(Y/N)’s POV
Todoroki stood in front of one whack-a-mole game, and I stood in front of the other. He looked determined. We swiped our cards at the same time, and the game soon began. Without a moment’s break, my first mole popped out and whomp! I got the first hit in, though my opponent wasn’t far behind.
Despite being unfamiliar with the game, his reflexes are fast. Almost as fast as mine, in fact – an impressive feat really when you consider the fact that I’m ultra-aware of my surroundings and he isn’t. The game continued, at by the end of it, the score was up! I won only by 20 points which equates to a mole or two! I looked at Todoroki with an open smile.
(Y/N) “Great job, Todoroki! For your first try, that was impressive!”
Shoto “Thank you. You still won, though.”
(Y/N) “Just barely, and besides it was your first time playing! All things considered, I’m willing to hand the victory to you on this one. More importantly though – did you have fun?”
My question seemingly caught Todoroki off guard.
Shoto “Had… fun? I… thought this was a test of reflexes?”
(Y/N) “Well, yeah. But we’re in an arcade, and it’s the weekend. Having fun should be our first priority!”
He seemingly thought about it for a moment.
Shoto “I.. don’t know if I had fun. But, I liked playing with you.”
I can’t help but smile at his cute remark. It’s clear he doesn’t know much other than being a hero. I can’t fault him for having focus, but you can’t devote yourself to one thing alone – that’s not how you live. In time, I hope to change Todoroki’s perspective on things. See if I can’t get him to have a more lively outlook.
(Y/N) “Well then, I guess that’s one victory for me, even if you did do impressively. Should we move on to the next game?”
Todoroki nodded, and we continued. After talking to him a bit, we decided to go with one of my favourites – shooter games!
(Y/N) “Okay, this one is a little more complicated, but you should get the hang of it soon. So, we each grab one of these rifles and on the screen, you’ll be able to see where it’s pointed at. Once an enemy shows up, you shoot them – clean and simple.”
Shoto “Alright. let’s play.”
(Y/N) “Whoa hold on there, soldier. We wouldn’t you to be one getting shot now do we?”
Todoroki seemed a little confused but his call to attention was still unfailing.
(Y/N) “Obviously the enemy soldiers aren’t just gonna stand there. They’re going to be shooting back. To stop yourself from taking any damage, you just need to step on that metal plate, and your character in the game will take cover. Here, let me show you.”
I demonstrated the point that I was explaining to him. I stepped on the metal plate located conveniently at the foot of the machine, close to where we would normally be standing, and the character in the game hid behind a nearby wall.
(Y/N) “See? You’ll be safe from any damage here, but you can’t shoot, so time these two wisely.”
Shoto “I see…”
(Y/N) “Don’t worry, you’ll pick it up as we go along. Now, let’s play.”Â
We swiped the card and the game started. As expected, my rival had a rough start as he was still getting used to the mechanics of the game but he caught on to it quickly. Seeing as even Kamita struggle to beat my score in these types of games, I went easy on him; getting hit on purpose, being sloppy with my aim, saving him from getting annihilated by bombs, so on. In the end, the score was pretty close. Unfortunately, I still won as Todoroki forgot to take cover at the end but I still had a lot of fun.
The hours roll by and we kept moving from one game to another. Other than the game made for little kids, we tried just about everything. Things got a little crazy during the air hockey game, but we both had a ton of fun, and I even managed to get Todoroki to smile a few times! No laughs yet though, but I’m working on it.
Before going home, we decided to have dinner at a restaurant situated on the top floor of the mall. I recommended it as I’ve already been here before. Miyagi is a dirty old man, but he has his uses.
Regardless, we took a seat, ordered on the menu, and waited. As we wait, we talked. Granted, given the scene playing out here – Todoroki and myself sitting on a table for two at a fancy outdoor restaurant while watching the sunset, I can’t help but feel like I’m being taken for a date – not that I’m complaining if that was the case.
Our casual chats stopped for a few minutes as I watched the sunset. The brilliant orange glow reflected itself on every surface it could find. Roads, trees, buildings, clouds… all blanketed by a warm ray of gentle light.
This scene… I’ve been here before…
At the skate park, come sunset… that was where we broke up…
Shoto’s POV
I watched (Y/N) as his eyes trail to the city, a small smile rested on his face. I don’t know why, but I feel warm whenever I see him smile… it feels as though I want to keep seeing him like that. Maybe this was what Fuyumi was talking about…
My eyes dot their way back to him. Suddenly, the smile he had disappeared, and his gaze looked distant. His attention was drawn farther away than the sun he was looking at. His eyes looked… pained…
I felt my chest ache too. I wasn’t sure why. I’ve never felt like this to anyone, nor have I seen anyone in this way. I was made to be a hero, to save others – that I know. But only now have I ever willingly wanted to take someone’s pain away, even if it adds to my own…
Please tell me, (Y/N)… What have you done to me…?
Timeskip: Two days later
(Y/N) “Todoroki! Hey!”
I stood at the front gates of the school, waiting for him to come out. Thankfully he was alone today as Kamita had some errands to run at school with Midoriya. Now is my chance to finally say something to him. I’m almost certain that I’m going to mess this up, but…
Shoto “(Y/N). I need to tell you something.”
He stopped in front of me and looked at me curiously. Closing my eyes for a moment, I took a deep breath and try not to think too much on what might happen after I say what I’m about to say. I opened my eyes, being met by his once more.
Shoto “(Y/N)…”
“Will you go out with me?”
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