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"Hey, Shouta, do you wanna come over this weekend?" Shirakumo asked. Shouta could barely hear him over the sound of the shower, but he could catch the gist of what he said. Looking up from his phone, he listened for any more clarification.
"We have a test on Monday. We can't goof off. We need to study-"
Shirakumo laughed. Shouta furrowed his brows in frustration. "We can study together, but I want to hang out, too." He peeked his head out and gave Shouta his best puppy-dog eyes. "Please? It could be fun."
Shouta frowned. He had been too busy to do anything fun lately between his studies and hero work. He couldn't even give food to the local strays. Finally, he sighed and said, "Fine."
Shirakumo cheered. "Great! I'll see if Hizashi can come too! We'll have a group sleepover."
Shouta bit his cheek, hoping that he wouldn't come to regret this decision.
When the day came for Shouta to go to Shirakumo's house, he was almost disappointed. They had fought a villain together, and he was exhausted. Sometime during the fight, he got hit with some ray emanating from the villain's hands. He went to the hospital and stayed for a few hours before they cleared him. All he wanted was to go home and take a nap on his bed, but he kept his mouth shut and followed Shirakumo home, following behind him and Yamada as they talked excitedly.
Shouta and Shirakumo's routes to school merged at some point, so Shouta joined him some mornings—when he wasn't running late—but he had never been to his house. He had no idea what to expect. He knew he had dogs, and as a cat lover, Shouta didn't know what to think of that.
They turned a corner, into a suburb, as Shouta's stomach started to churn. He didn't know why, but he didn't want to be there. Still, he kept a straight face and continued on.
Shirakumo led them to a white house, unlocking the door, announcing his entrance as he walked in. Shouta could barely take the embarrassment. They deposited their shoes as a dog ran toward them. Adrenaline ran through his veins, and he was on guard immediately. He was expecting the dog to jump on him, but instead it ran toward him and sat down. He looked to Shirakumo for answers, but he was already gone. Yamada bent down and started to pet it.
"Calm down. He isn't going to bite you," he said.
"I don't like dogs," Shouta muttered as the dog trotted away.
"You must be Oboro's friends." Shouta looked up and saw a woman with the same blue hair and kind eyes as Shirakumo standing in the kitchen. Her expression was warm, welcoming. The biggest difference between her and her son was that she was noticeably shorter. "I'm his mom. It's nice to meet you."
"I like your house," Yamada commented. "It has a nice vibe."
"Thank you," Mrs. Shirakumo said, smiling.
"I don't want to be here," Shouta blurted. The two of them looked at him with confusion on their faces. Shouta's face went warm. "I don't know why I said that. I'm sorry. You have a lovely home." He put his head down and walked into the house to find Shirakumo.
Yamada caught up to him immediately. "What was that?" he asked.
"I don't know," Shouta replied. "I just don't want to be here."
Yamada raised an eyebrow. "Then why are you here?"
"I told Shirakumo I'd be here."
"My room is this way!" said Shirakumo, appearing in front of them. He changed out of his school uniform into a pair of blue shorts and a white shirt with some English phrase on it. He ran down a hallway and into a room on the very end. The pair followed him. His room was an organized mess. There was a circle in the middle of the floor clear of things, but every surface around that was covered in stuff. He had no desk space, and Shouta wondered how he studied. His bed was against the far wall, and it even had junk on the end.
On the bed was a different dog, a shiba inu this time. It wagged its tail when they walked in. Oboro made a B-line to the dog, scratching behind its ears.
"This is Princess. She's been my dog since I was born. Well, she was my sister's dog, but she likes me more, so now she's my dog." He sat down next to Princess, bending down to give her kisses all along her head.
"I don't really like dogs," Shouta said. His face warmed up again. Why did he keep blurting out his thoughts?
Shirakumo looked up at him curiously. "I guess you're more of a cat person."
"Yeah. I've always wanted one, but my dad always said no."
