Chapter Text
If one were to multiply the variable y, which represents Todoroki's yes-I-can-handle-the-stress rank in percentage, and the variable u, which represents the number of unhappy or exhausting school days there were, the result would be an all-important formula. It's the formula that computes for the number of years Todoroki loses from his total life expectancy.
(Please note that a scale of one to one hundred percent measures Todoroki's yes-I-can-handle-the-stress rank. One percent means that the stress isn't a bother, while a hundred percent indicates that the pressure has a hundred percent gotten to him.)
Moving on, the variable d, which is a decimal number scaled by the daddy issues index, can be added to the variable o, which is a number measured by the oh-my-lord meter. The sum is the rough estimate of how many times Todoroki wants to punch Endeavor in the face or the other alternative.
(Please note that the daddy issues index and the oh-my-god meter are confidential and classified. How they work must remain withheld from the public.)
Continuing, the variable t, which represents Todoroki's time to relax and unwind, divided by the variable h, which represents the number of hero work and studies he has to do, then multiplied by a hundred yields a certain percentage. It's the percentage of how much of his brain cells are still actually active and working.
(Please note that Todoroki is a mood.)
Lastly, the variable i, which measures how inspirational, intelligent, incredible, influential, intense, impassioning, intriguing, inspiriting, irresistible Izuku is, plus the variable s, which is a number scaled by the Shouto-being-a-smitten-teenager index, equals this magnificent, self-indulgent story!
(Please note that Todoroki is not allowed to score the variable i as infinity and that the variable s has a maximum range of infinity. Please also note that it's a general rule to omit the other twenty-one, starts-with-i modifiers describing Izuku, leaving only the nine adjectives observed above. Yes, nine—a fitting number.)
Multiply all the variables and get this equation—yudothis=?—one that no one wants to answer.
Just because Todoroki is comfortable with math doesn't mean that he loves it.
Just because the author doesn't have a beta to control the chaos doesn't mean the author can get away with anything, including starting a story with math.
That said—
[REDACTED]
(The author was supposed to put another set of math-related writing but miraculously decided against it at the last moment. You get to continue straight to the story. You're welcome.)
-
"I hate proms."
That was what Todoroki always told himself when he first heard of it, and that was what he kept telling himself all the time.
Out of all the problems he faced in the first year of Todoroki's studies at UA hero high school, this may have been the most difficult one.
He associated only two words with this prom—dancing and love. Without a single shred of doubt in any of the cells in his body, Todoroki detested dancing. But as much as he wanted to rule out love as just a pointless distraction, he saw how that went for Endeavor.
No, love was something that the two-toned teen wanted, needed, craved. It was something that he had so little in his life, and that was what made everything so much more complicated.
It was the second day of the second trimester, and things started spiraling downward for Todoroki after the announcement of the UA Prom. The only good news he had was that three separate proms for each year level equaled fewer people to see him embarrassed. (UA learned from their mistakes—specifically the first prom. Gathering the entire school for an event like prom was a nightmarish pandemonium.)
In his head, he two-toned teen played all the possible circumstances of what could happen if he were to attend the event. After he did, he decided that it would be much, much, much better if he just skipped out on prom and hoped that his father wouldn't sign the reply slip or something.
Imagine Todoroki's surprise when Endeavor instantaneously sign the reply slip after he wordlessly handed the letter about prom to him.
Fate seemed to be mocking him so much, but the two-toned teen stood his ground. One way or another, he would find some loophole to avoid going to prom.
That was until it happened.
Todoroki's velleity to even consider attending UA's prom had changed. It evolved from what he saw as the tiniest sliver of interest within him to go to prom into this disturbingly uncontainable obligation to show up in his best suit and tie.
The two-toned teen never thought that he would be like this. Todoroki didn't even know if he did have proper Sunday best at home! All he knew was that he hated prom. Though, that was what he thought before he weighed all the pros and cons.
In the first place, one of the main reasons why Todoroki was so pessimistic about prom because he didn't like parties—any type of them. (I wonder why?)
