Chapter Text
Waiting
It's her day off but surprisingly, Shouto wakes up early. It is her day off, but unlike other fridays where she would continue sleeping until after 12 in the afternoon she’s very awake. It's her day off, but she opens her eyes even before 6 in the morning; making a cup of tea accompanied by plain toast. Today one of the rehearsals for the surprise dance at Jirou's wedding for Yaoyorozu was scheduled.
It’s not really a rehearsal, she had said, but rather it would be the indications of how they will move in said dance, since this as such does not require an elaborate choreography, from Shouto's perspective they were spinning around and occasionally exchanging partners; just like in the movie that her purple-haired friend seeks to recreate. Although she had quickly learned the steps from the video sent to those who will participate, today will be the first time she will do it in person, with her dance partner.
She thinks about how her decision guided by pure impulse and curiosity has led her to this moment. Honestly, the situation still feels like a fever dream. It has been a week and a half since Bakugo suggested that he ask for Yoarashi's help due to unknown reasons and Yoarashi himself accepted without a second thought for even more unknown reasons.
After that first of January; They had been in contact: Her and Yoarashi; However, it had only been through messages; calls, in some cases. Not once in person, at least not exclusively to talk and organize better about their agreement; The taller one had tried on one occasion to find a conversation with her on the times they had coincided on patrol, but something always presented itself that made both of them change the objective of their attention. Her mother and Fuyumi, from whom she had sought advice on the matter, had suggested that the two of them should agree on a day to meet before any rehearsals with more people; but the week flew by and at the end of the day; both of them have only kept communication in that way.
Despite that inconvenience; Yoarashi knows the basics, Shouto had told him whose wedding was, she had also sent him the reference video and pointed out what they were looking to imitate. 'Oh, I love that movie!' he had mentioned 'I know there is a book but I haven't read it, but the movie: I could watch it a thousand times!' Yaoyorozu too, Shouto had thought while listening to the other's excitement.
It is a relief that the man follows that regrettable request without protests, on the other hand the intrigue and nerves? They are eating her alive. Why accept without further ado? As she thinks more about it, Shouto can't help but feel guilty for bringing someone she hasn't kept in contact with for so long into all of this.
Even though she had told him that it was not necessary for him to do so, Yoarashi picks her up to go to rehearsal together (badly for the dual-haired one, since she wanted to avoid any awkward silence on the trip); for Shouto, it still feels extremely strange to meet the boy outside of hero work; He, on the other hand, seems very animated.
“Yoarashi.”
“Todoroki!!”
Noisy as she expected.
They exchange greetings at the entrance, before heading to where the happy rehearsal would be, Shouto makes a slight bow with his head and well, Yoarashi opens his arms for a few seconds, seeming to wait for something, continuing to return both limbs to their place when he did not receive an answer. The girl doesn't understand that gesture very well and the fact that Yoarashi scratches the back of his neck slightly embarrassed doesn't help.
Since neither of them have a car, they decide to take the train surreptitiously; Luckily, Shouto goes unnoticed with her two-color hair tied in a bun and almost completely covered by a cap.
“Ah, it feels strange to see yourself off patrol, doesn't it? Hahahaha…”, he tries to make conversation in a low tone so as not to give away the presence of both; Shouto nods silently since it was just what she had thought a few minutes ago…
Before she can vocally agree with him, she is interrupted by a group of teenagers in the cabin.
“Hey, isn't that Reppu??” one of them asks curiously.
"You're right! What if we ask for an autograph?” suggests another.
“Wouldn't that be disrespectful?”
Yoarashi, on the other hand; even though he also tried to go unnoticed with a cap and everything; He does not succeed due to his exaggerated height, which does not help him at all. The voices of the group intertwine, deciding whether or not to go towards it; Finally they surround the poor hero who is next to them, asking for his signature and videos greeting friends or family. Shouto hides her face from her by discreetly moving her cap down as she slowly moves away from him. Yoarashi glances at her out of the corner of his eye, a gesture that no one there except the two notices, before laughing nervously and agreeing to the requests.
The moment they get off the train, they do so separately; Shouto through one door and Yoarashi through the other, they had agreed on it by text messages after that group of fans intercepted the tallest one, this way they would avoid attracting attention again.
