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On February 19th, everyone gifts chocolate to the person they care about most!
Shoto watches his friends Ochaco, Tenya and Izuku as they share their chocolate with each other.
Shoto…only brought one though. One for the person he cares about most.
He realized his mistake and decided to keep his chocolate hidden…
He will only look suspicious otherwise…and this is something he certainly isn't ready to face just yet.
That being said…
What if he gave it to him secretly?
Sliding it in Izuku's backpack, or leaving it on his desk?
That way, Izuku will receive the gift without him looking weird!
The Plan was perfect. Shoto sneaks away sometime during break, into the classroom, and places his chocolate under Izuku's desk. Right on top of his books.
Shoto returns to his friends, and the day continues.
…
“Huh?” Izuku notices something strange…he reaches for the little red box under his desk.
“Deku! What's this?” Ochaco looks over Izuku's shoulder
“Oh! Uraraka! I'm…not sure…? I just found it under my desk.”
Ochaco stares at the box.
…
“WAIT WHAT” Ochaco suddenly screams out
“Huh?? What??”
“DEKU YOU GOT CHOCOLATE”
“oh- HUH”
Their voices echoed through the classroom…Tenya takes notice and walks towards them.
“Could you two lower your voices?”
“Ah! Iida! Im sorry!” Izuku quickly apologizes.
“Sorry. BUT. Iida look, look! Deku has a secret admirer!”
“An admirer?” Tenya asks
“YES. Here, someone hid chocolate under his desk!”
“Uhm…Uraraka…I dont think its ike that…” Izuku seems against it...
“WHAT. What do you mean?” Ochaco asks in confusion
“Well, I've also gotten chocolate from you and IIda! And Asui…”
“But Deku! This one is SECRET. Why wouldn't they just give it to you then, huh?”
“They might be shy! Or, they don't want me to get the wrong idea!”
“Seriously?! Hiding it means they have a secret! It's definitely an admirer!” Ochaco argues.
“How…about we start leaving. We can continue this on our way home.” Tenya cuts them off.
“Riiight..” Ochaco turns around.
“Hey Todoroki! Let's walk home together!” She asks Shoto, still sitting by his desk.
“Yea.”
A secret admirer? This wasn't exactly what Shoto imagined…but it's certainly not...NOT true.
Being able to show your love without that person realizing who it's from…
Maybe that way, Shoto could feel a little less hopeless about his situation?
“Wait WHAT? You found something under your desk AGAIN?” Ochaco looks at Izuku, her eyes looked like they had glitter in them
“Yea…this…” Izuku raises his hand and reveals…a flower.
A sunflower.
“Oh my GOD DEKU. I WAS RIGHT ITS AN ADMIR-”
“SHHHH!” Izuku gestures her to be quiet, Ochaco quickly covers her mouth.
Still…the wide grin on her face would shine through…
“ahh! Im so happy for you deku!! I wonder who it is~ oh this is so exiting!” Ochaco giggles.
“ah…haha…” Izuku looks down at the flower in his hand..
“Someone must have overheard, and put this here to mess with me!” Izuku smiles at her.
“Wha- No way! You're way too pessimistic! Iida say something! You agree with me right?!”
“Uhm… well…” Tenya is still unsure.
…
Izuku seems to believe someone is making fun of him.
On the one hand at least Shoto won't be suspected any time soon, on the other hand…
He doesn't like the idea of Izuku thinking of his gifts as something that's meant to hurt him.
Another day has ended, Shoto walks home with his friends as usual.
Ochaco notices something on Izuku's backpack.
“Hey deku, did you get a new keychain?”
“A keychain…?”
”Yea! The little all might! I haven't seen it before, it's cute!”
“Wait, what??” Izuku stops to look at his backpack…
“Huh?? Thats not…I didnt put that there… who-”
“...”
“WAIT.” Ochaco pulls all attention towards her.
“Could it be…” She has that grin on her face again…
“No, no…no way!” Izuku looks nervous.
“YES WAY! It's your admirer! They got you a keychain! They even know what you like! OH do you think it's someone from our class??” Ochaco says excitedly.
“The chances are certainly high…but he does have various connections to other classes…”
“Iida… you too?!” Izuku looks defeated…
“At this point it's rather likely it's an admirer I must admit.”