"Your dad sucks," Yamada said as he shed his blazer. "I brought extra clothes. Is it okay if I change in here?"
Just as Shirakumo said "Yes," Shouta blurted out, "I'd rather you not."
They both looked at him. He looked down. "Sorry. Do what you want."
"I'll change in the bathroom. Where is it?"
"Down the hall to the left." Once he was gone, Shirakumo turned to Shouta. "Come on, pet her. She doesn't bite unless you try to touch her nose."
"I'm good."
"Are you okay?" Shirakumo sounded actually concerned, which made Shouta's stomach even more queasy.
"I'm a little uncomfortable."
Shirakumo smiled. "Being in a new place can do that to ya. Take your uniform off. That always helps me calm down."
Shouta didn't do anything for a few seconds. He couldn't move as long as Shirakumo's eyes were on him. Then, he looked back to Princess, and Shouta was free. He knelt down and opened his backpack, grabbing out his clothes. He passed by Yamada as he made his way to the bathroom. Once inside, he splashed a little water onto his face. He needed to get himself together. Stop doing whatever it was he was doing. He could survive one night at a friend's house.
After a few hours of studying, Shirakumo suddenly closed his books. Shouta looked at him in disbelief. "We aren't even done."
"I'm tired of studying," Shirakumo said with his stupid smile that made Shouta's stomach tighten. "Let's watch a movie or something."
Shouta wanted to argue, but Yamada began to put away his books, so he relented.
"I think this is a bad idea. We should get our work done now, but if you want to risk your grade, be my guest."
"Oh, but you're my guest, Shouta," Shirakumo said. "Besides, supper is going to be done soon."
Once their books were all put away, Shouta's placed neatly in his bag, a juxtaposition to Shirakumo throwing his haphazardly onto his already messy desk. Just as they finished cleaning up, Mrs. Shirakumo opened the door. In one hand, she balanced a pizza box. "I ordered a pizza. The oven is being difficult again. Let me know if you need anything else." She left after she deposited the food.
Shouta hesitated before taking a slice. He hadn't had pizza from this restaurant before. In fact, he barely tried any restaurants in Musutafu. Even though his parents give him money, he could never find time to explore the city.
Taking a bite, he decided the pizza was good. Shirakumo, on the other hand, already downed half a piece. Gross.
"What do you guys want to do now?" Shirakumo asked. "We could watch a movie."
"I don't like movies," Shouta said.
"All right. How about a game?"
Shouta raised an eyebrow. "A game? Like poker?"
Shirakumo laughed.
"Why did your mind immediately go to poker?" Yamada asked.
Shouta looked down. "My dad taught me how to play it. I only know how to play card games."
"What about truth or dare?" Shirakumo asked. Shouta looked up at him and gave him his best deadpan look.
"That's such a childish idea," he said, but Yamada's loud agreement drowned out his response.
"I'll go first. Hizashi, truth or dare?" Shirakumo asked. There was a hint of mischief in his eyes, and Shouta knew he was up to no good.
"Dare," Yamada replied.
Shirakumo smiled wide and said, "I dare you to doordash us some ice cream."
Yamada's eyes widened. "What? But I'm your guest!"
"You chose dare," Shirakumo said, pleased with himself. "I want mint."
Yamada huffed, but pulled out his phone anyway. Once the ice cream was ordered, he turned to Shouta and asked the dreaded question. "Truth or dare?"
Shouta was considering a dare before, but seeing what Shirakumo had started, he wasn't sure what to choose. He sat there, deliberating. He could tell Yamada and Shirakumo were getting restless, and in a moment of impulsiveness, he said, "Truth."
Yamada thought for a moment. Then, a devious smile appeared on his face. "Do you have a crush on anyone?"
Before he could even think about it, Shouta replied. "Yes," he said, surprising himself. His eyes widened, and he immediately averted his gaze. Why the fuck did he just say that? While Shirakumo and Yamada freaked out over his answer, he tried to calm himself down.