Well, she would avoid attracting attention; happily and strangely no one recognized her on the way, since it is not the first time that she has tried to pass herself off as a civilian on public transportation; unlike the other who was operated on a couple more times before reaching the destination. Once outside, she looks for him but doesn't locate him immediately. When she is ready to search for him, a hand touches her shoulder to get her attention. Despite the softness of the touch, she can't help but get startled and turn around quickly to find Yoarashi taking two steps back at her reaction.
“Oh, did I scare you??” he asks, repentant and bowing his head with the intention of making what seems like an exaggerated bow to apologize.
At that, Shouto becomes alert. Although, unlike when they were both teenagers, he does not seem to intend to hurt herself strongly; From what she can observe, Yoarashi still has the bad habit of bowing lower than usual when he thinks he's done something wrong.
"A bit. But you don't need to apologize,” she assures, making a gesture with both hands. “Really."
The man sits up whispering 'okay'. After that, they remain silent for the rest of the way.
When they finally arrive, everyone is, to say the least, surprised. Even Jirou and Ashido who seemed focused on organizing the dance; They are distracted when they see who Shouto has arrived with. The first raises her eyebrows and opens her mouth slightly while the second becomes excited as she smiles widely at Shouto, believing that her companion has not seen him. She starts to believe again, that this is all a bad idea.
After greeting those present followed by a Yoarashi doing the same but in a more energetic way; Shouto continues to feel the gaze of her companions even if she has already placed himself where she should be; This time Ashido and Hagakure look at her in a mischievous way, again making gestures that, no matter how much they believe it, do not go unnoticed by anyone present. Jirou passes behind them both, giving them both a gentle punch and taking Ashido to help her with the issue with the choreography. She draws everyone's attention by high-fiving her palms and asking them to take her place so she can explain the directions.
Shouto looks at Yoarashi who has already placed himself at a distance of 2 meters in front of him smiling at her.
It's going to be a long morning, she thinks.
The choreography and steps don't turn out to be as complicated as she thought they would be; The fact that in the initial part he does not need to be so close to his partner helps for now, as he turns around she sees Yoarashi out of the corner of her eye, who seems to be having fun and laughing lightly with those next to him; A strange feeling stays in her throat, then she looks at her classmates also having a good time and making more disturbances compared to the other group. Ashido immediately scolds her classmates; asking them to concentrate on learning what she is telling them. The aforementioned apologize in unison while they continue laughing, adjusting to their positions.
Shouto glances askance again in the direction where her companion is. Who has already placed himself back in his place, obedient, even if the scolding was for him. And so, from the beginning again.
She is sitting resting with the others. Ashido, passing a towel over her neck and face, approaches the group, smiling cheerfully and contrasting with the demanding attitude of the rehearsal.
"What did you think? It's not the same as doing it at home, right?” she says mockingly, finally sitting up.
Uraraka groans in defeat. “If you can’t stop shouting and making us repeat the same step more than 10 times, then no.” she claims, agitated but just as playful as the other girl.
"Yes, Yes!" supports Hagakure.
“Well, everything must be perfect for the big day,” the pink-skinned one answers, crossing her arms on her chest. "Right?"
Ashido looks at Jirou who is still drinking the water bottle from her, removing it from her mouth quickly to speak.
“Anything for Yaomomo.” she says, obviously tired and panting between words, but with determination in her eyes.
Shouto's lips quirk into a slight smile at that.
“Ohhh, so adorable!” Ashido gets excited, spinning around as if she were still a schoolgirl. “You’re so cute, the wedding is going to be perfect!”
She internally agrees with the girl, the relationship between the both girls was undoubtedly a very beautiful one; at least because of the things that Yaoyorozu has told her since high school, moved by every detail that the hearing quirk has had for her so far; She would undoubtedly be delighted with this surprise.
“Speaking of love… Todoroki, what's up with your little friend, huh?” Ashido speaks mischievously, moving his eyebrows.
Shouto coughs and chokes on the water she's been drinking; Uraraka, Jirou and Asui are startled. She continues coughing, becoming calm again, until he finally stops.
She has known Ashido for years, and therefore she also knows the girl's habit of matching her friends up, she had done it many times with the students of class 1, she had even done it with teachers. On rare occasions, like with Midoriya and Uraraka, she was right with these pairings, most of the time they were just the assumptions of a teenager in love with love. However, the idea of being seen in a romantic light with Yoarashi has caught her off guard, not because she has feelings for the boy, of course she doesn't, on the contrary, she can't imagine it.
"He's... doing me a favor, Natsu won't be able to accompany me that day, so he's helping me with that..." she explains, trying to sound rational.