“Its definitely a joke…” Izuku continues to stand his ground.
“But deku! Look, why would someone actually spend MONEY on a stupid joke!”
“uh- mh…” Izuku seems unsure..
Another day passes.
“So…you believe me after all huuh?” Ochaco grins at Izuku, pointing at the keychain still attached to his backpack as they walk to school.
Shoto quietly observes, as usual.
“No…but…Even if it's just a joke, I actually really like it…I haven't gotten new all might merch in a while!”
Izuku smiles brightly, he really seems to enjoy his little gift.
Shoto can barely keep himself together. He's glad to see Izuku happy about something he gave him.
Though, he'd be happier if Izuku actually knew…what this gift really means to him.
Izuku would continue to find mysterious gifts amongst his belongings each day…
A stone..? Shaped like a heart! (Shoto found it by coincidence)
Snacks…little plushies…the list goes on~
But…Shoto found himself wondering one night…
Izuku still seems stuck on the idea that someone is messing with him…
Also, Shoto noticed Izuku looking around more often, taking note of suspicious behaviour, noticing the people leaving or going to the bathroom and checking his belongings more frequently.
Izuku was definitely trying to find him.
And Shoto didn't want to be caught. Not yet.
He didn't intend for things to go this way, he didn't intend to tell Izuku but...
This might be a good opportunity, a way to see if Izuku has room for love in his heart.
A way to confess without having to face rejection.
Without having to fear losing what's most important to him.
The next gift he thought about… it would finally clear the fog.
Show Izuku that his admirer really does exist.
This time, Shoto would hide a letter in one of Izuku's books.
Inside of his math book. The class itself was in the first period, meaning Izuku won't find it immediately. Hopefully, he will return to his dorm room to do his homework, and notice the letter as he opens the book.
But, the gods had other plans…
“Hey Deku! Can we do math together? I cannot handle these equations by myself…”
“Of course! Wanne join us, Iida, Todoroki?”
“I´ll gladly join!” Tenya agrees.
“...”
Shoto starts sweating.
“Sure…”
“YAY! The more the merrier!” Ochaco seems happy to have everyone working together.
Shoto thought about leaving, as he already feels embarrassed at the thought of Izuku finding the note now…But knowing Izuku, that might just seem suspicious. If anything, he should stay and act uninterested.
Izuku opens his backpack and takes out his books…
Shoto begins to deeply regret his actions.
But he would stay calm. So very calm. Pokerface! POKERFACE
Something gently falls to the ground.
“Hm?” Izuku looks down, towards the mysterious object.
“a letter…?” he whispers
“Deku? Did you say something?” Ochaco asks.
Izuku leans down to pick it up.
And upon seeing what Izuku was holding…someone...got very excited.
“OH MY- It's happening. Your admirer is finally taking action!!”
Her eyes were shining like a diamond.
And Izuku felt his heart suddenly beating out of his chest.
“OPEN IS DEKU, OPEN IT!”
“W-wait, right now?!”
“UHM, YES?!”
“But…we…homework! What about math!”
“We can do that later.”
“Huh?!” Izuku and Ochaco look at Tenya in shock.
His glasses…somehow…they suddenly they´ve turned white?! They can't see his eyes!
“SEE! Even Iida agrees!” Ochaco says proudly
“Iida!” Izuku feels betrayed...
“I'm sorry, Midoriya…I…I am ashamed to admit I'm rather curious…”
“ah…I see…hah…haha…” Izuku seems hopeless.
Shoto on the other hand sits quietly next to Izuku. Working on one math problem after the other…His heart was beating, and his anxieties only grew worse.
It's not like Izuku has ever suspected him before (as far as he's aware at least)
But knowing Izuku might read out his feelings right here, right now…
It scared him nonetheless.
Ochaco and Iida continued to pressure Izuku, (respectfully), until he finally gave in.
“Okay…but…I won't read it out loud.”
“WHY.” Ochaco cried out.
“That-! That should be obvious…”
Ochaco seems disappointed, but at least they'll get to see his reaction.
Izuku opens the letter, and slides up the little card within.
A little white card, with a single sentence printed on it.
“I love you”
Simple. And to the point.
Shoto dares to take a peek at the person next to him…despite his anxieties…just to see-
“WOAH. What does it say?!” Ochaco asks, as she stares at Izuku…quickly losing his cool. Only getting redder by the minute.
