There was a lingering tension throughout the hallways and dormitories. Many students were at a loss as their parents had begun to move into UA’s temporary housing shelters. This would be their new normal now, and that didn’t sit well with Ochako. Although, she had a feeling that sentiment was shared among her classmates.
Her parents hadn’t brought much from home. Their luggage consisted of clothing, some kitchen supplies, and the few valuables they had at home. Ochako had spent the early afternoon with helping them settle and unpack, but she’d returned to studying in the common room now. Or at least, she’d been intending to study. Despite her best efforts, focus eluded here. There was far too much on her mind. At this point, Ochako had merely been staring at the pages without any information sinking in.
The sound of Shoto’s surprised her, and Ochako smiled wryly as he sat beside her. One hand reached to rub the back of her head as if to show nothing was wrong. “ Oh, Todoroki-kun! It’s nothing… ” Ochako imagined Shoto was going through far more than any of the rest of their class… She didn’t want to trouble him. “ I just finished helping my parents unpack is all. I don’t think they’re used to living somewhere so lively. ” At that, she chuckled. Then she lowered her hands and twiddled her thumbs. “ Are you feeling alright? ”
Their world as they knew it had changed overnight, and their lives had been turned upside down. The war had treated every single one of them mercilessly. Greater than they ever had imagined it to be, the war found them unprepared. Their society was in chaos, and everyone had lost trust in their latest symbol. Shoto wasn't the only one having a hard time. Everyone, including Uraraka, had been struggling. For the hero he aspired to be, for the friend he wanted to become, he couldn't ignore anyone's pain and suffering. Not, when there was something he could do. When he'd watch her sit alone with her thoughts in an empty room. He was quick to notice she wasn't being her usual self. And even if discussing what troubled her wasn't what she needed the most at the moment, the least he could provide, was his company.
What he wasn't expecting, was for his concern to be returned in such a short time. He'd be asked that question more often lately. He didn't wonder why. Some of his personal matters were suddenly made public, and it was revealed, that his older brother was a villain with a goal to kill him and their father. Of course, the ones closer to him would be worried, including his classmates. Not too long ago, he would have been offended by anyone asking him such a thing. But now, capable of accepting their kindness, Shoto nodded as a response. An honest, yet a difficult answer to give. Because under these circumstances — because of these circumstances — for the first time in his life, he wasn't alone. He had his family by his side. He had her.
Uraraka's reply was one he didn't completely understand but at the same time, if this was as much as she wanted to share, he couldn't ask for more. He may didn't know the exact reason she had lost her usually genuine smile, but he would be there, in case she needed him. She didn't need to ask him. She was the kind of person that wouldn't speak of what troubled her, especially to him. “ Then, do you need help with studying? ” If she truly intended on studying — as a way to distract herself or not — he could be of help.