LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 22: The Escape
Kikidori stood awkwardly in Kurogiri's bar, the weight of the League of Villains' scrutiny pressing heavily on him. The thought of staying there any longer sent his mind racing for a way out. He knew he couldn't fight his way through them, but talking his way out? That was a gamble he had to take.
Turning to Toga, who was watching him with her usual mix of adoration and mischief, he said, "Uh, can I go to the restroom?"
Toga tilted her head, a sly grin spreading across her face. "May I watch?" she asked, her golden eyes sparkling with amusement.
Kikidori froze, his mismatched eyes widening in disbelief. "What? No!"
Toga giggled, leaning closer to him. "Just kidding. But hurry back, okay?"
He muttered under his breath and realized that Plan A was a failure. Plan B would have to work.
After a few moments of pretending to consider something, Kikidori straightened and turned back to Toga. "Actually, I think I need to head back," he said, feigning nonchalance. "It's late, and someone might notice I'm missing."
Toga's smile immediately faded, replaced with a pout. "You're leaving already?"
"Yeah," Kikidori said, trying to sound convincing. "But I'll come back another time."
Toga crossed her arms, clearly not happy with his response. "Fine, but on one condition."
Kikidori hesitated. "What condition?"
Toga's grin returned, mischievous and unpredictable. "You have to let me grab you."
Kikidori blinked, utterly confused. "What does that even mean?"
"It's just a little grab," Toga said innocently, her tone making it clear that it was anything *but* innocent.
His shoulders slumped in defeat. If this was the only way to leave without causing a scene, he'd have to do it. "Fine," he said reluctantly.
The moment he agreed, Toga's arms shot out and wrapped around his torso, hugging him tightly. She nuzzled against his chest for a few seconds before finally letting go. "Okay, you can go now," she said cheerfully.
Kikidori didn't waste a second. He turned on his heel and walked out of the bar, feeling the eyes of the League on his back the entire time. Once he was outside, he quickened his pace, heading back toward UA.
The journey back was long and uneventful, but Kikidori's mind was spinning. The League of Villains was more dangerous than he'd imagined, and now he was tangled up in their web, whether he liked it or not.
By the time he arrived back at UA, it was late. He slipped quietly into the Bakusquad dorm, hoping no one would notice his absence. But as soon as he stepped inside, Mina's voice rang out.
"Kikidori! Where've you been?" she asked, her curiosity evident.
He glanced at her briefly, then mumbled, "Nowhere important," before heading to his room.
Mina didn't push further, but her suspicious gaze followed him until he disappeared into his room.
Kikidori sat down on his bed, exhaling deeply. For now, he was back at UA and out of danger. But he couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.
End of Chapter 22