Izuku returns the card to the letter, and hides both inside his backpack.
“Nothing.”
“LIAR!” Ochaco and Tenya seem desperate.
“You can't do that! Come on PLEASE. Was it a confession?!” They look at Izuku eagerly.
“...”
“...”
“Now then, how do we solve the first equatio-”
“NOOO!”
Shoto continues to listen to his friends, wondering, arguing about the letter.
He takes a moment to breathe.
…
…
…
…
Now, Izuku will surely begin to notice that this is no joke.
At least Shoto hoped that to be the case.
Because there's something he wants to do. One more letter he needs to send.
And for this plan to work, he needed Izuku to take this seriously.
Shoto has calmed down. He faces his friends.
“Oh, Todoroki. Don't tell me you're already finished?” Tenya suddenly turns his way.
“Oh, no…I'm on the last problem..”
“WHAT. You're already that far?! How long have we been talking…” Ochaco seems depressed looking at the unfinished homework laying in front of her…
“haha! Sorry, TodorokI! I hope we didn't disturb you too much!” Tenya apologizes
“Ah, no…you didn't. It's fine.”
“Youre not interested in this secret admirer at all?!” Ochaco asks him.
“...”
“No. Not really.”
“Hm…I guess love really isn't your topic huh? Sorry!” Ochaco apologizes
“no..please, it's ok. I really don't mind.”
“Alright! Hah…I guess I'll have to squeeze it out of you later deku! Lets finish these stupid math problems already…”
“No you wont-”
The group finally gets to work and the day comes to an end.
At night, Shoto sits down, and thinks about the next part of his plan.
Izuku must find this next letter during the day, so Shoto can hear them talking about it.
He will ask an important question he needs an answer too first and foremost.
The next day comes around
And Shoto, as usual, sneaks off, and hides the new letter under Izuku's desk.
Though, it has come apparent to him that things will only get more difficult from here on out.
Izuku's high alert has already hindered Shoto from making a move multiple times.
But to his luck…
Izuku takes more focus towards the girls.
...
“Oh! OH! Is that another letter?!” Ochaco asks Izuku excitedly…almost as prompted…
“Yea… It was right under my desk.”
Ochaco stares at him intensely.
“Right. Ill open it…”
And so he does. Izuku takes out the little card once more, and ready its contents out loud.
“ “Do you want a hint?” “
“A hint?! Seriously?! Oh they're serious. Oh this is really happening!!!”
“...”
Shoto carefully watches the two from his seat in the back.
“Of course you want a hint! Right?!”
Izuku suddenly starts looking around.
Shoto averts his eyes. Facing his head down towards his notebook.
It felt as though his heart stopped beating for a second.
“I see…theyre listening huh…”
“Hm? What do you mean?” Ochaco asks curiously.
“Well, if they weren't…this letter would make no sense.”
“Oooh- You're right… It wouldn't make sense to ask a question if you couldn't get the answer! wait omg you're right-”
Ochaco starts looking around excitedly.
“Well deku what are you waiting for! Answer them, answer!”
“haha…right…uhm…well…”
“...”
“I mean, how could I say no…”
…
Shoto keeps his head low.
And he listens.
It seems his next letter has just been green lit.
The day continues, and Shoto continued to hear about this letter over the entire day…
There was one thing he noticed though, something that only makes his worries grow worse.
He underestimate, just how analytical Izuku can get.
…
“It was printed on the card. Why would they not just write it themselves? Why go such lengths?”
“OH! Its like the thing criminals do!” Ochaco compares
“ah..haha right! But in this case, maybe… they think I could recognize their handwriting, or they fear i might try to find them with that clue…”
“Mhm…mhm…Theyre so sneaky!”
"Right. But why? They asked if I wanted a hint, If theyre ready to give me hints, why go that far to hide?”
“Uhm…well…” Ochaco thinks…
“I suppose they simply want to be on top of things? Control the amount of information you get?” Tenya joins in.
“Thats what I was thinking too…Since it has to be someone from out class, I was thinking-”
“Wait Midoriya." Sorry to interrupt. But what makes you say that?”
“Oh yea! IIda you weren't there when he opened the last letter!”
“They asked a question. Which means they must have heard us.”
