Jirou: I don't care what it was...

Kaminari walked over to her and grabbed her by the shoulders, forcing her to look at him.

Kaminari: Look at me, please!

Jirou: Leave me alone Kaminari.- She tried to shake off his grip.

Kaminari: I won't, not until you let me explain.

Jirou: Sigh* Fine.

Kaminari explained what happened back there with the girl before she arrived. Denki was pretty scared, he thought that Jirou wouldn't be with him ever. He wanted to show he was not a sleazeball who would stick his tongue in the first girl who offered it to him.

Jirou: If you didn't want to kiss her, then why you didn't push her away?- She asked with her arms crossed, still acting with caution.

Kaminari: I don't know Jirou, I tried but just couldn't, I think it was her quirk, she used on me I swear.

Jirou: Yeah right, that makes total sense.- She said sarcastically, while turning over again to walk away.

Kaminari: Jirou, you know me, I never lie to you. -Denki stood in front of her, trying to block her path from leaving.

-I thought I knew you.- She thought.

Jirou: Look Kaminari, as I said. I don't care who you date or where you stick your dick in. But at least find a girl who isn't a total bitch. Someone who won't say horrible things about me or any of your friends behind our backs.

Kaminari: Did...did that girl say something about you before?- His demeanor changed from nervous to worried. Not wanting to know what horrible things that girl said about Kyoka.

Jirou: I overheard her and another girl talk shit about me, saying horrible things. -Jirou said crossing her arms and looking to the side of the path they were in, feeling uneasy. 

She overlooked the fact that those insults she heard were about her being with Kaminari, maybe that wasn't relevant...or maybe yes, I don't know. But Jirou didn't want to mention that part in particular. Maybe God knows why, because she didn't.

Kaminari:...I'm sorry you had to hear that. -He made a pause.

Kaminari: I'm telling you the truth Jirou, I don't even know that girl, and I already told her to keep her distance and never come close or talk to me ever again. -He said, gently placing his hands on the sides of Jirou's shoulders. She didn't reject the kind gesture, but her whole body tensed up when he touched her. Clearly, she wasn't feeling comfortable with him touching her at that moment. The irony huh?

Jirou: mmm...- She thought for a couple of seconds, while silence reigned.

Jirou: Alright, I believe you...- She said without emotion.

Kaminari: So...we're good? - He asked trying to draw a gentle smile on his face and opening his arms, like inviting her for an "apology hug". But she refused.

Jirou: I don't know Kaminari, just. I want to be alone for a while, okay?- Rather than angry, she sounded like she was sad, or disappointed in him.

Kaminari:...Okay, sorry.- He said pretty melancholically, looking down to the floor. She turned the other way and started walking away. The only things he could see were her purple, black, and white Air Jordan nikes she always wore to school, as she walked away. He couldn't find a way to look at her directly, he felt responsible for her current state. Even though it wasn't his fault.

Jirou walked away, feeling pretty bad. Maybe it's because of the comments those mean girls said about her earlier in the hallway, her insecurities coming to the surface again; or because of her possible new feelings towards Kaminari. Either way, all that good humor and happiness she was feeling throughout the week, vanished into thin air.

[Class 2-A dinner table, 8:10 p.m.]

Dinner was a really awkward scene, not only for the two of them. But to everyone around them.  Kaminari and Jirou always sat in either one of two configurations: One beside the other, or facing one other. This time it was the latter, the tension could be felt in the air. It could cut anything. Obviously, both of their friends took notice of this.

Kaminari takes a bite out of his chicken leg, then he feels his phone ringing in his pockets from various notifications. He looks down at it to see who is texting him.

Pinky: Kaminari, what's wrong? What happened between you and Jirou? You two haven't looked at each other the whole night.

Chargebolt: It's...complicated.

It was obvious something was happening, usually the two of them would talk and joke all the time during dinner. It was so frequent that anyone would notice when it didn't happen like it was right now.

Kaminari looked up to see Mina's reaction to his message, she was sitting across the table, diagonally to him. She looked up after reading the chat and looked at him with worried eyes.