“ Mina, don't start .” Uraraka begs, laughing softly.
“I remember you said he would be your partner, kero. Is he no longer going to be able to attend?” Asui looks at her, bringing her index finger up to her curious chin.
Shouto shakes her head; internally grateful that the green-haired one will change the topic.
Once the rehearsal is definitively over, everyone goes to different sides; She and Yoarashi say goodbye quickly, since apparently the latter has to go quickly to his agency for an emergency.
“So, next Sunday at the same time, right?” he asks in a hurry.
“Yes… But you don't have to come if it's difficult for you.” Shouto answers. She is internally praying that in fact, he can't attend to other rehearsals, and that they will just practice each on their own until the wedding day finally arrives. Until this finally ends.
“No, no, no” he waves his hands in refusal. "Don't worry! Yes, I can! See you, Todoroki!”
Damnit.
Cold Soba
The week goes smoothly; Although Shouto keeps thinking about whether asking Yoarashi for help was a good idea, the amount of work (mostly paperwork) helps her distract herself from the topic most of the time and luckily she hasn't run into the boy anywhere on patrol days.
That's why when Sunday is near she can't help but feel fatigued already. As if an irritating weight was on her shoulders. This is how she spends the entire Saturday afternoon and evening watching movies in a vain attempt to postpone the inevitable in her head; she finally falls asleep in a pre-quirk science fiction movie with particular special effects.
The sound of her apartment doorbell suddenly wakes her up, making her jump at the sudden noise; The plastic bowl with popcorn falls due to the reaction of the two-color hair. Her doorbell rings again. She takes the mobile phone located on the coffee table and checks the time:
8:30 AM
Shouto curses repeatedly as she runs towards her room, grabbing a pair of inconspicuous clothes, with incredible speed she grabs a cap and a pair of sunglasses; She quickly enters the bathroom and washes her face. She finally decides to open the door. It must be the fourth time they are ringing the doorbell, with the handle in her hand Shouto takes a deep breath, and opens it, finding a Yoarashi dressed very differently than last time. If it weren't for the fact that she knows that the one who would pass by her every Sunday is him, she wouldn't have recognized him.
“Hello, Todoroki!” the man greets with good humor (which she would like to be contagious) despite having knocked several times.
“Yoarashi… Sorry for the delay.” She manages to say even though she is short of breath from the haste of her actions.
“Don't worry, I didn't wait long!” he answers.
With the fatigue disappearing, Shouto takes a good look at the appearance of the person in front of him: A jacket with a particular design, a scarf covering part of his mouth, a large parka and finally some torn jeans accompanied by white sneakers, Curious about the choice of clothing, she does not realize that she has been looking for a considerable amount of time until a voice interrupts her observation.
“Oh, this?” he asks, pointing to himself in a tone that, for some reason, sounds slightly nervous. “It's so they don't recognize me on the train!”
Shouto looks him over from head to toe once more.
“Don't you think it draws more attention?” she asks genuinely.
Yoarashi remains silent for a few seconds, as if he was thinking about what to respond. He opens his mouth, but closes it again. He looks down, examining his clothes, frowning slightly.
“No-” he begins, but doesn't complete the sentence.
This time he narrows his eyes briefly, then raises his head in her direction.
"I... It's-"
Shouto tilts her head, surprised by the difficulty in finding what to say on the other. Had he really not thought about it?
“I thought... If I didn't dress like... I usually do... Right? No. Okay…” he manages to articulate in a defeated tone.
With what has been said, Shouto understands where the idea comes from, but although it seems like a good alternative, his height and build works against him.
“I can lend you my glasses.” she proposes, handing him the glasses.
She doesn't know if they'll be much help, but at least they might be of some use.
"Thank you!" He replies, recovering his previous spirit, taking the object and putting them on with a big smile on his face. “I think it's better that we go at once.”
To the surprise of both (especially Shouto), this time there is only one person who recognizes Yoarashi on the road, and luckily, a considerably calm woman; she who had discreetly asked him for an autograph for her son; He had gladly accepted.
As she closes her eyes on the road, her stomach twists.
Once they reach the rehearsal point, Shouto receives a warning from Ashido for being late. However, other than that, the hours of practice occur normally and without any mishap, except for that slight pain in his belly.