“Hm… I see. Yes that does seem very likely… continue."
“Okay, I was just thinking. Who would even be able to do something like this?
I've been on high alert ever since they gave me the keychain. But I've seen nothing, NOTHING that could even lead me to anyone! Not even other people have seen anyone going even close to my stuff… They made no mistakes at all. Then theres the printed cards, would everyone think to print it out instead of just writing it? I feel like that might have another reason than just hiding…and what's with the controlled information leaks? That just seems like something no one would do…”
Izuku takes out his notebook.
“Yuga has done something similar before so I could imagine him planning all this but then again he usually puts these sparkles next to almost everything he writes meaning i actually dont think its him. Ashido is the type of person to just go towards people directly. I can't imagine her going to such lengths to stay secret and it's not like she has been treading me any differently either while that could be just acting but I really cant believe that scenario either since again she is a straightforward person. Asui is out too since she has already given me chocolate and doing it twice seems highly unlikely and senseless. You, Iida weren't there when I opened that last letter like we said, i dont think its you, besides your sudden interest in that person and the fact that I don't think your acting skills are that of a pro…Same with you uraraka, I cant believe youre that good of an actor… you seemed genuinely surprised whenever i got something new. Ojiro-”
Shoto watches as Izuku goes through each and every student in horrifying detail.
He feels a shiver crawling down his spine.
“Uh deku…If…If I may interrupt…” Ochaco looks overwhelmed by the flood of information dropped on her.
“hm?” Izuku looks up for the first time.
“Just one question…why are you listing EVERY single student? I mean…” She hesitates
“It wouldn't be smart leaving anyone out without having solid evidence.”
“Right. Makes sense. Go on!” She gave up immediately!
Izuku continues. ( Ill keep it short )
Ojiro? Maybe
Denki? Out.
Kirishima? Out.
Koiji? Maybe
Rikido? Maybe
Mezo? Maybe
Jiro? Maybe
Sero? Out.
Fumikage? Maybe.
“Then there's Todoroki…youd definitely be capable, and I could see you doing this sort of thing but-”
Izuku turns to look at Shoto. His heart stops.
“Haha! That's a no for sure. I almost forget this is about a “secret admirer” ”
Izuku smiled, then turned back to his trusty notebook.
...
It was... that simple, huh?
Izuku spent the least amount of time thinking about him.
Considered it only for a second.
Was it because he told them he didn't care about love that day? Was he that good at acting? Hiding in plain sight?
It seems to be that way.
And as much as it should've been a good sign to Shoto, it hurt. Just a little. But it hurt.
Izuku continues.
Hagakure? Out.
Bakugo? Out.
Minet- No.
Momo? Maybe.
After what felt like hours…Izuku finally came to a conclusion…
“So that leaves me with Ojiro, Kouji, Rikido, Mezo, Jiro, Momo and Fumikage. At least for now…”
“Wow.” Ochaco is speechles.
“You never fail to impress me Midoriya!” Tenya seems weirdly proud.
“Uhm..haha…thank you? But there's a good chance I've made a mistake here any there…and accidentally crossed the right person off… All I can do now is wait for the next hint…”
Shoto would stay, and listen to the three puzzling around for a while, until finally leaving and returning to his room.
He takes a breath.
…
…
…
…
At this point, he doesn't really need to worry anymore. And considering Izuku's top 7 candidates, this next hint won't really help him all that much…Not that it was ever mainly supposed to be a hint anyway. This next letter was only supposed to clear up one important detail. The thing Shoto has been stressing about most.
He prepares the letter, and awaits the next day.
“Nothing yet?” Ochaco walks towards Izuku
“No…nothing. I've checked pretty much everywhere.”
“Huuh…maybe they got cold feet…”
“Maybe. That could be evidence for me getting close…but then again the day isn't over yet. And they could just give it to me tomorrow or the day after..”
“man…I was so excited…”
“Midoriya, Uraraka!” Tenya joins them
"Hi Iida! Ready to head out? Todoroki!” Ochaco suddenly calls him over. Shoto joins them almost naturally
The four of them make their way back to the dorm. Shoto would listen to their theories about the hint over the entire day…
But...
You see... This specific letter is important. Shoto can't make the same mistake as last time
(Letter falling out of the book)
This time, it was important that only Izuku reads, and knows of this letter's existence.