Pinky: Want to talk about it? :(

Chargebolt: I'll explain it later...

Pinky: Ok...

But Mina wasn't the only one to take notice. Jirou felt her phone ring in her pocket, she stopped eating to see the screen of the device under the table.

Yaomomo:  Is everything okay Jirou? Why you haven't said anything to Kaminari all day? Did you two fight over something? You know I'm here for you.

Kyoka: It's...complicated.

Yaomomo understood quickly, that's why she didn't elaborate any further. She knew Jirou would like to talk about it later, in private. She looked at her after reading the message, she was sitting diagonally to Jirou too, a couple of seats from Kaminari's right. Yaoyorozu just gave a slight nod before quitting the topic with her friend and continued eating.

[Kaminari's room, 9:38 p.m.]

Kaminari: And that's what happened.- He said after finishing the story of what happened today in the hallway.

Kirishima: Damn bro, that's hardcore Kaminari.- Eijiro said to his friend, trying to sound reassuring.

Sero: Shit dude, you really did that to Mineta? Coming from Bakugo I get it, but from you? that's so odd. 

Kaminari: He really got on my nerves, I wasn't going to let it slide like that.- He said with his arms crossed, looking away from his friends.

Bakugo: You should've fried that little bastard in my opinion. Dynamight said laying on Kaminari's bed while scrolling through Instagram, looking disinterested in the topic. But little do they know he was paying close attention to the story, and he even flinched when Kaminari said what he told Mineta while choking him, word by word. That made Bakugo feel a little more respect for his friend, a bit of proudness too, and even 2% of uneasiness. Who could've predicted Kaminari could pack a pair of cojones that big? Kudos to the guy, Bakugo thoughted.

Mina: But then, why she doesn't want to talk to you after she said she believed you?

Kaminari: I don't know, Mina. I may have blown it up with her.- He said looking sad at the floor of his room. Not wanting to look at any of his friends.

Mina: Don't say that Kaminari, you are being too hard on yourself right now, I know this is just temporary.- Mina said. She didn't tell Kaminari that she and the other girls tried to teach some sense into Jirou about dating him. And the same way with Jirou, about Kaminari's feelings. Ashido knew that she could help, but things must happen naturally between them, no outside forces should intervene.

[Jirou's room. At the same time]

Jirou: And that's what happened.- She said to Momo, giving her POV of the events that unfolded during the day.

Yaoyorozu: I'm sorry to hear that Kyoka, come here.- She said, stretching her arms towards Jirou, inviting her for a comforting hug, to make her feel better. What a good friend she has.

Jirou: I don't know what to feel Yaomomo, it hurts. I feel betrayed.- She said sobbing a little on her friend's chest, looking down.

Yaoyorozu: I get it Kyoka...But you understand is not Kaminari's fault right? He was another victim of this situation just like you.- Momo said, using logic and reason like she always does.

Jirou: You might be right, this isn't about me...But why do I feel like this is about me then?- Jirou let go of Yaomomo's hug and sat on her bed, while her friend sat on her desk chair.

Yaoyorozu: You need to understand that your feelings for Kaminari are evolving. Yes, you felt betrayed because you saw him kissing a girl who said horrible and despicable things about you, and that's totally fair. But, did you get that you also felt jealousy? - The black-haired girl pointed out, both figuratively and literally, using her index finger to point at Jirou.

Jirou: What-wha-WHAT!!!??? Are you going crazy Momo???- Kyoka said, feeling a little flustered. Her face was giving her away.

Yaoyorozu: See?- Momo chuclked. It was funny seeing her get all blushed and flustered about Kaminari for the first time seriously.

Jirou: Shut it.- She crossed her arms and her earlobes became tense.

Yaoyorozu: Maybe you should talk with him, you know, to let him know that you are not angry with him particularly.

Jirou: I don't know Momo, I simply don't feel like talking with him right now. I don't want to.- Jirou remarked, looking down and sounding a little sad.

Yaoyorozu: Mmmm...I get it, take your time sweetie. Don't feel pressured.- Her best friend said, putting her right arm over her shoulder, in a sign of affection and understanding.

