Determined [Tsuyu Asui X Fem! Reader]

Chapter Thirteen

You awoke in cold sweat. Another nightmare? Damn. You glanced at the picture on your wall. Hīru stared back at you, a smile on his face. In that particular photo, you were about eight years old and he was around fifteen—when he just got into your school. It was also his birthday, and you were having a celebration for both of his feats. You missed him so much.

You turned to you your digital clock. 5:30 in the morning. You hopped out of bed, changed into casual clothes, and went into the kitchen. You searched for a kettle and a few ingredients and prepared to make pancakes, tea, and coffee. Once a common dish in the Ōtā family kitchen.

"Ōtā-chan?"

A hand rested on your shoulder. You turned around, and Tsu stood, stoic as ever. However, she had an expression that slightly showed concern.

"Why are you up?"

You laughed. "I could say the same about you. But I couldn't sleep." You paused, unsure how, or if you would continue. "See, I have nightmares a lot. I've seen so many things that I wish I could unsee. It affects my sleep."

Tsu didn't reply. She rested her hand and continued to stand next to you quietly, watching you cook. You flipped a pancake and placed it on one of your many stacks and then began to wash the dishes. A minute later, Tsu joined you, and you became the power duo at dish washing.

"Thanks Tsu. If you don't mind, can you carry some of those dishes to the table? I'd really appreciate it." You nodded to the tall stacks of fluffy pancakes as you left the room. Tsu followed behind you, three plates in her arms.

You placed them on the table, running back and forth from the kitchen to the dining room while the students of Class 1-A piled into the room outside of the dining room. Previously, you had asked Tsu to gather the students. You made everything look pretty, then you invited everyone in.

They all took seats near their friends, while Tsu beckoned you over next to her. You placed one pancake on your plate, buttered the delicacy lavishly, and ate it with syrup while making endless conversation with your peers. It was what you were looking for all this time. Not for success. Not for villainy, but for peace and love. For unity and harmony. For the smiles of future friends.

Once everyone was done, you stacked everyone's plate and washed them all in the sink. Again, Tsu accompanied you and you were the same, sharp, power duo that you would always hope to be.

"Hey, Tsu?" You turned to her.

"Yes?" She replied.

"Thanks a lot for your help. I really appreciate it." You said, smiling warmly. Tsu noticeably blushed, but then returned your smile.

"Do you want to go to the mall later today?" She asked, visibly flustered. "How does noon sound? Only if you want to go, that is."

You smiled again. "Sure! Noon is in about an hour, right? Since the mall is only about a mile away, we can walk there."

Tsu looked relieved, but went back to her stoic expression. "Okay. I'll meet you near the doors in an hour."

I think I'm gonna like her.