Work Text:
Mina Ashido liked making people laugh.
This was not news.
She liked making Kirishima laugh.
She liked making Kaminari laugh.
She particularly enjoyed making Bakugo laugh because it happened
approximately twice a year and usually required somebody else getting hurt.
She liked making people smile.
She liked making people blush.
She liked reactions. Big ones. Little ones. Embarrassed ones.
And Ochaco Uraraka, Mina discovered one completely ordinary Friday evening… Had an absolutely fantastic blush.
It happened by accident. That was important. Initially. Six former members of Class 1-A had somehow managed to coordinate an evening off.
A miracle.
Mina had demanded drinks.
Iida had suggested dinner.
Kaminari had suggested karaoke.
Jirou had threatened Kaminari.
Ochaco had suggested they find somewhere that did all three.
Which was how Mina found herself sitting in a booth between Kirishima and Ochaco with a cocktail in one hand and chips in the other.
"Okay."
Kaminari pointed across the table.
"Most embarrassing interview."
"No."
Jirou said.
"Why?"
"Because yours will win."
"That's rude."
"It's true."
Kirishima laughed.
"Mine was probably that morning show."
Mina immediately remembered.
"The cooking one?"
"Yeah."
"You set fire to rice."
"I didn't know you could set fire to rice!"
Jirou stared.
"How?"
"I still don't know!"
Ochaco was laughing beside Mina.
Properly laughing.
Head tilted back.
Eyes squeezed shut.
Mina smiled.
She'd missed this.
Everyone together. No cameras. No agencies. No villain attacks. No interviews. Just them.
"Uraraka."
Kaminari said.
Ochaco's laughter stopped.
"No."
"You haven't even heard the question."
"I know that tone."
"Most embarrassing interview."
Ochaco groaned.
"Easy."
Mina said.
Ochaco turned.
Mina grinned.
"The one where they asked if you were dating Deku."
Ochaco's face immediately pinkened.
"That was years ago!"
"Still funny."
"I wanted to die."
Kaminari laughed.
"You floated the microphone."
"It was an accident!"
"You floated the interviewer."
"ALSO AN ACCIDENT!"
Everyone laughed.
Ochaco buried her face in her hands.
Mina bumped her shoulder.
"Aw."
Ochaco peeked through her fingers.
"What?"
"Nothing."
Mina smiled.
"You're cute when you're embarrassed."
Ochaco froze. Completely. Hands still covering half her face. Eyes wide.
And then….The pink became red..Not subtle..Not gradual.
Red.
Mina stopped.
Oh.
Ochaco looked away.
"Shut up."
Mina stared.
Something mischievous awakened..Immediately.
"Oh my God."
Ochaco's eyes widened.
"What?"
"You blush when people flirt with you."
"No, I don't."
"You absolutely do."
"I was already embarrassed!"
Mina leaned closer.
Ochaco leaned away.
"Interesting."
"Mina."
"Very interesting."
"Mina."
Mina smiled.
"Has anyone ever told you that you have really pretty eyes?"
Ochaco's entire face went scarlet.
Mina slapped the table.
"OH MY GOD!"
"Mina!"
Everyone looked over.
Mina was laughing too hard to speak.
Ochaco covered her face.
"You're horrible!"
"I didn't know!"
"You did that on purpose!"
"The second one, yes!"
Kaminari looked between them.
"What happened?"
"Nothing!"
Ochaco shouted.
Mina pointed at her.
"Uraraka can't handle flirting."
Ochaco kicked her beneath the table.
"Ow!"
"Good!"
Jirou looked at Ochaco.
Then Mina.
She knew that expression.
"Oh no."
Mina grinned.
"What?"
"You've discovered something evil."
"I have."
"Mina."
Ochaco warned.
Mina turned towards her.
Rested her chin on one hand.
"Yes, gorgeous?"
Ochaco made a tiny strangled noise.
Mina nearly fell out of the booth.
"This is incredible."
"Stop!"
"I can't."
"You absolutely can!"
"But why would I?"
Ochaco shoved her.
Mina laughed.
Then Ochaco started laughing too.
Still bright red.
That should have been it. A joke. One evening. One amusing discovery.
Unfortunately… Mina had very poor impulse control.
Three days later.
Ochaco was leaving her agency.
Her phone buzzed.
Mina: busy?
Ochaco frowned.
Ochaco: just finished
Mina: dinner?
Ochaco smiled.
Ochaco: sure
Twenty minutes later, Mina arrived.
Ochaco was waiting outside.
Still in partial costume.
Hair down.
Tired.
Mina stopped.
Then smiled.
Opportunity.
"Wow."
Ochaco looked over.
"What?"
Mina approached.
"Didn't know I was getting dinner with Uravity herself."
Ochaco rolled her eyes.
"You're an idiot."
Mina leaned closer.
"An idiot with excellent taste."
Pink.
Immediate.
Mina grinned.
Ochaco pointed.
"No."
"What?"
"You know what you're doing."
"I have no idea what you mean."
"Mina."
"You look good."
"Mina!"
Mina laughed.
Ochaco shoved her.
"Where are we eating?"
"There's ramen nearby."
"Perfect."
Dinner was fun.
Obviously. They'd eaten together hundreds of times. Except… Not usually just them.
Mina realised that somewhere around the second bowl.
Ochaco was funny.
Mina knew that.
But in a group, Ochaco sometimes got drowned out. Kaminari was loud. Mina was loud. Bakugo was… Bakugo.
Ochaco usually sat somewhere in the middle. Laughing. Adding comments.
Occasionally saying something so unexpectedly savage that everyone lost it. Alone?
Mina got all of it.
Ochaco told her about a rescue she'd done that morning.
Then somehow the conversation became a story about an elderly woman who'd tried to set her up with her grandson.
Mina nearly choked.
"Did you get his number?"
"No!"
"Why not?"
"Because I was working!"
"That's not a no."
Ochaco laughed.
"He was nineteen."
Mina froze.
"Oh."
"Exactly."
"Baby."
"Practically."
"Disgusting."
"Thank you."
Mina grinned.
"Besides."
Ochaco narrowed her eyes.
"What?"
"You can do better."
Ochaco sighed.
"Here we go."
"What?"
Mina leaned across the table.
"I know a gorgeous pink hero who's currently available."
Ochaco's face reddened.
Mina smiled.
There it was.
But this time...
Ochaco smiled too.
Small. Embarrassed. Pretty.
Mina noticed.
Then something in her chest did a tiny… Thing.
