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Neito found himself bundled up in the blankets on Kendo’s bed. He didn’t intend on making himself into a burrito but she was currently sitting at her desk, ignoring him, he might add, in order to work on some homework. Besides her blankets were soft, warm and inviting so now he found himself pouting in them while watching her quietly.
He couldn’t believe that in his moment of need she was instead worrying over homework she could easily put off. She was disregarding the best friend code and that was unforgivable. Itsuka knew what she was getting into all those years ago when she entered the contract to become his friend.
Although he supposes that he was much easier to handle when they were children. Nah, he was just as needy back then as he is now, he was just more of a crybaby as a kid.
Neito let out a loud sigh before plopping over and lying on his side. At least her blankets were a comfort; he could absolutely fall asleep if he wasn’t careful. Maybe that was her plan all a long! Ignore her poor in-need best friend and then wait until he was comfortable enough to fall asleep so she didn’t have to deal with him after all, clever.
“Neito stop pouting over there, I’ve already told you what to do last year and you ignored it.” She paused, glancing over. “You said and I quote, “There’s no way that I like Shinsou so stop calling me a dumb gay, we’re just friends.” Does that ring any bells? It hasn’t been that many months, you should recall it easily.”
Yeah he definitely can recall that conversation. Her declaration came out of nowhere while he was telling her about how he and Shinsou took a break from training and went to a nearby cat cafe. It ended up stunning him into silence as he stared at her in confusion. He wasn’t sure how she had come to that conclusion at the time.
Looking back he now understood what she meant and yes, he was an idiot but at that time he hadn’t noticed the feelings that were currently messing with his heart. Well he might have felt something but he also buried those as soon as they arose in denial. After all, he was just happy to actually have another friend and that’s clearly what those feelings were from.
Besides both of them had far more important things to worry about like surviving UA and becoming heroes. Honestly Shinsou was so against making friends in the beginning just so he could focus on his goal. However, that changed when he was transferred into class 1-A, and well Midoriya’s in that class, the rest is history.
Shinsou made a lot more friends then he intended but it was for the best. Growing up his quirk got in the way of making friends, he was similar to Neito in that regard.
When Neito’s parents forced him to move away at the start of middle school, he lost all his friends in elementary. Let’s just say the kids in his new school weren’t as kind and once they found out about his quirk, the isolation and bullying started. After all, unless he could touch someone to copy their quirk, he was essentially quirkless in their eyes.
He never told Itsuka about those times but he found himself sharing with Shinsou after they started training together and becoming closer. Everything with Shinsou became a comfortable routine; training, talking, studying. It was something he didn’t want to lose and he terrified these stupid feelings would cause it to all come crashing down.
Thus his current predicament and the reason he barged into Kendo’s room hoping she could knock some sense into him like she always did. The last thing he wanted to do was accidentally admit his feelings and make everything awkward between them when Shinsou doesn’t return them. He worked so hard to become close friends with him and he doesn’t want that to end.
“Earth to Neito, are you even listening to me?”
“Surprisingly, I am even though you’ve refused to give me a better solution then confessing.” The scowl on her face told him she was annoyed and one more smartass comment would get him hit.
“Confessing is your best solution, idiot! You like him and you’re worried that someone else will steal him away.”
“I am not worried about that.”
“Oh, really? So why is it that you glare at Kaminari every chance you get, especially if he’s being friendly to Shinsou?”
“Kaminari is annoying, that’s why,” he really hated that knowing look she was giving him. “It has nothing to do with Shinsou.”
“So you wouldn’t care at all that Kaminari is planning on asking Shinsou out on a date at the end of the week.”
“What?” He yelled out surprised, his voice cracking slightly causing her to laugh loudly at his expense. “What do you mean he’s asking-oh…you’re an asshole, Itsuka.”
"I definitely didn’t expect your voice to crack so much-” She broke off into laughter. “But yes, you don’t have any fear over losing him to anyone else.”
“I literally hate you.”
“I love you too Neito,” she started calming down, “but for real you need to just tell him how you feel before it’s too late.”
"I can’t, Itsuka. I don’t want to lose him and I know he doesn’t feel the same. He’s pretty easy to read after all and relationships would just get in the way. I want to be able to help him reach his goal not be a distraction on his path.”
