"I never liked the idea of proms," Todoroki always told himself.
However, this year was different. Todoroki's velleity, his tiniest sliver of interest, for UA's all-level prom evolved into an uncontainable desire to attend.
Why?
Todoroki's bicolor eyes wandered to take a cursory glance to his left, two rows in front of him. There sat a young hero with the lushest mop of forest green hair going about in unruly wisps and curls.
Todoroki's supposed glance turned into staring. The young hero he was watching cocked his head to the side, and there he met his smaragdine eyes that shone greener and scintillated more brilliantly than any emerald.
Midoriya Izuku...
Midoriya flashed his signature radiant smile to Todoroki, one that lit up his day now and again. Todoroki returned the gesture, although it seemed that the line of his lips creaked up only a centimeter. Nevertheless, Midoriya appreciated his effort before he turned back to face the board.
The slightest hint of red dusted Todoroki's cheeks before he looked away. His eyes fell on the only other redhead in class, Kirishima.
Kirishima seemed on edge today. He fidgeted a lot and silently squirmed in his seat. Todoroki wasn't the only one taking quick looks at people. Kirishima, too, was furtively eyeing Bakugo now and then. In his head, he was contemplating how to man up to his crush.
They weren't the only ones, though. The period before class started was pretty much people peeking at their potential partners for prom.
Ah, yes, this was Class 1-A's first prom experience.
「笑顔 | えがお」
Todoroki hated his inherent cold and aloof aura. For once, he wanted only to have his warm side and not his cold one (figuratively, of course), but he didn't know if his warmth could go beyond his quirk's flame. Achieving friendliness is easier said than done.
Todoroki genuinely tried his best. He had attempted to leave behind the seriousness that he dragged behind himself, to engage in small talk and conversations (or at least give nod or thumbs up here and there while everyone else was talking), and—most important of them all—to keep an amiable smile on his face at all times.
The keyword here was "attempted" because Todoroki had put his best efforts into being more social but managed to be only somewhat decent in going along with everyday communication. People did appreciate his efforts in a way, only Todoroki didn't exactly scream "Let's be friends!" on the outside. However, on the inside, he was indeed calling out for some friendship. He needed solace from another anchor, another relation.
Though, Todoroki didn't know why he couldn't establish any strong connections. Well, he hardly ever talked if he wasn't approached first or if the matter didn't involve academic requirements or critical and analytical situations. Todoroki could reply when approached but still struggled with initiating conversations themselves. Perhaps that was one of the major reasons, other than the fact that he was naturally taciturn.
Todoroki was told time and again that a smile on his face would make conversing much easier, but it was challenging for him to flash a genuine smile. Todoroki knew he used to smile like that before, but he lost the ability somewhere in his twisted childhood and never seemed to be able to smile properly again. Along with his pledge to only use his ice, his right side, he also seemed to wear a cold, distant mask to match. Todoroki ended up learning how to chat and socialize without smiling genuinely. In the meantime, it worked out for him, but it probably wouldn't get him far.
However, one day, that changed. It was unaccounted for, he must admit, but what Todoroki felt on that day was an intense euphoria. It seemed to have sparked something inside him, literally and figuratively. That was the day he first used his flames, his left side again. He stopped viewing it as his father's and instead as his own. It was also the day he learned how to smile genuinely again.That final day of the UA Sports Festival was where it sparked.
Todoroki was stiff and unwelcoming to Midoriya those past few days. He even went as far as confronting him about the green-haired hero's personal matters, including about All Might. Todoroki would later promise to make up for that.
「笑顔 | えがお」
Midoriya's smile was infectiously, dazzlingly cheerful, almost brighter than the sun. Although some might not admit it, nearly everyone in Class 1-A agreed that his radiant smile brought some extra light into their school lives. Midoriya's passion and charisma were of no less caliber to that effulgent smile of his. They seemed to ooze out of him in waves that permeated through the air. His story, his struggle, inspired many of his classmates. Indeed, everyone had the lucky opportunity to have watched and keep on watching Midoriya grow. He simply had an admirable, approachable aura that welcomed anyone, including the most recluse of people.