She ignored it.
"You're relentless."
Ochaco said.
"I prefer charming."
"I don't."
"You wound me."
"Good."
They finished dinner.
Neither went home.
Instead… Coffee. Then a walk.
Then Mina spotted an arcade.
"No."
Ochaco said.
Mina grabbed her wrist.
"Yes."
"Mina."
"I saw you looking at it."
"I wasn't!"
"Liar."
Thirty minutes later...
Ochaco was destroying her at a racing game.
"This is bullshit."
Mina said.
Ochaco laughed.
"Skill issue."
Mina stared.
"Did you just say skill issue?"
Ochaco grinned.
"Maybe."
"Oh, it's on."
Mina lost again. And again. And again.
Then won at basketball.
Ochaco accused her of cheating.
Mina demanded evidence.
Ochaco said her alien genetics were evidence. Mina nearly cried laughing.
Eventually… They ended up at a claw machine.
Ochaco stared through the glass.
Tiny plushies.
Mina noticed.
"You want one."
"No."
"You absolutely want one."
"They're cute."
"Which one?"
Ochaco pointed.
Little brown bear.
Mina cracked her knuckles.
"Stand back."
Ochaco laughed.
"Oh no."
Six attempts.
Nothing.
Ochaco was crying with laughter.
"You're terrible!"
"It's rigged!"
"You're a Pro Hero!"
"My Quirk does not assist with claw machines!"
"Excuses!"
Attempt seven.
The claw grabbed the bear. Lifted. Moved. Dropped. Prize chute.
Mina screamed.
Ochaco screamed.
Several children stared at them.
Neither cared.
Mina retrieved the bear.
Turned.
Held it out.
"For you."
Ochaco stopped.
The laughter softened.
"Oh."
Mina smiled.
"What?"
Ochaco took it.
Looked at the little bear.
Then Mina.
"You actually got it for me."
"Obviously."
Ochaco smiled.
Warm. Genuine.
"Thanks."
Mina stared.
That chest thing happened again. Stronger. Hm.
Ochaco hugged the bear against herself.
Mina immediately recovered.
"Careful."
Ochaco looked over.
"What?"
"Keep looking at me like that and I'm gonna think this is a date."
Ochaco went red.
There.
Victory.
Mina laughed.
Except… Something about saying it felt different.
Just for a second. Mina ignored that too.
They left the arcade around ten.
Walked towards the station.
Ochaco carried the bear.
"I had fun."
Ochaco said.
Mina smiled.
"Obviously."
Ochaco bumped her shoulder.
"You?"
"Terrible."
"Right."
"Awful company."
"Naturally."
"Food was bad."
"You had two bowls."
"Desperation."
Ochaco laughed.
Mina looked at her.
"Yeah."
Her voice softened.
"I had fun."
Ochaco smiled.
"Good."
A pause.
"We should do this again."
Ochaco said.
Mina blinked.
She'd been about to say exactly that.
"Definitely."
They reached the station.
Ochaco hugged her.
Normal. Friendly. Nothing unusual. Mina hugged back. Ochaco pulled away.
"Night."
"Night."
Then Mina couldn't resist.
She leaned closer.
"Sweet dreams, beautiful."
Ochaco went scarlet.
"Mina!"
Mina laughed.
"Bye!"
Ochaco walked towards her train.
Still holding the bear.
Mina watched her go. Smiling. Mission accomplished.
She'd made Ochaco blush… Four times? Five?
Mina frowned.
She hadn't counted.
That was weird.
Her phone buzzed ten minutes later.
Ochaco: home safe
Then: A photo.
The bear sitting on Ochaco's bedside table.
Ochaco: he lives here now
Mina smiled.
Huge.
She typed:
Mina: looks good
Then, naturally:
Mina: not as cute as you though
Three dots.
Stopped.
Three dots.
Stopped.
Then:
Ochaco: you're the worst
Mina laughed.
Mina: you love me really
Ochaco replied:
Ochaco: unfortunately
Mina stared.
At the heart.
Ridiculous.
Ochaco sent hearts to everyone.
Probably.
Definitely.
Mina put her phone down.
Still smiling.
Over the next two weeks...
She found several more opportunities.
Entirely coincidentally.
Mina: coffee?
Mina: patrol ends near your place today.
Mina: new movie. you. me. saturday.
Mina: shopping emergency
Ochaco: what emergency
Mina: i need clothes
Ochaco: you own more clothes than anyone i know
Mina: EMERGENCY
Every time… Ochaco said yes.
And every time… Mina flirted.
Because making Ochaco blush was hilarious. Obviously.
At the coffee shop:
"You look adorable today."
Red.
During shopping:
"That dress would look incredible on you."
Pink.
At the cinema:
"Sharing popcorn already? Buy me dinner first, Uraraka."
Scarlet.
On patrol…
"Careful staring at me like that. People might talk."
"Mina!"
Fantastic.
Absolutely fantastic.
Except… Something changed. Slowly. So slowly Mina didn't notice.
The flirting stopped being the reason she invited Ochaco.
It became something she did while they were together.
The reason she invited Ochaco was...
Ochaco.
She liked hearing about her day.
Liked making her laugh.
Liked how competitive she got over stupid things.
Liked how Ochaco always remembered details.
Liked that she asked Mina questions and actually listened to the answers.
Liked walking beside her.
Liked receiving messages from her.
Liked seeing her name appear on her phone.
One evening...
They sat on Ochaco's sofa.
Takeaway containers on the table.
Some terrible reality show playing.
Ochaco's feet rested in Mina's lap.
Neither had planned that.
It had simply happened.
Ochaco was telling her about an agency problem. Nothing dramatic. Scheduling.
Mina listened.
Actually listened. No flirting. No jokes.
Just… Them.
Ochaco finished.
Then looked at her.
"Sorry."
Mina frowned.
"For what?"
"I've been complaining for ages."
"So?"
"You don't need to hear about my boring work problems."
Mina stared.
"Uraraka."
"Hm?"
"I invited myself into your apartment and ate half your food."
Ochaco laughed.
"True."
"The least I can do is listen."
Ochaco smiled.
"Thanks."
Mina smiled back.
They returned to the programme.
Eventually… Ochaco fell asleep.
Mina noticed when her feet stopped moving. She looked over.
Ochaco was curled against the sofa.
Eyes closed. Breathing slow. Mina smiled. Quietly. No audience. No reaction to chase.
She pulled the blanket from the back of the sofa.
Covered Ochaco.
Ochaco stirred.