And to ensure only Izuku will read it.
He will slide it into Izuku's room once he gets the chance to.
...
The day goes by. Shoto would “Go to the bathroom” soon after they arrived home.
Grabbing the letter from his room, and going straight towards Izukus.
He slides it in. And walks away. Back to the living room.
...
Today was a friday. Meaning most of the class stay in the living room longer, doing their homework on the weekend, since it's usually a little more meant for multiple days.
Izuku won't return to his room any time soon.
Still, this was a rather risky move. But Shoto wasn't scared to be caught anymore.
Izuku might have registered his bathroom break, but he can't possibly know the letter has been laying there since early in the day.
Shoto returns to his friends.
Izuku has been thinking about his admirer all day. He can still barely believe it's real…mostly treading it as a little fun mystery he can solve.
That being said, he was wondering something. Is there a way for him to receive a letter outside of school while also being secret? Yes. there sure was.
And while he didn't have any evidence whatsoever to right now check this theory of his, he still did.
“Ill go to the bathroom, brb”
Izuku returns to his room.
And to his utter surprise. There it was. the letter he's been waiting for. Right there on the ground.
He wastes no time, closing the door, picking it up and sitting down.
He opens the letter… and finds not one but two cards this time.
The words were once again printed on.
He would read the first card.
“If you are uncomfortable with the information I have given you. Please rip it in half, and throw it out in the trashcan right next to the fridge. If you can, make sure it's visible for me.”
And the second card reads as follows.
"I'm a boy.”
…
Izuku has been in the “bathroom” for quite some time now…not just Shoto, but both Tenya and Ochaco seem confused by that fact.
“He did say he's going to the bathroom, right?” Ochaco asks
“Perhaps he thought to quickly do something else while he's on the way?” Tenya answers
“I guess so huh.”
Shoto has a bad feeling…He did the “going to the bathroom” trick more than enough times for him to fear Izuku might have done the same…
Not that it matters…it's been long enough since his own “bathroom” break.
Izuku must have read it by now. … right…?
Shoto would get the answer sooner than expected. As Izuku appears from inside the hall,
entering the living room.
Ochaco and Tenya notice, but don't call out to him yet.
Izuku seemed, different?
He would walk straight past his friends as if he had a different goal.
Shoto eyes follow Izuku closely.
As he walks straight towards the trashcan, sitting right next to the fridge.
Shoto's heart drops. Really? Right here? Right now?
Does he want his admirer to see him throw it away? Is that his answer?
Shoto's eyes are locked onto Izuku's hand, holding the supposed white paper.
Locked onto the other hand slowly opening the can.
Locked onto-
…
His eyes.
Izuku had turned around before throwing it away.
…
And there it was. Shoto's first mistake.
He quickly averted his gaze, but there was no doubt in his mind.
Izuku saw him.
He wouldn't see whether or not Izuku actually threw it out or not. He would have to check tonight. But he fears that that might not be needed anymore.
Izuku walks over.
Shoto keeps his head low. Trying to keep his face muscles as motionless as possible.
As emotionless as possible.
“What were you doing, Midoriya?” Tenya asks
“I thought I was onto something but...I…I think I failed…”
wait what.
“Failed? what are you talking about?" Ochaco looks confused.
“Well…” Izuku sits down.
“I was thinking, maybe there's something in my room, a letter I mean…and to my surprise there actually was.”
“DID YOU THROW OUT THE LETTER?!” Ochaco shouts out, seemingly heartbroken.
“Wha- NO. just wait, I'll tell you in a sec!”
“Ah. Right. Sorry. Go on.”
“Well technically I did get rid of the letter, but only that. Not the cards that were inside.”
“Cards as in multiple?” Tenya points out
“Ah, yea! Basically, one of them said to throw the other away…and I thought…if I do it now I might catch someone looking at me while I do it! But in the end…It was only you three that looked at me! Which makes sense considering I just ignored you…”
“Ohhhh that's what you meant by fail…” Ochaco realized.
“But Midoriya, why did they tell you to throw the card away?”
“Uhm…” Izuku looks down.
“Thats a secret!” He smiles at them.
“HUUH NO WAY” Ochaco cries out.
…
…
Shoto takes a breath.
