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“Why the hell do you need a plant?” Katsuki scowled as he crossed his arms while Todoroki carefully set a potted orchid on dorm windowsill in the common room. Its petals shined faintly in the sunlight, a blend of pale white and soft lavender.
“It calms me,” Todoroki replied, unbothered by Katsuki's words. He reached out to adjust one of the leaves, his touch as soft as the plant itself.
“Calming?” Katsuki scoffed as he plopped onto the couch. “I’ve got explosions for stress relief. We don’t need some high-maintenance flower for that.”
“It’s not high-maintenance,” Todoroki said simply, giving Katsuki a pointed look. “You just water it and let it grow.”
“I already know about plant maintenance-” Katsuki began to mutter.
Kaminari peeked in from the doorway, whispering to Shinsou. “Wanna bet he’s gonna end up liking the plant?”
Shinsou smirked. “No need for a bet. It’s obvious.”
A few days later, Katsuki was glaring at the orchid while Todoroki prepared tea. “It’s got spots on the leaves. You do know what they are, right?”
Todoroki glanced over to the orchid, “You just need to wipe them gently. I know how to care for plants too.”
“Whatever,” Katsuki grumbled, already reaching for a tissue.
Kaminari and Shinsou watched from across the common room, their faces barely concealing grins. “You see that?” Kaminari whispered. “He’s totally invested now.”
Shinsou chuckled. “It’s like he’s projecting his love for Todoroki onto the orchid.”
Kaminari nodded, “Think he’ll start talking to it next? He doesn't usually become this invested with a plant, but because Todoroki's involved, everything must be perfect.”
Back at the window, Katsuki frowned at the orchid. “Don’t die on me, you stupid thing,” he muttered under his breath, brushing a thumb over one of the leaves.
Todoroki placed a cup of tea beside him. “You're overprotective.”
Katsuki glanced at him as his cheeks heated up. “Shut up.”
Behind them, Kaminari whispered to Shinsou, “They’re as soft as that orchid.”
Shinsou smirked as he pressed a kiss to Kaminari’s forehead, “True. But at least they’re growing.”