"Mina?"
"Go back to sleep."
"M'not asleep."
"Obviously."
Ochaco's eyes stayed closed.
"Stay?"
Mina stopped.
"Yeah."
She said. Softly.
"I'll stay."
Ochaco smiled. Barely. Then slept.
Mina sat there. Ochaco's feet still in her lap. Reality show playing quietly. Five minutes. Ten. Twenty.
Mina looked down. No flirting tonight.
She realised that suddenly. Not once.
She hadn't tried to make Ochaco blush.
Hadn't called her beautiful.
Hadn't teased.
Hadn't deliberately leaned too close.
Nothing.
And… Mina had still had a brilliant night. Maybe better than usual.
Her phone buzzed.
Jirou.
Jirou: you alive?
Mina typed:
Mina: yeah
Jirou: thought you were coming over
Oh. Right.
Mina had mentioned maybe stopping
by.
Mina: at Ochacos
Jirou: again?
Mina frowned.
Mina: what does that mean
Jirou: nothing
Mina stared.
She knew Jirou.
That absolutely meant something.
Mina: JIROU
Jirou: you've spent more time with uraraka this month than the rest of us combined
Mina looked at Ochaco. Sleeping. Then at her phone.
Mina: she's fun
Jirou: I know
Pause.
Jirou: that's why we've been friends with her for years
Mina frowned.
Something uncomfortable moved in her stomach.
Not bad.
Just… Dangerous.
She looked at Ochaco again. At the little bear on the shelf. The one Mina had won. Ochaco really had kept it there.
Her phone buzzed.
Jirou: Mina
Mina ignored it.
Another.
Jirou: Why did you start hanging out with her so much?
Easy. Because Ochaco got hilariously flustered when Mina flirted with her.
That was the whole thing.
Mina typed:
Mina: because making her blush is funny
She stared at the message.
Didn't send it.
Deleted it.
Because...
That wasn't really the answer anymore.
Mina looked at Ochaco. Warm. Comfortable. Asleep because she trusted Mina enough to simply drift off beside her.
And Mina realised something.
Something extremely inconvenient.
She hadn't come over tonight to make Ochaco blush.
She hadn't invited her for coffee Tuesday to make her blush.
She hadn't asked her to the cinema because of it either.
She'd done those things because… She wanted to see her.
"Oh."
Mina whispered. Ochaco slept. Mina looked at her phone. Jirou's question still there.
Why did you start hanging out with her so much?
Mina finally replied.
Mina: started because she gets cute when i flirt with her
Mina: i don't think that's why i'm doing it anymore
Jirou responded almost immediately.
Jirou: oh no
Mina stared.
Mina: THAT IS NOT HELPFUL
Jirou: lol
Mina: JIROU
Jirou: you like her
Mina's stomach flipped.
No. Maybe. Oh no.
Mina looked at Ochaco.
Her eyes drifted to her face.
Then immediately away.
Mina: i like everyone
Jirou: Mina
Mina: shut up
Jirou: you've voluntarily watched three episodes of that awful dating show because uraraka likes it
Mina looked at the television.
Oh..Evidence. Terrible.
Mina: maybe the show improved
Jirou: you called it "psychological warfare" last week
Damn.
Mina put her phone face down.
No. She wasn't doing this tonight. She was not analysing feelings. Feelings were tomorrow's problem.
Ochaco shifted.
Her feet moved.
One bumped Mina's stomach.
Mina smiled. Automatic.
Then Ochaco murmured:
"Mina?"
Mina looked over.
"Yeah?"
Still mostly asleep:
"Glad you came."
Mina's heart did something enormous.
She stared.
Ochaco was already asleep again.
"Oh, you have got to be kidding me."
Mina whispered.
She'd started this because making Ochaco flustered was fun. Simple. Harmless. Funny.
She'd wanted to see how many times she could turn those round cheeks pink.
Now… Mina looked at her sleeping friend.
At the blanket she'd tucked around her.
At the bear on the shelf.
At Ochaco's feet resting comfortably in her lap.
Apparently… Somewhere along the way… Mina had stopped chasing the blush.
And started chasing the girl.
Mina woke up with a crick in her neck.
For several seconds, she didn't know why.
Then she opened her eyes.
Ochaco's sofa. Reality show menu looping on the television. Takeaway containers. Blanket. Feet. Right.
Ochaco was still asleep.
At some point during the night, she'd shifted.
Her feet were no longer in Mina's lap.
Instead… Ochaco's head was resting against Mina's shoulder. Mina froze.
Oh.
This was fine. They were friends. Friends slept against each other.
Mina had slept on Kirishima. Jirou. Momo. Kaminari once, although she'd regretted that because he snored like a chainsaw.
Nothing unusual.
Ochaco moved closer.
Mina stopped breathing.
Her hair brushed Mina's cheek.
Warm. Soft. She smelled nice.
No. Absolutely not.
Mina stared straight ahead.
Jirou's message returned from the grave.
‘You like her’
Mina closed her eyes.
She did not. Maybe. Possibly. Probably.
Shit.
Ochaco stirred.
Mina immediately pretended to be asleep.
Why? No idea. Terrible decision.
Ochaco yawned.
Moved. Then stopped.
Mina could feel her realise where she was.
Silence.
"Mina?"
Mina opened her eyes.
Pretending to wake naturally.
"Hm?"
Ochaco lifted her head.
Her face was pink.
"Sorry."
Mina smiled automatically.
"For what?"
"I fell asleep on you."
And normally… Normally Mina would've said it. Easy. Something ridiculous.
“Any time, gorgeous.”
“You can sleep on me whenever you want.”
“Buy me breakfast first.”
Anything. She had options. Hundreds.
Instead…
"It's fine."
Ochaco blinked.
Mina blinked.
Oh no.
Ochaco sat up.
"You okay?"
"Yeah!"
Too quick.
Mina cleared her throat.
"Why?"
Ochaco frowned.
"You didn't say anything."
"What was I supposed to say?"
"I don't know."
Ochaco smiled.
"Something annoying."
Mina stared.
"I can be annoying."
"Usually without trying."
"Rude."
Ochaco laughed. Mina relaxed.
There. Normal. Good.
Then Ochaco stretched.
Shirt lifted slightly.
Mina looked away so quickly she nearly
injured herself.
Oh.
This was going to be a nightmare.
"Breakfast?"
Ochaco asked.
"Yep."
"I've got eggs."
"Perfect."
Ochaco stood.
Then looked down at Mina.
"You staying?"
