Hiro notices that Fred smiles a lot; or rather, that Fred smiles at him a lot. It weirds Hiro out at times, but he'd always just chalked it up to himself being the weird one. People smiled at their friends usually, right? What else would they do, frown at each other all day?
(It's funny when he thinks about it, because whenever Tadashi smiles at him, he doesn't get weirded out. It just feels like there are ants crawling all over his skin. In the pleasant way. Hiro's not sure how having insects all over you can be in any way pleasing, but he decidedly ignores the fact whenever it comes up.)
The question somehow ends up slipping out unintentionally one day at lunch. "Why are you always smiling all the time?"
And thank the Lord for Fred, because he understands what Hiro's really trying to ask: "Why do you always smile at me?"
Fred says it's 'cause he likes people. And Hiro is a person. Therefore, Fred automatically likes him.
Hiro's not sure if he can believe that.
Apparently, his thoughts show on his face, because Fred shoots him a smirk and a knowing look all stirred together on his sleepy face. "If you don't believe me, then ask Tadashi."
Hiro tries to ignore his stupid, traitorous, palpitating heart. "Why?"
Fred snorts, and gives Hiro an honest-to-god mysterious smile. "Because I'm sure he likes you too."
The genius tries his best not to scowl doubtfully. "Alright then, maybe I will," he says with way more confidence than he feels.