She is still getting used to the parts where she has to dance only with his partner and not in a group; but the feeling of wanting to make the surprise for Yaoyorozu’s special day helps her overcome any hesitation. 'Anything for Yaomomo.' Jirou's words repeat in her head.
In the breaks; Ashido, now together with Hagakure and Komori; They continue to ask her about Yoarashi (who is outside the place due to a phone call); being stopped by Uraraka and Asui who save her from awkward conversations on the subject.
And without her noticing, the rehearsal has come to an end. When Shouto notices it she is surprised by how quickly the 3 hours have passed. 'Maybe it won't be that hard,' she thinks, after washing her face and putting her things in her bag. She puts a hand on her belly, despite having been distracted today, the discomfort has not completely disappeared yet.
On the way out, she says goodbye to her friends and the others. With the intention of returning quickly to her apartment, she also prepares to say goodbye to Yoarashi.
“Yoarashi, see yo-”
“Todoroki, do you want to go out to eat something?”
Oh?
She remains silent at his request, blinking, still not knowing what to respond with. Is Yoarashi inviting her to lunch? She doesn't know whether to reject his offer or accept it out of courtesy, after all he has been doing her the favor of going to the dance rehearsals for Yaoyorozu's wedding. Before she can decide, he speaks first.
“Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you!” he apologizes, this time with no intention of bowing.
“Go out to eat something?” she repeats, ignoring the other's apology, it's the only thing that comes out of her mouth.
"Yeah! I thought that, suddenly, since you left in a hurry in the morning you hadn't had a good breakfast, it's not good to have an empty stomach for so long and... I know a good place nearby, from when I patrolled here before! Whatcha think?"
Shouto looks at him thoughtfully. It's not that she hadn't had a good breakfast, but that she simply hadn't had breakfast, a consequence of falling asleep watching movies the night before trying not to think about...
A thunderous noise erupts, coming from her belly, both are surprised by that sound.
“So are you coming?”
He was right. The place is, indeed, close. How far have they walked? 5 minutes? It is a small establishment specializing in noodles run by a short man, who cooks and takes orders at the same time. Fortunately, there is only one boy who is already eating and one family.
They both enter and sit at a small table located near the entrance. As soon as the man finishes taking the orders from the table belonging to the family, he quickly approaches where they are sitting, placing two one-sheet cards for each one.
“Welcome to Sukimen! The best place to eat noodles in Shizuoka! We have Ramen, Yakisoba and Udon! And of course our star dish: Soba!”
Shouto casts a quick glance at Yoarashi who continues to stare at the man as he speaks.
“When you decide, don't forget to call me! Take a good look at the menu!”
And just as he approached, the man leaves, heading towards the kitchen animated.
“Soba, huh?” she finally speaks, raising her eyebrows.
The boy laughs lightly, apparently modulating his tone as he is in a more closed space.
“HA! I found the place by accident last time; When I looked it up online apparently it's the best soba restaurant around here. And then I thought about when you said it was your favorite dish in the remedial course.” He explains her with a smile, this time triumphant, on his face.
“I'm surprised you still remember.” she replies, her eyes wider than usual, looking at the place.
It's true that she is surprised, she didn't think that Yoarashi would remember something that she had mentioned to her years ago, when they were in high school and even more if they haven't really stayed in each other's social circle over time. Shouto, due to work and fatigue regarding the press, has stayed with her UA friends, it is the most reliable and comfortable. Yoarashi, from what little she knows, is still close friends with Utsushimi and the occasional hero he works with.
“Unless… it's not Soba anymore?” he questions, narrowing his eyes.
“It's still Soba.” Shouto assures calmly. “Is yours still Udon?
"Indeed!" he declares still with that proud attitude of him. “Hot Udon remains the best dish!”
Shouto smiles slightly, having deja-vu with this conversation.
“I still prefer cold soba.”
"In winter??" he asks incredulously. “Todoroki, we're seriously still not compatible!”
They both laugh at the exchange, one louder than the other. 'We really aren't.' She thinks to herself, now taking a good look at the menu sheet. Yoarashi does the same.
“Do you know what you're going to order?” he asks after a couple of minutes, taking his eyes off the paper.
“I think it's obvious.” Shouto answers, causing a loud laugh from the other, who immediately closes his mouth when he notices his carelessness regarding the volume. "You?"
The boy nods and continues to call the little man, who leaves the kitchen in a hurry towards his table.
“Have you decided?”
Yoarashi makes a sound of affirmation. But the one that starts with his request is Shouto.
