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Kids should not stay up late at night, but the Todoroki's find a way around everything, which includes moments of illusioned bonding. 

"And the prince kissed her softly on her lips breaking her curse of eternal slumber," Fuyumi says between walls, loud enough for Shoto to hear sitting on the other side, covered in his blanket. He can never see the princess on paper, and certainly no prince. Shoto had learned to visualise them under his closed eyes. 

Red lipped, wide eyes with silky smooth light hair

Dark haired charming smile with enchanting eyes.

He has fallen asleep on that wall many times, the night passing by far sooner than his body would allow. It often happens midway through Fuyumi's reading and he would never have a way to know the ending.

It would ruin his day, and Enji would notice how much he would lack behind during training. He wants to know how the story ends, but not everyone is born to see a happily ever after. 

"And they lived happily ever after," Fuyumi finishes the story, soft-spoken and sweet as she is. Her words always made Shoto feel like he would be safe. 

Fuyumi has a princess's lonely heart. When she isn't reading, she would often talk to her brother about the guy she met at school or about how her middle school crush would look at her for a second longer than the day before. It would all end in her pushing away Natsu when he'd laugh at her. 

"You do realise that Shoto might not even be listening," Someone says further away from the wall. Natsu. He says it with certainty, and it makes Shoto shrink with unplaced guilt. 

"Well, I'd like to believe that he is, and if he isn't, I like reading out loud so leave me alone," There is a thump and Natsuo cries out in pain before the wall bangs. Shoto holds his breath until the muffled giggles turn loud enough for him to hear before it quiets down into something tenser. Even Shoto could feel it, it burned the ear pressed to the wall. 

"What's the point in reading all those fairy tales, they aren't real?" Natsu grumbles, much louder than before. 

"They're real to me. In my heart those princesses live their happily ever afters," Shoto nods at her words, silently booing Natsu. 

"Life's not like that, you're never gonna find a prince charming that'll take you away from this hell hole," Shoto detaches from the wall, sitting up to consider his brother's words. 

If to be saved, one must be loved, how can anyone love Shoto when the person that's hurting him is a hero? 

Shoto can't be saved, because his world isn't as perfectly fake as the one spoken outside his reality. At the very least he can live through the chapters of protected princesses and victorious princes. 

"Do you have to be so negative? let me wish upon a star," Fuyumi rebuttals, no bite in her words. Shoto pretends her response is his own.

"Try wishing for something more realistic, like for Father to die," Fuyumi gasps at Natsuo’s response. 

"Don't say that. You should be sleeping," Her voice is assertive in the way his mother used to be. The only difference is that his mother is always on edge, while Fuyumi sounds collected and put together. 

Natsu's complaints get further away, and Shoto feels his own body struggle to get to his futon. He wraps the blanket over his head and curls himself into a ball, letting the story replay in his head until he falls asleep. 

The cycle continued for years. 

The stories grew with age, the timings stretching more and more. A bedtime story of princesses became middle school novels about fairies and friendship. They all had one similarity. Romance met a lot to Fuyumi after all. 

Shoto could tell Fuyumi is being conscious of his age as she chose a new story, but she is incredibly biased. He can't complain, not when he has something new to look forward to each night. 

His routine is bleak. Breakfast. Training. Lunch. Training. Studying. Dinner. Story. Bed. 

His phone is rarely ever used with all the training he needs to complete. It never bothers him, rather, he found that falling asleep to the sound of his sister reading about young love makes his day bearable. 

Sometimes Shoto would find himself becoming the charming love interest in the story. Many would fall for him, but only one is the one he wants. She who has a kind heart and a snort for a laugh. A little imperfect but has a heart of diamond. He'd imagine pushing the hair off her face, leaning in for a kiss neither ever had. 

Sometimes he would be the awkward main character. No friends with a stack of books, covered in work and exhaustion. He'll be swept away by a boy that held his hand so delicately that Shoto would cry. They would wait under the sunset as they wrap themselves around the promise of everlasting love

Those moments only last in the time between seven and ten. Only for those short moments would he allow himself the idea that he can be loved. To love. 

There are moments when he stares at his ceiling where Shoto would imagine who his soulmates would be. Would they read to him every night? Allow him to hug himself and break apart in the ways he only does in a room isolated from what he craves? Would the room that only ever mumbles Fuyumi’s voice have space for someone that will love Shoto? 

There isn't an answer, and he believes there never will be. 

The summer before high school comes around with a gift. An allowance. 

"You need to learn to manage your finances," Enji says, face ablaze in their living room as he hands Shoto a debit card. "You must make sure to spend it responsibly. I will be monitoring your purchases," 

"May I purchase books?" Shoto asks, the card in his hand heavy. 

"Were the books I provided not enough?" Enji bursts, the flames of his hair growing. Shoto doesn't flinch, worse has been inflicted on him. 

"Am I not allowed to read more?" Shoto asks, flat front as his mind runs with the need to finally touch a book he wants to read. 

"Don't go buying those silly stories that melt your brain, you hear?" Shoto rolls his eyes, walking away from the man he hasn't seen as his father in a long while. It is nearing seven. Enji is wasting his time. 

On cue, he places a pillow on the ground, a blanket around him, flush against the wall, waiting for Fuyumi to sit right behind him. He's ready to start a new story. 

"Hello Shoto, it's me Fuyumi," He hears her say. She always introduces herself, as if one day someone else might replace her. 

He never responds. He feared what would happen if he did. 

"I hope Father was not very harsh today. I convinced him to give you a card, so I hope you got it today like he promised. He gave me mine at the same age," she rambles, words much slower than usual. 

Fuyumi has a job as a preschool teacher. Shoto wants to tell her how well that role fits her. He believes she will do an amazing job. Dealing with children is tough, Shoto would assume, Fuyumi must certainly be exhausted after every workday. 

There is a muffled noise behind the wall before the faint flap of pages sets the mood of anticipation as usual.

The pages move between each other in a satisfying glide. From mumbled flaps to individual slides, Shoto is addicted to it. The slow wait of a book rippling open, the pauses between Fuyumi and the next turn, the slap of a shut book. It’s all so hypnotizing.

No sound is heard. An eerie silence comes after Fuyumi opens the book. Shoto leans closer to the wall, hoping that he's the problem. 

"You know, sometimes I wonder what I'm doing, reading to a wall. I'm wasting my time aren't I?" She says, the sound of her head hitting the wall and pushing Shoto off his. There's a sigh behind the wall and it sends nausea through Shoto’s body. "The book's called butterfly kisses if you wanted to know. I guess I've never told you the titles have I?"

They're both pushed to move on as if that never happened and she starts to read, voice still soft without any of its cheer. In truth, Shoto understands why she feels like that. He can't bring himself to do more than listen. 

The first day of high school comes just as soon as it ends. It's a memory Shoto cares less to keep. It's not what Shoto expects it to be. Not the glamour of his imagination or the tension of Fuyumi’s stories. Shoto knows why, he's done this to himself. 

He sits in the back of the class as if he's the brooding love interest. He walks the hall, headphones on, careful not to bump into anyone, imagining himself as the awkward main character. He sits on the rooftop, pretending he's waiting for the love of his life. He does this knowing all he's doing is avoiding his classmates.

There is no sunset, only the clear sky that makes him feel cold. 

The rooftop isn't as romanticly isolating as he'd thought, it's his main disappointment in the reality of high school. If he's lucky, there are only two students who hide away from him to have their first kiss. If not, someone's about to have their first anyways. 

It doesn't matter who's around him. He'll eat his soba with headphones on. Classics will play over the speaker. The sun will keep him company. He's not lonely. Not when he knows this is what his life is meant to look like.

He goes to a bookstore near the school. His driver drops him off at the end of the week to look through the books available, his fingers trailing the spines of each cover. He tries to buy all the ones he remembers, reading the first chapter out loud to jog his memory of whether or not he's read it. He rarely ends up successful. 

He buys his first book, Butterfly Kisses. The cover page is of two unorthodox wedding dresses side by side, a splash of pastel green and blue making the image of the story stand out in a way it never has in his imagination. He reads it and writes down his thoughts along the margin, pretending he's telling Fuyumi. 

For a while it works, and until they finish their books, everything seems fine. Then the sports festival happens. And then a lot more happens. 

He's shaking, covered in a blanket that's not nearly heavy enough as he'd like it to be. His eyes are closed tight as he clutches into his blanket. His head wonders loudly, thoughts banging around into his rapidly beating heart. 

Shoto has always had one path to follow. It was a straight line that never needed him to be involved with other people. Now he's intertwined himself with many, debating with his sense of reality. 

Third encounter: Bakugo Katsuki. 

He screams for power, embodying the pure passion of a competitor. It ignited something raw in Shoto but brought more out of him than he was prepared for. Shoto watched him get chained, saw him writhe around the muzzle, and caught the spike of fear in eyes that burn with rage. 

A ready to redeem villain. A misunderstood anti-hero. 

Second encounter: Midoriya Izuku. 

Shoto’s body can still feel the effect of using his quirk after years of no use. The shouts, the anguish, the unhinged look in eyes that plead not to Endeavour's son, but to Shoto. Building emotions turn into flames turn into a boy with broken arms below him. He witnessed something he never had outside of the bubble of his room. 

The cost of sacrifice. The need to help.

First encounter: Sero Hanta. 

Shoto has never seen eyes tremble at the sight of him, yet smile as if nothing was wrong. Shoto used his fire, the one he wishes he never had, and uses it to fix his mistake. 

There was a moment that felt as though only they existed. Shoto looked at the boy with eyes so dark yet so bright looking back at him with a cold breathed chuckle.  

"I was angry," Shoto explains to him. Felt the need to. 

"No worries man. Was never gonna win against you anyways," He says, the sound of his shiver sat under his quiet words. It's said for only Shoto to hear and it melts his cold front. 

An awkward main character. A charming side character. 

The beginning of a new chapter. 

"Hello Shoto, Fuyumi here," She says, giving Shoto the only routine needs. "I watched the sports festival. I'm sure Dad said something silly but I think you did amazing today. I'm proud of you," 

Shoto learned he doesn't get emotional easily, but his breath shakes at her words, even if he doesn't believe any of it. 

"Watching you made me realise how much you've grown, you're already sixteen. I feel so old," The laugh is humourless, but Shoto likes that about Fuyumi, her unwavering optimism. Shoto needs that in his life. "What am I doing talking to a wall? I didn't even bring a book. I'm late. It's way past seven. I don't know what I'm doing, Shoto. I failed to protect you, I'm sorry," 

Fuyumi is breaking routine.

Shoto pushes himself further into the wall, hoping he’s hearing wrong. 

"Natsu was right, you probably never were listening," 

"I am," 

Shoto’s voice is hoarse, and it echoes in his head, repeating itself over and over. He's pushed to the edge by a panicked need to have one thing, the only thing he's ever had. 

