It's not like it's a date or anything. Just some coffee. Right…

Todoroki sat, trying to deny the real reason he was sitting in a café that evening. The breeze was light and cool, stirring up the leaves that began to litter the streets. Not an ideal time in Todoroki's opinion, but it's hard to find time with everyone's internships in full swing. Reminded of his short-comings at not obtaining a provisional hero license, he sighs. Chewing over those thoughts for a moment, he distracts himself.

Todoroki stares at the empty seat in front of him, waiting for its intended patron to arrive. His hands clasp and foot taps lightly, letting his anxiety translate as discontent – trying desperately to appear collected.

I hope he remembered where this place was, it's not exactly the easiest place to find.

He looked around the small café. It was definitely a hole in the wall. Not dirty by any means, but it was no Starbucks. The coffee was good and the regulars were quiet older people, which made it a perfect choice for Todoroki. Besides being away from U.A. it was also free of any "abrasive" characters like Bakugou. He's still not sure how to feel about the blonde bombshell himself, but Todoroki's certain he's not the kind of guy to appreciate a quaint place like this.

Todoroki adjusted his collar. He had on a basic button-up shirt. It was an adjustment to not be in a school uniform or his own hero costume, as his normal attire is mostly casual. He wanted to look a little more presentable for tonight. Looking through his closet earlier that evening, he tried to imitate what his older brothers wore on their dates. Not that he was a fan of them or anything, but he appreciated them for teaching him about the little things like how to match colors and how to "behave like a gentleman". Despite reminding himself that this was not supposed to be a date, he thought the green looked nice on him.

Todoroki looked at his watch. Six fifteen, only a few minutes past the arranged time. He wondered if it was all just a bad idea. Maybe he should just leave. Todoroki's eyes stared off as his thoughts were getting the best of him, trying to hold back his worry with a steely gaze. One of those cold stares he's apparently known for. He closed his eyes as he remembers how Inasa and how the hero license exam ended up. He didn't want to give that kind of impression again.

"Um, do you still need a few minutes?" A young man was standing by Todoroki now, the waiter patiently holding his check book.

"Maybe a few more minutes, they should be here any moment now," Todoroki replied, sinking back into his reflective state. As the waiter moved to service a different table, Todoroki grew worried. If only he were here now, and then Todoroki could put these feelings to rest. Or so he hoped.

It wasn't like he wanted to constantly deny how he felt about the situation. He began to breathe in heavier. Todoroki tried to make sense of how he felt for some time now. As far back as the incident with the Hero Killer, he's had trouble putting a finger on how he felt. Was it love? Envy? Ever since that boy entered his life, Todoroki's been torn over what he should feel. That's why he was here, to try and give himself answers. He was going to drop this façade and let it all come out. At least he was hoping that's how it would go.

"Todoroki!"

A pleasant voice came from behind him, and as Todoroki turned around to see who it was he was suddenly seized with fear.

He actually came.

Izuku came running along the sidewalk, waving at his friend from the distance. Todoroki waved back as Izuku entered the café, taking the seat in front of him. The breeze picked up slightly as Todoroki was suddenly hit with the realization that he would have to actually talk to Izuku. He only smiled politely in order to hide that from the scrappy haired boy across from him.

"Sorry for being so late, some uh...interesting things have been going on. Anyways, how are you," Izuku asked as his eyes almost seemed to mask the discomfort that's been growing in his heart for a while now. His bright, cheeky behavior hiding the grim thoughts weighing on his heart. Todoroki tries to reciprocate, overwhelmed by Izuku's behavior.

"Oh, I'm alright," his voice trailing off as he comes to the realization that he has no idea what he's supposed to be doing.

"So, what's the occasion? You wouldn't call me over for some coffee at a time like this just to chat about the weather," Izuku said, dryly laughing at his own remark in an attempt to lighten the mood.

"Well, you got me there. I guess it's because –"

"Excuse me, would you two like to order?" the voice of the waiter cut through Todoroki's reply.

"I'll have a small coffee, black please," Izuku replied.

"Um, same for me, but with cream," Todoroki answered the waiter. "I didn't know you took your coffee black Midoriya."

"What did you expect, a bunch of sugar and cream?" Izuku laughed again, clearly way too hard to dispel the awkward energy surrounding the two. Todoroki took note of this and felt a twang of guilt. He didn't want to add to whatever had Izuku preoccupied.

The waiter returned with the drinks, Izuku only blowing a little before taking a large swig of the hot cup. Todoroki's eyes widened as a shudder ran through Izuku, noticeably in pain.

"Do, do you drink coffee Izuku?"

