In the end, I found myself once again forced to explain the nature of Curses and Cursed Energy to others. Most of my classmates were wide-eyed with shock, but my "underling" (Bakugo) seemed to just accept it. He, more than anyone else in this class, has felt the weight of Cursed Energy firsthand. No matter how many explosions he set off, he couldn't leave so much as a scratch on me when I was shrouded in my power.
"I mean, look... Mawari-san. You don't have to sulk that much..." Jiro sighed.
"..."
"The U.A. Sports Festival. I can't believe they're making Mawari-san the only one not participating. I understand it's for security, but what a waste..." Yaoyorozu added sympathetically.
"..."
"Madoka-chan, cheer up. Do you want some of my rolled omelet? Ribbit."
"..."
It was lunch break. I was surrounded by Jiro, Yaoyorozu, and Tsuyu while I ate. Today's bento, crafted by Himiko, was as exquisite as ever. It was delicious, but my inability to join the festival left me deeply dissatisfied. Utterly disgruntled. Why must I be "put on hold" for Heroics Foundation studies and the Sports Festival?
I understand that my presence is necessary for security. I understand that I am the only countermeasure against Curses. I was told the teachers made this decision with heavy hearts. So, logically, I accept it. But logic and emotion are two different things. I am simply unhappy. Profoundly unhappy.
"I'm sorry, I'm a little late!"
As I sat there silently working my way through my meal, Himiko arrived at the classroom with her own lunch in hand. Ever since I enrolled at U.A., she has made it a habit to spend her lunch breaks in my classroom. She hadn't made any friends back in middle school, and it seems that hasn't changed. Well, that's fine. No one can stop her from doing what she likes.
Besides, she's at least started chatting with my classmates. Though, I do wish she'd stop trying to drag me into "girl talk" every other day.
"Ah, Toga-senpai. Could you do something about Mawari? She's been sulking since this morning..."
"Oh? What happened?" Himiko asked.
"Well, Mawari-san can't participate in the Sports Festival. And so..."
"Ribbit... Himiko-chan, you're our only hope."
You lot... I am not "sulking." I have simply been busy since this morning contemplating how best to curse Aizawa. I'll teach that man how terrifying the grudge of a hungry soul can be. To take away my favorite things twice...
I cannot forgive it. I simply cannot. How dare a mere brat steal my fun... Just you wait!!
"Ma-do-ka-chan~"
"..."
What is it? Don't cling to me while I'm trying to eat. This won't fix my mood. Aizawa is getting cursed. Definitely. I will not forgive him. I'll show him exactly what for!
"Aww, look at you, totally pouting... How cuuuute..."
It is not cute. Not in the slightest. Hey, stop stroking my head! Don't poke my cheek with your finger! I am in the middle of a meal!
"By the way, why can't she participate? Everyone in the Hero Course joins in, right?" Himiko asked.
"It's for Curse prevention," Jiro explained. "The teachers decided to use Madoka-chan for security..."
"It's true that only Mawari-san can see the Cursed Spirits..." Yaoyorozu noted. "While I feel it's unavoidable for the sake of security, it still feels wrong for her to be the only one excluded."
"It's such a waste," Jiro continued. "Mawari is the strongest one in Class A, isn't she? It feels wrong to have a festival without her."
Listen, you people. Don't use Himiko as an excuse to start petting my head too. Let me eat in peace!
"Well then," Himiko said, her voice dropping into a playful but dangerous lilt. "Once we're done eating, let's all go and lodge a formal protest. I'm also very unhappy that Madoka-chan can't play. So..."
She leaned in, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Why don't we all go... Plus Ultra?"
...Oh, someone stop her. Never mind my mood, just stop this girl right now.
Hey, Jiro, Yaoyorozu, Tsuyu—why are you nodding?! You lot don't understand; whenever Himiko wears that wicked smile, something terrible is about to happen. Usually to me!
Mostly to me! Me!!
"Hehe. I'm looking forward to the Sports Festival... ♡"
Someone stop her. Stop this girl! Anyone will do, just stop Himiko! She is absolutely about to do something outrageous! Don't be fooled! This isn't "Plus Ultra"!
This is Plus Chaos!!
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