“You are beyond a stupid gay; honestly you’ve hit the point of being the most useless gay I’ve ever met, congratulations.” She ignored his annoyed look before continuing. “Neito, you do not have a mindreading quirk so stop acting like you know exactly what he thinks of you. Shinsou also didn’t want friends in the beginning because ‘they’d get in the way’,” and look at how that changed.”
Neito tried to interrupt but she quickly hushed him and continued. “Shinsou is just awkward when it comes to friends because he’s clearly never had them until this point. He’s been isolated, so of course it’s going to be hard for him to express and react properly to all the attention.”
“Itsuka, you’re talking friends, that’s completely different than dating someone. I don’t even think he’s gay or bi at the very least. So it makes no sense to embarrass myself.”
“Neito, you embarrass yourself on a daily basis to keep everyone from realizing just how anxious and self doubting you really are about your quirk and ability to actually make it.” She paused, “besides, you need to be friends with someone before dating them, dummy.”
He wanted to dispute that but couldn’t actually find the words to do so. The truth hit hard and sat on his chest like an uncomfortable weight, almost making it a bit difficult to breathe. Honestly just because she was his best friend and knew him better than anyone didn’t actually mean he wanted her to call him out so easily.
"You need to just tell him how you feel before it’s too late.”
Her words echoed in his head as he attempted to stay focused on his current task. Honestly Neito knew the moment he went to her she’d call him out and tell him exactly what he knew he should do but didn’t want to.
Although, he didn’t actually expect her to bring up his facade so soon but it was only a matter of time. He’d switch between loud obnoxious asshole in front of the school to suddenly calm and focused in the classroom.
It threw his classmates for a hell of a loop at first but they’ve since gotten use to it. Even if they didn’t understand his reasoning they knew he’d help them in a heartbeat when it came to school work or anything else. He wanted them to do their very best and was more than happy to help with that. He’d finally made friends again and he didn’t want to lose that.
Neito raised his arms just a hair to late to properly brace for the kick heading towards his chest. It easily broke his block and knocked him right off his feet. He landed roughly on the ground and could only stare blankly at the ceiling, catching his breath.
'This Neito is why we keep a clear mind when training, idiot.’
Shinsou’s face came into view above him; he looked concerned but also confused. “Are you alright, Monoma?” he reached a hand out helping him to his feet.
“Yeah I’m fine,” he muttered rolling his shoulders. “I just underestimated the force behind your kick this time; you’re getting a lot stronger.”
“You’ve been distracted this entire time. If you’re not feeling well we can cut this short.”
“I’m fine Shinsou, I swear.” Neito could tell that Shinsou didn’t believe him one bit but he knew he wouldn’t push the issue.
“If you’re sure, it’s not safe or wise to train when you’re so distracted.”
“Yes I’m sure, we’re just wasting time at this point so come at me already.” He got into a stance, “Or are you too afraid of my abilities,” his laughter echoed in the gym. “Don’t worry Shinsou-kun, I’ll go easy on you.”
Neito watched with amusement as Shinsou just rolled his eyes before suddenly striking without warning, trying to catch him off guard. He relaxed into the routine of dodging and striking. They’d been training together long enough that it became pretty easy for them to predict each others moves for the most part.
This routine, the closeness they currently share that’s what Neito wanted to protect, that’s why despite wanting to become something more than friends he would keep his mouth shut. It was just too important to risk and hearing “I’m sorry, I don’t feel the same,” would be devastating.
Kendo had been right; he was terrified Shinsou would find someone. Neito couldn’t deny the jealousy that reared its ugly face at the thought of someone else coming into Shinsou’s life and replacing him. It was stupid, he should be happy for him if that happened, but he didn’t want to.
Neito didn’t want anyone else to see the sides of Shinsou that he’s gotten glimpses of. Those secret moments that he’s locked into his memories like a lovesick idiot were precious to him and he refused to share, he was an only child after all. A soft smile and expression he got whenever he was petting a cat. All the groaning and annoyance he got when it came time to study English, his most hated subject. Neito was currently helping him out with it. The peaceful expression his face relaxes into when he accidentally falls asleep during their study sessions.
‘Do it before someone steals him and you’re forgotten.’
Neito would like to believe he has good impulse control but in this moment as the words left his mouth he realized the truth. Horror wracked his brain as that one stupid sentence spilled past his lips.
“I like you more than a friend.”