That was right—Todoroki wasn't spared from the influence of Midoriya. At first, he found the young, green-haired boy to be happy-go-lucky and naive, but maturity came and gradually shaped him into the hero that he was becoming. Midoriya's dedication and instinct were what Todoroki admired about him the most. It was awe-inspiring how Midoriya doesn't hesitate to save someone. After all, he didn't seem to hesitate much when he saved Todoroki from his metaphorical chains. He told Todoroki that his quirk was his own power, and it didn't mean that he had to be his father. It meant that he was Todoroki, perfect as himself. That was how he started to lose his rigid exterior—gradually that is—like a daunting wall slowly crumbling and burning down to reveal the fabled treasures it hides. Finally, someone was able to see past the tall facade and try to break it. Midoriya's statement was a sincere punch to his walled-up heart, creating the initial cracks to freedom.
For Todoroki, Midoriya was an example. That was one of the reasons why the green-haired hero managed to reach out to him. He respected how Midoriya went from shaking like a leaf to standing headstrong. So if Midoriya could do it, Todoroki could as well.
Todoroki tried his very best and noticeably became friendlier. He didn't scowl that much anymore because the corners of his mouth stayed creaked up slightly in a vague smile most of the time. He followed Midoriya's example and attempted to purge his intimidating aspects. Initiating conversations wasn't that unnatural to Todoroki anymore, and he managed to approach mostly anyone with a smile, no matter how small it was. Although this was all remarkable for him, it was still only a little progress in the long run—a big leap to start his extensive journey to sociability. Todoroki wanted—no, needed—to be approachable by the end of the week. There was something critical to which he needed to attend.
"How am I supposed to do this?" Todoroki mumbled to himself.
In his bedroom, Todoroki nestled himself in his ruffled up bedsheets, phone in hand as it glowed and illumined the makeshift blanket tent he had made. His screen was the only light source in his dark, dismal bedroom. Todoroki scrolled through his phone's search engine, his fingers finally settling on what to tap. His choice was "promposal dot com" because the domain name sold it for him.
"How am I supposed to propose to Midoriya for prom?" Todoroki held his phone to his forehead as he calmed his ragged breaths.
The webpage loaded as Todoroki scanned his eyes over the details. He scrolled past all the introduction and advertisements and immediately clicked on the tab labeled "Tips" to check what they had to say. He needed to know the key elements that he couldn't leave out of his proposal.
Todoroki read through the seemingly effective and concise set of four tips.
How to Propose
Approach them with a smile. Whether or not you're doing something fancy, a smile is the best way to show them that they mean a lot to you, that they bring joy and comfort to your heart. It also sets a cheerful and positive aura for the moment.
Speak your mind. Say what you mean. Mean what you say. You have your say, but don't be mean. Tell the person why you love them so much. Emphasize how much you care. You may use artful figures of speech to round it all up, but please avoid those cliche phrases. Try using unique and personal metaphors and similes. Don't be afraid to open up. When your heart is open, so will theirs. This two-way connection is the secret to your success.
Show don't just tell, as well. You may be telling them all about it, but you shouldn't just do that. Substantiate your words with actions that show how much you love them. Don't resort to those sweet nothings, those honeyed words, those unctuous praises. If you truly love them, then you'll know how to express that love with your actions.
Seal the deal with a kiss. Speaking of actions, this is one of the most romantic ways to conclude a proposal. Of course, obtain some form of their consent before anything else and just enjoy and cherish the euphoric, heavenly moment as it lingers.
Todoroki was blushing furiously after reading everything. Indeed, it seemed like a fool-proof plan, but he couldn't envisage himself executing these steps properly (especially the last one).
Todoroki sighed and decided that he would go for it tomorrow. If he waited for too long, he could lose his chance. Someone else could ask Izuku and vice versa. Todoroki knew that Midoriya was openly bisexual, so that made him just more of a target for anyone, other than the fact that a lot of people fell for him.
Exhibit A— Todoroki...
Todoroki knew that he needed to ask him as soon as possible. He would request for Midoriya to meet him at the back of the school after classes were done. Then, he would strike.
「笑顔 | えがお」
The lunch break bell reverberated throughout the halls, signaling the time to eat. Shouto picked up his tray of not-that-hot soba and proceeded to, fortunately, find an empty seat beside Midoriya, who was across Iida and Uraraka in a four-seater table.
"Midoriya, may I sit here?" Todoroki said.
His voice was as level and calm as ever, but there was an underlying tone of excitement and anticipation to it that no one seemed to notice.