Jirou: Thanks Yaomomo...for always listening to all the crap I spit.

Yaoyorozu: Don't worry Kyoka, you know I'm here for you. Now...what about some cookies and tea?- She offered, it was a staple of her every time she was with her friends.

Jirou: *chuckles* Hell yeah. She said, feeling a bit better.

-Me, jealous...huh-

Friday went by as usual, but they still acted all weird around each other. Kaminari tried to talk to her at least three times during the day, but she always made up an excuse or made a strategic retreat to avoid him every time he looked like he had the intention of talking with her.

Kaminari: I'm done, she hates me.- Kaminari said feeling all anxious.

Sero: Come on dude, stop being so negative. It's not the end of the world. 

Kaminari: For me it is.

Bakugo: You really are pathetic dunce face, now shut the fuck up, would ya? - Bakugo said, he couldn't bear for one more second the whining of the blonde guy.

Kirishima: Come one bro, tomorrow is the School's private festival, that will distract you, we're gonna have a great time I promise you.- The red-haired guy reminded him of the event, but instead of making him feel better, it made him feel worse.

Kaminari: Awwwee...the festival, I forgot. I wanted to spend the whole day with her and then watch her perform at the open mic event upstairs.-He said punching his desk in frustration.

Sero: Like, on a date?

Kaminari:...Maybe.- He said, burying his face once again in his arms, laying on the desk, and looking down instead of forward at the class board. Then he spotted those cool purple Air Jordans he so deeply liked, knowing exactly who they belonged to. 

He looked up suddenly to find Jirou looking at him too. She quickly turned her head away from him, a little nervous. That only stabbed him even more in his heart, he didn't know what was going through her mind. But if she was acting like that towards him, it couldn't be any good.

Saturday came. The private festival UA organized just for the students was here. It started around 4:00 p.m. Food stands, and some games kiosks. At one of the gyms, they organized a movie theater and ran a bunch of films throughout the day.  On the other side of the campus, football games between classes, basket, and other sports so the students could relax and have a good time, now that the world has already gone through that uncertainty of what was going to become of society with the rise of the villain's army, Shigaraki and All for One.

Sero: What should we do next?- Sero asked, they had already gone to half of the game stands by this point. It was 5:30 p.m.

Kirishima: Maybe we could go grab a snack, I heard Midoriya and the others say there was a takoyaki stand close to the pool, and that it was THE BOMB.

Bakugo: If Deku said that, then it surely tastes like fucking trash.

Sero: It's decided, we're going for some takoyaki hahahah

Bakugo: Groangs heavily*- Sero did it on purpose to mess with him.

Mina: Hey, after that we should go upstairs to see Jirou's show.- Pinky said while walking grabbed by the hand with her boyfriend, but Kirishima stopped her in her tracks.

Kirishima: I don't know if that's a good idea.- He said, wanting to be condescending and empathetic with his friend. Maybe Kaminari wasn't comfortable going there. But before he could finish his sentence, he was cut off by Denki.

Kaminari: It's alright Kirishima, I do want to go. She's still my friend.- He said in a soft voice, these last two days Kaminari really wasn't himself.

Mina: I'm glad you want, Kaminari, I'm sure she would be sad if you weren't there. -She said gently, she didn't know what Jirou's pov of the incident was. That conversation was only between Kyoka and Yaomomo. 

[Open mic event, 6th floor, 7:30 p.m.]

The group of friends arrived at the place. Well, almost all of the Bakusquad. Sero ran into Reiko Yanagi while they were in the food section, looking for the Takoyaki stand. They never talked that much, but they seemed to hit it off, so Sero separated from the rest to spend time with the white-haired pale girl. But he promised to reunite with them on the open mic.

The place was really cool and decorated. Because it was the theater club's room, it almost didn't need any changes at all. The little stage was already set. With instruments, microphones, and amplifiers ready to go. There was dim lighting in the place, making it a very intimate and relaxing environment, many round tables with red tablecloths placed around the hall, all over a red carpet that extended along the entire floor of the place. It was a very elegant setting.