Stupid, that was the perfect word to describe himself at this second. Once again he’d gotten distracted, only this time he’d fucked up far more than the previous time.
He only got a moment to lament over his mistake before a fist connected and he stumbled back from the force. Pain blossomed from his nose and he felt blood gushing out of it, his hands immediately covered it as he swore.
“I know you don’t feel the same but did you really have to hit me so hard.” He muttered cradling his nose, it wasn’t broken from what he could tell but it was still bleeding and painful.
“What did you say?”
Neito could see the shock on Shinsou’s face and he immediately wanted to disappear. This was not at all what he intended on doing, he needed to escape. Ignoring Shinsou’s question, he just turned and walked to the door, calmly. The moment he shut the door behind him though is when he bolted down the hall.
He made a quick stop at the nurse’s office to at least get his nose to stop bleeding before heading to Kendo’s room. He wasn’t even sure if she was in but he needed her comfort and guidance. It was definitely too late to transfer schools but there was other ways to disappear. UA was a huge school after all, how hard could it be to avoid one person till gradation?
He didn’t bother knocking on her door before entering; he never did and probably never would. Kendo always locked her door if she didn’t want to be bothered. She had been lying on her stomach while reading on her bed when he entered. He flopped down next to her face first and groaned loudly.
“Kill me.”
“What did you do now, Neito?”
“I confessed,” he muttered it so quietly that the bed muffled it and she couldn’t understand what he said.
“You know damn well that I can’t hear you with your face buried into my bed and mumbling.”
Neito turned his face so he could properly breathe and see her. “I accidentally confessed to him in the worst possible way.”
“Ah! You actually did it?” her excitement made him feel worse, “I’m so proud of you!”
“Did you completely miss the part where I said in the worst possible way?”
“How bad could it be? You at least managed to brave up and do it.”
“He hit me-”
“He what?” she interrupted looking ready to murder a certain brainwasher.
“I accidentally blurted out that I liked him as more than friends while in the middle of our training session.”
She sighed heavily, “So let me get this straight; you were training with Shinsou and told him you liked him. He punched you because it was something you should have dodged but were too busy confessing.”
“Yeah that’s basically it.”
“Oh my god, Neito,” she couldn’t help but laugh at his expense. “Well what did you two do after that?”
“I told him he didn’t have to hit me so hard that I knew he didn’t feel the same and then I panicked and left.”
“Wait…you just left the gym without talking to him about it, without even hearing his response?”
“Yeah,” Neito knew he fucked up but listen he panicked and that was the best thing his mind could come up with. “Once I was out of the gym I ran as fast as I could.”
“Neito, you freaking moron.” She groaned smacking her forehead while shaking her head.
“He’s texted me several times already and tried to call but I’ve ignore all of them so far.”
“Why the hell are you ignoring him now? He clearly wants to talk about what happened.”
“Because I didn’t mean to say what I did and I don’t want to hear his rejection yet. I’m pretty sure I can avoid him for the rest of the school year.”
“I swear to god Neito I will drag your ass to him if I have to. Go speak to him and sort out this entire mess.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Neito, we’ve known each other since we were in diapers, try me.”
Yeah that was something he’d pass on, he knew her well enough. She’d absolutely drag him to find Shinsou and that would add on to the embarrassment he’s already suffering from, no thank you.
“You’re supposed to comfort me Itsuka, not threaten me. What kind of best friend are you?”
“I am the best in the business and you’re being stupid right now so it’s my job to set you straight.”
“You know what your friendship status has been revoked.” He got off her bed and started towards the door, “I’m going to my room for the night.”
“Oh no what ever shall I do? I’ve lost my pain in the ass best friend; this is the end of me as we know it.”
Shinsou knew he should have called off their training session earlier when he noticed just how distracted Neito was. Instead, he overlooked his weak reassurance and they continued on. At first, it was going well and then he could tell Monoma was starting to get distracted again.
“I like you more than a friend.”
Monoma stopped, leaving himself wide open in order to speak. It shocked Shinsou to the point where he couldn’t stop his fist connecting. He watched Neito stumble back, blood falling from his nose. He wasn’t even sure he heard him correctly before he punched him but the next words out of Monoma’s mouth set him straight.
“I know you don’t feel the same but did you really have to hit me so hard.” He muttered cradling his nose.
“What did you say?”