"I never imagined you having a crush, Shouta. Do we know them?" Shirakumo asked.
"Yes," Shouta squeaked out. His hand flew to his mouth. His heart was beating faster and faster each moment. He had to get out of there.
"Are they one of our classmates?" asked Yamada.
"Yes." With a deep breath, Shouta calmed himself, glaring at his friends. "You get one question."
The pair shared a look. "You kept answering," Shirakumo teased. "But fine. It's your turn."
Shouta looked between them, unsure of who to choose. He didn't have any idea of a dare or question to ask. He must've been taking too long, because Shirakumo threw himself onto the floor, whining.
"Come on, choose," he said. "You're taking too long."
"Can I pass?" Shouta asked. "I don't have any ideas."
Shirakumo frowned, but it was gone within seconds. "Shouta, truth or dare?"
Shouta sighed. "Dare." He knew better than to pick truth.
"I dare you to finish my homework for me."
Shouta rolled his eyes. "There's no way I'm going to do that."
"It's a dare. You have to," Yamada said. "I'm glad I didn't get that dare."
"You're the smartest of the three of us. You'd be a better choice," Shouta said.
Yamada paused. "So you actually admit it?"
Shouta's face became warm again. He looked down as Yamada's phone dinged. "Looks like the ice cream is here. I'll go get it." He shot up, pretty much running out the door. As he made his way to the front door, he slapped himself in the face. What's gotten into him? Why was he saying such insane things? Just as he was reaching for the door, his phone started to vibrate. It was a call from Kayama.
"Kayama. Is everything okay?" She's never called so late before.
"Yeah. How are you feeling?" She sounded concerned, which made Shouta feel queasy.
"I feel fine," he said. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I got a call from the boss about the villain who hit you with his Quirk."
Shouta's chest tightened. "And?"
"The Quirk shouldn't hurt you, but it will make you unable to lie for twenty-four hours."
Shouta paused. He took in a breath. In. Out. In. Out.
He was so fucked.
"Thanks Kayama."
"No problem, Aizawa. Have a good night."
After hanging up, Shouta nearly forgot about the ice cream until he was halfway back to Shirakumo's room. He circled back, picking it up off their doormat. When he came back, Yamada and Shirakumo were laughing about something. They hadn't even noticed Shouta walk in until he sat down in front of them again.
"Shouta you missed it," Shirakumo said between wheezes. "We put a filter over a clip from Hizashi's podcast. You have to listen to it."
Shouta sat silently as they played the clip. He ate his ice cream as his friends yelled over each other.
"Okay, Shouta, do you want to go this time?" Shirakumo asked.
Shouta sighed. He couldn't survive another round of truth or dare. "What about a movie?"
Yamada tilted his head. "I thought you didn't want to watch one?"
"I'd rather watch a movie than play truth or dare, to be honest."
They both stayed quiet before Shirakumo broke the silence. "We have a collection of movies. I'll go get some."
Shouta didn't care for the movie Shirakumo chose. He didn't even catch the name. Still, he was much more content watching it than playing truth or dare. They had finished their ice cream, leaving the empty cups strewn about on the floor. The three boys were huddled together on Shirakumo's bed. Shouta was nearly falling off as he tried to make room for himself. Normally, he hated touching other people, but right next to him was Shirakumo, and each time their arms or thighs touched, butterflies flew around his stomach.
About halfway through the movie, they started to hear snoring. Shirakumo held out the remote to pause the TV. "Hey, are you guys awake?"
"I'm up," Shouta said.
Shirakumo sat up. He leaned over Yamada's body, inspecting him. He turned to Shouta, a smile on his face. "He's sleeping."
Shouta sighed. "Take his glasses off then."