How did a tradition so Western, so American wriggle its way into Japan's arguably top hero school?
Oh, wait.
All Might.
(Todoroki read into the history of it. Of course, the retired number one just had to be too All Might-y his entire life.)
All Might had suggested it in his second year while studying in UA. Todoroki didn't know what possessed the teachers to make them even consider the idea, but they did.
The teachers have long ruminated about another day they could give for the students to catch their breaths amidst the rigorous curriculum and take it slow as a school, but they hadn't come up with anything yet. So when All Might went all out passionate and emphatic about this American tradition he had read about, they were ecstatic about it. A majority of the student body did as well! Nobody seemed opposed to a night where one could ease off, chill a little, eat and drink, chat with friends, catch up, find love.
That was how the school admin established it as an annual event. There would be three separate proms for each year level.
According to the internet, proms commonly happen at the end of the year. However, UA decided that they would hold it a few weeks into the second trimester to put everyone in a good mood right before the scheduled Hero Work-Studies of the trimester. Like how halfway through the week was usually the most stressful, the same went for the middle of the school year. Solution? Throw prom right in.
UA certainly was one of the most liberal and open-minded hero schools out there, which was why it had a multitude of alumni who were top-notch pro heroes, having been able to learn and flourish in a controlled but not suffocating environment. In UA, students could be any kind of hero they wanted to be—daylight, underground, rescue, support, intel, undercover, mentor, and so much more. It just happened Todoroki was an aspirant hero who didn't like proms. (Yet.)
The two-toned teen didn't want a night of uncomfortable socialization and dancing. Todoroki pretty much had three left feet. (Yes, you read right.) He was extremely apprehensive, knowing his dancing skills were so atrocious that he gave a new definition to the idiom of having two left feet.
(He had spent all of his childhood training—cough, getting abused—and had no time to have a single muscle of his body dance or let alone listen to music.)
There was also the fact that he was most likely going stag. The two-toned teen had to face the facts—he was awkward as hell. How was he supposed to get a date! (Not like he wanted one. Wait, did he?)
Well, Todoroki knew that a lot of the girls found him handsome and charming as some didn't have the decency to reel in their comments when he was in the same room with them. But he honestly didn't know where they got that idea. Perhaps those female classmates of his needed to have their eyes and brains checked.
He had an unsightly scar on the left side of his ugly face that made him look even more hideous.
He was as lonely, aloof, and cold as a block of ice left forgotten at the back of a dingy walk-in freezer in a crummy motel.
Even so, the girls still stressed his attractiveness and prowess, so then he shouldn't worry. With all his allure, he was sure to get asked out by one of the girls.
That was the other problem, though.
Todoroki didn't like girls.
Yeah, he liked guys.
But he wasn't out.
Like hell, he would come out of the closet with a father who married not out of love but of the desire to inseminate and impregnate with his oh-so-perfect genes the compatibly quirked woman he practically bought to conceive the monster that he was now. Endeavor didn't understand anything about love. The then number two hero—now number one—would have probably forced him to marry and procreate with some girl with a well-matched quirk. That most likely was the only reason Endeavor had signed the reply slip—to maybe acquaint with suitable girls or, at least, learn how to. (Yes, the author has a straight face after having written this fascinating paragraph.)
Right, pretty much no one identified that he was gay. Uh, maybe Fuyumi and Natsuo knew, but they loved and supported him too much to even let a whisper of it out if he didn't want them to.
Because no one else did know of his sexual orientation, he would still be bothered by some girls (cough, Ashido).
Aside from all that, Todoroki wouldn't want to put his poor date through such a disappointing night. Whoever it was would probably regret asking him out. It just fueled his desire not to go to prom.
Though currently, Todoroki did desire to attend prom despite everything.
Why?
He was so hell-bent on not going.
The only reason why Todoroki would agree to attend prom was his delusion that he would get his dream date.
Ah, yes.
It was a few weeks before prom. No one in Class 1-A had proposed yet because Aizawa had only recently announced the news yesterday, on the first day of the second trimester.