…
…
…
…
He was so focused on Izuku, he didn't even notice it was all three of them looking towards the scene in question.
Izuku didn't throw away the cards.
He didn't.
Shoto didn't think he'd get this far, and is now utterly clueless on what to do.
The day went by, and nighttime came around.
Shoto had enough time to process his situation…
And yet there he was sitting in front of his desk, stressing about his next move.
Shoto was sure he had made his intentions clear enough. And Izuku was smart enough to see that intention.
Meaning the only thing left to do now, is give him more clues.
Actually telling him is behind all of this.
Which is. Incredibly. scary. to even think. about.
Shoto couldn't manage to come up with anything that night.
“Nothing?? All week?!”
“Yep.”
Shoto listens to Ochaco and Izuku talking, as usual.
“But…why the radio silence all of the sudden??”
“hm…oh…what if they got the wrong idea? Saw the white letter in the trash and thought it was the card? I didn't think about that…” Izuku stresses…
“Hey you never told me what that card said btw…”
“Yea. I know.”
“Damn.”
“Agh… and theres no way I can just talk to them either… but…hm…would they really confuse a letter with the small little card..they should've heard me say-…Ah! I was supposed to rip it! So that's unlikely…I hope…?”
“Or maybe…they got cold feet.”
“That's the most likely huh?”
Shoto sights…
“Hey, they're probably in the class with us right? I'm sure they can hear us…” Ochaco looks around…
“Man it sure would be nice if another letter came huh!” She says obviously louder than needed.
“Dont pressure them…”
“Deku…you seem awfully calm about all this…I mean. You literally have an admirer, a MYSTERIOUS someone YEARNING for you! I wouldn't be able to sleep is all im sayin…”
“haha…” Izuku laughs sheepishly.
“well… I guess it's because…it doesn't quite feel real. It seems like a game or something! I only see printed words and…flowers and letters…but not the actual person.”
“Ohh…hm. Yea I think I
get what you mean.” Ochaco holds for a moment
…
“I want you to get together already.”
“Uraraka!”
“What! You two fit together great! whoever it is… you know like a…detective and a thief!”
“Detective and- what?”
“nothing… AUGH this sucks I hate waiting for the second season!”
“Are you treading this like a show to watch??”
They laugh it off.
Shoto watches from behind. As usual.
...
Ochaco was right. He was scared.
Technically, there was nothing in his way. But now, standing right before the finish line… his body stopped moving. Almost as if he was paralyzed.
But even Shoto knew, this needed to end one way or another.
He will send the next clue tomorrow.
“Wheres Midoriya?” Shoto asks Ochaco and Tenya, sitting in the living room.
“Oh, he's with Momo!” Ochaco answers.
“Yaoyorozu?”
“He said he needed help with Japanese, and she volunteered!"
“Did you need something from him?” Tenya asks.
“No. I was just wondering. Thank you.”
Shoto made his way back to his room. Seeing as this is the best time to do it, he takes the letter he has prepared, and makes his way towards Izuku's room.
He decided to keep on going with clues until he is ready to reveal himself…
"You've crossed me off your list.”
That way, Izuku could certainly get the clue that it must be someone who was close to him at that time.
It is a very obvious clue. But it's not a name. Which makes it a whole lot less stressful in itself.
Shoto gets on his knees, and smoothly slides the letter though the door.
He wouldn't stay for any longer than he needed to- FOOTSTEPS FROM INSIDE THE ROOM?! SHOTO RUNS FOR HIS LIFE.
THE DOOR OPENS BEHIND HIM
HE JUST BARELY MAKES THE CORNER-
jesus christ
Silence…for just a few seconds. Shoto stopped right behind the wall.
He is hidden now.
But did Izuku see?
Soto wouldn't know, as he is entirely focused on his breathing. Controlling his shaky body.
Not making any noise.
Listening to anything Izuku could be doing right now.
He has never felt a fear like this before in his life.
Then. Footsteps. Coming closer, and closer.
Shoto's instinct told him to run. So he ran.
And so did Izuku, as his footsteps only got louder and quicker.
Down the stairs.
Skipping steps.
Cutting corners.
Not looking behind.
Realistically speaking, Izuku is faster than him.
All he had was a few meters in distance.
His room.
It's right there.
Only a few more steps.
