My phone rang bright and early the next morning, jerking me from my happy slumber and I rolled over with a groan to paw blindly at the bedside table. "What?" I growled sleepily into the receiver. Very few people had my new number since I replaced my phone, so I wasn't too worried about my rude greeting.
"Well thank fuck you're alive!" an annoyed voice snipped back. Toshinori shifted against my back, and I knew he could probably hear the voice on the other end of the phone.
"Ankoku, what time is it?" I groaned. "You normally sleep 'till noon. Why are you calling me so early?"
"Maybe because I was up all night worrying when you didn't come home!" he replied exasperated.
Shit, I really should have told him, I thought a little guiltily. "Well, I'm not dead and I'm not in jail, so you can rest easy," I sighed, scrubbing a hand over my face to chase the sleep away.
"Well thanks for telling me. Really appreciate you considering the emotions of your dear old pal here," he drawled sarcastically. He paused for a moment though, but then gasped. "Wait, does this mean you saw All Might when you went to Yūei?" he asked, and Toshi jumped slightly.
I cleared my throat, not turning my head to look at the man beside me. "Ah, yeah. Yeah, I did."
"Did you tell him you're sorry you're an insufferable dumbass?"
Toshinori snorted and clammed a hand over his mouth to muffle his coughing. I glanced at him quickly, concern turning to indignation when I saw the corners of his eyes were crinkled with silent mirth. "Not in those exact words," I growled back into the phone.
"Did you get laid? Is that why you didn't come home?" he asked excitedly, making the hero's shoulder shake harder with both laughter and coughing.
"Jesus, dude! Get your own sex life and stop worrying about mine!"
"That wasn't a no!" he crowed on the other end.
There was a blood-stained smirk on Toshinori's lips when lowered his hand from his mouth. Holding out his palm, he raised a brow in a silent question.
Oh, this should be good, I thought as a smile tugged at the corner of my lip as well, and I passed the phone his way.
"Hello!" he said cheerfully in his best All Might voice, making me snicker as I heard Ankoku yelp in surprise. "I am here because Mei gave me the phone! Your friend is in good hands young man, no worries!"
"Holy shit! It's actually you!" I could still hear my friend's voice, and Toshinori chuckled.
"Yes, it's me. You're the friend who's looked out for Mei since she escaped All for One, aren't you?"
"Uh, yeah... Your's truly. Chiba Ankoku at your service," he replied hesitantly.
"Thank you." It melted my heart the way the hero smiled when he said it - the guy really was a big softy.
"Wha-? Ah, you're welcome, I guess," my friend said awkwardly, and I could imagine the look on his face as he probably sat there baffled and confused.
"Okay, okay, that's enough - give it back," I said, chuckling and holding out my hand for the phone. "Listen, Ankoku, I gotta go. But I'll drop by and get my things from your place either today or tomorrow, okay? Thanks for putting up with me, but I won't need the couch bed anymore."
The laugh on the other end still sounded bewildered. "Yeah, whatever kid. Just let me know if you need anything."
"Can do. Talk to ya later, numb nuts."
"Adios, dipshit," he replied lazily, followed by the click of the call ending.
I tossed my cell phone back on the bedside table and turned to Toshinori with a half-serious grimace. "He's been convinced that I was sleeping with you since the end of April," I told him with an eye roll. "I mean, he didn't know you were All Might back then - I only told him I was staying with a pro - but the man somehow knew I liked you before I even knew I liked you," I said, shaking my head in amusement.
Toshinori huffed out a small laugh. "You two have a very interesting friendship."
"You don't know the half of it," I groaned. "I want to kill him more often than not, but he's like my brother so I've restrained myself thus far."
The blonde looked amused, and I settled back under the covers comfortably. Really, I should go ahead and start my day - Nezu had informed me yesterday that I'd need to meet with him to sign the needed paperwork, plus there was a staff meeting I was supposed to attend so he could announce my employment - but the temptation to stay snuggled up with Toshinori a little longer was easy to give in to.
