Chapter - 13 A Day to Remember
The morning sun shone brightly through my bedroom window.
I slowly opened my eyes and looked at the clock.
8:00 A.M.
"...Time already."
After getting ready, I stood in front of the mirror.
Instead of my U.A. uniform, I wore a simple black jacket over a white shirt, dark jeans, and clean white sneakers.
It wasn't anything flashy.
Just comfortable.
I glanced at my reflection one last time.
"...This should be fine."
For some reason...
I couldn't help wondering if this was what people called...
A date?
I immediately shook my head.
"No."
"Don't overthink it."
I lightly slapped both of my cheeks.
Then I grabbed my phone and left the mansion.
Outside, the driver was already waiting.
"I'll walk today."
"Very well, Young Master."
About thirty minutes later...
I arrived at the station near U.A.
I looked around.
"...She's not here yet."
Just then—
"Itsuki!"
I turned around.
Momo waved at me as she walked over.
She was wearing casual clothes instead of her school uniform.
A cream-colored sweater, a light blue skirt, and a small shoulder bag.
She looked different from her usual appearance at school.
"Good morning."
"Good morning."
She smiled.
"You're right on time."
"I said I would be."
She laughed softly.
"I know."
Then Momo looked me up and down.
...
"Your clothes look nice."
"Thanks."
"You look nice too."
A faint blush appeared on her cheeks.
"T-Thank you."
Before either of us could continue—
"Itsuki!"
A familiar voice echoed through the station.
I slowly turned around.
...
Midoriya.
Uraraka.
Kirishima.
Kaminari.
Mina.
Jiro.
Tokoyami.
Sero.
Even Todoroki.
One after another...
Nearly half of Class 1-A walked toward us.
I blinked once.
"..."
Then...
I slowly looked back at Momo.
She smiled innocently.
"..."
Betrayal, I thought.
She covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
"I'm sorry."
"I really am."
"I invited everyone yesterday evening."
"I thought it would be more fun if we all spent the holiday together."
"You... forgot to tell me?"
"I wanted it to be a surprise."
This f#####king girl... ###### b#####, I thought.
Momo looked away, trying to hide her smile.
"I'm really sorry."
"...It's fine."
"I've already come this far."
Kirishima placed an arm around my shoulder.
"That's the spirit!"
"We're gonna have an awesome day!"
"...Move."
"Oh."
He immediately stepped back.
Everyone started talking and laughing again.
---
We spent the morning walking through a nearby shopping district.
Mina and Uraraka dragged several people into clothing stores.
Kaminari somehow convinced Kirishima to try on a pair of ridiculous sunglasses.
Jiro couldn't stop laughing.
Meanwhile...
I quietly walked beside Momo.
She looked at me.
"You're still upset?"
"No."
"You sure?"
"...Maybe a little."
She giggled.
"I'll make it up to you."
"How?"
"I'll buy you lunch."
"...Deal."
She smiled happily.
---
After shopping, everyone stopped at a café.
The atmosphere was lively.
Everyone shared stories about the Sports Festival.
Bakugo, of course, never showed up.
"No surprise there," Kaminari muttered.
After lunch, we visited a nearby arcade.
Kirishima challenged everyone to fighting games.
Midoriya somehow became incredibly competitive.
Even Todoroki tried a racing game for the first time.
Watching everyone enjoy themselves...
I realized something.
Class 1-A...
really was an unusual group.
---
As the afternoon slowly turned into evening, everyone gathered outside the station.
"See you!"
"Don't forget your homework!"
"There wasn't any homework."
"Oh."
One by one...
Everyone headed home.
Soon...
Only Momo and I remained.
She looked at me nervously.
"...Do you mind taking the train together?"
"No."
The two of us boarded the train.
Unlike earlier...
The train was quiet.
Most of the passengers were returning home after enjoying their holiday.
For several minutes...
Neither of us spoke.
Finally...
Momo broke the silence.
"...Are you really not angry?"
I looked out the window.
"No."
"I was surprised."
"But..."
"Everyone seemed to have fun."
She smiled with relief.
"I was worried."
"I thought you'd hate surprises."
"...I do."
Her smile froze.
"...However..."
"This one wasn't bad."
She just destroyed my dream of going on a date, I thought.
She blinked.
Then...
A warm smile spread across her face.
"I'm glad."
The train continued moving through the city.
The orange sunlight reflected through the windows.
After another few minutes...
Momo spoke quietly.
"You know..."
"I've never really spent a holiday like this before."
"Hm?"
"My family is usually busy."
"So..."
"Today was nice."
I nodded.
"...Yeah."
She looked at me.
"Thank you."
"You don't need to thank me."
"I do."
"If you hadn't agreed to come..."
"This probably wouldn't have happened."
I looked outside again.
"...Maybe."
She laughed softly.
"You're still not very talkative."
"I never said I was."
"I know."
"...But I don't mind."
The train began to slow down.
"This is my station."
I stood up.
"So soon."
"Yeah."
As the doors opened, I stepped onto the platform.
Before they closed...
Momo smiled gently.
"See you at school, Itsuki."
"...See you."
The train doors closed, and it slowly pulled away from the platform.
I watched it disappear into the distance before slipping my hands into my pockets.
"...Today wasn't bad."
For someone who usually preferred being alone...
Spending the day with Class 1-A...
had been unexpectedly enjoyable.
With that thought, I turned and walked toward home as the evening sky slowly darkened.
___________END OF CHAPTER___________