[Something like this]

Bakugo went straight to the bar, he needed a drink; spending so much time with the pack of idiots made him thirsty. Kirishima and Mina went to one of the tables, Kaminari followed them, feeling like he was out of place, a third wheel. Even more when he saw the people sitting at the neighboring tables. Midoriya and Uraraka were on the one next to them, then Tooru and Ojiro, Tsu and Tokoyami (It looks like he asked her on a date, who would've thought). Tokage and Kaibara, Tetsutesu and Kendo. Literally surrounded by couples, It even seemed like a bad joke of fate when Sero entered the place holding hands with Reiko and then sitting at one of the last tables, in the darkest corner of the place. 

Midoriya and Uraraka waved at the trio of guys who sat on the table.

Midoriya: Hey guys, how is it going? Are you enjoying the day?

Kirishima: Yeah bro, that takoyaki stand you said was fucking awesome.- He said with his thumb up.

Ochako: I know right? It was delicious!!!

Mina: So, when is Jirou going to play?

Ochako: I believe pretty soon, you arrived on time, we saw her close to the stage, besides that door that goes to the backstage room. Are you excited Kaminari?

Kaminari wasn't really paying attention to the conversation that the two couples were on. But the question from the short-haired brunette caught him off guard.

Kaminari: Huh? Uhmm...yeah, yes I am...hehe- He said nervously, faking a smile to keep the appearances.

But then he saw the girl, just by the side of the door Uraraka just mentioned, she was wearing a white top that revealed her cleavage and shoulders, just enough to make him blush from afar. Also, she was wearing a purple jacket, a white and purple baseball hat that said "Rock Jack" with two pins on it. A pair of techwear black joggers with straps hanging from them, a black belt choker, and of course, she couldn't miss her purple Nikes. Also a pair of headphones, it looked like she was testing the sound set with them backstage, they looked like those headsets professionals use in recording studios.

How is it possible? to look so cool. So punk rock. So beautiful. Even when it hurt him to see her ignore him, the desire to be around her was way stronger. Mina took notice of him staring at the purple-haired girl. So she talked to him.

Mina: You should go talk to her...

Kaminari stayed silent for a couple of seconds until he reacted.

Kaminari: Yeah, I will.

He stood up and walked towards Jirou. She was talking with one of the UA robots that was assigned to help with the event. 

Jirou: Maybe if you move those amplifiers a little further back it will sound better.

UA Robot: Roger Roger.

Jirou: Thanks.- She said, then a familiar voice called from behind her.

Kaminari: Hey, Jirou...- He looked at her a little flustered.

Jirou: Oh...hey...- She was feeling flustered too, the interaction was awkward.

Kaminari: You...you look beautiful.- He said while scratching his cheek and looking down.

Jirou: T-thanks...you look good too...- She blushes.

Kaminari: So...you are next, right?

Jirou: Yeah...they are just fixing some details. I'll be up there in a couple of minutes.

Kaminari: Great... great... well, I wish you luck, but, when it comes to music, I know you don't need it.

Jirou blushes at his statement, feeling her heartbeat get faster. Kaminari turns his back and starts walking back, but she calls for him.

Jirou: Ka-Kaminari!...

Kaminari: Huh?

Jirou: T-Thanks...for coming I mean...

Kaminari: I wouldn't miss it for anything in the world...- He said, giving her a cute little smile. even when things were delicate and complicated between the two of them, he could not resist the urge to be gentle and supportive with her, she was the love of his life after all.

Kaminari took his seat, while Kirishima, Mina, Midoriya, and Ochako kept talking all this time. A couple of minutes passed, the lights went dark and Jirou walked onto the stage with her acoustic guitar and nothing else, applauses sounded all over the place; welcoming her to the stage. She took her seat on a stool in the center of the stage and talked through the mic to the public.

Jirou: Hello everyone, my name is Kyoka Jirou. Now I want to play you a nice song that I love and I want to share it with you, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

She cleared her throat, ready to play...

Jirou:...

She was surely taking her time...

-Oh shit- She thoughted...

To be continued

[Art by ikumiart]