It's quiet, and Shoto thinks maybe he didn't say anything after all "Read something. Please," 

"Shoto I- You're- Hold on, Let me get a book," There's a rush of movement and scattering noises of things falling before something hits the walls again. There is a hiss of pain before the familiar sound of paper brings Shoto back to the place he grew up in. 

He closes his eyes which are stained into an ache. His head hits the wall in a noise he's too tired to care if Fuyumi heard. "What's the name of the book," Shoto asks, far less detached than he sounds. 

"Mass Times Acceleration," She answers with a glee Shoto hadn't heard since he was a kid, some of it sits on Shoto's shoulder. "They even made a movie out of the book. I'd love to watch it with you someday," 

Shoto doesn't respond, but the idea sticks with him. He wants to be by her side, watching cheesy movies of romance and love. He barely can hear the beginning of the story, falling asleep to the sound of his sister. 

The books stay sweet and littered with romantic tropes after another. Everything around him changes, much too quickly for his sanity. Shoto starts to become more daring along with the changes. 

He's still in the back of the classroom, but Yaoyorozu asks him questions about the class. He lets her, valuing her intelligence and the ways they could help each other. 

He still ducks away from people when he walks in the hall, but Kaminari and Ochako bump his shoulder, a wave or a wink before they go to the cafeteria. He lets them, finding the interaction endearing when it's not annoying.

He still goes to the rooftop, but every so often, Sero would catch his eyes, and ask to eat with the class. Shoto finds can't refuse, not out of guilt, but something a little more.

It's loud when he eats with them. It’s not anyone's fault, the room itches with constant energy, and no one can help the fact that they're close to yelling. Shoto blocks everyone out when it gets loud, watching the ever changing group of students talk among themselves. When it's not too loud, he pays attention, listens. 

"Sharing one bed is cheesy. It does not top forced proximity, not with how the enclosed space gives room for so much creative freedom," Midoriya argues over a mouthful of food. 

"That's just the same trope, the only difference is that one has a bed," Kaminari bites back, having abandoned his food for the sake of sharing his points. 

The argument goes by fast but enough for Shoto to catch a few of the main points. He eats his soba with his face down, letting the conversation pass him, his thoughts are kept to himself.

Kaminari is right, they are the same trope. Sharing one bed has never disappointed him in the way forces proximity has.

"Those two have no idea what they're talking about," Sero says to no one in particular. He is sitting beside Shoto, bringing a chopstick full of rice into his mouth "Enemies to lovers win either way," 

"No, it doesn't," Shoto finds himself saying. It all feels too quiet too soon. The other two continue their argument, yet eyes are on him, an aura of intrigue.

Sero hums, and Shoto notices how high it goes, pleasant to the ears. "You've clearly never read good enemies to lovers then,"

Here's the thing about romanticising yourself as both mysterious and awkward. Everyone wants to know you, but you don't want anyone to know you.

Shoto can't admit he's never actually read a book to himself, that his sister exclusively reads the cheesiest stories known to man. A part of him, the one that wants to look up to see what Sero looks like as he spoke, that part wants to read one of Sero’s books for himself.

Shoto forces the conversation to lead without seeing any of Sero’s facial expressions and something deep within Shoto wishes for more.

"I don't need to, anything else will always be better," 

"Come on, let's not make decisions that fast. I bet I could recommend something worthwhile, what do you think?" 

"I won't promise to enjoy anything you recommend," 

"Sounds like a deal," Shoto slurps up a mouthful of soba, and Sero’s attention returns to tropes and arguments, the kind that Shoto’s never read. 

He reads the manga lent to him on the rooftop. Foregoing the cloudy sky for thin worn out paper, he soaks in characters drawn in thick strokes and sharp angles for the first time. 

He doesn't enjoy it, but it's the few stories he can read alone. That means something. 

"I still don't enjoy enemies with lovers," Shoto says, handing the book back to Sero before class starts. Sero takes a moment to register he is being talked to over wired headphones before he returns to leaning his chair back, taking the manga from Shoto. 

"Damn, and here I thought I'd have convinced you, guess I'll have to recommend you something else," Sero pulls another volume out of his bag, handing it over like a magician with a trick, except it's a book that looks significantly redder than the previous one. 

Shoto takes the book in his hands, examining how much darker it is than the other stories he has read before. "This does not seem very enemies to lovers,"

"No buts it's a murder mystery, ya know, since we're trying something new," Sero leans further back. Shoto holds the chair in place. 

"Who says I've never read a murder mystery," He’s never read a murder mystery.

"Who says you've read this one," Sero defends, an act of confidence ruined by his easily ignored stutter. 

Shoto has never read anything that isn't covered in cherry blossoms. Shoto feels impatient to read the story. He pushes Sero’s chair down and Sero yelps at the impact as he's catapulted onto his desk. Shoto walks away to put the book back in his bag, a choked snort from behind him. 

Shoto holds back his own laugh. 

The rooftop is crowded. It's the first time Shoto finds his imagination working against him. Someone has hands under their uniform, another is keeping their arm firmly to their side. Shoto is sure he recognises blond hair around the corners of the roof but is content not being a voyeur. 

He hasn't taken a bite of his food when someone sits next to him, inviting themselves to Shoto's space. He finds Sero next to him and his heart sounds louder through his headphones. Sero has wired earphones on and an uncharacteristically noticeable shake of his hands as he opens up his bento box. 

Sero gives him a curt nod and a short quirk of the lip. Shoto returns to the clouds. They remain like that for the rest of the break. 

It's seven in the evening. Fuyumi isn't home, she's been staying out late. it's been breaking the routine, but it's the few times Shoto does not mind. She comes back the next day telling him about someone she met, the same way she did to Natsu when they were kids. 

She would gush over their dashing strong jaw and slender hands, talk about the flowers on her desk or how she's been getting coffee during breaks. Those little bits of love are so pure and rich, Shoto wishes to do that for someone. 

He sits by the wall, even if no one is there. The manga that Sero gave him sits inside his bag. He desperately wants to read it but is lonely with no one around. It feels like punishment, but closer to a betrayal. It stays in his bag for another day.

Instead, he spends the night dreaming of a confession from a faceless boy with dark hair. 

The day before their internships starts with everyone around him talking about the last day of the week before they're gone to their week long training. 

He's not very good at socialising, and barely understands a lot of the intense enthusiastic language his classmates use with one another. It's nice to observe, but after a while, he'll have to join in. Shoto doesn't know if he ever will. 

For now, he's on the rooftop, avoiding everyone as he wonders if they still want to be around him. He’s reading the manga Sero gave him, finally having the courage to start something new. 

The classical music tunes out any sound around him, so he doesn't see Sero until he's already by his side opening his bent box. Neither acknowledges the other, but the extra person with no pressure to speak makes Shoto feel a bit better for being so far away from everyone else. 

It doesn't help that it fuels more fantasies in his head. 

Midoriya has started texting him lately, asking about shows he watches and books he likes. Although Shoto expects to feel useless in the conversation, he comes to learn that Midoriya prefers non fiction over young adult novels. Lucky for Shoto, Enji never failed to make him learn of the successes of different top heroes. 

That's how they started. 

Midoriya talks about All Might biographies, and Shoto offers his collection. 

Midoriya gushes about different documentaries and Shoto watches them after training. 

Midoriya sends Shoto to a location, and Shoto fights a blood sucking villain in an abandoned alleyway. 

The three of them in the hospital room were suffocating under sterilised air, no matter how much they try to clear it with small talk. Midoriya bites his finger beds, looking everywhere around the room as if it would change. Iida is clenched up sitting on his hospital bed. Shoto can't help being as fidgety as the others. His distraction of listening to romance stories has been taken away from him which ruins his ability to move on. 

"Have you ever watched anime?" Shoto asks Iida, who straightens up at the question. Midoriya also perks up, shifting closer to hear the conversation.

"I cannot say I have, no. I assumed they are for children," He replies, hesitance in his answer. In this state, Iida is a lot more unsure of himself while being more honest. If Shoto was a lesser person he would be Midoriya, who had Imposed him with questions about his quirk to distract them both. It didn't work if that isn’t clear. 

"You wanna watch something, Todoroki-San?" Midoriya asks, pulling out his phone and getting off the bed to join Iida. 

Shoto moves to join as well, finding an excuse to do what he’s wanted to for so long. "There was one I heard about that I'd like to watch, I thought we could do it together," 

That's how Aizawa sensei finds three bandaged students curled up on Iida's bed, gasping at the romantic leads in the show. 

That is also how they formed a group chat together.

It's that moment when Shoto realises he made friends. 

When they are discharged, they sit on plastic chairs in the waiting room. Shoto knows his father sent a driver, so he stays with his friends. 

His friends.

It makes him wonder what Fuyumi would say if he told her he has not one, but two. 

“Who do you think would confess first?” Midoriya asks as he shows the other two fan art of the main leads on his phone, “Cause I would assume the soldier would since he is the main character, but I'm not sure, ” 

“Statistically it should be him, brooding love interest and all,” Midoriya oo's at Shoto's words, Iida humming at the seriousness of their conversation. 

“Do your statistics come from analysis of media or real world experience?” Iida asks. Shoto is certain that his ignorance makes Shoto seem cooler in a sadistic way. 

“Come on Iida, it's Todoroki we're talking about, who wouldn't confess to him, ” Midoriya says, winking at Shoto in a way that leaves him with no help to understand what he means. 

“Have you ever been confessed to, Midoriya?" Shoto asks with good intentions, unfortunately. 

Midoriya laughs loudly before quieting himself into a red face. “Technically, but I don't think pranks count,”

“Pranks?” Iida says, hands chopping in the air. “That is completely immoral. How could someone do that to a person, especially one as kind and courageous as you,” 

“The kind and courageous are often very easy to bully,”. The others look at him with raised eyebrows “Or so I’ve learned,” 

“What about you Iida,” Midoriya redirects the attention, ignoring Shoto's inability to have a normal conversation. “You seem easy to like,” 

“I've never been confessed to, but I certainly confessed to a girl, ” Midoriya gasps and squeals at Iida's answer.

“How courageous,” Shoto comments with little enthusiasm. Iida straightens up at the praise regardless.

“I don't believe one should hold back from being honest about their romantic feelings, although the girl I was interested in had rejected me,” Iida laughs in robotic awkwardness that lets everyone know he's still at least a little bit heartbroken. 

Midoriya pats his back, his face the same determination as the one he saw at the sports festival, except for adrenaline and bloodthirst. 

“It's okay Iida, you'll find someone who loves you, whoever they may be. You too Todoroki,” Shoto straightens up at the sudden attention. “You'll find someone who loves you, so don't give up you both,” Shoto disagrees, but he has learned to keep some thoughts to himself. 