With the soft morning light coming through the curtains the room had a warm, almost amber glow and the way the sunrise caught his hair made it look golden. Reaching out I gently ran my fingers through one long bang, enjoying how soft his hair always was despite the tousled mess it appeared to be. He closed his eyes - by now I'd figured out that the quickest way to make him melt was by playing with his hair - and I took the moment to study his face closer. The poor man looked so tired even after just having woken up, which gave me a rather guilty feeling when I thought about how little he must have slept since I left. The morning stubble on his chin was barely visible, but still there, and a few of the hairs flashed silver in the morning light instead of gold. I trailed my hand over his cheek and then down the side of his neck, feeling his pulse jump beneath my fingertips. When my hand skimmed over his chest, it was impossible to ignore how prominent his ribs and sternum felt below the skin. There really wasn't a single ounce of body fat on him, and I felt his body tense more the longer I studied him. It made me feel this wistful sort of sorrow knowing he was so ashamed of his own body, but as usual I had no clue what to say to convince him of the fact that I truly didn't care what he looked like - he was still the most wonderful man I'd ever seen. But without the needed vernacular or elegance, I settled for kissing his chest just over his heart instead.
He deserves so much more than me, I thought again, not for the first or last time.
When I looked up at his face again his eyes were open and watching me with an unreadable expression. He pulled me closer, making my heart rate speed up as our lips met. Unlike the almost frantic urgency of last night, this morning was gentle and tender as he pressed into me. His touch conveyed love over lust yet was no less intense. Strong thin arms encircled my waist holding me to him as we moved together, tongues tangling lazily, small noises and gasps muffled by the other's mouth. He was focused and intent, bringing me to completion gradually and leisurely before he found his own. He didn't yell this time as he finished inside me, but shuddered silently, face pressed against the side of my neck. For several moments we stayed like that with him buried inside me, his hips flush with mine and body tense.
When he relaxed finally, my eyes fluttered open, and I let out a contented sigh as he pulled away. I could certainly get used to starting my mornings like this, and from the look in those shining cyan eyes that I so adored I could tell he more than agreed.
Several hours later found me nervously standing in the hallway in one of Yūei's corridors again. The previous couple hours had been a maelstrom of paperwork in Nezu's office, and I now understood why the Symbol of Peace detested clerical work so much; it was grueling.
Toshinori had gone on in, per my request, though he'd hadn't done so without argument. However, I thought it might be better to have at least one friendly face greet me when I entered the meeting room. I was waiting until the last possible second before the staff meeting was to start, worried about the reactions of the pro heroes gathered in the conference room. It was still a little unclear to me just how much everyone knew, and the fear of the unknown was even worse than the idea that my new coworkers might resent me for my deception.
The news had been quick to pick up on my story after the Kamino Ward Incident, and while mercifully they didn't dig up any dirt from my villainous past life, only a day after the number one hero's retirement the story broke that one of the students he'd been trying to rescue was actually a vigilante posing as a child. Principal Nezu later came out with an official statement that I'd been working with him and All Might all along, which had indeed brought an even greater increase in criticism against the school. Beyond that, I didn't know how much the teachers here knew. Did they know I was an ex-villain? Foolishly I'd told Aizawa that night when he caught me on patrol, but he hadn't reacted in surprise at the time. To be fair though, the serious man hardly ever reacted to anything unless it was in annoyance. Did they know about All Might and me? Nezu seemed to, since he had nonchalantly included an HR form for staff relationships in my paperwork earlier, and casually asked me to return it with Toshinori's signature as well. However, I wasn't sure if it was his high level of intelligence that enabled him to deduce the nature of our relationship or if it was something the retired hero had informed him of previously. My guess leaned more towards the former rather than the latter.
Taking a deep breath, I finally made my feet move, and they carried me almost robotically around the corner where I'd been waiting out of sight before shaking hands pushed open the door to allow me entrance to the conference room. Due to my hesitation, I was one of the last to arrive, and when I stepped through the doors the room immediately fell silent.
You can do this. This is just like it's another mission, I tried to tell myself. Only it was a lie. This wasn't just like any other mission, because this time I had no disguise to hide behind. There was no cover story, no ulterior motive - it was just me. Just Hara Mei.
The silence was loud and oppressive to me, and while I had originally intended to take a page out of All Might's book and face the room with a smile, now I wasn't sure I could manage.
The tension was broken when Present Mic leaned back with a grin. "Man, kids these days sure do grow up fast, yo. Weren't you like, fifteen a month ago?"