Todoroki had read about the UA Prom before, so it wasn't too surprising for him, and he wasn't exactly thrilled about it. He remembered having nothing to do one lazy afternoon. The two-toned teen had scrolled through random articles on UA—prestige awards, previous festivals, and prom—because why not?
The rest of the class, however, seemed to have forgotten or just haven't heard about it, but they all seemed enthusiastic at varying levels. Such ranged from the simple I'm-pumped-for-it kind of cheers to the more eager this-has-changed-the-very-definition-of-the-life-I-have-so-lived-under-a-rock-for-not-experiencing-prom-before type of craziness. (Guess who.)
Sometimes, UA was so fast-paced and focused on its core as a hero school that many students forgot that it held typical non-hero school events too, only it had to be prom, the one thing Todoroki didn't want and the one thing everybody else did.
Here was fate again, pushing his buttons.
Todoroki's thoughts were the same as usual as he walked through the disproportionately giant door. Those thoughts were that he had yet another average school day ahead of him, judging by the light chattering in the classroom. Ah, he was also thinking about (dreading) how a girl would inevitably ask him to prom despite him being, well, him, and he would be on the hot seat and umpteen times more awkward than he already was! (With the gossip that was circulating, the chances were high.)
However, the two-toned hero's racing thoughts stopped as he went over to his desk and sat down.
From his seat, Todoroki had quite an enjoyable view.
Of what? Of whom?
The weather was soothing and balmy that day, which was most likely because the sun lurked behind all the fluffy white clouds with edges gilt in the soft glow of the hidden sunbeams. One could still feel the warmth of the sun behind the cotton boundary, but it wasn't as harsh and hot as usual. A nice touch was that the cerulean sky acted as the perfect background for the entire view.
Indeed, a picturesque scene was out of the window frame. Todoroki would have stared at it and drowned out the conversations in the room if he wasn't so distracted by something else.
His bicolor eyes wandered to take a cursory glance to his left, two rows in front of him. There sat a young aspirant hero who made no effort to suppress his sheer passion for his commitment as he hummed a tune off the top of his head while waiting for class to start. Midoriya seemed to be in a lively bubble of his, his gaze intent on the classroom door as if wanting to conjure up their teacher.
The teen who oozed positivity had the lushest mop of forest green hair that went about in unruly wisps and curls. It was extremely tempting for Todoroki to walk right over and run his fingers through that soft-looking hair. He had to hold onto the last shreds of dignity and self-control so that he wouldn't do that and ruin his chances with him, be that as a date or let alone a friend. (They were friends, right?)
Of course, Todoroki failed miserably anyway. His supposed glance of a few seconds turned into borderline stalker-like staring.
Midoriya happened to cock his head to the side, and there Todoroki met those smaragdine green eyes that shone and scintillated more brilliantly than any other emerald in existence.
If the green-haired teen noticed Todoroki staring, he didn't show it. Instead, Midoriya flashed his signature radiant smile at him, his pearly whites flashing.
It was a smile that could light up Todoroki's day and ward off all the darkness in his head time and again.
Todoroki felt something deep in his chest bubble up uncontrollably. He felt that sensation rise to his cheeks, and every fiber of him hoped that it didn't manifest as a blush. He felt his heartbeat thump ever so quickly as he panicked about what he was supposed to do.g
The two-toned teen could never in a trillion years envision having the same effect on Midoriya, but he wished he did, though he probably wouldn't even be able to light up Midoriya's day with a smile of his. After all, Todoroki seldom smiled.
In the first place, why would someone like Midoriya be fond of someone like him? Well, the green-haired teen was openly bisexual, but there was no way in hell that Todoroki would charm Midoriya.
Still, Todoroki tried his best to return the gesture.
'I have to smile back.'
The two-toned teen tried returning the all-important smile, but the results turned out with the line of his lips creaking up barely a centimeter before his lips awkwardly quivered.
'I'm such an idiot.'