As Shoto scoffs at the notion, Iida stands up to agree but is called by his father before he could bring any more attention to the three of them. They bid their goodbyes, but Shoto lingers to the side as Iida holds Midoriya in a hug that is never extended to himself. Iida wraps himself across Midoriya, engulfing him while the other hand his arms in his waist, curling into him and making himself smaller to fit together.

He had rejected the hug offered to him, and he regrets it as he sits ideal, waiting for them to finally separate. 

Midoriya sits down once Iida left “What is it like being confessed to?” He asks, genuine and naive. “Like, sincerely being confessed to,”

Shoto could lie. He could think of how he felt in his imagination. He could quote the words of cocky love interests. He could even refuse to answer. 

“I was homeschooled,” he instead says, finding more joy in watching Midoriya become reduced to embarrassed babbling. 

Midoriya ends up sighing into his seat, turning to Shoto with relief in his eyes. “I guess we're a little bit more alike than I thought,” 

“Not being confessed to?”

“Not knowing what it's like to be wanted,” his heart stops and everything around him drops at how easily Midoriya saw through his thinly veiled cracks. He hates it. He hates how it makes him feel things he's been shoving down. Everything wants to bubble up and explode but he's learned how to keep it away. Shoto looks at the see through door, gulping his thoughts down his throat. 

Midoriya and Iida are born to be heroes, and with that, are born with love. Shoto is born to become a hero, he will never be extended anything more.

Midoriya's mother finally shows up soon after, and Shotos sees motherly tears and words that match. Shoto watches as Midoriya's mother tells him how much she doesn't want him to be a hero. She explains her fears between sniffs and the muffled words that are buried into Midoriya's chest. 

Shoto is certain Midoriya knows he heard most of what she said. He pretends he didn't. 

Shoto doesn't think about Midoriya throughout the car ride back to his house. The driver is a man that won't bother you if you don't bother him, so Shoto plays classical music and watches the street, thinking about the anime he had watched at the hospital. 

He doesn't think about a boy with a smile that copies his predecessor. He ignores the thoughts that go to a boy that fights for nothing and gets worse. His ceiling reminds him of green eyes that tell a story of pain and perseverance. He thinks about Midoriya, and how much love he gives everyone that never asks. 

It's two in the morning when he texts Midoriya that night, telling him he is wanted. He tells him he's a hero worthy of love. He is left on read. 

The next day Midoriya confesses to having cried receiving the message. Shoto shouldn't be shocked, Midoriya is notorious for being a crier, but it does. In the books he's read this would be the part where they would hug, but Shoto barely brings himself to pat his shoulder in stiff beats of three.

Midoriya tears up and Shoto starts to walk away. 

Shoto’s on the rooftop, having finished the manga Sero recommended, unable to put it down. It's a murder mystery that follows two lovers that are trying to find out who killed the main character's dad, and the volume ends with him needing more. 

He holds the manga close, eyes watching the clouds of autumn cool him down from the burn of the two couples he caught half dressed. The shock left him unable to touch his soba. 

He spots Sero walking towards him. As routine would say, Shoto should say nothing. He can't do that now, he has just read one of the best pieces of literature yet. 

He didn't even let Sero sit before he spoke. "I need the second volume," Sero smiles as if he's been given the world. He sits down, taking off his earphones and putting it in his pocket. 

"Told ya you'd like it," he's playful, giving room for Shoto to say more. 

"It's an incredible mix of the needs of the girl while allowing her the independence to figure out the case. Truly captivating," Shoto rants like he can't stop himself, only doing so by picking up his soba and mixing it around to take a bite. 

"And the guy’s just a dreamboat. He’s so hot even if he's all over the place," Sero adds, biting into his onigiri. Shoto feels something inside him stir at the idea of Sero liking someone else. He crushes that feeling as soon as it arrives. 

"Would you like to date someone like him?" Shoto asked, not sure where the sudden curiosity came from. 

"Oh hell yeah, always making sure I'm comfortable, taking time out to spend it with me, always attentive to my panic attacks. Who wouldn't want that?" Sero says as he stares at Shoto, leaning a little closer. "Would you like that Roki?" 

His desires run a river of hope and nothing more. The need to be cradled in care is much too far out of his reach. It cements into his heart and tears itself apart. He's always been unlovable, especially with the way he was born, but that's never stopped him from yearning.  

Shoto looks at the autumn sky, thinking about love interests with dark slick back hair and an open hand. "It hurts to dream, doesn't it?" 

They spend the rest of the break reading through the next volume together. Shoto learns Sero has more volumes than notebooks in his bag. 

"Hello Shoto, it's Fuyumi, I hope you're healing well, I heard what happened from Dad," She says, ever so cheery, never expecting an answer. "We’re starting a new book today. It's a little sadder than you'll be used to, but it's just as cute," She talks about how the person she likes recommended it, and how they gave it enough praise to get her curious. 

The story starts with dorm mates that can't fall asleep, eventually using each other to finally get some rest. The beginning is slow but Shoto comes to want more, to figure out how they help each other. There is also only one bed. 

"Aah, is it already ten thirty? I lost track of time, sorry Shoto," She says, ever so apologetic. Shoto isn't complaining, he would love to read the rest by himself. 

"It's a good book, your partner was right," Shoto finds himself saying, an ache in his heart. 

"It is,” She's quick to answer, unused to Shoto responding “I can't wait to read the rest tomorrow," Fuyumi fakes a laugh, going silent too soon. "How are you Shoto, is everything okay at school?" 

"It’s going well," It’s the only answer he can give without making Fuyumi get upset. Shoto stands in a weird limbo where he wants to tell everything to her, but would hate to see her devastated. His father does that enough, no need to add to it. 

"That's good to hear. I hope you've made some good friends, you should invite them one day," Shoto has never considered that something he could do, not with such an obvious obstacle in the way. 

"Would Father allow?" 

"I'll make sure he allows," Shoto lets out a quiet laugh, accepting the good night wish that comes from Fuyumi right after. He stays next to the wall for much longer, thinking about the volume Sero gave him. 

His thoughts circle around Sero a lot nowadays. What he's doing not taking notes when he's clearly writing something. How he's feeling then they eat in silence. What he's reading when it's late at night. Why he insists on sitting with Shoto when he has friends of his own. 

Shoto can ask, but what's stopping him isn't anxiety, Shoto knows that as much. It's this taboo feeling in his bones that tells him that any more of the boy with a smile that he hides and he'll be a character in a story. It's a little frightening. A secret, more suppressed part of him finds it exhilarating. 

"Shoto, she is not the murderer. How in the world did you come to that conclusion?" 

"Because she's the only person that was at the snow lodge when it happened," 

Their laughs are hidden between each other, trying not to take away from Yaoyorozu’s and Jirou’s first kiss right behind them. 

Sero suggested they stick closer together so the two would have their privacy while still sitting in their usual spot.  

Their shoulders overlap like this, knees pressed against each other. Shoto can't breathe, he's never been so casually close to someone before. What's worse is that Shoto wants more. 

Something Shoto never expected to find out is how hard it is to resist staring at eyes that hold stars in them. 

He likes Sero’s eyes. They wrinkle around the edges and hold the nights of serenity that take time to unravel any pains. Shoto often finds himself not paying attention to just look.

"She could have easily pushed him off, An unreliable narrator is an undeniable possibility," Sero laughs at what Shoto says with his hand over his loud, a snort escaping as he turns away. 

"You have a nice laugh," Shoto says, which stops the laughing altogether. Shoto should really learn to shut up. Sero blinks as though he'd had the wind knocked out of him. It takes him a second, but he finally goes back to a teasing squint.

"Me? The one that sounds like a dying pig," Sero says, biting his nails in a way that brings Shoto's attention to his lips. Shoto keeps his eyes trained to look at his eyes instead. 

"Silly laughs made me feel at ease, they feel very human," His hands leave his mouth as he blows out a raspberry. He scratches the hairs on his neck.

"I've never liked my laugh. It’s too loud and annoys everyone," Shoto’s defences hit him hard, and he leans into their space. Sero's eyes widen as he places his hand behind him to keep himself steady, but doesn't try to move away. 

"You're not annoying," Shoto says, swallowing down all the other things he wants to say. 

"You're just saying that to be nice," Sero gulps, mouth open unable to say more. 

"If I thought you were annoying I would have never talked to you," Sero finds himself laughing again, covering his face until he lets out a small childish scream blocked out by the palm of his hand. Shoto smiles at the odd gesture, puffing his chest at his work.  

"I've never had the best confidence ya know," Sero says, running a hand through his bangs, "I've always been a background character, or maybe the comic relief if I'm lucky," 

"I never thought of you like that," Sero’s smile has completely left him. Like this, he looks like he found something he never had as they look at each other. 

"You're such a main character, Roki, I'm surprised you even let me talk to you," He says, bitterness in his words

"I don't like talking to most people, I don't like talking in general, that's not a sign for a good main character," Sero wants to say more, but Shoto continues. "I don't want to be a main character anyways, they always have the worst things happen to them. I don't need any more backstory," 

Sero snaps his mouth shut and looks between the clouds and his untied shoelaces. His hair moves with the breeze, and he wraps one arm around his leg, placing his chin on it.

"I guess main characters always have the worst trauma," They don't say anything, basking in the chill of the day. 

There is something so comforting and free about Sero. He's hyper when he wants to and soft when he can be. Seeing him like this, it makes Shoto feel like he's accomplished yet itching to do something. 

"How interesting would your backstory be?" Shoto asks, shifting closer to Sero. 

"A little cliche if anything," Sero picks at his shoelaces. 

"Cliche your parents abused you or cliche your classmates traumatised you," Sero laughs at the blunt words, covering his mouth as his snorts stop him from taking a breath. 

Once he finally collects himself, he places his hands beside himself, leaning back as he looks at Shoto. "Cliché both. Shitty parents, shitty classmates. Best of both worlds,"

"Lucky, I only got one of the offers," Shoto, brings his legs together, placing his head on his knees. 

"Aah, how unfortunate. Wanna borrow some of mine?" 

"Gladly," Sero covers his mouth with his palm, using the other to move a piece Shotos bangs to the side, fingers feathering on his face. Shoto stops breathing, only to keep these moments to himself. 

"What's your story?" Sero asks, eyes trained on the hair strands he's twirling. 

"Father is an ass, hit me while training, never got to see my siblings because of him, sent my mom to the mental hospital after she poured boiling water on my face, nothing too crazy," Sero hums, fingers training down to thumb at his ears, sending a shiver down his spine. 

Sero looks back at him, eyes a little far away.   "And you still wanna be a hero," he says, like a thought that left him without intending to. 

"Don't you also have a backstory?" Shoto asks. Sero sighs, letting go to unwind. He looks straight ahead with cold unrecognisable eyes. 

