'i am sorry, Todoroki-kun'

Beep. Beep. Beep.

How long has it been?

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Mismatched eyes focus on the unconscious body lying on a hospital bed in front of him.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Connected to this body are numerous tubes to give his needed everyday sustenance and wires of different colors in order to monitor his vital signs.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

"Todoroki-kun," He averts his attention to the couple behind him. Uraraka Ochako and Iida Tenya give him a tired smile.

He reciprocates it.

The friends-turned-lovers maintain rotations on who should take care of their best friend. Todoroki thinks it's an amazing feat that they still insist on taking care of Midoriya even when they're so preoccupied with college, schoolwork, and their part-time job (with an s in Uraraka's case).

"Your eyebags have grown darker in the past few days." Uraraka gently rests her hand on his shoulder, trying to joke around but failing miserably. "You should also take a rest for tonight."

"'Else you might end up like Midoriya-obaasan," Iida adjusts his glasses grimly.

Todoroki promptly met Midoriya Inko after her son was brought to the ICU. And just by looking at her, he knew that Midoriya (the son) got most of his kind and positive traits from her good parenting. Her motherly skills were more evident as each day passed. Inko incessantly watched over her child until, one day, she fainted due to stress and fatigue. The good thing is, the doctor insisted that she only needs some sleep and a healthy meal, and she'll be better in no time.

For now, she's currently staying at Uraraka's apartment to rest.

"I know my limits," Todoroki assures.

Honestly, he doesn't. Todoroki hasn't left the man's bedside since the day he was admitted here.

Suddenly, Uraraka pulls him in a tight embrace. Heterochromatic eyes widen in surprise but he doesn't say anything to voice out his displeasure.

"Please take care of Midoriya-kun," She sobs, finally releasing all her pent-up emotions. Now, her tears are spilling like a broken faucet and Todoroki could feel his shirt quickly getting damper by the minute.

Uraraka is the most visibly shaken between the three of them. She keeps on blaming herself, saying that 'the signs were right there in front of her' even though really, it wasn't. No one knew why this happened. Except perhaps, Todoroki.

Or at least, he thinks he does.

"Todoroki-kun will do a great job, Ochako." Iida shuffles towards them and rests his arms on Todoroki's back, sandwiching Uraraka between them.

Iida, as usual, maintains a stoic facade during the whole ordeal. But no matter how good he thinks he is, Todoroki managed to catch him docking out of the room to wipe a few stray tears from his cheek. It couldn't be helped, after all. Iida was the one who knew Midoriya the longest, and they shared the deepest bond (Todoroki begrudgingly admits).

With a slight blush, Todoroki awkwardly pats Iida's back. It was his own stupid way of reciprocating the hug. Uraraka doesn't seem to notice for she still has her face buried on his chest, while Iida chuckles at the small yet meaningful action.

On a normal occasion, Todoroki Shouto would've repelled in discomfort from all these unfamiliar touches. On a normal occasion, Iida Tenya wouldn't have dared show this vulnerable side of him. On a normal occasion, Ochako would've waited until she was alone before she would let these tears trickle down her plump cheeks.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

But this isn't a normal occasion.

Beep. Beep. Beep

Their dear friend, Midoriya Izuku, attempted to commit suicide exactly 23 days ago. All of them are worried senseless about him, about his condition and when he'll wake-up (if he does). The three of them shared a bond that erupted from their mutual love to this green haired man. All of them are emotional and physically tired of waiting, but they continue on persisting because they never run out of hope that Midoriya would wake up anytime soon.

It might not be now, later, tomorrow, next week, next month, next y--

But soon.

"We'll be taking our leave," Iida says after they all finally calmed their nerves.

Uraraka bites her lips, swollen eyes begin to moisten once more. "I'm really sorry, Todoroki-kun. You know I would never forfeit staying by Midoriya-kun's side--"

"But you have to take care of Midoriya-obaasan who is in your apartment." He finishes for her. "I know, Uraraka. I think Midoriya would've preferred that you make sure that his mother is in good condition. You don't have to worry."

Uraraka nods, yet she still has this look on her face as if she needs more convincing.

After a few more friendly exchange of embraces, Todoroki is finally alone in the room, solitude whispering against his ear as if congratulating him for being able to have intensive contact with another human being for such a long time period.

He sighs.