"Oh yeah! Totally!" the freckled boy was holding back tears as he vastly underestimated how hot and bitter coffee really is. He had never really had coffee before this, but he was willing to try it for Todoroki's sake. He didn't think he'd be drinking much more of it after tonight however.

"If you say so," Todoroki said, seeing right through it, "anyways, um, I've got something I want to ask you…"

Todoroki takes a sip, apprehension trying to overshadow his nervousness. He's never felt quite like this for anyone before, and as he stares into Izuku's eyes he can see why. His warm, gentle gaze melting his heart as he tried to piece together what to say. Todoroki darts his eyes down, avoiding eye contact.

"Do…do you think I'm, that we um, I don't know," Todoroki trailed off, his train of thought derailed completely. His face was getting flustered, thoughts of every little thing that could go wrong dance around his head, teasing him for even trying. As if he could come close to figuring things out with Izuku, that he could lose the respect of the one person who reached out to him. Todoroki was scared, and proud, and all sorts of things all at once. His grip tightened on the cup of coffee.

"Todoroki…are you okay? This isn't like you," Izuku said, looking worriedly at his friend in the opposite seat.

"I just, I've had it," Todoroki squeezed the words out, "For the past few weeks I've not been able to think straight! I start to feel weird and gooey and I don't know what it is. I'm just confused and worried and I don't know what I'm…" Todoroki could only stare downwards, too embarrassed to look Izuku in the eyes. The flood gates were opened, he felt his eyes begin to form tears as his body racked with emotion.

"Todo, I think I understand how you feel," Izuku put his hand over Todoroki's, bringing his attention to Izuku's now beaming smile. Todoroki's now completely still, his face showing the redness of someone about to cry.

"You're in love aren't you?"

Todoroki's breath was shaky, "Well, um, I…yes?" The thought had crossed his mind before. In love? He had never felt affection like he does now for anyone before. In a moment, the answer he was looking for hit him harder than any blow or villain's attack could – he loved Izuku. But now his heart was tangled in a new fear, one that came with his realization for his feelings, one that he suspected but never wanted to admit. Did Izuku love him?

"Well this is great! And here I thought something terrible happened to you Todo. So, if you don't mind me asking," Izuku's eyes were nearly sparkling with curiosity, "who is it? Can I guess?"

He looked at Izuku with confusion. Todoroki felt a little more collected than a moment ago, not sure whether he should continue. But, he couldn't back out now, he already admitted it to him this far, he couldn't accept it if he did. He breathed deeply.

"Isn't...isn't it obvious?" Todoroki left it open and safe, not physically able to form the words he meant to say.

Izuku tilted his head. "No, not really? I'm happy for you Todo, but you've got to tell me! I'm your friend and I want to support you."

He has absolutely no clue.

"Well, I don't quite feel ready to say it, so maybe you could guess?" Todoroki didn't know why Izuku wasn't getting it. Granted, he wasn't out right saying it, but there's no way someone like Izuku couldn't see it.

"Hmm, well, let's see. Is it Ashido? Or maybe Hagakure? I'm completely stumped," Izuku smiled sheepishly and placed his hand behind his head. He really couldn't guess the obvious. Todoroki felt hurt. He had to lie to himself to get here, and now he showed Izuku a side of him that he never knew he had. Maybe this really was a mistake. Maybe…

"I – um, it's not…any of the girls…" Todoroki was barely holding it together at this point. He looked almost like normal now, but inside a storm was forming. Maybe Izuku doesn't love me.

Izuku reacted like usual, with a characteristic Deku-Scream and a face of exaggerated shock. But, it wasn't really a surprise to him, just not something he'd hear from Todoroki.

"Ah, I see. So then that leaves…Oh! I know who it is now," Izuku smirking lightly. Todoroki froze. "It's definitely Tenya, am I right?"

Todoroki could practically feel the stab wound in his back. Tears were ready to roll down his face as his breathing became rapid. He couldn't believe how stupid he was, coming out here and letting it all out like this. He shot up from his seat and exploded in typical Todoroki fashion: sudden and heart-felt.

"No! I'm sorry I'm just – gah! I need to leave."

"Todo –"

"Don't, just…"

He turned around and made it for the exit, still trying to hold it back as he was noticeably sobbing. He opened the door and bolted through Tsuyu and Uraraka before they could reach the handle. They were blindsided as their date started off with a distressed Todoroki and Izuku clamoring towards him. Izuku ran towards the exit and tried to get his attention once more.

"Wait! Todoroki!"

After he obviously couldn't convince him to come back and explain everything, Izuku turned to face the couple that just witnessed the whole ordeal. Tsuyu stared blankly in surprise as Uraraka, in a similar expression, placed a hand on Izuku.

She asked, confused and concerned, "Izuku, what the hell just happened?"