Nevertheless, Midoriya seemed to appreciate the two-toned teen's effort and sent a quick wave to him before turning back to face the board since class would start any minute.
The slightest hint of red dusted Todoroki's cheeks again before he looked away to the right. His eyes landed on the only other student with red hair in Class 1-A, Kirishima, who happened to be staring in the same direction. The red-haired teen was slightly fidgety, and the naturally dynamic aspect of him seemed to be toned down.
Todoroki would have connected more of the dots if the idea of prom didn't wriggle itself back into his musings. Thinking of his—dare he say it—crush on Midoriya made him queasy and shivery. The two-toned teen groaned as he wished that Aizawa would waltz in with his chrysalis of a yellow sleeping bag and start class already.
With his arms overlapped on his desk, Todoroki opted to hide his blossoming mixed emotions by shoving his head into the crook of his arms and taking a quick five-minute nap or something. He didn't want to have these thoughts this early in the morning.
Because of that, Todoroki didn't notice why Kirishima was staring in the same direction as he had. No, the red-haired teen wasn't staring at Midoriya. Go on one seat further, and there sat a certain ash blonde, Bakugou, who was looking in the distance out the window as he unconsciously grumbled, probably thinking about something.
With that, Todoroki just closed his eyes and let himself drown in his musings and reflections.
Todoroki detested his inherent cold and distant aura. For once, he wanted to have a warm side and not his usual cold one (not literally, of course), but he didn't know if his warmth could go beyond his quirk's flame. Achieving friendliness was easier said than done.
Todoroki genuinely tried his best. He attempted to leave behind the seriousness that got dragged behind him. He strived to engage in small talk and conversations among people (or at least give nods and gestures here and there while everyone else was talking). The two-toned teen also recalled the magic rule of friendliness—to keep an amiable smile on his face.
The keywords here were "tried, attempted, strived, and recalled"—nothing about succeeding. Todoroki had put his best efforts into being a friendlier and more approachable person but managed to be only somewhat decent in going along with everyday communication. It wasn't as if it was his fault that he wasn't allowed to associate and mingle with others the majority of his miserable life.
People did seem very much appreciative of the notable efforts that Todoroki had taken to be a step away from aloofness. And as much as the two-toned teen wanted to, he just couldn't relay his emotions to others. He got too used to hiding behind a facade of saying that he was fine and could take it and push on.
He was fine.
Just fine.
Was he saying that to others or just himself?
Deep inside, he was hurting, and nobody would reach out for him. After all that time of no one coming for him, he had given up hoping and instead didn't let anyone close. But now more than ever, Todoroki was calling out for some friendship, some love. He yearned for solace from someone with whom he felt safe and secure.
And that person, as of now, just happened to be Midoriya Izuku.
Todoroki was just so comfortable around him. Midoriya was kind and dependable to a fault but also furiously passionate. He never judged anyone on preconceptions and seemed to see and bring out the best in everyone. It was quite an experience just being classmate with the green-haired teen, one of whose mottos, or at least a motto that he followed, was that a hero always meddles where they are not 'wanted'—and that he did.
Todoroki didn't want anyone breaking past the impenetrable walls around his heart, but there Midoriya came and did so. It was like connecting with others was child's play (which it wasn't for the two-toned teen).
He found a friend and so much more in Midoriya. The two-toned teen just wished that he would be able to do the same with other people. Though, Todoroki didn't know why he couldn't establish any lasting connections with anyone else.
Well, he hardly ever talked outside of what he deemed was necessary—academic matters like recitation and group tasks and critical situations like analysis and confrontations. He could also at least reply when approached but still struggled with being comfortable with initiating and continuing conversations. The two-toned teen was just naturally taciturn and—the overused word—awkward.
With about half a minute left before class started, it wasn't as if Todoroki was going to fall asleep, but the thought of how awkward his "smile" was a while ago made him cringe himself awake.
It was then when fate finally had mercy on Todoroki, Aizawa having entered the room in his yellow cocoon, falling over the threshold of the classroom door, and crawling to the teacher's podium.