The beeping of the heart monitor seems louder than ever now that he's alone with him.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Todoroki scoots closer to the bed, eyeing his unconscious figure. Messy fern green hair incredibly oily and matted, Todoroki couldn't help but run his fingers to unknot it. Oh, for so long he dreamed of doing this to Midoriya. Though he never would've foreseen he would be doing it now in such circumstances. His skin is pale and blotchy, devoid of the usual pinkish glow that made his adorable freckles noticeable more than ever. His mouth, oh his cute smart mouth, could barely be seen because Midoriya is wearing an oxygen mask.

He would've looked like he was peacefully sleeping (albeit, sickly) if only he isn't on life support.

Todoroki sighs, leaning his back on the chair as the revelation of Midoriya's conditions rewinds in his mind.

They were informed by Midoriya-obaasan (prior to her fainting, of course), that this isn't the first time Izuku attempted to commit suicide. The first time was during a spring break in his college years, taking Iida by surprise since they were already friends at that time period yet he wasn't aware of such incident.

"Although, I remember him acting differently at the start of our junior year..." Iida contemplates out loud. "He also insisted on wearing clothes that wouldn't show his skin, even when the weather is hot."

"Midoriya-kun didn't want to show his scars..." Uraraka whispers sullenly.

Todoroki continued staring at his serene face, specifically at Midoriya's long lashes. Oh, how lovely would it be, if only they were in the movies. Those thick lashes would flutter open, revealing dazed, yet alive forest green eyes.

Alas, this isn't a movie nor is this fiction.

If god was a writer, he and Endeavor Shouto would have liked each other for their common detest for the cliché. But he, as Todoroki Shouto, would've punched him in the face for not giving them, us, you, what was wanted.

Todoroki timidly interlaces their fingers together, heat rising up on his cheek like a schoolboy holding somebody else's hand for the first time. This is his first time so he hopes he can be forgiven. He always finds it odd how such a man with a dainty, friendly face could have such scarred and calloused hands.

But after what Midoriya-obaasan shared to them about his son's past, somehow it wasn't as surprising anymore.

Suddenly, on that moment, Todoroki realizes that maybe, just maybe, there really is such a thing called a God.

Izuku's fingers twitched.

Todoroki gasp, pulling his hands away like it was just electrocuted. It was the electrocution of invading someone's private space and thrill that maybe, just maybe, there really is hope in this world filled with despair.

Mismatched eyes slowly travel to Midoriya's face. It dilated like it has never done so before.

He is staring at him with hooded eyes. Yes, it is hooded but Todoroki is positively sure that he's awake. Though it was slightly difficult, he sees Midoriya's mouth form syllables.

It took a whole minute for him to process what Midoriya just whispered.

Todoroki fell to his knees, tears trickling down on his scarred cheeks.

Midoriya Izuku is finally conscious.

Out of nowhere, the door slams open, revealing a breathless and teary-eyed Uraraka. Iida trailed after her.

"I'm sorry, I can't just leave him," She heaves. "I'll watch over Midoriya-kun, as promised. You--" Uraraka glances at Midoriya and falls silent. Soon, she burst out wailing.

While Iida's immediate reaction is to press the button near Izuku's bedside, to call for help.

The two other people in the room stare at him in bewilderment, like how on Earth could he remain so calm and collected when the thing that they're wishing for the most for the past 3 weeks is unfolding in front of them.

Iida shrugs.

Ah, same old Iida we all love who can't read the air.

Soon, the room is flooded with doctors and nurses before Midoriya is carried away for more 'tests', whatever the heck that is.

Todoroki and Uraraka stand dumbfounded, staring at the trail of rush the health personnel left behind and the emotions that are suddenly paused because they couldn't possibly block the doctor's way just so they could cry in joy.

"You could cry now," Iida suggests.

Uraraka shakes her head. "The moment is gone, Tenya."

Todoroki nods in agreement. "I thought you were better than me, Iida. I was wrong."

Uraraka stifles her laughter while Tenya cluelessly tilts his head to the side.

"I'll go pick up Midoriya-obaasan," Uraraka says. "Just text me if something new comes up."

"I'll go with you," Iida offers.

"Thanks,"

"Wait," Todoroki calls out.

The couple stops mid-walk.

"What now?"

They all look at each other in silence.

"We wait," Iida answers.