I didn't think introducing oneself with such a chilly smile was quite the right way to go about it. Is this why you have no friends, Himiko? I appreciated that she prioritized me above all else, but I worried about her lack of social ties. I had hoped that here at U.A., she might finally find some friends of her own. However, it felt as though she refused to see anyone but me—or perhaps, she was intentionally looking away.
Well… if that was what she wanted, then so be it. But to show so little interest in the rest of the world… I worried. Shouldn't one have friends? At least one? Hmm…
"…Apologies, Midoriya. Himiko is always like this. I'd appreciate it if you could get used to it."
"A-Always…?"
"Always."
"That's only because of how Madoka-chan acts. You're a cruel fiancée to make Toga so jealous."
"Ngh… H-Hey now…!"
Once again, she sealed my lips. I really wished someone would tell me how to make her listen, because I didn't think I could survive much more of this in public. H-Hey…! Don't touch my ears! At the very least, save that for when we are alone, you pervert!!
"…Well, I'm not really in the mood for a public show right now, so I'll stop here. But don't expect to get any sleep tonight, okay?"
"Pervert! Moron! You daft girl!"
"Which of us is the daft one? Honestly. I'll hear the full story later, but violence is a no-no. No fighting!"
"Gugh. I… I said I was sorry…!"
She pinched my nose this time. It wasn't just my imagination—she was definitely handling me like a toy. While I was at fault this time, I couldn't understand why I had to be treated quite so roughly. It simply defied logic.
Sigh. I needed to compose myself. Violence was indeed wrong. In that regard, I hadn't changed a bit since elementary school. Regardless of the circumstances, it's never good to be the one who strikes first. From now on… I should probably retire the use of my fists. And yet, I had a nagging suspicion that my hands would continue to move faster than my words.
"And with that! Toga will be taking Madoka-chan home, so you're free to go, Midoriya-kun!"
"A-Ah, right… Okay. Well… I'll leave the rest to you…?"
"'Leave it to me,' he says! Taking care of Madoka-chan is my job, so don't you forget it!"
"H-H-Hiye!"
Himiko, stop looming over him. Whenever she cornered him like that, the boy's behavior turned peculiar. His voice was trembling, and his entire body looked as stiff as a board. Then again, I don't think I'd ever seen anyone remain calm while being cornered by Himiko. It felt like her ability to intimidate others was being refined with every passing year. Where on earth did she find the need to learn such a skill? She really was a handful.
…Still.
"Look, that's enough. Let's go home."
It was time to leave. I had a feeling that loitering in front of the school gates any longer would lead to nothing but trouble. No doubt there would be all sorts of scandalous rumors flying around by tomorrow morning…
"Okay~! You'd better tell me exactly what you did on the way back."
"U-Umu… well then, Midoriya, I'll see you tomorrow."
"…Yeah. See you, Madoka-san."
…Hmm. I didn't mind him answering, but I really wished he would stop staring at me with such an intensity. For my sake, please, stop. If you keep that up, Himiko will… Himiko will…
"…Another person of interest to watch out for. Why must you always go around charming every boy you meet, Madoka-chan?!"
"I'm not charming anyone! He's just a classmate, for heaven's sake…"
My apologies, Midoriya. It seems you have officially been branded an enemy by Himiko. I pray you live a long and sturdy life. Don't worry, I'm sure it won't come to her actually stabbing you. …Probably.
Regardless, it was time to head back. Having messed up on only my second day, my heart felt heavy. There was no doubt a lecture waiting for me at home. My father's fist would surely find my head; of that, I was certain.
"Ah, Madoka-san…!"
As Himiko and I began to walk away, hand in hand, Midoriya called out with a surprisingly loud voice. I turned back to see him looking as though he had something vital to say. I sighed; I would listen, if only because I felt I owed him.
"…Thanks for today. I mean, I know punching someone isn't good, and fighting is wrong, but…"
"…Indeed. I shall be more careful in the future. Besides, you have no reason to thank me…"
"No, it's just… you called me 'normal.' It made me really happy. So, thank you!"
"Don't let it trouble you. Fools must be corrected by a fist—that is simply the way of things! Gahaha!"
Though, truthfully, there is no medicine for a fool, now or in the past. Even the Reverse Cursed Technique couldn't cure idiocy. A fool remains a fool until the day they die. Therefore, if you want them to listen, I've found that a good thrashing is often the quickest solution.
Wait—no. That's bad. Very bad. Himiko was wearing that chilly smile again. I had best get home before I provoked her jealousy any further. If I didn't, the consequences would be dire. Specifically, late tonight, after my parents have fallen asleep…!
"H-Hie. Let us go, Himiko…! Shall we?"
"…Hmph. I'm going to make you howl later…"
She muttered something truly terrifying. It seemed sleep might be an impossibility tonight… Why did she have to grow into such a jealous woman? It was a mystery. A truly profound mystery…
…And so. I began the trek home alongside a very disgruntled Himiko. Once we arrived, I was subjected to an endless barrage of kisses, but I shall spare you those details. Good grief…