Mina's heart jumped.
"Yeah."
Ochaco smiled.
"Good."
And walked into the kitchen.
Mina stared after her.
She was doomed.
Breakfast was easy. Mostly.
Ochaco cooked. Mina made coffee.
They argued about whether ketchup belonged on eggs..It did.
Ochaco was wrong.
Then Ochaco reached across Mina to grab something.
Close. Very close.
Mina's brain went… Pretty.
And immediately stopped functioning.
Ochaco pulled back.
"Thanks."
Mina stared.
"For what?"
"You moved."
"Oh."
Brilliant.
Ochaco frowned.
"You really are being weird."
"I'm tired."
"You slept for six hours."
"On a sofa!"
"So did I."
"You had me as a pillow!"
Ochaco grinned.
"You're comfy."
Mina froze.
Ochaco froze.
Pink.
There it was.
Ochaco had accidentally flustered herself.
Usually Mina would pounce.
Instead… Mina's face warmed too.
Ochaco noticed.
Her eyes widened.
Mina looked away.
No. No, she didn't.
"Are you..."
Ochaco started.
"No."
"I didn't ask anything."
"Still no."
Ochaco's smile slowly grew.
"Mina."
"Eat your eggs."
"Are you blushing?"
"No."
"You are!"
"I am pink!"
Ochaco's mouth fell open.
"That is the biggest excuse I've ever heard!"
"It's literally my skin colour!"
"Your cheeks are darker!"
"Lighting."
"We're next to a window!"
"Exactly! Sunlight!"
Ochaco started laughing.
Mina pointed.
"Stop."
"Oh my God."
"Uraraka."
"You blush!"
"Everybody blushes!"
"You've been torturing me for weeks!"
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
Ochaco leaned across the table.
Mina instinctively leaned back.
Ochaco stopped.
Interesting. Very interesting.
"You're cute when you're embarrassed."
Ochaco said.
Mina's brain exploded..Silence.
Ochaco's eyes widened.
Because she'd done it.
Deliberately.
Mina stared.
Ochaco stared back.
Then Ochaco's face went scarlet.
"I can't believe I just said that."
Mina pointed at her.
"You!"
Ochaco covered her face.
"I'm sorry!"
"You used my own move!"
"I wanted to see what happened!"
"That's my thing!"
Ochaco peeked through her fingers.
"Worked, though."
Mina's mouth fell open.
Ochaco started laughing.
Mina grabbed a cushion.
There wasn't one.
Kitchen.
Damn.
"This isn't over."
Mina warned.
Ochaco grinned.
"Okay."
And Mina realised something terrifying.
Ochaco was learning.
The following week...
Mina attempted to return to normal.
This went poorly.
Monday. Coffee. Ochaco arrived after Mina.
Dropped into the chair opposite her.
"Sorry I'm late."
Mina looked up.
Ochaco had clearly come straight from an interview..Hair styled. Makeup still done..Nice blouse.
Mina stared.
Ochaco smiled.
"What?"
Easy.
You look gorgeous.
Say it.
Mina had said things like that a thousand times.
She opened her mouth.
Then remembered:
She meant it.
"You look..."
Ochaco waited.
Mina's courage abandoned her.
"...Professional."
Silence.
Ochaco blinked.
"Professional?"
"Yeah."
"Thanks?"
Mina wanted to crawl beneath the table.
Tuesday. Texts.
Ochaco: look what arrived
Photo.
Ochaco holding the brown bear Mina had won.
Except the bear now had a tiny handmade cape.
Mina smiled.
Mina: NO WAY
Ochaco: made it myself
Mina typed:
You're adorable.
Stopped.
Deleted.
Typed:
I think I'm in love with you.
Nearly threw her phone across the room.
Deleted.
Finally…
Mina: he looks heroic
Ochaco responded:
Ochaco: you've gotten really bad at flirting
Mina froze.
Three dots.
Then:
Ochaco: everything okay?
Oh.
She'd noticed.
Of course she'd noticed.
Mina typed:
Mina: yeah haha just busy
Lie..Tiny lie. Harmless lie. Still felt bad.
Wednesday.
Mina called Jirou.
"This is your fault."
Jirou was silent for several seconds.
"Hello to you too."
"You put the thought in my head."
"What thought?"
"That I like her."
Jirou sighed.
"Mina, I didn't put anything anywhere."
"You absolutely did."
"I pointed at something already there."
"Worse."
Mina paced around her apartment.
"I can't flirt with her anymore."
Jirou laughed.
Mina stopped.
"This isn't funny."
"It's a little funny."
"I used to be amazing at it."
"You used to be joking."
Exactly.
Mina dropped onto the sofa.
"That's the problem."
Jirou went quiet.
"So you do like her."
Mina groaned.
"Yes."
There.
First time she'd actually said it.
Out loud.
Silence.
Mina stared at the ceiling.
"Shit."
Jirou laughed softly.
"Congratulations."
"Don't."
"How bad?"
Mina thought.
Ochaco laughing.
Ochaco asleep against her.
The bear. Messages. Coffee. Arcade.
Ochaco telling her about work.
Ochaco saying Glad you came.
Mina sighed.
"Pretty bad."
"Does she like you?"
"No idea."
"You've been flirting with her for weeks."
"Exactly!"
"So?"
"So how is she supposed to know when
I'm serious?"
Jirou paused.
"Ah."
"Yeah."
That was the problem.
Mina had created her own personal hell.
She had spent weeks telling Ochaco
she was pretty. Cute. Gorgeous. Dateable. Attractive.
She'd joked about kissing her. Dating her. Taking her home. Probably marrying her at one point.
Mina couldn't remember.
There had been a lot.
Now… What could she possibly say that Ochaco wouldn't assume was another joke?
Jirou eventually said:
"Stop flirting."
Mina frowned.
"What?"
"Stop."
"That's terrible advice."
"You're already doing it."
"I know! And she noticed!"
"Good."
"How is that good?"
"Because now she'll notice when you start again."
Mina went quiet.
Oh.
"Jirou?"
"Yeah?"
"You're terrifying."
"I know."
Meanwhile...
Ochaco was having a problem of her own.
Mina had stopped flirting with her.
And Ochaco hated it.
This was ridiculous.
Weeks ago, she'd wanted Mina to stop.
Every compliment had made her face burn.
Every stupid line had made her want to disappear.
Every beautiful, gorgeous, cutie, looking good, Uraraka had sent her brain into emergency shutdown.
Now? Nothing. Professional. Nice. Cool. Great. Professional.