Shinsou was at a loss. He barely managed to vocalize his confusion but instead of getting a response; Monoma just ignored his question and walked away leaving him dumbfounded. After a few moments, he quickly followed after to make sure he was alright but when he opened the door, Monoma was nowhere in sight.
Was this some kind of prank? It didn’t really seem like something Monoma would do but at this point he wasn’t sure. Did he seriously confess right in the middle of a sparing match?
To: Neito Monoma
4:15pm
Hey are you alright? You just walked away without answering me; I didn’t break your nose, did I?
Normally it’d only be a few moments before he’d get a response; Monoma was always pretty prompt when responding. However, after several minutes of waiting he realized that a response wasn’t coming.
To: Neito Monoma
4:22pm
Listen I’m not exactly sure why you walked away like that but can we talk?
Groaning when he realized once again he wasn’t going to get a response he decided to head back to the dorms. He wasn’t sure what Monoma’s problem was, you can’t just tell someone that you like them and then walk away.
To: Neito Monoma
4:26pm
If this is some kind of joke, it’s not funny.
He sent a few more texts as he walked, slowly getting more irritated. Why did dealing with people have to be such a pain in the ass? Honestly, he was tired and wanted to ignore this entire situation but he also knew that would only make things worse.
Did Monoma seriously like him? That was something Hitoshi was having a hard time wrapping his mind around. His hair was an absolute untamable mess. The bags under his eyes gave away just how little sleep he was getting. Plus, he had what most would deem as a villainous quirk; although Monoma told him it was cool and useful.
So why would someone so obnoxiously bright like Monoma actually like him? There’s no way he would, he couldn’t. That would mean this was some sort of mean joke, right? But that wasn’t like Monoma at all, he was never intentionally cruel. Loud, jealous and obnoxious at times, yes, but never purposely mean. He’d been bullied a lot in middle school so it wasn’t like he’d do the same to others.
Shinsou really didn’t like calling people if he could help it but if Monoma wasn’t going to answer his texts, maybe he’d answer his call. After a few rings it went to his voicemail, he left a simple ‘call me’ before hanging up as he entered the dorms for 1-A.
He wasn’t exactly sure what to do next now that Monoma was ignoring his texts and calls. Grabbing a glass out of the cabinet he filled it up with water from the sink before leaning against the counter with a tired sigh.
“Hey Shinsou,” Izuku greeted cheerfully. “You’re back a lot earlier than you usually are, did something happen?”
Hitoshi knew that Izuku would push if he ignored him, “Monoma left early.”
“Why’d he leave? Did you two get into a fight?”
“Not exactly,” he wasn’t quite sure if this was a fight or not.
Izuku just gave a confused look but remained quiet as if waiting for him to continue. While he knew that none of this was anyone else’s business, maybe he could give some advice. He hesitated for a few moments before finally spitting it out; he’d probably regret this later.
“Monoma told me he liked me but then walked away before I could respond.”
“Ah,” Izuku brought his hand up to his chin in thought. “Maybe he confessed before he was ready and then figured that you didn’t like him back so he just left before you could answer.”
“Yeah but now he’s ignoring my texts and phone calls.”
“Why not just go and talk to him in person?” he questioned before continuing. “The dorms for 1-B are the next building over.”
“Is that really a good idea?” he frowned, “If he’s not answering my messages, I doubt he wants to talk.”
“Monoma could just be afraid, it’s best to talk to him sooner. If you wait too long, he could take it like you’re not actually interested in him.”
Shinsou opened his mouth to dispute Izuku but he just got a sly grin from said boy. “Just go let him know you like him too, Shinsou. It’ll all work out, I’m sure of it!”
Following Izuku’s advice, he found himself standing outside the dorm building for 1-B. He hadn’t quite found the courage to actually go inside and look for a certain headache inducing blonde. He rubbed the back of his neck with a tired sigh, this was such a pain.
Though he supposed he should probably do something before someone noticed him standing outside awkwardly. Shinsou had half a mind to turn around and just go to his room but he knew that Izuku was right and it wouldn’t help putting it off. It wasn’t hard to see Monoma’s anxiety when you’ve spent a lot of time with him; something he’s done a lot since becoming friends.
“Shinsou? What are you doing out here?” Hitoshi didn’t notice Kendo when she exited the building until she spoke up. “What happened to your training session with Monoma?”