"Mines are not as interesting. My brother was a golden child, I was the one who never should have been born. Not a day goes by where someone doesn't remind me I'm a useless, ugly mutant freak," Sero catches himself and morphs into a straight faced laugh. "But it's-" 

"I'd read you in a book," Time feels like it's reversing, Sero suddenly looks so much younger. 

"Huh?" 

"You're interesting," Shoto repeats, needs to. "I'd read your book" 

Sero takes a breath but doesn't let it go, eye widening at Shoto's confession. Shoto moves to apologise before Sero snorts and covers his mouth. 

"God, I'm such a loser," He says into his hands, his cheeks raise up and squints his eyes, and his whole face lights up. Shoto feels his face mimic Sero’s own, his stomach churning. "I'd read your book too, Roki,"

The forty minute break isn't enough to uncover everything, but Shoto learns about the boy who hides his smiles.

Shoto is looking through his phone in the dead of night looking through the most popular books in the enemies to lovers tags. 
 

Shoto likes to think that everything he does is subconscious, but buying Sero manga volumes isn't as impulsive as he'd like to pretend it is. These purchases also include drinks at the vending machine and keychains of characters he likes. 

Sero tries to refuse each time, but Shoto hands it over without saying a word. Sero’s reluctance melts into adoration pretty quickly. He takes the gifts with one hand and rubs the back of his head with the other. Shoto’s favourite part comes right after, it makes the judging looks from Enji worth it. 

"Roki, you're seriously the best, ya know?" He says, unable to hide away his smile that tips to the right. He tries to look away when he accepts the gift, but he never succeeded for long enough to stop Shoto from buying more. To say Shoto isn't endeared is to say Shoto won't spend all his money on Sero. 

"It's Fuyumi, how're you, my dear?" She says, the sound of paper already opening. She waits, trying to bring a response out of him. He sits hugging his legs as takes a breath, having spoken to his sister nights before. 

He wants to ask her something today, and to ask for such a thing, he needs to talk to her casually. 

"Exams are coming up," he replies, cheering himself on for replying. 

"I heard! I hope you're studying well, if you ever need an extra day to study you can always tell me," 

"I'd never do that," Her laugh echoes through the wall. 

Fuyumi has been making it a habit of reading every other day. She does this to be with her now partner whom she hasn't introduced to anyone yet. From the way she talks about them, Shoto picked up that he might be the only person that knows. 

"Okay okay, let's just get to reading, I need to know if this guy gets kicked out of school already," 

"I'd like to invite someone to our home after school tomorrow," Shoto says, ripping the bandaid earlier than he knew he should have. He hasn't even asked Sero if he would like to come over.

"Really? Tomorrow? Yes, of course. Actually, not tomorrow, in two days. We'll do that. I'll need to convince Dad. Don't you worry I'll work it out with him," Shoto is bombarded with so much at once that he believes there is nothing he can do to stop her from inviting Sero herself. 

"I can convince him," he tries, a weak attempt at best. 

"No, none of that. I'll do it.” She says, leaving no room for Shoto to even try to question her “Who are you inviting? What are they like?"  Fuyumi giggles behind the wall. Shoto can imagine she's also kicking her legs. 

"His name is Sero Hanta. He likes enemies to lovers and yoga. He has one older brother. He prefers tea over coffee but forgets to eat anything in the morning and comes to school too tired so I buy him iced tea before Aizawa comes to class," Shoto takes a breath, only then realising how much he had talked. 

"Wow…Shoto, you sound so happy," Fuyumi says. She's so quiet Shoto knew he wouldn't have heard if he wasn't paying attention. 

"He makes me happy," Shoto says, his face in his knees, hiding from no one. 

"He sounds amazing, I'll have to make sure you both hang out every day at this point," She is impossibly giddy, clapping on the other side “Aah, young love,” she says to herself, filling Shoto’s own emotions that he’s been avoiding to feel. It fills him with hope and needs, urges and longing and something he's never allowed himself to do. 

"Fuyumi," he calls, voice a tip away from breaking. 

"Yes?" 

"Will anyone ever love me?" 

The silence doesn't digest well, it leaves Shoto with a lounge in his throat and his skin caving into his body. Shoto wants to take back the question, one that's out in the open. Vulnerability is so clear it starts pushing him away from the wall. 

"Love doesn't always come from romance," Fuyumi says. She says it with quick certainty, louder than she ever has. Shoto doesn't say anything, no emotional capacity to gather a response. "You don't have to kiss someone in the rain to love you. I love you each time I read a new word in our books. I'm sure your friend loves you too, romantic or not," 

"You love me?" his voice does crack, hand in hand with a sour throat.

"More than anything," 

Shoto can't bring himself to move. his mouth, his hands, nothing. Fuyumi reads the book slower than usual, louder than Shoto is used to. Her words are over enunciated and her emotions are exaggerated. Shoto ends up asleep on the floor with a cold face. 

When the time comes, he will thank her for that day. 

The next day, Shoto walks into the cafeteria, headphones on with no music, Sero following along. Shoto cannot say when they started walking together, but he looks forward to when Sero would go on his tangents before they reach the roof. When he opens his bento box, Sero would end his rant for long enough so Shoto can add his commentary.

Shoto looks forward to listening to Sero more than to what he's saying. His voice is crisp like fresh snow, raspy around the edges but welcoming up front. He speaks like he doesn't have a care in the world, that the world will slow for him if he so pleases. It's as if he's in control of himself, and by proxy, everything around him. 

Shoto will let him go on for as long as needs. Unfortunately, they are cut off at the entrance of the cafeteria.

"Todoroki, can I talk to you?" A girl says, her voice artificially sweet. She grabs onto Shoto’s forearm to face her, keeping him in place as hungry eager teenagers bump into him. 

"I don't know you," Shoto says, his instincts blaring at the different people touching him as the girl giggles in a deep voice. In any other situation, he would have found it soothing. Now he feels trapped when he wants to be with Sero. 

"Can we still talk? Behind the school please," oh no.

oh no. 

"I'd rather we not," Shoto unsticks their hands and tries to step away, only for the girl to take another closer, her shy blush fueling her stubbornness.  

"It’ll only be a second, it's really important,"

"I'm sorry but I can't,"

"Just a moment, that's all I need," 

"I don't want to," 

"Why not?"

Sero steps in between them, his easygoing demeanour replaced with a tight jaw with a straight smile. He places his hands on Shoto's chest, staring the girl down like one wrong move would leave him ripping her limb by limb. 

"I'm sorry, but Roki knows what game you're playing and is not interested. You're lucky he's nice enough to save you the rejection, but I'm not. Leave," 

The girl catches herself and bows in apology, repeating that she was stepping out of line and promises not to bother the two ever again. The girl walks away, red face and a slouch to her steps. 

Shoto couldn't care for the interaction, his main worry was having to be alone with a stranger and telling them they'll never love him.

What's odd is how it affects Sero. His breathing is stiff as he watches the girl finally walk back to her friend group. Stuck in motion, he looks close to snapping. 

Shoto puts his hands on Sero’s shoulder, bringing him back to where they once were. "Are we going to get some food or do you want to kill her first," 

"Oh shit, was I being weird?" Shoto nods and Sero hisses to himself, rubbing the back of his neck as they walk into the cafeteria. "My bad. I just hate it when people keep insisting like that. Must be annoying since it happens to you all the time," 

Why does everyone assume Shoto is so popular?

"That's the first time that’s happened," Sero comically drops his jaw, utter disbelief at the statement. 

"You're lying," 

"There are a lot of factors that contribute to me being unlikeable," Sero furrows his eyebrows, tilting his head to say something before stopping himself a second before. 

"Ignoring what you just said, you're hot. Everyone confessed to hot people," The casual nature of Sero admitting that he finds Shoto attractive stops his heart from functioning at a normal rate. 

"I am also half cold," Sero chuckles, a certainty to him that draws Shoto in. 

"But you're a hundred per cent a pretty boy," Sero says, voice dropped as he places his elbow on Shoto's shoulder. Like this, Shoto can see the beauty mark on his cheek, right below his eye. Shoto would like to kiss it. 

The thought sends Shoto spiralling into more that consist of Sero calling him a pretty boy as he pressed him against the walls of the hallway. It would be rough and careless, ravishing each other for more. Everyone will know that they belong to each other and no one else. 

"Would you like to come over to my house the day after tomorrow?" Shoto asks as he avoids Sero’s stare, his face hot over the image that won't leave his head. He picks up his food from the counter, shooing all his thoughts away, 

"Really? you want me to come over to your place?" He asks, disbelief covering his excitement. 

"It’ll be a weekend so we could either study, watch a movie, or read that manga you wanted to buy," Shoto looks over to see Sero beaming in delight, much too bright for Shoto, who looks back at his food so he won’t blind himself. 

"I'd love to do all of that. Except studying, we're not studying," 

"Exams are coming up," 

"Which is why we need to relax. Chill out with the studying, would you," 

"Your grades would disagree," 

"My grades are passing," 

“Sero! Todoroki! Over here!” Mina calls to their attention, waving them over as they were about to leave the cafeteria. She sits at a table with Iida, Ochako and Jirou, all of whom are rushing to shush her. 

Sero nudges Shoto to turn to him. "No rooftop today, I'm assuming," Sero says. 

"I guess so," Shoto doesn't try to move, looking at Sero who waves back at the group. Shoto finds himself moving closer to Sero. Sero always tries to include him when he can. That makes him the silver lining to join the table. 

"you don't have to go if you don't want to," Sero shrugs. Shoto doesn't want to join them if he’s being honest. He likes the roof and finds that he’s often sidelined when the group becomes a screaming match of opinions. It'll eventually result in him walking out of the table while everyone is distracted.  

If he’s lucky, Iida will notice and join him to talk about whatever the debate was about. They don't get loud but Shoto starts to switch his mannerism to match Iida’s, while Iida’s shoulder raises higher and higher with each rebuttal. By the end of it, Shoto orders him food during school hours to spite him. It's not often they agree with each other, it keeps Iida interesting. 

"It's fine," Shoto dismisses, unclasping one of his hands from the tray to run it through his hair, walking to the table just a hair behind Sero. 

"You always say yes when people ask you to join them, it's really sweet," Sero says.

"I do?" Shoto would have stopped in his tracks if he wanted to seem less obvious about his emotions. He has a reputation to uphold as the mysterious cool guy. The more he thinks about it, the less he wants to be the mysterious cool guy, but that's a problem for future Shoto to deal with. 

"Yeah, you always have your head down though, so you rarely ever see anyone call you over,"  Sero says. 

Shoto mules over that fact. He hasn't felt lonely recently, mainly because he has Sero, but his classmates also try to include him in various activities. Even if he leaves early each time, It's still something. He supposes that maybe he never made an active effort. That is what happens when you pretend to be mysterious. 

Has anyone ever seen him as mysterious?