Ochaco stared at herself in the mirror.
"Professional?"
She was still offended.
She'd spent forty minutes getting ready that morning.
Not for Mina..Obviously.
She'd had an interview.
But she'd known they were meeting afterwards. And maybe… Maybe she'd left her makeup on deliberately.
Maybe she'd chosen not to change.
Maybe she'd wondered what Mina would say.
You look professional.
Ochaco groaned.
Her phone rang.
Tsuyu.
Ochaco answered.
"Hey."
"Hi.”
Tsuyu immediately said
"What's wrong?"
Ochaco frowned.
"Nothing."
"You're doing the voice."
"What voice?"
"The one where something's wrong."
Ochaco sighed.
Damn best friends.
"Mina stopped flirting with me."
"Okay."
Ochaco sat on her bed.
"That's it?"
"What would you like me to say?"
"I don't know!"
"Do you want her to flirt with you?"
Ochaco opened her mouth.
Stopped.
Did she? Yes. Apparently. That was embarrassing.
"I think so."
Tsuyu was quiet.
Ochaco groaned.
"It's stupid."
"No."
"It is."
"Why?"
"Because she was joking!"
"Was she?"
Ochaco frowned.
"Yeah."
"Are you sure?"
Ochaco went quiet.
Tsuyu continued.
"Why does it matter?"
"I don't know."
"Okay."
"Tsu."
"You said you don't know."
"Help me!"
Tsuyu sighed.
"How do you feel when Mina flirts with you?"
"Embarrassed."
"Only embarrassed?"
Ochaco thought.
No. Happy. Excited. Warm. Nervous. Seen. Pretty. Wanted.
Oh.
Ochaco lay backwards on the bed.
"Oh no."
Tsuyu waited.
"Tsu."
"Yeah?"
"I think I like Mina."
"Okay."
"STOP SAYING OKAY!"
Tsuyu laughed.
Actually laughed.
Ochaco stared at the phone.
"You're enjoying this."
"A little."
"Traitor."
Ochaco covered her face.
"I think I really like her."
"Then tell her."
"I can't."
"Why?"
"Because she jokes about this stuff constantly!"
Tsuyu paused.
"Not anymore."
Ochaco stopped.
Oh. Not anymore.
Friday evening. Mina and Ochaco had plans. Movie. Ochaco's apartment. Normal.
Except both had spent the entire week thinking about the other.
So… Not normal.
Mina arrived with takeaway.
Ochaco opened the door.
Mina looked at her.
Ochaco wore leggings.
Oversized shirt.
Hair tied messily.
No makeup.
Mina thought she looked beautiful.
"Hey."
Ochaco smiled.
"Hey."
Mina held up the food.
"Peace offering."
"For what?"
"I ate your leftovers last time."
Ochaco stared.
"You did?"
"Yeah."
"I thought I ate them."
"Nope."
"You let me think I ate them!"
"You seemed happy."
"Mina!"
There. Easy. Normal. They laughed. Ate. Put on the film. Sat beside each other. Too much space between them.
Both noticed. Neither fixed it.
Twenty minutes. Ochaco barely watched. Mina definitely didn't.
Finally… Ochaco paused the film.
Mina looked over.
"What?"
Ochaco swallowed.
"Did I do something?"
Mina's expression changed
immediately.
"What?"
"Did I upset you?"
"No!"
"Are you sure?"
"Of course."
Ochaco looked down.
"Okay."
Mina frowned.
"Why would you think that?"
Ochaco picked at the edge of the
blanket.
"You're different."
Mina's stomach dropped.
"Different how?"
"You don't..."
Ochaco's cheeks warmed.
She looked away.
"...Say things anymore."
Mina stared.
"What things?"
Ochaco gave her a look.
Mina knew.
"Oh."
"Yeah."
Then Mina asked…
"Did that bother you?"
Ochaco frowned.
"When you did it?"
"No."
Mina swallowed.
"When I stopped."
Ochaco looked at her.
There..No joke. No grin. No performance. Mina looked genuinely nervous.
Ochaco had almost never seen Mina nervous around her.
"A little."
Ochaco admitted.
Mina's heart jumped.
"Really?"
Ochaco nodded.
"I thought maybe you got bored."
"Bored?"
"Of..."
She gestured vaguely at herself.
Mina stared.
"Ochaco."
Not Uraraka.
Ochaco.
Ochaco looked at her.
Mina's expression was suddenly serious.
"I could never get bored of you."
Ochaco's heart stopped.
There it was. No joke. She knew immediately. This one was different.
Mina seemed to realise she'd said it.
Her face darkened.
Ochaco noticed.
And despite everything...
A tiny smile appeared.
"You're blushing."
Mina groaned.
"Not now."
Ochaco laughed softly.
Mina looked away.
Then back.
"There's a reason I stopped."
Ochaco's smile faded.
"Okay."
"I..."
Mina took a breath.
For someone who could talk to absolutely anyone… This was awful.
"I started flirting with you because your reaction was funny."
Ochaco stared.
Mina winced.
"That sounded terrible."
"A little."
"I mean cute!"
"Better."
"You'd go all red and make that little noise-"
"What little noise?!"
"Not important."
"Mina."
"Focus!"
Ochaco laughed.
Mina smiled.
Then became serious again.
"I liked making you blush."
"I noticed."
"But then I started inviting you places."
"To make me blush."
"At first."
Ochaco's heart beat faster.
Mina continued.
"Then I realised I was just..."
She looked down.
"Looking for excuses to see you."
Ochaco went still.
"And then you fell asleep on me."
Mina laughed nervously.
"And Jirou said something."
"Of course Jirou did."
"Yeah."
"And I realised..."
Mina swallowed.
"...I wasn't joking anymore."
Ochaco's heart hammered.
Mina looked at her.
"So I stopped."
"Why?"
"Because you'd never know."
Ochaco frowned.
"Know what?"
"When I meant it."
Oh.
Mina's voice became quieter.
"I've told you you're gorgeous about fifty times."
Ochaco's cheeks warmed.
"I've joked about asking you out."
"Yeah."
"I've joked about kissing you."
Ochaco swallowed.
"Yeah."
"So how am I supposed to tell you..."
Mina hesitated.
"... That I actually think you're gorgeous?"
Ochaco stopped breathing.
"Or that I actually want to ask you out."
Oh.
"Or..."
Mina's eyes flicked briefly towards
Ochaco's lips.
Then back.
"... That I've thought about kissing you?"