"Sure!" Midoriya gave him a grin.
Then, he continued to ravage his katsudon, filling his voracious appetite.
For the most part, Todoroki stayed silent, eating his soba with the deadpan face he didn't notice he had when doing so. He would usually age to say a few things, but the anxiety was chewing on his nerves when he mentally told himself that he had his promposal today. Todoroki was bitterly reminded of that when Iida announced that he had fully planned his promposal.
"That's right! I fabricated a full twenty-step plan for it!" Iida fixed his glasses, light triumphantly reflecting from it.
"Woah, Iida-kun, that's awesome!" Deku squealed, hands flailing in excitement, the fervid smile on his face completing his enthusiasm.
Todoroki bit his lip.
Oh, hell, why was he so cute!
"Yeah, if only we had the initiative you have!" Ochaco nudged Iida. "So, who is it!"
Iida suppressed his slight blush. "Well, t-that information is technically unnecessary to the disclosure of my flawless plan!"
"Aww, c'mon, Iida-kun!" Midoriya pouted.
Iida stayed a nervous wreck as though he realized something critical. "Ah, never mind! What about you, guys? Do you have any plans for prom?"
Todoroki watched as Uraraka rolled her eyes when Iida cowardly changed the topic and diverted the attention off of him. On the other hand, Midoriya flushed at Iida's question.
"Midoriya?" Uraraka turned to face him with a concerned look.
Todoroki followed her gaze to a slight blush creeping on the green-haired hero's cheeks.
Midoriya squirmed in his seat. "Well, someone already asked me..."
Their table was dead silent, so much so that if there weren't any other people happily chattering away in the mess hall, one could hear a pin—or even a broken heart— drop.
Everyone was slack-jawed, but it seemed as if those words affected some of them more deeply than it should have. Something shattered within Todoroki (and Uraraka as well). Todoroki's heart was thumping heavily and sinking in his chest. It felt like sorrow and despair were tearing and clawing at him.
Midoriya rubbed his neck. "You guys look so shocked. Don't worry! I didn't accept blindly. I didn't know her much, so I— Well, uh, I rejected her."
At those words, some relief eased into Todoroki's and Uraraka's hearts. But, there was something else.
I rejected her.
That was it. It was those words that fueled Todoroki's anxiety and trepidation. A shiver ran down his spine before he turned to stare directly into Midoriya's emerald eyes.
Would you reject me too?
Those words echoed in his mind as more awkward silence ensued.
Midoriya's embarrassed chuckles broke that quiet. "Guys, really, you don't need to feel so down about it. I have my own choices and plans."
Iida seemed to brighten at the prospect of plans. "That's great, Midoriya-kun! It's always beneficial to plan ahead. Speaking of which, Uraraka-san, since we're both finished eating, I need some help with a few steps of my promposal plan. Will you accompany me to the school gardens? Oh, and I hope it's okay that we're leaving you two."
Midoriya just waved Iida off, supporting him in whatever plan he was to do with Uraraka for his promposal. Todoroki seemed more than happy as well.
On the other hand., Uraraka seemed hesitant, sneaking a few glances at Midoriya, which Todoroki did not fail to notice. In the end, although something stirred in her, she decided to give a nod at Iida's request.
Iida promptly smiled and stacked their food trays. "I am extremely grateful, Uraraka-san. Thank you, and let's go!
The pair slowly walked away until they melted into the crowds of people, leaving Todoroki to sit awkwardly beside Midoriya.
An opportunity! At least, Iida's good for something.
Todoroki shifted uneasily.
He then turned to look to Midoriya, who was finishing his tea.
"Uh, Midoriya?" Todoroki squirmed unnoticeably.
"Yes, Todoroki-kun?" Midoriya put his empty cup of tea down.
"Um, can you meet me at the back of the school after class? I have some important matters to discuss." Todoroki finished staring into the green-haired hero's enchanting eyes.
"Uh, sure. What is it?" Midoriya gazed at him, waiting for an answer.
"I'll tell you later." Todoroki frantically looked away from Midoriya.
Todoroki stood up with his empty tray, mumbled a thank you to Midoriya, deposited his tray, and promptly exited the mess hall with a nervous shiver running down his spine.
「笑顔 | えがお」
Todoroki waited for Midoriya at the back of the school. The green-haired hero had to drop by the faculty room after class, so he ended up waiting for a few. Todoroki didn't mind, especially when Midoriya came walking around the corner.