"Sero, my beloved," Mina says once they've reached the table "Please tell Ochako that Mew Mew Kitty Girl is not anywhere as good as Super Star Idol Warrior," 

"Mew Mew Kitty Star is not anywhere as good as Super Star Idol Warrior" Sero repeats, monotone as he sits. Mina swats his shoulder, who maliciously grins. 

"Are they both not the same show?" Iida asks between the banter, his phone out to look through what Shoto presumes are the shows. They would both agree that his conversation is useless in their eyes. 

"No!'' The two girls fight back, going on their separate intertwined arguments on how both their shows are unique and better than the other. Iida sits with a held breath, trying to get between them in failing attempts.

Jirou sighs, closing in on Sero and Shoto while Iida tries to level the situation. "You guys didn't notice anything when you were on the roof a few days ago right?" 

Shoto stiffens at the question, looking down at his food, hoping his face doesn't give anything away. 

"You were on the roof?" Sero says. When Shoto takes a peak, he's winking at her.

She breathes out a chuckle of relief. "No, I wasn't. Who said that?" She lies. They both share a silent solidarity with each other, and when Jirou looks at Shoto, he gives her a nod. She returns one back, a line for a smile on her face. 

"You've never watched anime before?" Mina's voice is louder than it has any reason to be, but it catches everyone's attention. 

"I have, but only the first half of one show, I had assumed it was for kids but had recently been enlightened by a friend," Iida says, adjusting his glasses. Shoto knows Iida is referring to him, and it makes him fidget with his food, an odd combination of achievement and disappointment swarming himself. 

"Which one did you watch?" Ochako asks. She leans in close, which leads to Iida adjusting his glasses, his face a faint pink on his cheeks.

"I don't quite remember, I was quite a while ago," 

"FuwaFuwa" Shoto replies, loudly slurping his soba to give him time to process any further questions. Everyone's eyes are on him, clearly not expecting a response from him. They are silent for too long, it stretches thin until he swallows. 

Sero breaks the stillness with a snap of his fingers. He looks up as if he’s trying to remember something. Shoto knows Sero knows what show it was. Shoto told him about the show. Shoto explained the plot. Hell, Sero said he had read the Manga. Bless Sero. "It's the romance anime with demons, right? I've been meaning to watch it soon, is it any good?" Everyone moves to speak, but no one dares to say anything. 

"I haven't finished either, last I watched was with Iida," Mina smacks the table while she breathes in heavily.

"That's it," Mina declares. "Anime binge at my house after school," She points at Iida, perfect nails aiming at his nose "Iida, make sure the whole class knows,”

Without any further question, plans have been made to go to watch the entirety of FuwaFuwa until they're done with it. They're lucky the show isn't very long.

Shoto sits in an empty classroom, phone against his ear, hoping that she picks up.

Fuyumi answers the phone, voice high and shallow. "Is everything okay? You've never called me, what's wrong?" 

"I'm fine, I only have a question,"there is a sigh on the other side of the line. Shoto looks around the room, as if anyone else would be in it. Class is starting soon and he hopes the one he is in is as abandoned as Kaminari said it was. 

"Of course, anything you need," Shoto can hear her smile and the sound of children's joy behind her. 

"My friend, she invited the class to watch a show with her. Will Father be too upset if I go?" Fuyumi laughs on the other side. 

"What time do you have to be there?" She says, leaving him unsettled at the unanswered question. 

"Right after school," She blows air out, humming to herself right after.

"Natsu will drop you off," The answer leaves him with more questions than answers. Why not his driver? Isn't he a burden? Why does she care? 

The silence he left goes on for too long, so he asks the question he needs the answer to. "And father?" 

"Leave that to me. Go have fun, enjoy yourself" Shoto’s nails dig into his palm, and emotions swirl around him, overwhelming enough to feel his tongue loosen.

"Thank you," 

"It's nothing dear. Now go to class, you'll be late," Shoto ends the call, not sure if he will pay any attention to anything Present Mic might say after that. 

When he returns to class, news has already gotten to most people about the binge night, and Shoto has to admit, he wants the day to end faster as well. 

"So what did your sister say?" Sero asks appearing behind him once Shoto is seated in his place. 

"My brother will pick me up," Sero whoops loudly, no one pays him any attention 

Sero sits on Shoto’s desk, something Shoto notes Sero always asks before doing. Shoto never plans to push him off. "You're gonna love Mina's binge nights, she's amazing at planning parties dude, you're gonna have a blast,"

"Are you coming?" 

Sero shrugs. "Can't, don't have a ride," Shoto's heart drops instantly. 

"I'll take you," Sero stays silent at the offer before waving him off.

"What? No, it's fine. I can miss one binge session,"

"I want you to come," Sero freezes, caught in a situation he doesn't want to refuse. Shoto recognizes the next few steps. 

"You mean it? You don't mind," He says, rubbing the back of his neck. 

"I wouldn't offer if I did," There it is, the lopsided smile that turns away from him. 

"You're amazing, you know that?" Shoto wants to hold Sero’s face in his hands and admire that picture's perfect smile. 

A lot of the time, his hand is over his mouth, covering up more the happier he is. There are a few times that Hanta doesn't cover it. For some reason, when Shoto gives Sero a gift, it traps his hands. 

This time, despite the free hand, Sero doesn't hide his smile. Shoto wants to take a picture of him. 

The two stand by the gate, shoulders glued to each other, sharing Sero’s wired earphones. They both listen to Shoto’s playlist as they watch cars pick up the students. 

The air is clear, the sky holds a flurry of wind and Shoto feels the need to put his head on Sero’s shoulder. It's cliche, but the idea makes his hands tremble with adrenaline. He's never wanted to be close to Midoriya or Iida. 

When Shoto thinks back to all the stories Fuyumi would read, he starts to see Sero's face instead of a generic love interest. It's disorienting, to say the least. 

Their backs are leaning on the wall, Sero’s feet kicking at dust. His bag hangs on the other shoulder. Like this, he looks mesmerising, cut from the stone that holds life's allure. 

Shoto psyches himself up. He imagines he's a love interest, confident and flirty in a cute shy way. The music guides him, mellow moods and suave encouragement, a string of notes pushing his confidence. Conjuring up all his delusions, he holds his breath and places his head on Sero’s shoulder. 

They don't have much of a high difference, but the few bits taller that Sero is are shown as his head lays there. Sero doesn't react, neither does Shoto.

In spite of his nerves, Shoto finds himself leaning further into him, pushing any of the boundaries they may have had. 

Sero puts his hands on Shoto’s waist. Shoto doesn't react, and Sero doesn't either. 

His body stops reacting like it's going to combust and they lay there, settling into each other like it was inevitably where they would end up. With the lul music and his held frame, Shoto starts to drift away in the space Sero had let him in. Shoto deems Sero better than anything Fuyumi might have ever read him.

They never talk about it, but it gives way to more. 

Natsu doesn't make himself known instantly, but the aggressive honking in the sleek white car gives him away fairly early, enough for Sero to notice before Shoto does. Sero removes the earphones and runs his fingers through Shoto's hair to call his attention, letting the soft touch do the speaking for either of them. Shoto can still feel Sero on him. 

They step into the car, one that has lip gloss bottles between the seats, stacks of papers on the floor and a crushed tissue box on the dashboard. Shoto places his headphones on, looking out the window.

"Hello Shoto’s friend, you got a name?" Natsu says. He starts the car with a jolt, heading into the road as soon as the car moves.

"Sero Hanta at your service, I'm assuming you're Natsu?" Sero charms, placing his hand on Shotos knee. Shoto’s heart is fast when he notices it through headphones. 

"You'd be correct. Heard y'all are going to a party," 

It feels like this is the first he's ever met Natsu, even if they've practically lived opposite each other their whole lives. Even if they're just driving to a hangout, Shoto can't help feeling scandalous. 

"It's more of a chill hang out, we're bingeing FuwaFuwa," Natsu turns around to look at the two, smacking his lips together.

"Dressed like that? Absolutely Not," Natsu spins the wheel and moves to a different lane with a harsh turn. Shoto, paying as little attention to the conversation as possible, jumps as his body is pressed against the car door and Sero’s shoulder. "We are getting you two dressed," 

"You don't have to do that. I don't even have clothes with me," Sero ever so sweetly says. 

"Then borrow mine," Shoto and Natsu say at the same time. Sero looks back and forth at the two, before snorting into his hands. 

Sero sits upright, but he doesn't move away. Shoto could even say that he moved a little closer. "Cut from the same cloth aren't you?" Sero returns his hands to Shoto's knee, and Shoto finds himself looking back at the window. 

"We are a very giving family," Shoto replies.

"Guess I can't refuse, huh? Sure why not," Shoto looks in the rearview mirror, catching Natsu smiling. It's barely visible, holding so much more. Shoto wonders if Fuyumi smiles like that. 

Natsu mentions that Enji is still on patrol, so they won't have to worry about seeing him. Fuyumi is still, unfortunately, at work. When they reach the house, Natsuo stays in the car, leaving the keys to Shoto and the house to the two teenagers. 

Sero doesn't comment on the house as they walk in. Not on the lack of family photos, or barren clean living room. He doesn't point out how everything looks untouched. He does, however, comment on Shoto’s lack of books. 

"No way you don't have a shelf of books. With how much you read, I'd think your room’s a library," Sero says, back laying on the futon with his head in his hands as Shoto looks through his closet. 

"They're Fuyumi’s books," Shoto says, picking out his largest shirts and hoodies, cautious of Sero's elbows. 

"Your sisters, huh? Must be tough borrowing from each other," Shoto wishes that were the case. 

"She reads to me every other night, it's the only time we get to talk to each other," Even as he says that, Shoto realises he could very easily call her to talk at other times of the day. A quick call to check on her would undeniably brighten her day. Enji wouldn't know. 

"Cause of endeavour I'm assuming? Useless excuse of a hero," Sero mumbles to himself. Shoto hums, giving Sero all the options he has, having already taken a few from Natsu's closet. 

"I also hide all my books under my bed," Sero's eyes widen and he jumps off the futon to lift it. Underneath the wooden bottom reveals a clean arrangement of mangas and books underneath. 

"No way, you've got Butterfly Kisses. I've been looking for it for ages?" Sero goes to grab the book but stops before he can. 

"Do you-" 

"You cannot keep giving me your stuff," Sero huffs, a pout to his words. 

"If you don't want this copy then I will buy you a new one,'' Sero places the futon down before covering his face, rubbing away the smile Shoto wishes he could see. 

"I need to pay you back, I can't keep living like a sugar baby," He says mostly to himself. Shoto lifts the futon, grabbing the heavily annotated book. 

"Until that happens, I'm your super daddy," Sero falls forward laughing at what Shoto said, not even trying to turn away as he melts into a fit of giggles and snorts.  

Yeah, Shoto really likes him. 