Now the smile came, and I laughed. I'd hid behind jokes and humor for so many years, and once the initial spell of terror was broken, I settled back behind the wall much easier. "Yeah. But don't worry, Present Mic - you still don't look a day over forty," I teased, knowing very well the man was maybe thirty.
Several others laughed at the jest, and Midnight down right cackled as Present Mic puffed up in indignation. "Hey girl, watch your mouth! I turn thirty-one next week!" he complained loudly, and I grinned easily to show him I was kidding.
"Well, happy birthday - I'll have to buy you a drink later," I said, chuckling as I entered the room fully and putting a false confidence in my walk as I found an empty seat between Midnight and Thirteen. Across from me I caught Toshinori's eye, and he winked subtly with a half-smile playing at the corner of his mouth.
"You definitely don't look like a little girl anymore, my goodness," Midnight said, smirking.
And of course I knew I didn't - I'd put a lot of effort into appearing as adult-like as I could this morning, much to Toshi's amusement as he watched me get ready. My clothing choices had been limited to the same outfit I'd worn the day before since I hadn't gone back to Ankoku's yet, so after a quick run to the store, I'd stood in the bathroom applying my make up. Toshinori leaned around the door frame and the mirror's reflection gave away how his eyes lingering a little longer than they had to as he took in the pencil skirt and blouse I'd picked out. When he noticed my smirk as I watched him in the mirror he blushed slightly, looking almost sheepish that he'd been caught staring. "You can look if you want to," I told him, smiling as I resumed working on my cosmetics.
"This might be the most grown-up I've ever seen you," he said, quirking an eyebrow.
"Gee. Sure am glad the man I'm sleeping with thinks I look like an adult. Be real awkward otherwise," I replied sarcastically.
"Oh, stop it," he huffed, rolling his eyes. "You look beautiful, though. As always."
Then it was my turn to blush.
Now as I sat here in my new skirt and heels, hair done up in a neat bun and posture straight to contribute to the image of just how 'grown-up' I was, I could at least feel confident in my appearance if nothing else. "I clean up nice, huh?" I replied to the woman beside me.
"As fun as this is," Vlad King's deep voice growled suddenly, "I for one would like to know why you're here, vigilante." I did my best not to wince at the way he addressed me and instead smiled at him.
Principal Nezu saved me from answering though as he cleared his throat. "Yes, well now that everyone's here the meeting can begin, and we might as well address the elephant in the room." The principal was always so chipper, and right now I appreciated the way he could make even a more harrowing tale like my own sound less severe with his tone of voice. The abbreviated version he gave highlighted the most important subjects, but he didn't neglect to mention that I'd previously worked for All for One. At that, several surprised murmurs broke out among the pro heroes gathered. The small, furred hero went on to introduce my new position as a substitute teacher and that I'd be working on obtaining my hero license in the meantime.
"With all due respect, sir, is this a good idea?" Thirteen asked before glancing at where I sat beside her wishing the floor would just swallow me up. "No offense, Hara, but you started off your association with Yūei in a position of deception," she said, not unkindly. "I understand that Principal Nezu and All Might were aware of a plan that none of the rest of us were, but even so there's a lot of mistrust that will have sprouted from that not only among staff, but from the students and the public as well."
She wasn't wrong of course - her words were something I'd told myself a hundred times already. Nodding, I half grimaced, half smiled. "I'm well aware I will have a long way to go to earn the trust of not only everyone in this room, but of the students and citizens as well. I will have to work harder than anyone to make up for my past, but I can promise you with absolute conviction that I will. All I've ever wanted to do is help people, and make a true difference in the world. While I know my actions involving my undercover mission brought about a lot of angry and doubtful responses, I don't regret it. All the students are alive and safe. I would have given my life for them, were it necessary and I'd do it again. That's what it means to be a hero, right?"
"I don't think you'll have any issue with the students," Aizawa chimed in, watching me with tired eyes. "At least not 1A, and likely not 1B either - what do you think Vlad?" Vlad King scowled but nodded in agreement. "Those who saw you fight for them believe in you, and the rest of the students will eventually follow. The public eye will be harder to convince, but in time and with appropriate actions it won't be impossible. And as for Yūei's teachers," he paused here and looked around the room. "Well, it's not like we haven't used logical deceptions to our own advantages before," he said with a shrug.
I was floored. Aizawa was... defending me?!