A smile is the best way to show them that they mean a lot to you...
Todoroki's face brightened up as he beamed at the Midoriya's presence. The green-haired hero gave a cheery wave in return.
"So, what did you want to talk about?" Midoriya asked with a smile.
"Well..." Todoroki started.
Speak your mind. Emphasize how much you care. Try using unique and personal metaphors and similes.
"Midoriya... I— You are the most adorable... piece of broccoli I've ever seen." Todoroki wanted to facepalm so badly.
(Not only did he hide his embarrassment, but also his blushing, flushed face as well.)
Midoriya raised a disconcerted eyebrow. "What?"
Todoroki shook his embarrassment off his head. "I mean, you're really attractive. Wait, no! Wait, yes, you are attractive, but that's not just it."
Todoroki's anxiety expression melted into a sincere smile."You're also kind and selfless. You always assist and care for others, even if it puts you at risk. Sometimes, you do stupid things, but you go through it with a smile. Then, everything turns out great in the end, just like how you helped me get through my hardships and break my chains. You... You..."
Substantiate your words with actions that show how much you love them. You'll know how to express that love in actions.
But, Todoroki didn't. He barely knew what to say. How would decide on which affectionate actions he would resort to? No, he couldn't. The best he could do now was talk.
Speak your mind...
Tears prickled at Todoroki's bicolor eyes. "I love you... I love you so much! I love you... more than all the soba in the world. Wait, all the soba in the world..."—he drooled at the thought—"Soba is... No! Wait! I—"
Midoriya couldn't take it anymore. He surged forward and shut Todoroki up with a kiss, pushing the two-toned hero's back to the concrete wall of the school building.
Seal the deal with a kiss.
Todoroki consented and kissed back. His lips were warm like an inviting fire. They drew Midoriya in as their heat seeped into his. The green-haired hero savored the moment before getting surprised by a cool tongue swiping my lips, begging for entrance. The frigid sensation sent chills down his spine, but he happily obliged and allowed Todoroki to sink deeper in their intimate moment.
For a moment, Todoroki smiled into the other's lips as he stared at the closeup view he had of Midoriya's coruscating, verdant eyes. He didn't know that he was unconsciously using his powers to make the kiss more passionate. He wrapped his arms around Midoriya in a warm hug.
Todoroki didn't care that he hadn't followed the steps exactly. At least, he did the last step correctly: enjoy the heavenly moment as it lingered. When they parted, Todoroki knew that he had only half a brain left. The kiss had melted his mind and coherent thinking. He was left staring dumbly at Midoriya's flushed cheeks speckled with those adorable freckles. The soft, waning glow of the sinking sun crept onto Midoriya's face, the light highlighting his handsome smile.
Todoroki never wanted to stop gazing at Midoriya's cute face and, behind him, the fiery haze of gold and vermilion illuming a flat strip of low-lying, velvety clouds, giving them an ethereal gleam amidst the darkening grays and blues of the clear canvas of sky above them. The clouds would make the peeking moon and stars envious of their heavenly presence as the sun continually vanished into the infinite horizon.
But, not one sophisticated description of the divine sunset could wish to beat what he thought of Midoriya.
Midoriya was rightfully at the center of his view, the sunset merely a background to accentuate the green-haired hero's allure and pulchritude. His passion and spirit blazed brighter than those golds and vermilions. His loving gaze was unbelievably softer than those gleaming clouds. His endless, golden potential would put the dark, vast sky to shame. His celestial smile sparkled and probably made the moon and stars even more jealous.
Yes, Todoroki wouldn't mind numbly staring at Midoriya for a few more seconds before he regained his composure. Once he did, he then noticed how close their faces were. He squirmed slightly.
"Will you go to prom with me?" Todoroki managed to squeak out.
It took a lot of courage for him to not look away from Midoriya when he said that, but it all paid off when the green-haired hero leaned forward to peck a chaste kiss on Todoroki's lips.
"Will you go on a date with me before that?" Midoriya countered cheekily.
The two-toned hero's bicolor eye's widened. "Yes!"
Midoriya chuckled. "There's your answer."
It was such a sweet moment to themselves, something to cherish for a long time, but little did they know that others were watching.
笑顔 | えがお | egao
noun
-smiling face; smile