The one pro of Sero continuously changing into different clothes is watching the shirt he is wearing ride up to reveal a toned, lean stomach. That bit of skin, Shoto can't help shamelessly looking at before Sero has his vision back. 

The one con is that when Shoto isn't quick enough to look away, Sero decides to wink at him. Shoto hasn't looked since. 

Most of Shoto’s clothes are too small for his elbows, but luckily, Sero can squeeze one of his sweaters over himself, one that is already too big on Shoto to begin with. The sweater falls off him naturally, like it was born on him. 

The sweater curls behind his elbows, revealing forearms covered in veins, highlighting his thick long fingers. Shoto is a weak man. 

Shoto places Sero’s uniform in a bag and tells him to keep the sweater. Sero whines a little bit at the things he's being offered. It never gets old. 

On the ride to Mina's house, Sero has his hand back on Shoto, this time on his thigh. With his hands looking devastatingly wonderful, Shoto is positive he has passed away to the heavens. 

They're both the last to arrive, everyone else dressed casually or in one of Ashido’s clothes, which includes Midoriya dressed in a hot pink velvet jacket with a zipper that is seconds from ripping open and shorts that barely cover his ass. 

"I'm so glad you two could make it. We were about to start. Mina’s just making the last of the snacks," Midoriya says, leading them to a spacious living room decorated in peach pink decor. The pictures on the wall of her family add to the brightness.

Hagakure gasps to the side, a moving onesie walking up to Sero. "That sweater. I need it. Where'd you get it," Hagakure says, pulling at the sides to feel it. 

Sero looks at Shoto, eyes smiling for him. "It was a gift from someone special to me," Sero replies coolly, not hiding how obvious he is. Hagakure is ever the wiser. 

"Make sure to ask them when you see them, kay? The sweater is too pretty to pass up," She says before being called over by Sato to help bring in more snacks.

"You're not gonna try to buy her a sweater are you?" Sero teases, walking to the kitchen, Shoto following along. 

"No, I only buy things for those special to me," Sero bites his thumb's nail, a twinkle in his eyes that Shoto wants to capture. 

"My darling dearest, welcome to my kitchen," Mina says, rocking a baby blue velvet hoodie with shorts similar to Midoriya, only the clothes fit her. "Now get out, we're starting the show now," 

"Are we not allowed to say hi? Damn," Sero is pushed away by Mina, who balances a tray of dipping sauces on the other hand.

"Not when you lovebirds are late," Shoto and Sero look at each other at the nickname, before Sero shrugs, plucking the tray from Mina to tease her back about something Shoto doesn't pay attention to. 

Sero is the cool love interest in Shoto’s story, and his heart doesn't help in making that realisation feel any less gratifying.

What does pull him back down to earth is how little he will be able to enjoy his own story. He'll take what he gets and wonder how generous the universe could be.

There is no couch in the room, Sero explains that they usually remove it when they have movie nights. The carpet in the centre is covered in blankets and pillows with snacks at the front. 

Midoriya and Ashido cuddle with each other, their matching outfits already determining their cuddle partners. Iida sits cross-legged with Tsuyu and Kaminari leaning on him, a blanket thrown over them. Shoji holds his arms out for Ochako and Hagakure. Kirishima and Sato spread across the floor. 

Shoto sits on the carpet, unsure of what to do. He relies on Sero for help, who sits next to him as he grabs a bowl of popcorn for them. Sero is just slightly behind him, hand behind Shoto, a space where they aren't touching but would look as though they are. 

Shoto hates it, the not so touching. He debates between leaning back on him but his nerves drive him not to move in his spot. Sero might not want to cuddle him, Shoto has to accept that. Even if the thought makes him want to rip his guts out, he will accept it. 

The anime starts as devastating as you would expect from a show about killing demons, but that aspect of it is put in the background to focus on the two lovers. 

The love interest is a kind hearted determined boy who loses his family young but pushes through to protect his village. The main character is a loudmouth who doesn't quite understand the feelings he has is love, having never cared for anyone after focusing on becoming a soldier of the royal guard.

Shoto mumbled about how similar the characters are to Bakugou and Kirishima. Sero snorts, shoving a mouthful of popcorn into his mouth. 

His classmates aren't as loud as he'd thought they would be. There are commentaries in short quick one liners that pass by as fast as the next scene does, otherwise, most are made within the cuddle piles in the room. The volume makes the groups feel more personal, secluded in their circles.

Shoto starts to get comfortable enough for Sero to place the bowl of popcorn on his lap. Shoto does not question it, nor does he mind how much closer Sero has to be to reach for the bowl now. 

Shoto had already watched the first five episodes, so rewatching the scenes does not bring him as much joy as it had the first time he watched it with Midoriya, who has very vocal reactions. Sero has just as vocal of a reaction, his are more critical. 

"He doesn't need to be so mean to the poor guy," Sero whispers to Shoto exclusively. He's close enough that they don't have to be loud to hear each other, but also close enough for Shoto to run hotter than normal.  

"Don't you like enemies to lovers?" Shoto turns to look at him, who scrunches his face. 

"Not when the enemy in question is the embodiment of a sweetheart who’s never done anything wrong," he throws a piece of popcorn into his mouth, snarling at the soldier screaming as he runs away from another confrontation.

"So You're admitting that I am right, and that enemies to lovers is not the best trope," Sero’s laugh under the buzzed room is deep and with him leaning closer to his ears, it sends goosebumps down Shoto's body. 

"Like I said," Sero places his chin on Shoto’s shoulder, wrapping an arm around his waist, pulling them flush against one another. "You've not read any good enemies to lovers," 

Shoto isn't sure whether to focus on the low rasp of his voice, the secure arms around him that play with the edge of his shirt edges from touching bare skin, or even the firm chest he lays. What he does focus on, however, is how they're finally cuddling, and it fills his cracks and glues them to each other. 

Shoto doesn't say anything, nor does Sero. They only end up closer. 

Sero’s heart beats faster than his face gives away. It makes him seem much more real in Shoto’s eyes. He's more human than some character he has been romanticising. It makes Shoto stomach flutter in an addicting swirl. 

Shoto tries his best to ignore the stare that Midoriya and Iida send him. 

Halfway through the show, Mina declares a break. Some head to the bathroom, but most discuss their opinions of the show. Mina pulls Sero away to make more popcorn, which is a perfect opportunity for Midoriya and Iida to run straight to Shoto. 

"Are you guys dating? You and Sero?" Midoriya asks under the loud chatter. 

"If you are, I respect your relationship completely, you both seem incredibly comfortable with one another," Iida says, hands patting Shoto’s shoulder in solidarity. 

"We're not," Although Iida looks apologetic, Midoriya seems even more ecstatic. Terrible reaction to the news in Shoto’s opinion. 

"I apologise for assuming. With how close you two seem I had made a hasty assumption" Iida tries to bow, but Shoto holds his head in place, not willing to witness that. 

Midoriya places Shotos hand down and straightens Iida."Yeah, I mean with the rooftop dates and the hand on your waist I'd think you’d both at least confess," 

Shoto thinks back to how close they've been, having gone from silent estrange company to another thing to look forward to. Shoto never planned this, but most joys in life never are. It isn't until too long that it registered that people know of them being on the roof.

"They aren't dates," Shoto tries to correct. 

Midoriya waves him off. "Whatever you say," Cheeky asshole.

"Indeed I had also assumed you but went to the roof as romantic partners, is that not what the roof is mostly for?" Shoto sighs, running a hand through his hair. Of course Iida knows about the horrors of popular spots for hormonal teenagers. 

"Yes, it is a very popular make out spot. It's not very peaceful up there," Shoto’s friends wince, nodding their heads in solidarity. 

"I hope you have your first kiss there," Midoriya cheers, Iida adding on with extra enthusiasm. 

Shoto looks between the two, feeling safe enough to talk about what he deems as a crush on Sero. They both listen, giving tips and advice when Shoto asks for it, and affirmations when Shoto puts himself down. 

With the three minds of people who've never kissed anyone before, they manifest Shoto’s first kiss on the rooftop on Monday. 

When they go back to watching the show, Sero doesn't waste time joining their spaces together. They fit together instantly, and Shoto watches each scene with the intimacy Shoto has wanted for so long and a need for something more. he places his head on Sero's shoulder, cowering himself to be covered with more of the scent of popcorn and woody perfume. 

Shoto indulges, he sinks all his teeth into a fruit that doesn't exist. It's fun, but it won't last. How could something last if it will never become? He’ll go on with his days, let his feelings settle under pits of heart, and shove it until it resurfaces into something familiar in the darks of nights after ten. 

The day truly begins with lunch, screaming and a few tears. 

"I will not allow Shoto to bring a boy into this house," 

"He rarely hangs out with anyone, he needs to be with his friends," 

"You were the one that took him to watch that dumb movie with those degenerates yesterday without my permission." 

"Shoto needed a break," 

"He needs to study. Exams are coming up and he cannot slack behind," 

"This boy is coming over to study, nothing else," 

"Why should I trust you with his education after the stunt you pulled yesterday?" 

"Dad, your flames will burn the roof!" 

Shoto is in the training room. He's not supposed to be training as of now, but Fuyumi isn't in the mental state to cook lunch nor is Enji competent enough to provide a meal to his children, so he runs the treadmill.

His headphones are on, playing music from Sero’s playlist, mixes of guitars and breezy melodies fueling his run. He doesn't hear anyone open the door, but he can feel the presence of someone behind him, he increases the speed just in case. 

Coming into view is, thankfully, the last person he should be seeing. Shoto lowers the speed significantly. 

"You eaten yet?" Natsu asks once Shoto removes his headphones. 

"I didn't think we could," Shoto says, taking in breaths. Natsu cringes at his answer, pulling out his phone. 

"What do you want to eat, I'll order food," Shoto takes a few breaths, his tired mind not fully processing anything. 

"Cold soba," Natsu nods his head before walking out of the training room, leaving Shoto bewildered at the interaction. 

Shoto goes back to training, headphones on, making sure Enji doesn't try anything painful with his recurring irritation. 

The thing that always keeps him from burning Shoto will always be training. During his mood swings, Shoto has ended up using the treadmill for hours to avoid Enji from taking out all of his anger on him. Sometimes he's not running fast enough, or his form is all wrong, and Enji's emotions get even worse, but Shoto’s reached the point where he's mastered the exact speed and position he needs to be in. 

Shoto tends to blur the time away, letting minutes pass until Fuyumi feels much better and leaves a meal in the kitchen. She hides in her room where hiccups could be heard if he stays absolutely still and pay incredibly close attention. 

Someone is behind him again, he raises the speed once more. 

Natsu is back with two containers and a plastic bag, saying something Shoto can't hear with his headphones on. He removes them and tilts his head to ask Natsu to repeat himself as he sits on the floor, opening one of the containers. 