Ochaco's entire face burned.
Mina noticed.
For once...
She didn't laugh. She smiled. Soft. Nervous.
"Mina."
"Yeah?"
"Are you flirting with me?"
Mina thought.
Then shook her head.
"No."
Ochaco's heart jumped.
Mina continued:
"I'm telling you the truth."
Silence.
Ochaco looked down.
Then started smiling.
Mina blinked.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"Ochaco."
She laughed softly.
"I've been waiting all week for you to flirt with me."
Mina's eyes widened.
"What?"
"I missed it."
"You missed me embarrassing you?"
"Apparently!"
Ochaco laughed.
"Which is really annoying."
Mina stared.
Ochaco looked at her.
"I thought you didn't want to anymore."
"No!"
Immediate.
Mina shifted closer.
"I wanted to."
"Then why-"
"You know why!"
"Right."
Ochaco smiled.
They were closer now.
Neither had deliberately done it.
Probably.
Mina swallowed.
"So..."
Ochaco waited.
"Would it be okay if I started again?"
Ochaco's smile widened.
"Depends."
Mina raised an eyebrow.
"On?"
Ochaco's cheeks pinkened.
But this time...
She didn't look away.
"Whether you mean it."
Mina stared.
Then smiled.
"Oh."
Ochaco's heart jumped.
There she was.
Mina leaned slightly closer.
"Well..."
Ochaco immediately went pinker.
Mina's grin widened.
"You really are beautiful."
Ochaco swallowed.
"Mean it?"
"Every word."
Ochaco smiled.
"You're pretty gorgeous yourself."
Mina froze.
Ochaco's eyes widened.
It worked. Again.
Mina's cheeks darkened.
Ochaco grinned.
"Oh, this is going to be fun."
Mina stared.
"You've created a monster."
"You started it!"
"I regret teaching you."
Ochaco laughed.
Mina laughed too.
The tension broke.
Mostly.
Then Mina looked at her.
Still close.
Very close.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Yeah."
"Would you actually go out with me?"
Ochaco smiled.
"Like a date?"
"A real one."
"No joke?"
"No joke."
Ochaco pretended to think.
Mina's eyes narrowed.
"Don't you dare."
Ochaco laughed.
"Yes."
Mina's expression softened.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
Mina smiled.
Huge.
Bright.
The smile Ochaco loved.
Wait.
Loved?
Later.
That was later's problem.
Ochaco nudged her.
"So."
"So?"
"You said something else."
Mina frowned.
"What?"
Ochaco's face went red again.
"Kissing."
Mina stopped.
"Oh."
"Yeah."
Neither moved.
Then Mina smiled slightly.
"I did."
Ochaco swallowed.
"Were you serious about that too?"
Mina's heart hammered.
"Very."
Ochaco looked at her.
Mina looked back.
Then Ochaco smiled. Small. Brave.
"Maybe after the first date."
Mina blinked.
Then grinned.
"Oh, you're making me wait?"
Ochaco shrugged.
"Maybe."
"That's cruel."
"You've spent a month torturing me."
"Fair."
Mina leaned back.
"Fine."
Ochaco laughed.
"Fine."
Mina pressed play.
The film resumed.
Thirty seconds later...
Ochaco moved closer.
Shoulder against Mina's.
Mina smiled.
Another minute.
Ochaco rested her head against her.
Mina's heart went wild.
Five minutes.
Ochaco reached beneath the blanket.
Found Mina's hand.
Linked their fingers.
Mina looked down.
Then at Ochaco.
Ochaco was watching the film.
Very deliberately.
Face bright pink.
Mina smiled. No teasing. Not this time. She squeezed her hand. Ochaco squeezed back.
Then, without looking over:
"Saturday?"
Mina smiled.
"Saturday."
Ochaco finally looked at her.
"Make it good."
Mina raised an eyebrow.
"Uraraka."
There it was.
Confidence returning.
"I have been preparing to date you accidentally for an entire month."
Ochaco burst out laughing.
Mina grinned.
And for the first time since she'd realised she liked Ochaco...
Flirting didn't feel frightening.
Because now Ochaco knew.
The jokes could still be jokes.
The teasing could still be teasing.
Mina could still make her blush simply because it was fun.
But underneath all of it… There was something real. Something Ochaco could recognise now.
Mina lifted their joined hands.
Kissed Ochaco's knuckles.
Ochaco went scarlet.
Mina grinned.
"Still got it."
Ochaco stared.
"You are unbearable."
"And yet..."
Mina squeezed her hand.
"You said yes."
Ochaco tried not to smile. Failed.
"Unfortunately."
Mina laughed.
Saturday couldn't come quickly enough.
Mina Ashido had confidence.
Usually.
Loads of it.
Too much, according to Jirou.
The correct amount, according to Mina.
Dating Ochaco Uraraka should therefore have been easy.
She already knew Ochaco.
Already knew how to make her laugh.
Already knew how to make her blush.
Already knew what food she liked.
What films she hated.
What drink she'd order.
What ridiculous little bear lived on her bedside table.
She had this. Completely.
Then Ochaco opened the door.
Mina forgot every thought she'd ever had.
Ochaco wore a soft cream sweater. Dark skirt. Boots. Hair loose. Simple. Nothing outrageous. And somehow… Mina stared.
Ochaco smiled.
"Hi."
Mina blinked.
"Hi."
Pause.
Ochaco's smile widened.
"You're staring."
Mina recovered.
Mostly.
"Obviously."
"Why?"
Mina leaned against the doorway.
There. Confidence. Easy.
"Because my date looks amazing."
Ochaco's cheeks went pink.
Excellent. Mina grinned. There we go. Back in control. Then Ochaco looked her over. Slowly.
Mina stopped breathing.
Ochaco smiled.
"You do too."
Oh.
Mina's face warmed. Ochaco noticed. Immediately. Her eyes widened. Then brightened. Danger.
Mina pointed at her.
"No."
Ochaco laughed.
"I didn't say anything."
"Your face did."
"You say that all the time."
"Because it's true."
Ochaco stepped outside.
Locked the door.
Then looked at Mina again.
"Seriously, though."
She smiled.
"You look really pretty."
Mina's brain short-circuited.
Ochaco gasped.
"Oh my God."
Mina recovered.
"Don't."
"It worked!"
"You have abused knowledge I gave you in confidence."
"You spent weeks doing this to me!"
"That's different."
"How?"
"I'm experienced."
Ochaco laughed.
"Apparently not."
Mina stared.
This was war.
They walked towards the station.