“Something came up,” he could tell by the look on her face she knew more than she was letting on.
“So is there a reason why you’re standing outside our dorms like a creep?” She was fishing and definitely amused by this entire situation.
“Is Monoma inside? I need to speak with him.”
She smirked, “Well, since I’ve had my friendship revoked, I guess I could let you know that Neito is currently in his room lying down. He’s not asleep and his room is unlocked so just let yourself in. His room is on the second floor and third door on the right. Vlad-sensei is busy tonight with a school meeting so you can take as long as you two need.”
She placed a hand on his shoulder and gave a light squeeze. “My friendship rights will be reinstated tomorrow, so just know that if you make him cry, I will hurt you,” she gave a sweet smile before walking away.
Hitoshi wasn’t dumb; he knew she’d happily drop his ass if he wasn’t careful. He wouldn’t lie; Kendo was terrifying when she gives a sweet smile as she threatens you. He never understood why Monoma always antagonized her on purpose.
He got a few confused stares as he entered the building but otherwise no one said anything. When he reached Neito’s door, he started to knock but figured he wouldn’t answer so he quietly let himself inside.
Monoma was lying on his bed, listening to music, Hitoshi would guess considering he had headsets in and was just staring at the ceiling. He wasn’t sure what he was going to even say but he needed to confront him regardless. Once he got close to the bed Monoma finally noticed him and looked panicked as he sat up pulling out of his headsets.
“What are you doing here?”
“Well considering you refuse to answer my texts or calls I figured coming here was the next best thing,” he deadpanned. Monoma didn’t respond and simply looked down at his lap instead.
“Why did you do what you did?” Hitoshi questioned.
“I-I didn’t mean it!”
“Didn’t mean what? The confession or the ignoring me afterwards,” he allowed a bit of annoyance show. “Listen, Monoma, if you’re just playing some kind of game, I want nothing to do with it. I won’t let anyone play with my feelings.”
“I didn’t mean to confess at that moment!” he exclaimed looking up. “I’m not playing a game. I like you a lot but I didn’t want to ruin our friendship because you’d never feel the same about me!”
Once Monoma realized exactly what he yelled, he went bright red and looked down, clenching his fists. Hitoshi could help but think how cute he looked while being so flustered.
“Monoma,” the only response he got was a head shake. “Neito, just look at me.”
The use of his first name got him to look up, shocked. Yeah he’d gotten permission to call him by his first name a while ago but neither of them actually used them when talking to each other.
“You’ve got to stop assuming my answer to your confession.”
“But-”
“Neito, just let me speak,” he cut him off. “I guess I just don’t understand why you’d like a mess like me.” He held up a hand to stop Neito from interrupting like he clearly wanted to. “But if you really like me then there’s no reason to lie about how I feel about you.”
“Wait- you like me back? Is that what you’re trying to tell me?”
“Yeah I guess I am,” he rubbed the back of his neck.
Happiness and relief lit up Neito’s face causing him to grin. Hitoshi couldn’t help but chuckle at his response, which only caused Neito to turn red once more. Yeah he was definitely cute when flustered; he’d have to keep doing it.
“So…what does this mean for us?” Neito hesitated, embarrassed.
“What do you want it to mean?”
“I-” he took a calming breath, “I don’t want to lose you to anyone else.” Hitoshi raised an eyebrow, amused. “Ah- I guess what I mean is…will you be my boyfriend?”
“Are you sure you really want to date someone like me?”
Neito jumped up to his feet and jabbed a finger against his chest. “Don’t you dare start talking bad about yourself in front of me again, Hitoshi.”
“And what are you going to do about it, Neito?” He grabbed his wrist with an amused smirk.
Neito looked surprised for a moment before smiling softly, “I guess I’ll just have to show you how great you are.”
Neito hesitated a moment before leaning close and kissing his cheek, causing Hitoshi to turn red this time and Neito to laugh.
“Is that so?” he paused smirking. “How are you going to do that when you missed?”
“Missed? What do you mean?” Neito was confused.
Hitoshi released his wrist and gently grabbed Neito’s face before leaning down and pulling him into a kiss. Chaste and hesitant at first, neither knowing what they were doing, before they became more comfortable and relaxed. Hitoshi pulled away leaving him in a flustered daze.
“Oh-oh,” he barely managed to mumble, content.