(Y/N)’s POV
That damned monkey! He set this up on purpose, didn’t he?! Deciding that he had ‘something important he had to do’ on the very last second and leaving me to handle Todoroki. I would’ve canceled too, but imagining Todoroki’s disappointment took me away from the idea. He’s not exactly the most… articulate, especially when it comes to facial expressions, but I can tell he’s excited about the whole thing.
Well, whatever. I guess I could use this time for me to get to know Todoroki better. He always seems so closed off… only makes you wonder what he’s got hidden in there…
Regardless, I told Todoroki that I’m coming to pick him up, and he gave me his location. Getting on the motorcycle that I borrowed from Kamita’s dad, I drove around the city and eventually made my way to the area where Todoroki is supposed to be in. Sure enough, I found him sitting on a bench by the side of the road wearing a white V-neck t-shirt, black pants, light blue jacket, and shoes. Got to admit, his fashion sense isn’t bad. Definitely better than Izuku’s…
I stopped the motorcycle in front of him and opened the shield of my helmet. With an inviting smile, I greeted him and tossed him a helmet.
I guess he didn’t expect me to do that, as he fumbled about the almost-falling helmet for a bit before he had a firm hold over it.
(Y/N) “Climb on!”
As he walked, he portrayed a look of slight uncertainty.
Shoto “Uhh aren’t you a little too young to be driving on your own? Do you even have a license?”
(Y/N) “Yes, I am too young – legally speaking. And no, I don’t. But don’t worry, I’ve been on many a races with Le Petit Singe, and no major injuries as of yet!”Â
The look of uncertainty did not go away. Regardless, Todoroki got on and once he put his helmet on and I felt him stop moving around, I pulled on the gas handle, and we were off. The ride went smoothly with the exception of the constant “Whoa! Slow down! Agh! Watch out! Pedestrian!!” And various other exclamations made by Todoroki, but everything is well all in all.
We made it to the arcade, and we both got off, placing our helmets on the motorcycle. Looking at Todoroki, I noticed that he looked pale. Moreso than usual.
(Y/N) “You alright? Did I take too many turns?”
Shoto “No… but next time, I’ll ask my driver to pick you up.”
(Y/N) “Oh come on! We didn’t even hit anyone!”
Shoto “Really? Then what about that guy who took the sudden turn in front of you?”
(Y/N) “Okay, that’s different. We stopped, got off, and I hit him with my fist. But we didn’t hit any pedestrians with the motorcycle!”
Shoto “Why do you almost sound disappointed when you say that…?”
I quickly brushed him off and we made our way into the building. It was a mall of sorts, but the arcade was definitely it’s main attraction. An entire floor was dedicated to it, in fact. Having been here before, I lead the way and Todoroki mostly just followed silently. We took the escalator as I wanted him to see the other stores first, and eventually we made it to the arcade itself. The flashing lights, loud noises of games being played and cheering looked to disorient Todoroki a bit. I can’t really blame him though. I had that moment too.
(Y/N) “First time to an arcade?”
Todoroki looked at me, his mouth opened slightly, and nodded.
I couldn’t help but laugh a little at his cute response. Todoroki is usually so cold and closed off from others, but seeing him like this… all giddy, and excited. The small smiles he tries to hide whenever I show him something new… something to distract him from what I can only assume is a home life that he doesn’t want to remember…
Something I know all too well myself…
 (Y/N) “Well, shall we?”
I took the lead once more and Todoroki followed behind me. Going to the front counter, I requested that my card be re-filled, and a second card so Todoroki can play whatever he wants without having to wait around in the event that I’m using mine.
I pulled out my wallet, but to my surprise was stopped.
Shoto “Wait! I’ll pay it. Both of it.”
(Y/N) “Huh? There’s no need, I have more than enough to cover it.”
Shoto “Please, you’ve already done so much.”
Seeing no harm in letting him do it, I tucked my wallet back in my pocket and let him finish the transaction on his own. Moving to the side a little, I looked around, seeing a couple of new machines, the most striking one was the new colour-coded dancefloor. Need to remember to have a go at that before we leave.
Shoto “Alright. Here’s yours.”
(Y/N) “Thanks. Now what do you wanna play first?”
Todoroki surveyed the area with a clear look of confusion. Deciding to spare him from the burden of free choice, I offered we play something simple first – whack-a-mole!
(Y/N) “So, you know how it works, right? The ‘mole’ pops out of these holes, and you hit them as fast as a you can. Err- don’t hit them too hard. Oh! And no quirks, got it?”
Shoto “That means you’re not allowed to use telekinesis either.”
I raised a challenging eyebrow and a confident smirk.
(Y/N) “If you think I’m gonna need my quirk to beat you, you are sorely mistaken.”
Shoto “What does the winner get?”
(Y/N) “Eager, aren’t we? You sure it’s a good idea to challenge me when you have no idea what you’re doing here?”
Shoto “I want to be an equal to you. As much as I hate to admit this, from what I can see so far – you’re stronger than me. This is a game of reflex, and I want to see you in your fullest, even without your quirk.”
(Y/N) “Ahh is that why you accepted my invitation? Well now I feel offended that you didn’t want to hang out with me for who I am.”
I gave him a fake pout.
Shoto “Ah-! That’s not what I meant!”
Mom always told me not to play with my food… alas, my temptation for fun always gets the better of me…
(Y/N) “No matter. Pure intentions or no, either way, we’ll be getting to know each other better. And that arrangement works for both of us…”
(Y/N) “Doesn’t it, Todoroki~?”
Shoto’s POV
I can’t help feeling as though my nerves are firing off when he called my name… The way he’s looking at me… that predatory gaze… I feel as though I had just awoken a sleeping beast…
I strengthened my resolve and fired back a determined glare. Although, I didn’t quite plan for this to be a contest, it seems we’ve started one. Still, I can’t shake off the slight fear and wonder that I have when I think about him…
And the feeling that I’m… oddly attracted to him…
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