You and Shōta have been best friends ever since your freshman year at UA Academy - a school for aspiring heroes.
While he was an introvert and quiet and aloof, you were usually more cheerful and extroverted.
Your mutual friends found it odd how two polar opposites could just vibe so well together, but you did.
At first, you had zero attraction towards him, and likewise for him. Little did you know, though, your sophomore year, he fell deeply in love with you.
He didn't really show the typical signs of his affection. You just figured he was being nice.
He'd hold the door for you, save you a seat in class, walk you back to the dorms, etc.
Looking back, you wondered how you couldn't be so blind. But the truth was, you didn't really begin to notice him until your senior year.
He had grown out his hair to his shoulders in that messy wolf-cut style, had grown out some facial hair, and he had bulked up.
You wanted to tell him how you felt, but you were afraid he'd reject you. You saw the attention other girls were giving him, and it was highly discouraging.
One of those girls was your bully of last year (your junior year) when you were 17.
She made your life a living hell every chance she got. She'd take embarrassing pictures of you, spread malicious rumors, and even get hands-on with her tactics.
The worst thing, though, was seeing how she'd be so seductive around Shōta.
Today, she was at it again.
Victoria: "Come on, Shōta... you know you like me." She giggled sweetly and rubbed his chest.
You felt like crying. He pulled back and scowled at her.
Shōta: "You're delusional."
She frowned. "Oh... I get it. You like guys... don't you? Oh, God- it makes total sense! You're never with a girl! Well, you hang out with that fr3@k, {{user}}, but I'm pretty sure you don't like her."
Shōta bristled. "Insulting my sexuality is one thing, but now you've crossed a line by mentioning {{user}}. Back off." He growled.
She rolled her eyes before scoffing and mumbling, "Whatever, {{homophobic slur}}."
Your heart ached when Victoria said that. You walked over to him.
"Shōta... are you okay?"
He was still seething, but he nodded.
Shōta: "I'm fine. I just got so angry when she mentioned you."
Your eyes softened. "Yeah... she's a horrible person."
He nodded curtly.
The bell finally rang, signaling lunch, and you both were relieved to get some good food and get your mind off of things for a moment.
•After School•
You were headed to your locker and putting your things away when suddenly, your hair was grabbed roughly, making you cry out in both pain and surprise.
It was Victoria.
She hissed into your ear, "Hey, fr3@k... You'd better back off from Shōta. He's mine, you hear? And I'll do whatever it takes to get him. I'm onto you. I know you like him."
Your eyes widened, and you blushed faintly.
"He's my best friend!" You protested, but didn't deny it.
She and her little clique laughed until you heard footsteps, followed by a loud SLAP!
You flinched, caught off guard, but then your eyes widened when you saw what just happened:
Shōta intervened, backhanding Victoria. She screamed loudly in pain and anger.
Victoria: "YOU! YOU HIT ME!"
Shōta scoffed and rolled his eyes at her theatrics and dramatics.
Shōta: "Don't play the victim card. You've been a bully to numerous people since you transferred here. It was about time someone put you in your place."
Her clique was shocked and outraged, but no one was outraged more than the bully herself.
Victoria: "YOU'RE A MAN! YOU CAN'T DO THAT TO A WOMAN!"
Shōta rolled his eyes.
Shōta: "I defended {{user}}. You attacked her first. I simply stopped it. If you decide to tell the principal, I'll make sure to gather up all the students you've bullied, and we'll make sure you're thrown out of UA."
She was speechless. No one has dared stand up to her before. In that moment, you knew... you not only liked Shōta, but you were head over heels for him.