Mina had planned the date.
Of course.
She had also told Ochaco absolutely nothing about it.
Mostly because surprises were fun.
Partly because she'd spent three hours trying to decide what counted as a good first date when they'd already done almost everything together as friends.
Ochaco looked over.
"So where are we going?"
"Secret."
"Food?"
"Eventually."
"Movie?"
"Nope."
"Arcade?"
"No."
"Shopping?"
"Do you think I only know three
activities?"
"Honestly?"
Mina looked offended.
Ochaco laughed.
Twenty minutes later...
Ochaco stopped.
Her eyes widened.
"Oh."
Mina smiled.
There. Perfect.
A small rooftop garden sat above a shopping centre.
Lanterns.
Food stalls.
Music.
A weekend evening market.
Not crowded enough to be stressful.
Busy enough to feel alive.
Ochaco looked at her.
"You planned this?"
"Obviously."
"This is really cute."
Mina smiled.
"I know."
Then Ochaco added:
"You're really cute."
Mina froze.
Ochaco laughed.
"Uraraka."
"Yes?"
"You cannot keep doing that."
"Why not?"
"Because..."
Mina gestured vaguely.
"...Date."
Ochaco stared.
"What does that mean?"
"I don't know."
"Strong argument."
They went in.
First stop: food.
Ochaco chose dumplings.
Mina chose something spicy enough to qualify as a chemical weapon.
Ochaco watched her eat it.
Mina refused to acknowledge the tears in her eyes.
"Too hot?"
"No."
"You're crying."
"Emotion."
Ochaco burst out laughing.
Mina glared.
Ochaco reached over.
Wiped the corner of Mina's eye with her thumb.
Mina stopped.
Ochaco stopped.
Both went quiet.
Touching had never been unusual between them.
Mina touched everyone.
Hugs. Arms around shoulders. Hands. Leaning. Ochaco had never minded.
But this… Small. Gentle. Deliberate. Different.
Ochaco's cheeks warmed.
"Sorry."
Mina's voice softened.
"Don't be."
There. Quiet.
Then Ochaco smiled.
"You look cute when you cry."
Mina's mouth fell open.
Ochaco ran.
"URARAKA!"
Ochaco laughed and disappeared into the crowd.
Mina chased her.
Ten minutes later… They were playing a carnival game involving throwing rings at bottles.
Mina had recovered her dignity. Mostly.
Ochaco threw. Miss. Another. Miss.
Mina grinned.
"Hero reflexes failing you?"
Ochaco narrowed her eyes.
"Your turn."
Mina stepped up.
Throw. Miss. Ochaco smiled.
"Skill issue."
Mina stared.
"No."
"That's what you told me at the arcade."
"You're remembering too much."
"Good memory."
"Terrible quality."
Final ring.
Mina threw.
Landed.
She raised both arms.
"YES!"
Ochaco laughed.
"Okay, okay!"
The vendor gestured towards the prizes. Mina examined them. Then pointed. A tiny pink alien plush.
Ochaco stared.
"Mina."
"What?"
"That looks like you."
"It has excellent features."
"It's got three eyes."
"Representation."
Ochaco laughed.
Mina took the plush.
Then handed it to Ochaco.
Ochaco blinked.
"For me?"
Mina smiled.
"Obviously."
Ochaco held it beside the brown bear in her memory.
First the bear. Now this. Her expression softened.
Mina noticed.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"That's never nothing."
Ochaco looked at the plush.
Then at Mina.
"I like when you give me things."
Mina's stomach flipped.
"Yeah?"
Ochaco nodded.
"Because you always pick something stupid." Mina stared.
Ochaco burst out laughing.
"You ruined the moment!"
"You insulted my gift!"
"I love it!"
"Good."
Mina smiled.
Then quieter…
"I like giving you things."
Ochaco's smile softened.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
They moved on. Music. More food.
A stall selling handmade jewellery.
Mina stopped.
Ochaco noticed.
"What?"
Mina looked at a row of bracelets.
Bright colours. Simple. Nothing expensive.
"This one."
Mina picked up a small pink-and-brown
braided bracelet.
Ochaco raised an eyebrow.
"Subtle."
"Very."
Mina held it up.
"Pink for me."
"And brown for me?"
"Yep."
Ochaco smiled.
"Cheesy."
"Extremely."
"I love it."
Mina's heart did something stupid.
She bought two.
One reversed.
Brown and pink.
Ochaco stared.
"Matching?"
Mina smiled.
"Too much?"
Ochaco shook her head.
"No."
"I really like that."
Mina tied one around Ochaco's wrist.
Her fingers brushed against Ochaco's skin.
Both became suddenly quiet.
Ochaco looked at the bracelet.
Then at Mina.
"Your turn."
She took the second.
Reached for Mina's wrist.
Mina held it out.
Ochaco tied it.
Slowly. Concentrating. Mina watched her. Beautiful. The word came easily now. No panic. No joke. Just true.
Ochaco finished.
"There."
Mina looked down.
"Perfect."
Ochaco smiled.
"Matches your eyes."
Mina froze.
Oh.
Ochaco's eyes widened.
She hadn't even intended that one.
Mina stared at her.
"You..."
Ochaco started laughing.
"I swear that one was accidental."
Mina covered her face.
"This is horrible."
"You created this!"
"I know!"
They ended up sitting near the edge of
the rooftop.
City lights beyond the railing.
Music quieter here.
Ochaco leaned against Mina. Easy. Natural.
For a while… Neither spoke.
Then Mina said.
"You're getting dangerous."
Ochaco smiled.
"Because I can flirt now?"
"Because you don't even know when you're doing it."
Ochaco laughed softly.
"Is that worse?"
"Much."
Mina looked down at their matching
bracelets.
Then at Ochaco.
"Are you having fun?"
Ochaco turned.
"Yeah."
"Really?"
"Really."
"I was nervous."
Mina blinked.
"You?"
Ochaco nodded.
"All day."
"Why?"
Ochaco shrugged.
"Because it's you."
Mina stared.
Ochaco continued.
"Which sounds stupid."
"No."
"It does."
"We've hung out loads."
"Exactly."
Ochaco smiled faintly.
"But this mattered."
Mina's chest tightened.
"Yeah."
Mina said.
"Same."
Ochaco looked surprised.
"You were nervous?"
"Don't spread it around."
Ochaco grinned.
"Unbelievable."
"I'm serious."
"I thought you were incapable."
"Everyone thinks that."
Mina looked towards the city.