"I said get off the treadmill, it's lunchtime,"

Shoto contemplates the consequences. He could stop training, potentially get caught by Enji, and be punished in a way he'll never forget. Or he could train to give Enji a fake sense of satisfaction that he is following training 

Soba it is

Shoto doesn't sweat, he's learned that if he controls his body temperature just right, he doesn't have to get clammy and damp. That doesn't stop him from enjoying the way the cold broth hits the back of his throat just right, travelling down his spine until it leaves him needing more. 

They sit in long overdue silence. It sticks between them as the sound of slurping and chewing cuts in. Natsu mixes his rice around after each bite, mixing everything together as the chopsticks scrape the plastic, the noise adding to the stuffy room.

They don't know each other, the only reason Natsu even got him food was because of a thin connection of family blood. Shoto watches him eat his tofu, wondering if he would have bought him food if he were a stranger. He wonders if they would have crossed paths in the first place. 

"What do you study?" Shoto asks, tired of Natsu's fidgeting. 

"Nursing. Having a temperature based quirk helps with that stuff," Natsu speaks as though he's been waiting to do so for ages. 

"How heroic. I'm sure Father wishes you were a doctor," Natsu rolls his eyes, shoving a piece of tofu into his mouth. 

"Don't remind me, he constantly talks about how I picked the less respectable option," Shoto breathes out a laugh.

"He's probably the kind of guy that would shout at the doctor for not healing him first,"  Natsu chews with a suppressed laugh, leaving Shoto to feel at ease again. 

"bet he's asked a nurse if they know who he is," they both share a silent laugh, biting their lips not to make too much noise. 

The tension is subdued, leaving the room chilled. Shoto's thoughts circle around Enji, and with that train of thoughts comes the argument that he'd refused to listen to moments before.

"Why did you drive me yesterday?" Shoto asks, tired of the questions in his head.

Nastu scrapes the bottom of his container, chewing slower than when the conversation didn't feel heavy on either of their shoulders. "Fuyumi said something about the driver reporting back to father or whatever. I don't know, I just didn't want her to get moody during work again," 

"That's not true, Father doesn't know I go to the bookstore every Thursday," Nastu stays quiet, his tongue pushing against his cheek. 

"Fuyumi thinks with her heart," Natsu says after a swallow. "I told her it was a bad idea but she insisted we see each other at least once,"

"That's dumb, why'd you agree?" Nastu mixes his rice around before dropping it on the ground and looking to the side. 

"Cause she's right. You two talk to each other every night, I barely know who's the guy living with me," Shoto hadn't noticed how he hadn't taken a bite in too long. He quietly places the noodles into his mouth and keeps the chopsticks in his mouth, barely chewing.

Shoto wants to speak. He wants to know what Natsu's favourite food is and what music he likes. He wants to ask if he prefers books or movies. He wants to ask why he had lipgloss and psychology notes in the back of his car or why he is rarely ever home. More than any of that, he wants a brother. 

"So you think so too huh? That were strangers?" Shoto says. It comes out beaten, dragged out of his tongue. 

"Yeah," Natsu doesn't look as upset as Shoto feels, rather, there is an odd sense of hope in his eyes. "But you're a cool stranger, one straight out of an action movie," Shoto breath is shaky, but it allows him to sink into himself again. Letting go of his guard, Shoto moves to return the sentiment. 

The door bursts open, and neither brother flinches at the deafening bang. "Shoto, what are you doing?" 

"I'm sorry, someone didn't think to feed his masterpiece," Natsu says, looking at his food. "I took it upon myself to make sure he doesn't starve," His voice is smooth and straightforward, but from here, Shoto can see his chopstick tremble. 

"You two are not supposed to be interacting, I gave you very specific orders, Shoto," Enji's words are accompanied by the crack of flames. It makes Shoto's ears tear itself apart. 

"So you won't allow a hero student to help me study, but when I ask my brother for help that's also not allowed?" Shoto stares at Enji, asking to defy him. 

He does "What are you trying to say? " 

Natsu pulls out his phone. They look at each other, Shoto quickly straightening to comply with what Natsu has planned. 

"What do you do if someone twisted their ankle," 

"Ice pack and compression," 

"Correct. What do you do if someone is having a seizure," 

"Place them on the floor, have them on their side, cushion their head and give them space," 

"Correct. How do you properly evacuate civilians from a collapsed building," 

"Enough!" Enji cuts through, his flames growing. "Let the boy come tomorrow, Shoto must not be around people below him," Enji slams the door shut, the pictures on the walls shaking with the impact. Shoto is surprised he hadn't broken the door down. 

The room is humid and hot, returning to the state it was in when they first sat to eat. Shoto can speak for both of them when he finds the meal nauseating. 

"I'm sorry for not saying enough," Shoto closes the container, unsure of what else to say. 

"Eh, you saved my ass. At least your crush is coming over tomorrow," Shoto gets off the floor, refusing to acknowledge what Natsu said. By Natsu's smirk, he is too easy to read. It doesn't matter, he can bring a friend over.

Not any friend, but Sero. 

"Thank you," Shoto lowers his hands to where Natsu is sitting, opening it for him to use for leverage. 

"We're brothers, it's what we do," Natsu clasps their hands together and jumps up, and it's at this moment that Shoto is glad that his brother wasn't anyone else except Natsu. "I've gotta go, we kind of don't have an excuse to hang out anymore do we?" 

"Well find more," 

"I'm sure we will," 

He continues eating in his room, Fuyumi is quiet enough for her to exist without her tears interrupting his studying. It's a messed up thought, Shoto can admit that much.

A message comes from his phone after a few chapters, one from Mina. He rarely answers any of the messages his classmates send him if it isn't from Sero, Iida or Midoriya, but the feeling of missing Fuyumi is getting to him, so he opens it. 

There are a few more messages, random thoughts, reminders, lists, and even questions ranging from random thoughts to topics from school. Shoto looks through them, only answering the last thought. 

Mina: youre beck now that I think about it 

It's a message she has sent a lot, comparing Shoto to different characters from shows and movies. He googles the character, finding little resemblance. 

me: I’m not Beck.

She reads the message as soon as it sends, now trapping Shoto to reply. She types, untypes, pauses and types once more. 

Mina: no like from the show 

me: I’m not a fictional character, nor have I watched the show.

Mina: WHAT NO WAY 

Shoto sighs as he realises where this conversation is going, so he grabs his computer, glad Iida had helped him open a Netflix account. 

me: Please don't scream at me.

Mina: we are watching it rn

me: Will you always make me watch a show I haven't seen?? 

Mina: gives me an excuse to rewatch the best show to ever exist 

me: You say that about every show.

Mina: do you ever shut your pretty mouth??

Shoto stares at the message, finding the compliment absolutely everything he doesn't believe it. He touches the side of his face where his scar lives on, wondering, thoughts dancing around different people, landing on one person by the end of it. 

me: You think I'm pretty?

Mina: oh you're a bimbo…

As usual, Shoto has lost Mina to her bubble like personality. 

me: A what? 

Mina: DO YOU HAVE DISCORD 

me: Again, you don't have to scream at me.

Mina walks him through the application process, setting him up and even giving him the username icyhottie which Shoto finds cheesy. Still, Mina's proud voice over Facetime convinces him to keep the name.

Shoto ends up revising for the exam with the show in the background, Mina's constant commentary doing most of the speaking for him. Every so often Shoto would point out the obscurities of the show, and Mina would delight in his observations, even if sometimes it's just him saying "That's not funny" 

After the first two episodes, Shoto would quiz Mina on information coming on the exam, which would piss her off to no end. After a few questions, she would start putting effort into answering the question, some with minimal flaws. As they watch more and more, they realise that they should be doing this more often. Even if Mina won't admit it fully, they agree to continue 'watching shows' to help each other study.

Shoto does not like Beck and Jade's relationship and hence does not think he is Beck as much as Mina insists. 

When Sero comes over, Enji is by the door, watching over as Shoto brings him in. 

Sero doesn't pay any mind to the looming hero in frame. He readjusts his large backpack, dressed in a striped short sleeved button up and wide black pants Shoto confuses for a skirt. Shoto knows Sero wore that on purpose and fights back a grin.

"Can you tell I dressed to impress?" Sero whispers as they walk to his room, ignoring the way Enji is being pulled away by Fuyumi. Shoto wears a cardigan, his own act to seem like they are studying. 

"You certainly don't look like you're bottom five in class," Sero pushes him away, biting his lips to not make a noise. 

Sero invites himself into Shoto’s room as if he's been there numerous times before. Throwing his bag on the floor, he lies on the carpet. 

"Heard you and Mina called yesterday," Sero asks as Shoto locks the door. 

"We studied and watched a terrible show," Shoto sits cross legged where Sero is laying with one leg bent up and one spread out.  

"I know Ashido insists you're a Beck but that's not true you're an Andre," Shoto places his hand on his chest, having never been more seen. "But she isn't half wrong, you're very popular," 

"Why does everyone say that, if I'm so desirable why doesn't anyone approach me?" Sero's eyebrows frown, a hint of a quirked lip. 

"Dude, you're scary intimidating," Sero sits up. Shoto thinks about himself, and how he’s done nothing to garner that reaction, unlike Bakugo or Tokoyami, whose attitude and speech patterns leave some people on edge. 

"I'm not," 

"Are too. You always have your headphones on and have the meanest look on your face when you walk the halls. We also rarely see you outside of class. You're like a myth honestly," right, that's all Shoto’s fault. 

"I'm not trying to be intimidating," Shoto stretches the ends of his cardigan, willing to put an end to his act to seem mysterious. 

"Hey, at least I don't have to see you getting confessed to all the time" Sero's voice is released but his face speaks of bitterness, similar to when they were at the cafeteria. Maybe Shoto won't completely end the act. He has grown attached to the roof. 

Sero opens his bag to pull out various drinks and snacks as well as manga volumes. Shoto raises his eyebrows and the abundance of textbooks on the carpet between them. 

"This, my friend, is payback for all the things you've bought me," Shoto rubs his face as Sero puffs his chest in pride

"My god,"

"I'm no longer a sugar baby," Shoto covers his mouth to stop himself from laughing at Sero's attempt, eyeing the way he looks like he won a game only he was playing. 

"I'm still going to buy you more things, you realise that right?" 

"For now we are even, and I'd like to keep it that way," 

Shoto assumed that they would need to be doing some extravagant activities when friends hang out with each other, but Shoto realises that he likes sitting on the floor with Sero’s head on his lap reading manga together. Shoto is borrowing one of Sero’s volumes while Sero has taken one of Shoto’s books. Every so often, one of them would point out a part they find interesting. In Shoto’s case, insufferable. 

