He felt irritable the rest of the day, deflecting Midoriya's concerned gazes and choosing to sit by himself during lunch for the first time in years.

There was no logical explanation for his behavior. He just felt tired, adjusting back to the school schedule. It'd only been the second week, after all. His father had been extra pushy as well, and it was starting to give him a headache.

Yes, that was it. He just needed some time alone to clear his head. Bad moods come and go, and he just had to wait for it to pass.

Except it didn't.

The weekend was quickly approaching and his mood had only worsened over the past few days. He had to get to the bottom of it.

He lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, as his thoughts wandered back to Ochako. He had avoided her throughout the week, unable to feel normal around her. Everytime he saw her, there was a tightening in his chest that he couldn't explain and it frustrated him to no end.

Once he even sent her a glare which scared her off. That was a stupid mistake he made.

Todoroki sighed, draping an arm over his face in muted defeat. This was difficult. In all honesty, he could admit that he felt a little betrayed. She hadn't given him any indication that she wanted to ask someone else and he had taken her for granted.

It was mostly disappointment, buried deep in his stomach. She had no obligation to ask him. She could ask whoever she wanted to the dance. They were friends, and friends were happy for each other. He should be happy that she found someone she really wanted to invite, someone she...liked.

Did she like Bakugou? He didn't know. But he knew that he should feel happy for her, he should feel elated that she considered someone this important to her.

He turned on his side, settling into his blankets resolutely.

It was okay.

He figured it out.

There was no reason to be upset.

Then why didn't it feel okay?

_______________________

He made an effort to act normal the next day, choosing to ignore the growing conflict inside of him. Midoriya sent him suspicious looks but he pretended not to notice.

"I'm excited for tomorrow's hangout," Ochako cheered enthusiastically as the students were dismissed from class. "I love the zoo!"

Despite the inner turmoil built up this week, Todoroki had not forgotten their trip to the zoo this weekend.

He was looking forward to spending a day with Midoriya, Iida, and Ochako to take his mind off the increasing emotional weight burdening his shoulders and chest.

"I will check the weather and let you all know what to wear tomorrow morning!" Iida adjusted his glasses and raised a finger assertively.

Midoriya laughed good-naturedly in response.

As the three of them chattered about the trip, Todoroki glanced around the room, catching Bakugou's eyes fixated on Ochako.

Bakugou had finished packing his bag and seemed to be leaving, but his gaze was fixed on her animated exchange with Midoriya.

It stirred up something in the pit of his stomach and the tightness was back in his chest.

Looking up, Ochako noticed Bakugou's stare and waved him over cheerfully, slapping his shoulder as he grumbled his way to their group.

His throat constricted painfully.

"I invited Bakugou-kun to our outing," she informed with a teasing smile aimed at Bakugou's obvious discomfort.

The mention of Bakugou's name paired with her smile made him feel like his lungs were being squeezed so hard he couldn't breathe.

She stifled a laugh, continuing, "I hope you guys don't mind--"

"I'm not going."

All eyes snapped to Todoroki at his cold response.

Ochako froze, shocked. There was a flash of pain written on her face but she recovered quickly, putting on a stiff smile. "O-oh, um, that's too bad..."

Bakugou glared at him and Todoroki glared back, still finding it difficult to breathe properly. Why did it hurt so much?

"Whatever, let's go, Round Face. I have to get Shitty Hair home before he gets lost and the old hag wants me to pick up the groceries on the way home, I need your help carrying" Bakugou said, grabbing her by the wrist.

"Oh, yeah," she murmured, eyes downcast. She lifted her eyes and met his briefly and Todoroki flinched at the distress reflected through them.

As she left with Bakugou, Todoroki felt the unbearable tightness slowly washing away only to recognize the wave of regret pulsing through his body.

He had hurt her feelings, he knew.

He suddenly felt awful.

"Todoroki" Midoriya frowned, giving him a serious look. It looked like Midoriya wanted to say more, but he decided to stay silent.

Iida sent him a final pointed glance, and beckoned towards the door.

Todoroki followed after them, hands buried deep into his pockets and shoulders slouched in subdued frustration.

He got the message. You better think about what happened and apologize.