POV Ochako Uraraka

I couldn't hold it back anymore. I couldn't stand the thought that I could've saved that kid so much misery. And even at that moment, I realised just how Deku must have felt when the whole incident with Eri happened. I even got a little mad at myself, for saying I understood his feelings when I clearly couldn't at that time.

Everything I heard felt like I was under water. I could recognize Deku's voice for a moment, but my brain didn't really seem to register it, so I didn't react to it. I just kept breathing and crying. I felt gazes burning on me. And then I felt it leaving. Like everyone was leaving the room.

When I managed to look up, I only saw the door closing. Only the teachers were still here. I couldn't stop sobbing though, and my tears kept on flowing down my cheeks. I looked down again, at my lap, grabbing the edge of my skirt tight. Until I felt a soft hand on my shoulder.

When I looked up it was mister Aizawa. He looked at me with the same face he always had, but there was definitely a form of empathy visible in his eyes. He cracked a little smile at me.

"Uraraka.. we're here to listen to anything you have to say. Even if it doesn't involve this investigation. And remember whatever is going on, there is no reason for you to feel guilty for anything", he soflty said.

His words soothed me. They made the tears flow slower, and it also became less. I sniffed one more time and took a deep breath.

"I.. a few days ago..on the day of the first ever meeting..I.. was walking in the city.. close to the supermarket just to get some mochi.. When I was heading home.. a little kid bumped into me. He had white hair, wavy.. He made me think of Eri.. He ran towards a man and grabbed his hand, and they took off. But it looked so..innocent.. Like father and son..".

I felt tears appearing in my eyes again as I told them what happened. I bit my lip and scanned the teachers, only to see that most of them were already preparing for what was to come. Eventually I managed to tell them the clue of the story, still sobbing.

"The..the guy..was the guy on the picture..that you just showed us..".

Then I broke down again. I looked down, closed my eyes and felt the guilt hitting me like a jackhammer. The teachers didn't make a sound. Or at least, it felt like that. I'm pretty sure they didn't. Aizawa crouched down in front of me after a moment.

"Uraraka..", he said, to get my attention. I managed to build the strength to look up at him.

"It's only natural not to act if the situation isn't anything to be suspicious about", he started.
"This looked like an everyday thing to you, didn't it? I'm sure that if you knew this before, you would've acted".

I sniffed again and let the words he said sink in. I didn't realize that it wouldn't have been smart to step in anyway at that time, like when Sir nighteye told Mirio and Deku not to act either. I shouldn't raise suspicions. But hearing that Aizawa had faith in me in that aspect. That I would have the courage to step in. That made me a little calmer.

They weren't mad.. They weren't mad. And that calmed me even more. I took a deep breath. And then I nodded to make clear I understood.

"Let this pass alright, even though it may feel like a big mistake. If you really want to, you can make up for it by paying close attention from now on and informing one of us if something happens", Aizawa finishes.

The other teachers didn't really do much, except experiencing the entire conversation. But still it felt like they added power to mister Aizawa's words. I managed to crack a smile and nodded again, after I wiped away my tears.

"I will. I promise I will", I assured them. I then took another deep breath and stood up.

"Thank you for your attention today Uraraka. And also, thank the other students from us. You are free to leave", All might told me.

I made a quick bow and bit my lip before opening the classroom door. I must have looked embarrassing after just crying. But at least I got the chance to go to my room and calm down entirely. Entirely. I closed the door behind me and that's when I noticed all the students had been waiting here. And now they were staring at me.

Especially Deku. Especially him. His green eyes pierced into my brown eyes and I bit my lip harder. He wanted to know what was going on. I could almost feel it. Maybe he even was..worried. About me. Would he be worried..about me?