He opens the door and-
Slams it shut.
…
Shoto falls to the ground, leaning against the door.
…
And takes a long.
…
Beath.
…
…
…
…
…
…
Shoto had no idea if he was seen or not. He didn't even know what went wrong.
Anything after the letter feels like a blurr already.
His body acted faster than is mind ever could have
(Ik its the brains work uk what I mean)
Why was Izuku in his room? Was he done with momo? Has he returned earlier than expected? Shoto never asked when Izuku left…
Or perhaps…he lied?
…
Shoto can still feel his entire body shaking. The adrenaline has still not fully left him yet.
Nonetheless, he decides to get up, and instead sit down by the desk. Putting his head in his arms, and closing his eyes.
He suddenly felt very. Tired.
…
…
…
…
…
At this point. Shoto made his second mistake.
He forgot. Just how insane Izuku can be.
…
Shoto hears the balcony door opening behind him.
And without even looking. He knew what had just happened.
He doesn't turn around just yet.
He hears the door closing again.
…
“...”
“...”
…
“Did you lie? Or was it just bad timing.”
…
“I lied.”
…
“You saw me?”
…
“No. Just the door closing.”
…
“I see.”
…
“...”
…
This is it. The game is over. The secret is out.
Shoto is far from being ready but,
Seeing as Izuku is quite literally standing behind him…
There is no avoiding this.
…
“I- Im sorry…for coming through your balcony door.” Izuku seemed to have realized what he just did.
“Im not sure…what I was thinking...”
Turns out, Izuku wasn't ready for this either.
He just moved without thinking.
And he is now coming to regret that.
And Shoto-
…
He smiled.
“Is it bad that I'm not even surprised?”
“... yes” Izuku is questioning his morals.
Somehow, for some reason. Shoto feels a little calmer than before.
Lighter?
“I'm sorry for…keeping you in the dark for so long.” Shoto apologizes.
“...”
“I never meant for it to go this way…I just happened to get into the habit…” Shoto continues.
He can hear Izuku sitting down behind him.
…
“If I had bought 3 chocolates instead of 1, I wouldn't have given it to you in secret…”
…
“...”
“...”
“Do you…regret it…doing all this…I mean.”
…
“...”
“...”
“no.”
“...”
“This was always the right thing to do. I was just scared. So…im glad its over.”
“...”
“over...?”
…
“...”
“...”
“...”
“Who did you think it was? Were you ever certain on someone?”
“... i- …”
“...”
“Actually…hah...I was suspecting you…”
“wh- Me? How?”
“well- Uhm…you remember… when I threw away that letter…?”
“...of course I do..”
“Right…I said, I failed. But… I lied again…”
“...”
“At first.. It seemed normal that you three were looking towards me, and it was! But you…when I saw you, you looked scared.”
“...”
“And when I came over, you just faced the ground…like your soul left your body!…I was actually a little worried…so I said I failed…”
“hah…”
“...!-”
“I don't know what made me think you wouldn't notice that…I guess…I was desperate..”
…
…
…
…
Shoto's head falls, and returns to lay in his arms.
He was too tired to keep it up.
...
...
…
Shoto can hear something moving behind him. Footsteps, and a door opening.
Izuku just left the room.
…
Shoto doesn't move.
…
…
…
Izuku returned. He hears the door closing, and footsteps coming closer.
Izuku has taken his old position, sitting right behind him.
…
“Todoroki!”
“...”
Shoto gathers all his strength, and finally. Faces Izuku.
…
“H- here…”
Shoto finally looks at the person behind him.
At the person who was facing the ground.
The person whose face had turned a deep shade of red.
The person that was holding something towards him.
A little white card.
and it said
“I love you”
…
Shoto's hands reach for it, as he carefully takes it.
…
In the end, It returned to him. His confession.
“u-uhm…I-”
Shoto leans his body forward, and embraces Izuku.
“Wha-!? ah..- …”
Never in his life has he held on to something this closely, this tightly.
He didn't know he could feel like this.
As if all of the weight in his shoulders have disappeared, as if nothing in this world matters, nothing except this very moment.
Shoto feels Izuku's arms around his back. His chest breathing. His head nuzzling into his own.
He felt happy.
He felt warm.
He felt safe.
And for once in his life, he felt love.