Break Through My Shell (Shouto Todoroki x Reader)

Chapter 22

"START!!!"

Wanting to end your battle quickly, you waved your hand, the familiar glow of the markings on your finger comforting you. It was kind of like a reminder of your parents, something that kind of saddened you too. You got your quirk from them, and the tattoo-like ring just served as proof.

The usual crackle of ice quickly ensued, the cold material rising up and creating a sort of room around you. The layer was thick and opaque, so you couldn't see through it, but you had no clue as to what your opponent was doing.

"What are you doing?" You raised your hands up as he quickly approached you, however you weren't fast enough as he boosted himself forward and grabbed your wrists. He backed you up against the thick, chunky wall, your back scraping against the ice. His warm breath was felt on the top of your head, the position you were in suggesting actions that would have been quite embarrassing had you not been in the middle of battle.

You were grateful that you weren't able to be seen because it would have been quite mortifying for people to see you, especially since your heart was starting to beat faster and warmth was rising to your cheeks. But soon enough, he let go, your wrists frozen to the wall. You weren't able to stop him in time since you were too embarrassed to move.

When he had retreated to a far enough distance, you could see his right foot slam down and pillars of ice rise up from the ground, making their way towards you.

Concentrating, your body expelled a large amount of heat, cracking all the ice around you and stopped the charge of the towering stacks of ice. A moment later, the ice blew out, sending sharp shards flying.

And while the audience in the stands was trying to stop the ice from pelting and harming them, you continued with your battle. You didn't particularly care since it was just ice.

Bursts of your magic energy came from your palms, the soft light shining in the sunlight as they sped around, following Shouto's movement as he attempted to dodge them.

And then, his legs pushed him back as he twisted to face the trailing balls of energy. His left arm swung forward as hot, searing flames emerged, stopping your attack.

So he's finally using his flames. That's good...

Your hand flung out to produce a wave of energy, assuming he would counter with his fire like how he just did. As flames lit up his left side, his expression changed ever so slightly, and the fire he was just about to shoot at you dissipated without a trace, leaving him to take the full brunt of your attack.

His body was blown backward, smashing into the wall and falling limp as he landed on the ground.

Your (eye color) eyes widened.

Why?

Was he holding back on you?

You were excited (kind of) to be able to square off against someone around your level, but...

You were left without that satisfaction. You couldn't help but feel slightly peeved at him.

Turning on your heel, you stalked off, exiting the arena.

You couldn't believe it.

It was strange, however. You didn't want to be angry at him. It was like you wanted to be closer to him, to forgive him, but at the moment, your heart wouldn't allow you to.

You were just too ticked off.

"(Last Name)!" You turned to see Uraraka running towards you, grinning. "Congratulations on winning your match!"

You bit your lip before replying, "Thanks... but I'm not sure it was a win."

When Uraraka gave you a confused look, you continued on.

"Didn't you see? He held back on me. He canceled his fire powers at the last moment before my attack hit him. It wasn't a proper win..."

The brunette frowned slightly. "But..." She sighed softly. "Maybe you should talk to him after. I don't think it suits you to be angry at him, since you seem kind of close to him."

You shook your head side to side, indicating that you wouldn't do what she said. "I'll wait for him to come to me."

"But..."

Turning away, you strolled down the corridor, leaving her to watch your retreating back.

You weren't sure if you were being petty or not; you hadn't had to deal with such things for a while.

———

A short while after, you were called back to the arena to receive your medal. The sight that greeted you when you entered was Bakugou strapped to a large stone block on the third place podium, harnesses restricting his movement and preventing him from moving. There was also a muzzle wrapped around his jaw to gag him, although muffled screams were still pouring out of him. On the other side of the first place podium was the second place winner, Shouto.

You grit your teeth as you walked past him, hopping onto your spot and ignoring the curious glance he gave you. He had another emotion buried deep in it, however you weren't paying attention as you stared straight ahead. You weren't interested anymore, desiring to go home and be alone with your thoughts.

You paid no attention to when All Might was giving Bakugou and Shouto their medals; Bakugou had been screaming the entire time for a rematch with you.

As All Might stepped up to where you were standing with a gold medal in hand. His smiling was blinding as you stared up at him with slightly uninterested eyes.

"Good job, Young (Last Name)! Although it seems you were a little unhappy with your win, judging from the way you walked off after your match against Young Todoroki."

You nodded slowly. "Yes. If possible, I would like to have another match with him where he doesn't hold back on me."

Your voice was soft, but still audible enough for All Might and Shouto to hear. The dual-haired boy's eyes flickered over to you before they drifted back to stare in front of him.

"I see. I don't believe he was holding back on you, though. Maybe he—"

"Never mind," you interrupted. You waved your hand, brushing the number one hero off. "Don't worry about it."

As he nodded, his large hands reached forward—he was much taller than you and his arms were around the same level as your head—and placed the gold medal around your neck. You bowed quickly, muttering a thanks before All Might jumped backwards off the stage to finish off with a quick speech.

Throwing a glance to the side, you found heterochromatic eyes meeting yours. Your head whipped back to face the front, your heartbeat quickening for a few moments and your cheeks becoming warm.

What's going on with me?