"But..." She exhaled.
"I really wanted tonight to be good."
Ochaco softened.
"It is."
Mina looked at her.
"Best first date?"
Ochaco pretended to think.
Mina gasped.
"Excuse me?"
Ochaco laughed.
"Yes."
"Correct answer."
Silence again. Closer now.
Ochaco looked at Mina's hand.
Then slipped her fingers through hers.
Mina smiled.
Several minutes passed.
"You know."
Mina said.
Ochaco looked over.
"What?"
"You mentioned something last week."
Ochaco immediately knew.
Oh.
Mina's expression was playful.
But underneath… Nervous.
Ochaco noticed that now.
"Kissing."
Mina said.
Ochaco's cheeks went pink.
"Yeah."
"You said maybe after the first date."
"Yep."
Mina glanced around.
"The date appears to be nearing completion."
Ochaco laughed.
"Does it?"
"I can stretch it out."
"How long?"
"Several weeks."
"Mina."
Mina smiled.
Then softened.
"No pressure."
Ochaco looked at her.
"I know."
"If you don't want to yet-"
Ochaco leaned forward.
Kissed her.
Mina stopped.
Everything stopped.
Ochaco's lips were soft. Warm. Gentle. A quick kiss.
Maybe two seconds.
Then Ochaco pulled back.
Face burning.
Eyes wide.
Mina stared.
Ochaco swallowed.
"Got you."
Silence.
Mina's eyes widened.
Then narrowed.
"Oh."
Ochaco started smiling.
"Mina?"
Mina leaned closer.
"You are so going to regret starting this."
Ochaco laughed.
Then Mina kissed her. Second kiss. Different. Still gentle. But certain.
Mina's hand rose to Ochaco's cheek.
Ochaco's fingers tightened around Mina's.
They parted.
Ochaco smiled.
Mina's face was definitely darker now.
Ochaco noticed.
"You're blushing."
Mina stared.
"Do not."
"You are."
"I am pink."
"Not that excuse again."
"Valid medical fact."
Ochaco laughed.
Mina kissed her again.
Ochaco made a surprised little sound.
Mina pulled away.
Smiled.
"There."
Ochaco stared.
"Was that revenge?"
"Yes."
"For what?"
"Existing smugly."
"That's not a crime."
"It should be."
Ochaco was still smiling.
Mina looked at her.
And something changed.
Not dramatically.
No big revelation.
Just… Certainty.
Weeks ago, Mina had wanted to see this face because embarrassment looked cute on Ochaco.
Now… She wanted to see every version. Embarrassed. Happy. Tired. Annoyed. Excited. Sad. All of it.
Mina's smile softened.
Ochaco noticed.
"What?"
Mina shook her head.
"Nothing."
Ochaco narrowed her eyes.
"No."
"What?"
"You told me nothing is never nothing."
Mina laughed.
"Fair."
She squeezed Ochaco's hand.
"I just..."
Mina looked almost embarrassed.
"I really like you."
Ochaco went quiet.
There. No performance. No flirt. No joke. Just Mina.
Ochaco smiled.
"I really like you too."
Mina's chest warmed.
Then Ochaco leaned closer.
"Also."
Mina raised an eyebrow.
Ochaco smiled.
"You are ridiculously hot."
Mina's brain exploded.
Again.
Ochaco burst out laughing.
"OH MY GOD."
Mina stared.
"You've been waiting to use that."
"All night."
"You monster."
"You trained me."
"Stop saying that like I'm responsible for my own downfall."
"You absolutely are."
Mina pulled Ochaco closer.
"Come here."
Ochaco grinned.
"Why?"
"So I can stop you talking."
"With what?"
Mina stared.
Ochaco's face turned red.
Then she started laughing.
"Sorry."
"You're not."
"No."
Mina kissed her again.
They stayed until the market began closing. Holding hands. Talking. Occasionally kissing.
Ochaco's little alien plush tucked beneath one arm.
Matching bracelets around their wrists.
At the station...
Neither wanted to leave.
Mina sighed.
"So."
Ochaco smiled.
"So."
"Second date?"
Ochaco raised an eyebrow.
"Already?"
"Yes."
"Desperate."
"For you?"
Mina grinned.
"Completely."
Ochaco's face went pink.
Then she recovered.
"Good."
Mina blinked.
Ochaco smiled.
"Because I want one too."
Mina shook her head.
"You're terrifying now."
Ochaco laughed.
Train announcement.
Ochaco stepped backwards.
Then stopped. Turned. Walked back. Quick kiss.
Mina froze.
Ochaco smiled.
"Night, gorgeous."
Then walked away.
Mina stood completely still.
Five seconds. Ten.
Her phone buzzed.
Jirou.
Jirou: how'd it go
Mina stared.
Then typed:
Mina: she kissed me
Three dots.
Jirou: OOOOOOH
Another:
Jirou: who initiated
Mina stared.
Mina: her
Pause.
Then:
Jirou: HAHAHAHAHAHA
Mina frowned.
Mina: what
Jirou: YOU SPENT A MONTH FLIRTING WITH HER
Jirou: AND SHE MADE THE FIRST MOVE
Mina stared.
That was...
Technically accurate.
Mina: shut up
Jirou: did she make you blush
Mina immediately put her phone away.
Absolutely not answering that.
Meanwhile… Ochaco sat on the train.
Face still warm. Smiling at nothing. She looked down. Pink-and-brown bracelet. Then at the little alien plush. Then touched her lips.
Her phone buzzed.
Mina.
Mina: you cheated
Ochaco laughed.
Ochaco: how
Mina: first kiss was supposed to be after
the date
Ochaco: it was
Mina: technically
Mina: still unfair
Ochaco smiled.
Ochaco: you liked it
Three dots.
Stopped.
Returned.
Mina: maybe
Ochaco grinned.
Ochaco: you're blushing right now aren't you
Mina: i hate what i've created
Ochaco laughed out loud.
Then another message appeared.
Mina: really like you though
Ochaco's expression softened. No teasing. No line. Just true.
She typed:
Ochaco: really like you too
Then:
Ochaco: goodnight gorgeous
Mina's reply took nearly a minute.
Mina: you need to stop
Ochaco smiled.
Ochaco: no
And somewhere between the first accidental flirt… The first blush… The first excuse to spend time together...
And the first kiss Ochaco absolutely stole from her...
Mina's favourite game had changed completely.
She still loved making Ochaco blush.
Probably always would. But now...
Ochaco could make her blush too.
And honestly? That might have been even better.