I wanted to talk to him on the first day of training."
Her gaze darkens. Then she exhales. "Okay… let me know later."
You nod, glancing behind her. In the distance, you see your brother Ryota training with two guys.
"But talk to him as soon as possible, okay?" she continues, those lively green eyes fixed on you, as if she can read every thought running through your mind.
Your face heats up at the mere thought of Aizawa-sensei above you. You remember, too well, earlier in class, when your eyes met. He was behind the desk, arms crossed, his long hair brushing his shoulders. That look… it transfixed you. Even now, your breath catches. Every time you see him, it feels like the world stops for a moment, and…
"Are you okay?" Tess asks, breaking you from your thoughts.
"I… I don't know…" you admit, biting your lower lip. Fingers grip the hem of your shirt tightly. "It seems simple, but it's not at all."
Tess sighs, one hand on her hip in a gesture meant to appear casual, but you notice a peculiar curiosity in her eyes, an intensity she can't hide.
"Listen, Eri," she leans closer, voice low. "You've been in love with Aizawa-sensei for months. I know you're scared, but if you don't make the first move, you might regret it forever."
Silence hangs between you.
"And then…" Tess's eyes shift toward the sports field in the distance, where your idiot stepbrother and a group of boys are training under the blazing sun. "Oh, look who's there!"
You roll your eyes. Oh no… she's spotted Ryota. He's standing between two guys you don't know, all three of them lifting improvised weights made from sandbags. His black T-shirt clings to his back, soaked with sweat, muscles bulging, every vein on his sculpted abs visible. Damp blond hair falls over his forehead, and in the sunlight, his skin gleams like it's coated in oil. You roll your eyes again, pretending to be bored.
Every time Ryota bends over for another sandbag, the muscles in his back tense under the wet fabric.
"Oh my God…" Tess murmurs. You glance at her and notice the blush spreading across her pale skin, deepening from cheeks to neck. Her eyes are glued to your stepbrother, unable to look away. "It… it's unbearable," she whispers.
You glance sideways at her, one eyebrow raised. "So… what is Hizashi to you?"
She shrugs, still fixed on Ryota, as if hypnotized. "I like him," she admits, voice oddly defensive, "but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the view."
You bite your cheek, suppressing a grin.
You glance back at Ryota… that asshole is giving you the finger.
"Ugh…" you huff, turning away.
"You should… invite him to my house, too," Tess suggests, leaning closer.
"Who?" you ask, though your heart is already pounding.
"Ryota, of course!" Tess lowers her voice, leaning closer. "Imagine: Aizawa-sensei, Ryota, maybe even Hizashi… it would be a party to remember."
Her pupils dilate slightly, as if she's picturing the scene in her head. "And then… I imagine that when Ryota drinks… he gets even more… intense."
Oh God. The thought sends chills down your spine. You… possibly sharing your first time with Aizawa-sensei in front of your brother? But the idea of his intense gaze on you, the way he does things differently… it's both terrifying and exciting. Aizawa, your love, with his dangerous look, the scars under his eyes, that piercing stare. And Ryota, brute strength, the way he moves… (he looks like a monkey… honestly, you have no idea how Tess likes him), yet undeniably gorgeous.
"I don't know if that's… a good idea," you mutter.
"Why not?" Tess leans even closer, her lips brushing your ear, tickling you. "Ryota is your stepbrother, right? It wouldn't be weird! And then…"
There she is, smiling that smile you know so well. "I can finally talk to him without Hizashi making a scene. You know how possessive he is…"
"Okay, okay…" You sigh, giving in. Tess will never change her mind. "I'll ask him, but I can't promise anything."
Tess grins triumphantly, hopping in place. She's so happy, and you can't help but stare at her.
Before she can say more, a shadow falls over you, sudden and menacing. You look up, heart leaping into your throat. You can't believe it…
Shouta Aizawa himself.
He's standing right there, black clothes absorbing all the light around him. His long, dark hair brushes his shoulders, and the scars under his eyes, the ones that drive you crazy, look sharper than ever, as if carved by claws. Your chest tightens. You can't breathe. It's… a vision.
"There you are. I've been looking everywhere for you."
Is he talking to you? It seems so. His eyes are locked on yours. Your cheeks ignite.
"Look, unfortunately, during the internship meeting we reached a conclusion. After reviewing your resume and your abilities, it would be best for you to intern at Hawks' office, because we noticed some issues with your coordination during flight."
You stare at him, not understanding a word. Tess notices first. "So… she's starting her internship with Hawks, sensei?"