"I will never understand what's appealing about enemies to lovers," 

"Come on you've barely read the first half," 

"She's so mean to him, he hasn't even done anything to deserve her screaming at him all the time," 

"You just don't appreciate the art of tsundere and it shows," Sero bites on his pocky sticks, feeding another to Shoto. They've garnered this routine of Sero feeding him, at first, Shoto had stared at it, looking back at forth. Sero had stayed in place, his hands a light shake before Shoto realised he wasn't supposed to just look at food near his mouth. They hadn't stopped since. 

"What's the appeal of being shouted at all the time," Shoto asks, flipping through the edge of the pages he's already read to stall. 

"I don't know, It's just worth it when they get together in the end. Like even after everything, they still see the best in each other," Shoto chews on the pocky stick, taking in his words. 

"Wouldn't it be better to slowly start to understand each other, fighting with the world rather than with each other?" Sero sighs, putting his own book on his chest. 

"Haven't we fought the world enough?" Sero looks away from Shoto, eyes fixated on carpet. 

"I think I would prefer to fight for my love, rather than fight my love," 

Sero flips through the pages of the book, eyes cast down. Neither says anything, Sero biting his lips, tough breaths through his nose. Shoto gives Sero time. 

"I don't know if you're gonna believe me but no one has ever liked me, I was so alone" He's right, Shoto doesn't believe him. "I got tired of trying to make people like me, I just wanted to be seen," 

"You seemed so easy to talk to," Sero forces out a cackle, his face anything but humoured. 

"When I came to UA it was so weird to have so many people talk to me. Sometimes I'd get a text from Denki and feel like he hates me and wants me to stop talking to him," Shoto plays with the strands of Sero's hair, humming along as he speaks. "It gets so bad, I stop talking to people altogether. If I don't talk to them, they won't have to hate me. It's how I found you on the roof," 

"I never thought we'd ever speak on the roof," Shoto adds, digging his hands into Sero’s scalp. He hums, relaxing into the touch. 

"It's what I like about you. I never had to feel like I needed to talk to you or that I was bothering you. You speak when you need to, and stop when you feel like it," 

"That’s what made me unapproachable," Sero scoots closer to Shoto’s lap, looking back up at Shoto. 

"It's what makes you easy to talk to, it's nice to know that you like to talk to me," Shoto moves his hand to push back the hair on his forehead, running his fingers through fluffy, soft, raven dark hair.

"I like more than just talking to you," They catch each other's eyes and Shoto is falling all over again for midnight eyes and lopsided smiles.

"Your turn," bites his lip, stopping himself from smiling. 

"To what?" 

"To talk about your issues" Sero gestures for Shoto to begin, only for Shoto to poke his cheek in protest, hoping his smile isn't too obvious. 

"You make this seem transactional," 

"Everything in this world is a transaction," Shoto huffs out, trying to think of something. 

"I don't believe anyone could ever really love me," Sero sits up from Shoto's lap, placing his hand on Shoto's knee. 

"you know that's not true, right?" Sero says, quick and panicked. Sero often puts more energy into the things Shoto doesn't, it's odd. 

"I think I do, but I've come to accept that maybe I won't have anyone love me," Something bubbles under Shoto, and his body starts to regulate itself out of habit. 

Sero sits with his mouth agape, blinking away the many questions Shoto knows sit around in his head. "Why do you think so?" his voice breaths out of him, barely a whisper. 

Shoto’s fists clench into itself, a deep resentment resurfacing. He looks at it, recognizing it as the side his father cursed him with. "My mother barely loved me, and father certainly doesn't. My siblings try but I was born like this, unlovable," 

He wasn’t born by anyone's fault. It was by chance, a gamble with nature and the universe. He shouldn’t loathe his mother for being put in a position she couldn't get out of. That doesn't stop him from wishing he was never given a first breath. Life has no meaning if he can't enjoy any of it.

Love is a given, Shoto has never taken. He holds his heart in his hand, and aches with empty promises. If to be loved is to be full of life, Shoto is empty. 

"No one will love me, so I don't bother," 

Sero grabs Shoto’s face, pulling him close "Let me learn to love you then," He says, thumbing across his cheek. His voice stands on the edge of broken glass. "I already like so much about you, so don't shut me out. Give me a chance to love you," 

Shoto feels his heartbeat into another timeline, viewing through the lens of himself as a child, shaking his shoulder in unretained joy as the couple finally get together. 

Shoto doesn't feel his world change or the stars are aligning. But he can hear his own heart and wants to give it to Sero. It all becomes real the more he feels. The pressed knees, the fingertips on the edge of his scar, the urge to lean in and take what he has dreamed into a trapped fantasy. 

Shoto wants to ask more, question Sero’s validity, let him prove himself. He wants so much and yet he doesn't say a word. Instead, his eyes trail ink black eyes that hold the comfort Shoto has rarely been allowed to take in. Those eyes don't stay in one place, and Shoto understands which part of the story he's in. 

Sero pulls Shoto closer and his breath hitches, static courses through his body, each nerve bordering on painful, but unfathomably addicting, asking to pull for more. Shoto watches Sero look at his lips as his own parts in a breathless hitch, and they stay there in a quiet ask. 

In the room that held Shoto’s loneliest hours, Shoto has his first kiss. 

They kiss and they kiss and they kiss and it's sweet and chaste and Shoto is full of heart and soul and familiarity to something so out of his reality. Sero kisses like he's scared it would be the last, pushing into him with fervour, leading Shoto through a feeling of flooding stars and flying clouds. 

Shoto can't get enough. He's lost on what to do but Sero pulls him each and every way that makes his skin hum. Everything exhilarates past anything a story could ever provide. 

It takes Shoto’s doorknob shaking around to make them pull apart, dragged by the sound of Enji behind the door. Whatever he says, Shoto drowns out by groaning louder than he ever has.

"How do you expect me to pass my class if you're constantly screaming at me, old man!" He screams at the door. The noise behind the door is quiet before Fuyumi is behind it, scolding Enji to leave them alone. 

Sero snorts and Shoto turns to find him covering his mouth as he laughs. 

"That was kinda hot," 

Shoto grabs his hand and moves it out of the way. "Stop covering your mouth," He says.  Sero stills, eyes wide. "Whoever said anything about your smile deserves to freeze in hell,"

"You're so hot," Sero smiles, the right side of his cheek higher and Shoto leans in to kiss it, and kisses Sero one more time, feeling free enough to allow himself the chance to fall in love. 

If to be loved is to take a chance, Shoto will bet his life. 

They don't get any studying done. Shoto starts enjoying enemies to lovers a little bit more.

Seven on the dot, Fuyumi and Shoto are against each other's walls. After the past few days he’s had, Shoto builds up confidence for something else.

"Hello dear, it’s Fuyumi. How was yesterday with Sero?" 

"let's watch Mass times Acceleration,"

The sound behind the wall is akin to someone getting hurt, Shoto realises that Fuyumi must be a little clumsy "Really? You'd like that? Yes, of course, we can watch that. Oh, but how will we watch it?"

"I could sneak into your room," Shoto tries, feeling out of place. 

"Yes we can do that, give me five minutes, I need to clean my room," shuffling is heard before Shoto's room is silent again. Within the few minutes Fuyumi cleans her room, Shoto breathes a few times to prepare himself to see Fuyumi for the first time again.

Just like with Natsu, his hands shake with rebellion. This shouldn't be anything out of the ordinary, but Shoto is finding himself enjoying going against the basic needs his father deprived him of.

Fuyumi announces she's done and that she left her door open enough for Shoto to quickly slip in. Stealth training works in wondrous ways.

Fuyumi and Shoto come face to face once she closes the door until the sound of a shut door is barely the sound of a needle drop. Shoto notes that she is significantly shorter than he is, she also bounces around more than him. 

For a moment, everything suddenly feels surreal, like a vivid dream. He didn't do anything else except go to his sister's room, yet she looks like she could wish for nothing better right now and he feels the same way. 

Fuyumi pulls him down for a hug. It's tight for someone so fragile, Shoto wouldn't have it any other way. He wraps his arms around her, savouring his first memory of ever hugging his sister. 

"You're so grown up Shoto," She mumbles into his shirt, voice shaky with each word. She pulls away with glassy eyes and a sad smile, wiping away her teary eyes. "I thought it would be nice if we watched it on the floor, for tradition's sake," She rambles as she grabs Shoto’s hand and pulls him to the pillows and blanket on the wall. Her hands are cold, and Shoto wonders if she grabbed his fireside on purpose. 

Opposite the wall is a shelf of books, a few Shoto recognizes as some he'd bought, others as titles he'd forget with time. It's decorated in sage greens and clean whites.

"This would be my second time watching something on the floor," Shoto points out. 

"It's fun right?" Fuyumi sits Shoto down before sitting down herself, dropping the blanket on them. "My partner and I would end up on the floor a lot and so we'd watch our shows like this," 

"What are you two doing on the floor?" Fuyumi scratches her cheek, averting her eyes away from him. 

"Things… you'll find out when you find someone, or according to Natsu, the boy from yesterday," She pokes his stomach lightly as Shoto runs his hand through his messy hair, turning away from Fuyumi. Her giggles are carefree and teasing, as if he were the story. 

Shoto looks at Fuyumi’s sticker covered laptop, her freshly painted pink nails and the bunny hairband holding her bangs back. If anyone can fall in love with life, it would be the one that has gently cared for Shoto without knowing if he is being helped. 

"Your partner, did they fall for you?" Shoto asks, his voice giving away how much he needs to know. 

Fuyumi takes a moment to look at Shoto before she smiles so softly it hurts Shoto "I think they're the one for me," 

"You deserved to be loved. I'm saying that as someone who never felt it from anyone else except you,"

Fuyumi is crying 

Shoto, completely unprepared or equipped to deal with a crying sister, wraps her in his arms and rubs her back to soothe her in a way that comes unnaturally to him. He imagines this is what she would have done for him. 

"You gave no idea how much that means to me," She says, clenching his pyjama top. 

"I wasn't saying anything that's not true," Shoto mutters to himself, making Fuyumi'slet out a small laugh. He wants to show her more, tell her how much he means. Nothing comes to mind, but one sticks out in his head. “I love you, Fuyumi,” Her body shakes, and Shoto holds her tighter. “I love you as much as I ever can,” 

With hiccups and sniffles, she tries to be silent across the thin walls. It's a cry that's trained, and Shoto finds his throat aching as his sister breaks on him. He wasn't planning on making his sister cry, but it doesn't take long for her to pick herself back up. She wipes the tears on her sleeves and goes back to setting up the movie. 

Shoto finds the fact that they've cried before the movie started morbidly funny. 

They spend the night watching the movie with earphones and Fuyumi’s commentary on the faithfulness of the adaptation. Shoto leans his head on her, feeling loved in the familiarity that he's had since he was a child. 

Maybe he already is loved. Not in the way the books have taught him, but during the times he's been reading them.