The start of homeroom kept his persistent, traitorous, lovesick thoughts at bay—at least, for the meantime.
「 overthinking: bonus scene 」
Bonus Scene:
"Hello, Todoroki Shouto. It is I, the author. Sorry for intruding, but I just need a moment from you."
Todoroki's eyes widened as he sat up in his bed, having just woken up. The two-toned teen yawned as he rubbed the gunk out of his eyes.
"Author-san? I didn't think you would visit me so soon after the last time. Where even are you? I can hear you, but I can't see you."
"Never mind that, Todoroki. I just need you to give me three adjectives that describe Midoriya. It's for a story. Oh, and to make it challenging, they have to start with the letter i—you know, because Izuku."
Todoroki rolled his eyes at the word "challenging" before he combed his hands through his hair.
"Psh, easy peasy. Izuku is inspirational, intelligent, and incredible."
"Oh, wow! What a quick res—"
Todoroki's eyes stayed looking up as if recalling something as he tapped his chin.
"He's influential and intense and impassioning and intriguing."
"Todoroki—"
The two-toned teen ignored the author.
"Inspiriting, too. Irresistible!"
"Yes, and—"
Yet again.
"He's ingenious and ingenuous."
"Nice, but—"
Yeah, there was no stopping lovey-dovey Shouto mode.
"I get to see him in school being so idealistic, imaginative, industrious, and intellectual!"
"Wait—"
No.
"He's idolatrous to so many heroes; his support and passion are unwavering. Oh, and he's an inveterate mumbler. Like, he's so cute and unstoppable when he mumbles."
"Yes, I agree, but—"
Todoroki continued without a care in the world.
"Oh, and he's the most immaculate, innocuous, and innocent cinnamon roll ever."
"Since when did you know the slang—"
It was amazing, indeed, how the author managed to say seven words.
"So impeccable and impressive."
"Hold on a—"
"He's always inventive and intuitive."
"I—"
"He's illustrious. So many people, not just Class 1-A, acknowledge how ideal he is.
By now, the author has given up, hoping that Todoroki would run out of adjectives already.
"Intrepid!"
How wrong the author was.
"He's invigorating."
Was there an end to this?
"He's infectious with his passion and drive."
Probably not?
"He's incisive with his analysis and thinking. Because of that, he's very informative, too. I remember when he shared some quirk analysis with everyone!"
It was then when Todoroki fell silent for a few seconds.
The author couldn't believe it. It was a miracle.
Todoroki's face set itself with a crooked smile as he probably continued thinking about Midoriya. The entire time, Todoroki had been fiery and spirited, the ardor was practically oozing from him, as he described the green-haired teen.
"Ah, finally, you're done. I did miraculously manage to take note of all the i-words you—"
Todoroki snapped out of his happy smile moment.
"Wait, I haven't finished."
"WHAT! NO! PLEASE! NO MORE!"
Todoroki sighed heavily, reeling in the rest of his now less palpable zeal and intensity, albeit reluctantly.
"One last—He's irreplaceable. He's Izuku."
It was at that moment when Todoroki Shouto knew that he wouldn't be able to stop smiling that day.
It was also at that moment that the author had many mixed feelings about having asked Todoroki to give him three adjectives, ending up with thirty-two instead, thirty-three if Izuku counted as an adjective.
The author now had eleven times as much or a thousand percent more words than he originally planned.
Lastly, the variable i, which measures how inspirational, intelligent, incredible, influential, intense, impassioning, intriguing, inspiriting, irresistible, ingenious, ingenuous, idealistic, imaginative, industrious, intellectual, idolatrous, inveterate, immaculate, innocuous, innocent, impeccable, impressive, inventive, intuitive, illustrious, ideal, intrepid, invigorating, infectious, incisive, informative, irreplaceable, and Izuku(-like) Izuku is, plus the variable s, which is a number scaled by the Shouto-being-a-smitten-teenager index, equals this magnificent, self-indulgent story!
The author backspaced everything.
"Yeah, I'm not doing that."