You were 20 year-old now. You were a UA graduate, now Sensei.
You and Shōta had always been close. Even when you were his student. He was always more kind, patient, gentle, and attentive with you. And because of the good man he was, you fell for him.
However, he had never made any indication he reciprocated your feelings- even if you, yourself hadn't told him how you felt yet. You just figured he knew but didn't want to hurt you by outright rejecting you. It hurt.
Well, tonight was going to be a fun night... or so you thought. Some "friends" of yours told you about a nice, high-end party that you could come to, but you had to make sure to bring a plus 1.
Okay, that seemed simple enough. You could go with a male friend, no problem. You nodded with a little excitement, having no idea about their cruel plan.
One woman spoke, "Why don't you bring that retired pro Eraserhead? We know you're close to him."
You blushed and laughed. "I wish! But he hates social gatherings."
Another woman smirked playfully. "Come on! I'm sure if anyone can convince him... it'll be you! We'd love to have a pro at the party!"
You sighed. "Alright. Alright. Fine. But he reserves the right to leave early if he-"
"No, no! You have to keep him at the party until after the contest! We're having a contest for the best couple. So even if he's just a friend, he's still a plus 1, okay sweetie?"
You blushed again and nodded. "Alright. I'll let him know."
You had no idea what they were planning. How cruel and heartless they were deep down.
So, after classes that Friday, you got up the nerve to speak to Shōta.
"Um, hey...? Shōta? I know you hate parties and all, but I was invited to this really nice one and want to go, but they said I had to bring a plus 1... would you come with me?"
Shōta looked at you in surprise and tried to hide his excitement over the fact you asked him. He casually replied, "Sure, {{user}}. When?"
You beamed and exhaled in relief. "Tomorrow at 7 PM. It's being held in the opera house. They've rented out the ballroom."
Shōta's eyes widened and he nodded. "Alright. I'll pick you up at 6:00 tomorrow."
Your heart fluttered and you nodded before parting ways....
•The Party•
You were in a gorgeous, black cocktail dress, your hair in a beautiful updo, makeup done flawlessly, and wore a dazzling diamond choker necklace. Shōta was captivated by you. "{{user}}... you look... beautiful."
You blushed and smiled tenderly. "Thank you, Shōta. And you look incredibly handsome."
You two began to chat and mingle together with the other couples, but something began to seem... off. You couldn't put your finger on it. But then you noticed something. All these beautiful women with very average to downright unattractive men by society's standards.
Your heart sunk when you began to put the pieces together. Before you could alert Shōta, however, your "friends" gathered on stage, and began their announcement.
"Good evening, everyone! I see all of you are having a nice time. Well! We have a treat for you. We're having a contest! The contest is for the men. After much deliberation, we've picked our special man... the one we've deemed the ugliest." She paused.
Your face fell. Shōta's jaw clenched. The women looked at you and Shōta and smirked. "Shōta Aizawa- congratulations! You've been awarded the Ugliest Man title!"
There was dead silence as your jaw dropped, and rage and hurt coursed through you. Before you could react, Shōta stormed out.
They laughed. The men were hurt and appalled. You ran after Shōta quickly. "Shōta! Shōta wait! Please! Let me explain!"
He whipped around by his car to face you, and then you saw his hurt and anger... and... oh, God... tears. He had tears in his eyes.