"Exactly. I know how much you wanted this with me, but I'll have to focus on Shinso and…"
He keeps talking, but you're not really listening. How can anyone not fall in love with him? Oh God… his mouth stopped moving. Great. Now you're supposed to nod, right? You take a deep breath, force a small nod, and quickly glance at Tess, silently begging her to save you from completely losing it.
"Perfect! Then I'll see you around. I'll go get a drink," he says, turning, hand raised. Tess shoots you a dirty look, folds her arms over her chest again, and sighs.
"Y-yeah, fine, I'll ask him now…" you mutter, sighing.
Your heart is racing. You walk toward him with a determined stride, though it's just a façade, inside, you're about to explode. "S-s-sensei!" you exclaim.
He seems to stop suddenly, almost surprised to hear your voice so high. He turns, eyes full of concern. "Tell me, Eri."
You stop in front of him, fidgeting with your index fingers. First, you glance at the ground, trying to appear composed, then slowly lift your gaze, meeting his intense eyes as his hair sways in the wind.
"Here… you see… I wanted to ask you… something…" you whisper, heat rising to your cheeks, your legs tightening with nervous anticipation.
"Well… I wanted to ask if… one of these weekends, you'd like to come with me… to Tess's house. Your friend… Present Mic will be there too."
He looks at you curiously, resting two fingers on his chin and tilting his head.
"Hmm… but what for? Karaoke? A birthday party?" His gaze pins you, making your palms sweat. Help… what do I say?
"N-no, none of that…"
"But will it just be the four of us?" he asks, stepping closer. Your heart hammers in your chest, each beat echoing in your ears.
"I think… so," you manage to say.
"Hmm…" he murmurs, tilting his head. "But I know Tess and Hizashi have been seeing each other for…"
"YES!" you blurt out, raising your voice before you can stop yourself. You immediately cover your mouth, eyes wide with panic.
"What's wrong? Are you uncomfortable?" he asks, concern etched on his face.
You shake your head quickly.
"Okay, I'll think about it. When's the party?"
You shrug, turning to Tess and spotting her in the distance, chatting with... Ryota! (What is she doing with that idiot?!)
"I'll find out and... let you know."
"Yeah, fine. See you in class."
He concludes, turning again to leave.
You exhale, finally lowering your hands from your mouth. Your heart is still pounding, and your thoughts are racing. Okay… so that's decided. Sort of. Now all that's left is… to survive the rest of the day without fainting from excitement.
You glance at Tess, who's grinning like she knows every secret of the world. She nudges your shoulder lightly. "You're blushing again," she teases.
You groan, hiding your face in your hands. "I can't… I just… everything is too much!"
Tess laughs, the sound bright and teasing, but then she grows slightly serious. "Eri… remember, the internship starts tomorrow. You should double-check everything. Make sure you have your schedule, your notes… everything."
You nod, trying to steady your racing heart. Internship...party... Aizawa… how did my life get this chaotic all at once?
Just as you reach for your phone to check the time, it buzzes unexpectedly. You pick it up, heart skipping a beat at the unknown number flashing on the screen.
"Yes?"
"Um...mmm...yes, it's Hawks."
Your eyes widen in disbelief.
"Hawks? Hawks-sensei?"
"Oh, I guess Aizawa hasn't told you about me yet, has he? So I'm a charming guy, very sexy, and I like riding motorcycles. In girls, I especially notice their mannerisms, the way they smile, their as..."
"Uh, no, sensei hasn't spoken to me yet. What's going on? Are you Hawks-sensei?" You ask.
"Oh, so you know me! Come on, I'm an angel after all...just like you."
You snort. Everyone knows him; he's an idiot. "Yeah, tell me, Hawks-sensei."
"So...umm...you're starting your internship with me tomorrow, right? Is it tomorrow or the day after? I don't remember."
"Um...there must be a mistake," You add. "I applied to intern with Aizawa-sensei."
Silence. Tess approaches you, asking "who he is" in a low voice.
"Unfortunately, you were rejected. They saw that you're not great at flying, so they assigned you to me," he replies, trying to be as nice as possible.
And then everything goes black. You lower your gaze, feeling sad and a little melodramatic. "Ah…" you murmur.
"Yes, they confirmed me for tomorrow. So, see you! And remember, dress comfortably and lightly. Flying isn't just about moving through the air, it's about figuring out where you want to go! Goodbye!"
You hang up, feeling disappointed and regretful, your gaze cast downward.
Tess raises an eyebrow.
"It was Hawks-sensei. My internship with him starts tomorrow."
"Oh, and you're only just making that face? You see, Aizawa-sensei came here to tell you this earlier. You didn't hear a word he said, did you?"
You sigh, rolling your eyes.