They decided to forgo the movie once Yamada was asleep since Shirakumo picked it because he thought Yamada specifically would love it. Not wanting to go to sleep just yet, Shouta and Shirakumo sat on Shirakumo's floor. He turned on a color changing lamp and music. Shouta became warm as he realized how much those two things set the mood. He scooted away from Shirakumo just a little bit.
"What should we do?"
"We could study. We never finished."
Shirakumo's eyes lit up. "Right. And you have to do my work for me."
Shouta scowled. "I never agreed to that."
"You don't have to agree. It was a dare." He laughed, and Shouta felt himself give into his demands.
Once their study material was out again, Shouta got right to work. He was aware of Shirakumo's eyes on him, but he ignored it. He did problem after problem in silence aside from the music. It was strange, he realized, to be in Shirakumo's presence and not have a headache from the noise. He looked up and squinted.
"Are you okay?" Shouta asked.
"I was just thinking."
"That's new," Shouta chuckled.
"You said you had a crush, but you never said who it was."
Shouta's stomach dropped. He looked back to the assignment. "We're done with that now. Come here, I'll explain how to do this formula."
Shirakumo huffed. "I know how to do the formula. I want you to tell me who your crush is."
"It's you."
Shouta refused to look at Shirakumo. He could guess what his face looked like. Probably disgust at the realization. Who would want Shouta? No one is that desperate.
Then, he laughed.
"Good one," Shirakumo said, slapping Shouta's shoulder. "You got me there. I thought you were serious."
"I am." Shouta shoved his face into his elbow. He hoped that somehow the house would collapse, or lighting would strike them. Three years of friendship down the drain.
Shirakumo made a noise in surprise. "Wait, what? You're pulling my leg right now."
"I'm not." He couldn't stop. "You know the villain that hit me with his Quirk today? It made it so I can't lie for twenty-four hours. I'm seriously unable to lie. I'm being serious."
Finally, he looked up. Shirakumo looked stunned. There wasn't any hint of disgust or anger. Shouta didn't allow himself to feel hopeful, though. He looked away before his expression could change.
"You have a crush on me?"
"Yes."
"Since when?"
Shouta's mouth went dry. This wasn't a question he was ready to answer just yet. Unfortunately, his body didn't care about that. "I knew when you got into that accident last year. I was so scared you were going to die. I drove myself crazy when you were in your coma. I didn't go to school for two weeks."
"Shouta-"
"I cried and had panic attacks every day. It got so bad that my mom wanted to check me into the psych ward, but my dad was against it. The mere idea of losing you made me insane." Shouta couldn't breathe as he recalled these memories. He never looked back on them for that very reason. He always felt sick remembering how he used to feel. "I hurt myself. I couldn't sleep. I blamed myself so much. I kept thinking what if I didn't take down the villain soon enough, or what if we couldn't get you help fast enough?"
"Shouta."
Shouta's eyes burned as tears threatened to break free. He took a deep breath, and then another, and then another. "I'm sorry. I can't stop. I don't know how to turn this off."
"Hey, it's okay." Shirakumo rubbed Shouta's shoulder, and if he wasn't so emotional, it might have made his heart do flips. "You saved me. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here today." He gave Shouta an encouraging smile as he squeezed his shoulder.
"I bet you think I'm creepy right now." Shouta wiped his eyes of the tears that were able to break through.
"Why would I think that?"
"Cause I've been crushing on you for a year."
"That isn't creepy. People get crushes all the time. Besides, I have a crush too."
"Yeah? On who?"
Shirakumo face-palmed. "Shouta, who do you think?"
Shouta blinked at him. "I don't know. We never really talk about this stuff."
"I'm obviously talking about you." Shouta couldn't deny the slight red tint on Shirakumo's cheeks. "I've liked you for a while. I wanted to tell you, but I didn't know how you'd react. Glad to see we're on the same page about this." There, another one of Shirakumo's signature smiles. Shouta usually tried to hide how much those smiles flustered him, but perhaps he could let loose for once.
He smiled as well.
"Me too."