Power Loader laughed, "I think it's mainly you who uses 'logical deception,' Eraser," he said. "But I agree. It would have been counter intuitive for everyone to know about Miss Hara. I'm not thrilled with your background," he added, casting me stern look under his helmet, "But so long as you've moved past that, I don't see any reason why I should object to you joining us." Several others muttered agreement, and I was amazed that there was really only a couple who looked unsure still.
I stood and bowed respectfully. "Thank you all, I will not let Yūei down," I vowed.
After that the meeting continued on to the other topics that needed discussing, and I was more than grateful to no longer be the center of attention. I did my best to absorb as much of the information as I could though, even the stuff that didn't pertain to my new job. If I was going to do this, I was going to do it right and give it my all. Now more than ever, I had every reason to go plus ultra.
When the meeting concluded around an hour later, as everyone began making their way out I approached Eraser Head. "So, how is 1A doing?" I asked.
"Careful, don't start playing favorites already," he said, and I couldn't stop the eye roll.
"Well, I might be a little biased, unfortunately," I replied, "but I'll certainly try my best. Seriously though. I haven't seen or heard from any of them since... well, you know. Is everyone okay?"
What might have been a hint of amusement flashed through the dark-haired hero's eyes, and for a split second I thought he almost smiled. "Yes, everyone's okay. They've been working on special moves in preparation for the provisional licensing exam in a couple days. I was headed to meet up with the class now for training, actually."
"Can I come by and see how they're progressing?" I blurted before I could stop myself.
Aizawa shrugged. "As long as you don't distract them from training, I don't care."
"Actually, I'd like to drop by too," Toshinori's voice rumbled as he approached.
"You just can't stay away can you?" the eraser hero huffed.
The blonde grinned. "Apparently not."
The three of us made our way out to the new training facility the school had constructed, and inside I could already hear the sounds of the students chattering and joking as they warmed up for their exercises. "You sure they don't hate me?" I hesitated uncertainly outside the doors, glancing sideways at my former teacher.
"Nope," he said slowly, emphasizing the pop on the 'p' sound. "But it's also unlikely." He pushed open the doors and walked in, calling the class to attention. Ectoplasm was already inside as well, having arrived before us to let the students into the facility.
When Toshinori and I walked in, there was no immediate reaction as the students paid attention to the instructions their homeroom teacher was giving them. However, maybe thirty seconds had passed when Mina suddenly yelled, "Holy crow, it's Hara!"
Instantly there was a mob around me, and for a split second I found it hilariously ironic that I was standing beside the number one hero and I was the one being mobbed. There were shouts of greeting and so many questions that I couldn't tell who was asking what or even what they were asking. "Okay, okay!" I said, throwing up my hands. "Good grief you guys, let me breathe!"
"What are you doing here?" Kirishima asked, grinning.
"Yeah. We thought you'd run off and fled the country or something," Mineta added, making me roll my eyes.
"Well, I definitely didn't flee the country - I didn't even leave the city. And I'm here..." I unashamedly paused for dramatic effect, "because I'm Yūei's newest teacher!" More shouts and chatter erupted before scarfs suddenly shot out to ensnare the students gathered around me.
"Hara, I told you I didn't care if you came by so long as you didn't distract them from their training," Aizawa growled.
"Right, sorry Eraser," I apologized. "Go on you guys, we'll catch up later, okay?"
A handful of students had hung back and were spared Aizawa's wrath. Bakugo in particular watched me with narrowed eyes from atop a rock outcrop in the center of the training area, and I felt a twinge of concern as I wondered what he was thinking right now.
Midoriya hadn't hung back, but I was surprised by the slightly subdued energy I felt from him. As the kids returned back to their class training, there was an almost hurt look in the boy's eye, and it occurred to me suddenly why. Guilt peppered my heart. I'd built a relationship with him more than any of the other teenagers, and he probably felt even more betrayed by my disappearance than any of the others. Dammit. I'll need to find time to talk to him later, I thought, making a mental note to find some way to make it up to him.
"I think you've already worn out your welcome, love," Toshinori said quietly, voice amused as he talked softly in my ear. It took all of my will power not to let any reaction show on my face at the natural and effortless way he called me 'love.'
"You're just jealous everyone noticed me make an entrance before they noticed that All Might was here," I joked, and he snorted at the tease.