“Yes, for me it is a Zaru Soba and a matcha tea.”
The man begins to write what he just said in a tiny notebook.
“Uhhh” Yoarashi continues. “I would like a Kare Udon… With pork! And a soda… Oh, and a serving of prawn tempura!”
Once finished writing. The man repeats the orders in general, receiving affirmation from both, after which he quickly returns to the kitchen.
“Tempura?” she asks curious at the last choice of her companion.
“You didn't have a good breakfast, did you? Just in case the soba doesn't fill you up, in any case I can eat it all if not-”
"No, It’s okay." she interrupts.
Waiting for their food, they both resume the conversation, catching up on a few things. Apparently Utshimi had recently started working at the same agency as Yoarashi. Unlike some of his friends, the ex shiketsu's students haven't considered the idea of opening their own agencies yet. Shouto can empathize with the feeling, although many have the misunderstanding that the agency she works for is her agency, the reality is that it is still her father's agency.
“Camie says she prefers other areas, she is planning on doing a radio show like Present Mic.” He continues while the two-tone haired woman continues listening while she reflects to herself. “It's a lot of responsibility, you know? I like being a hero, but being the leader of something is not my thing, haha!”
A lot of responsibility. She repeats in her head.
“Midoriya says he still can't get used to owning one.” Shouto mentions, remembering the times her friend had told her about the nervousness and experience of handling something like that.
The Tempura portion arrives and the two thank the food cordially before the cook returns to his work.
“Midoriya… Deku, right?”
“Yes, with Urara- Uravity. “They are still starting with the organizations.”
Now it's Shouto who grabs a fry.
"Hmm!" Yoarashi exclaims with his mouth full, quickly passing by to continue talking. “I saw her at rehearsals!”
She still hasn't finished eating and passing, therefore, she doesn't respond outside of making a noise of affirmation.
“Speaking of weddings…” he continues, understanding that she still cannot speak. “Your friends, the ones who are getting married…”
Finally passing her food, Shouto replies:
“Yaoyorozu and Jirou… They have been a couple since UA”
“Wow!!”
And Shouto agrees, wow.
“Jirou is the one making the surprise for Yaoyorozu.” she replies as she keeps eating. “You probably also know her from rehearsals.”
“The little one!” Yoarashi points out. “I also know her from Gunga! So Yaoyorozu is the Pride and Prejudice fan?”
She continues to be amazed at the other's memory and how he can remember things that have happened a considerable number of years ago.
“Yes, it's her favorite book and she loves the movie.” Shouto explains.
"It is a really good movie! “Camie made me watch it a long time ago and she didn't like it, but I did!” he points out.
“Yaoyorozu almost always suggests it whenever it's movie night.”
Shouto smiles as she remembers her friend's enthusiasm every time they played the tape, as if it were the first time she saw it, getting excited about each scene between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth.
“And you like it?” Yoarashi asks.
"Oh?" The question catches her a little off guard.
"If you like the movie." he asks again with a smile.
Before she can respond, her soba order arrives. She cordially thanks.
"Mmm. I don't dislike it..." she goes back to the conversation.
And it's true, she doesn't dislike the movie, however, she can't say it's for her either. What she likes most about watching the footage with Yaoyorozu is her comments and observations, unlike Shouto, the creation quirk was a fan of the romance genre.
"I watch more science fiction movies; but I don't mind watching other types of things with friends..." she adds, trying to explain herself better.
Yoarashi makes a noise of understanding.
“Like Alien?” he questions with curiosity.
Shouto thinks about the marathon of low-budget, bad effects films she watched last night.
"Yes, something like that."
"How cool!"
The conversation continues that way until after both have finished their respective dishes. Apparently Yoarashi says he likes movies of all kinds, but he has a special taste for animation and sports films, however, he doesn't like those that are only blood and explicit violence; Shouto thinks that then he doesn't like all types of movies, but he insists it’s a small exception. It is not until they have to pay the bill that they interrupt the harmless debate formed as a result.
Shouto begins to calculate how much the total soba and tea she ordered is, plus possibly half of the tempura. However, in front of him, Yoarashi has already taken out an approximate amount of everything in cash, placing it on the card.
“I'll give you my part later?” she questions, a little confused.
The taller one shakes his head.
"No! Don’t worry, Todoroki, after all I was the one who invited you to lunch.” He replies cheerfully, now standing up from his seat and gesturing with his thumb. “Shall we go to the station?”