Chapter Text
As the laughter subsided, the air in the common room still sparkled with lingering amusement. Even Bakugo couldn’t hide the smirk that curled at the edges of his mouth, though he tried to cover it with a sharp, “You’re all a bunch of idiots.” He stormed out, leaving the rest of the class still chuckling.
Mina wiped tears from her eyes, her pink hair a tousled halo around her face. “I can’t believe it,” she gasped. “We spent all that time making theories, and it was just soba! That’s so-so perfectly Todoroki.”
Sero, finally pulling himself up from the floor, grinned. “Honestly, I’m relieved. I thought it’d be something way more complicated.” He nudged Jiro. “Guess you learned a lesson about eavesdropping, huh?”
Jiro raised her hands in mock defense, her cheeks still flushed with laughter. “Okay, okay, I admit it! I’m never trusting my ears at night again. But hey, at least we got a good laugh out of it.”
Midoriya, always the thoughtful one, approached Todoroki with a smile. “I’m glad you have something that makes you happy,” he said sincerely. “Even if it’s just soba.”
Todoroki nodded, but his eyes wandered to Kaminari, who stood just a little behind Midoriya, his usual grin now softened with a hint of something else. The two exchanged a glance, and Todoroki’s expression warmed, almost imperceptibly.
Once everyone in the common area cleared, Todoroki found himself back on the balcony, the location of the original misunderstanding. The nighttime air was pleasant, with the aroma of flowering sakura trees sprinkled throughout campus. The sky was striped with the last blushes of sunset, and the horizon was a soft gradient of pink and orange.
He leaned against the railing, closing his eyes and letting the breeze brush against his face. The peace he found here was like that of a familiar embrace, simple and calming. His thoughts drifted, and he barely registered the sound of footsteps approaching behind him.
“Hey, mind if I join you?”
Todoroki opened his eyes to see Kaminari standing there, hands shoved into the pockets of his hoodie. The golden light of the sunset played on his blond hair, turning it into a halo that seemed to glow. His usual playful grin was softer, more genuine, and Todoroki found himself nodding without hesitation.
“Sure,” Todoroki said, shifting slightly to make room.
Kaminari stepped up beside him, leaning his elbows on the railing. For a moment, they stood in comfortable silence, listening to the faint rustle of leaves and the distant laughter of their classmates inside.
“So,” Kaminari began, his voice teasing but his eyes warm, “soba, huh? You really had us all fooled.”
Todoroki’s lips twitched upward. “I didn’t think anyone would hear me. I was practicing.”
“Practicing?” Kaminari tilted his head, curiosity lighting his features. “What do you mean?”
Todoroki sighed, running a hand through his hair. The silver and crimson strands caught the golden light, gleaming like a living flame. “It’s silly,” he said, his voice quiet. “Sometimes I practice speaking my feelings out loud, so they don’t sound so strange when I actually say them.”
Kaminari’s teasing smile faded, replaced by something softer. “Hey, that’s not silly at all. It’s kind of… brave, actually. To admit how you feel, even if it’s just to yourself.”
Todoroki glanced at him, surprised by the sincerity in Kaminari’s voice. His gaze lingered a little longer than necessary, taking in the way the sunset painted Kaminari’s features, the way his eyes glinted gold like embers. Something about it made Todoroki’s heart beat a little faster, though he didn’t quite understand why.
Kaminari, perhaps sensing the moment’s gravity, broke it with a laugh. “Besides, if soba is what makes you happy, who are we to judge? Though…” He leaned in, a playful glint returning to his eyes. “I have to say, it makes me wonder if there’s anything - or anyone else you’re practicing for.”
The teasing edge in Kaminari’s voice sent a flush up Todoroki’s neck, but he held his gaze, the tiniest of smiles playing at his lips. “Maybe,” he replied, and for once, his voice carried a hint of mystery. Kaminari’s eyes widened slightly before a grin spread across his face. “Ooh, is that so? You’re full of surprises, Todoroki.”
They stood there a little longer, watching as the sky darkened, and the first stars began to twinkle into existence. Their laughter faded into the night, but the warmth between them lingered, subtle and unspoken.
A few days later, Todoroki found himself in an unfamiliar situation. He stood outside a small, cozy soba shop in town, fiddling with his phone as he waited for Kaminari. The air smelled of grilled fish and soy sauce, and the chatter of people filled the bustling street.
Kaminari arrived a few minutes later, breathless and grinning. “Sorry I’m late, I had to convince Bakugo not to blow up my phone when he found out I was going out with you.” Todoroki raised an eyebrow. “He was that upset?”
The young blond laughed, the sound infectious. “Nah, he’s just jealous. He probably thinks I’m getting free soba out of this.” The corners of Todoroki’s mouth twitched. “Well, technically, you are. It’s on me.”
Kaminari’s eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands together. “Sweet, Best date ever!”
Todoroki felt his face heat up at the word “date,” but he didn’t correct Kaminari. Instead, he gestured for them to enter the soba shop. The interior was warm and inviting, with wooden tables and the savory aroma of noodles simmering in broth.
They found a table near the window, and Todoroki couldn’t help but notice the way Kaminari’s face lit up as he scanned the menu. It was the kind of joy that was simple, unburdened, and Todoroki found himself watching Kaminari’s expressions more than the menu.
“This place is awesome,” Kaminari said, setting the menu down. “Thanks for inviting me.”
Todoroki nodded, his fingers drumming lightly on the table. “I wanted to share it with someone who might appreciate it.”
Kaminari looked at him, his gaze softening. “I do. A lot.”
Their food arrived not long after, steaming bowls of soba that filled the air with a comforting aroma. As they ate, their conversation flowed easily, from stories about their classmates to shared dreams of becoming heroes. Todoroki found himself laughing more than he had in a long time, the sound surprising even him.
And as they finished their meal, the city lights casting reflections in the window beside them, Todoroki realized something: this was more than just sharing soba. It was sharing a moment, a feeling, with someone who made him feel understood.
Kaminari leaned back in his chair, patting his stomach with a satisfied grin. “I’d say this soba has some serious competition now.”
Todoroki tilted his head. “Competition?”
Kaminari’s grin widened, and he leaned forward, his voice lowering just enough to make Todoroki’s heart skip a beat. “Yeah. Because spending time with you is even better.”
Todoroki’s eyes widened, and for a moment, he was speechless. But then, a smile slowly spread across his face, genuine and bright.
“Thank you...Den,” he said, and the words felt natural, like they’d always been meant to be said.
And for the first time in a long while, Todoroki felt like he didn’t need to practice anymore. He could just be.