**Chapter 39: Unsettling Encounters**

The game had been intense, but in the end, I had managed to edge out my friends to win the prized spot next to Izuku. As I settled in for the night, I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my chest as I gazed at Izuku's peaceful face. He was sleeping soundly, his chest rising and falling with each gentle breath. I couldn't help but smile as I looked at him, feeling a warmth spread through my body. I had grown so used to being around him, to teasing him and joking with him, that it was easy to forget that I had feelings for him. But as I lay there, my eyes fixed on his face, I couldn't deny it any longer. As I drifted off to sleep, I became aware of Izuku's arm drifting across the blanket, his hand coming to rest on my stomach. I felt a blush rise to my cheeks as I realized that he was holding me, his fingers curled gently around my waist. I tried to play it cool, telling myself that it was just a reflex, that he didn't even realize he was doing it. But deep down, I knew that it was more than that. Izuku had always been affectionate, but this was different. This was...intimate. As I lay there, my heart racing with excitement, I felt my face grow hotter and hotter. I was mortified. What if he woke up and realized what he was doing? What if he didn't want to be holding me? I tried to subtly shift away from him, not wanting to make a big deal out of it, but Izuku's grip only tightened. He was holding me close, his body warm against mine, and I felt like I was melting into him. I was so caught up in my own thoughts that I didn't even notice when Izuku stirred, his eyes fluttering open as he looked down at me. For a moment, we just stared at each other, his eyes locked on mine, and I felt like I was drowning in their depths. And then, to my horror, a slow smile spread across his face, and he leaned in close, his voice barely above a whisper. "Goodnight, Ochaco," he said, his breath tickling my ear. I felt my face erupt into flames as I realized that he knew exactly what he was doing. And I had no idea how to react.