I hung by the entrance, observing the class as Toshinori began making rounds to coach the students as they worked on their special moves. The hero was really getting into it, and I watched him mentor the students with a warm fondness. It had only been a few weeks since summer camp, but I was impressed by how much everyone had improved in that time. The signature moves were coming along spectacularly, and I was especially impressed with the green haired boy who had been obviously trying his best to avoid making eye contact with me this whole time. He was using his legs instead of his fists, and for the first time I saw it look like his quirk, not All Might's.
"Shoot Style, huh?" I commented when Toshinori rejoined me.
"Yeah. He's doing great with it too," he replied, pride evident in his expression as he watched the boy. "He's finally starting to find his own style instead of trying to copy mine."
I nodded. "It's a smart move, using his legs instead of his arms. Did he figure that out all on his own?" I asked.
"I didn't suggest it, if that's what you're asking," Toshi answered, still watching Midoriya train. "As difficult as it is, I do try to let him puzzle through things for himself; it wouldn't help him any if I just fed him the answers."
"He's come a long way."
"And he has a long way to go yet. His journey's only just begun," his mentor said. "But he'll be a great hero someday."
"Of course he will," I smiled, nudging my shoulder against his arm. "He's got you."
Toshinori shook his head. "After Kamino Ward, the teachers made rounds to the student's houses to speak with the parents of class 1A and 1B. I sat down with young Midoriya and his mother, and do you know what she said?" I raised a brow curiously and he continued, "She said she no longer trusted Yūei to keep her son safe, and that she wouldn't be allowing Izuku to return."
I sucked in a breath of surprise. Obviously, things had changed since he was here now. But at the time that must have broken Midoriya's heart, and it was probably incredibly difficult for Toshinori to hear as well. Her words may have been 'I don't trust Yūei,' but knowing him, he probably felt like she really said, 'I don't trust you.'
"Midoriya was obviously upset, and for a moment I worried - I wondered what would happen to my successor if he wasn't allowed to continue his training. He surprised us both, though. Instead of losing heart like so many would in his situation, he immediately switched gears to try and convince his mother to allow him to attend a different school if Yūei was off the table." While Toshi talked, I watched his face. His mouth was set in a somber line, but his eyes still held that same pride. "His determination is still just as strong as the first day I met him - if not stronger - and time after time he displays the courage and heart of a true hero. One for All aside, Izuku will be one of the best heroes with or without me, because it's his spirit that makes him great."
"You respect him a great deal, don't you?" I asked softly.
"Of course," he replied without hesitation, blinking at me as if the answer was obvious - which it was.
I nodded, and it warmed my heart to see how much he adored the kid. Midoriya talked about his mom all the time, but I'd only once heard him mention his dad, and that was only to tell me what his parents' quirks were. Maybe I was romanticizing real life too much, but my father and son jokes on the plane to I-island had come from a place of truth. I really did hope Midoriya found some sort of father figure in his mentor, and I hoped Toshinori saw the green haired teen as family too. Regardless of what the hero was saying, Izuku needed him.
And All Might needed Midoriya too.
As if to confirm my thoughts, the man beside me continued his quiet musings. "There have been several times where that young man has brought me courage without even knowing he's done so, and that afternoon was one of them. So, I told Midoriya Inko that I'd chosen her son as my successor, and that I'd do everything in my power to help him grow and keep him safe. I'm sure you've guessed that the story ends with her changing her mind, given that he is here in the gym now; she agreed to let him return, with stipulations. First, so long as I promised to be there to raise and to guide him, and second, he had to learn how to do this without hurting himself anymore."
"That's a tough job," I remarked, and he chuckled.
"Raising him or keeping him from hurting himself?" he asked, with a half grimace, half smile.
"Both," I laughed.
He nodded, eyes crinkled at the corners. "You've got me there. But we can do it."
"I believe in you - both of you," I told him, and while I knew I couldn't be too obvious with so many eyes around, I gently brushed my fingers against the back of his hand. He grabbed my hand and gave it a quick squeeze before releasing it and stepping back.
"Come on, I'll show you the teacher apartments. Did Principal Nezu say how long until yours was ready?" he asked, as we waved goodbye to the room and made our exit.
"Ah, about that," I said, reaching up to fiddle with my hair out of habit, but letting my hand fall when I remembered the neat bun I wore today. Instead, I reached in my bag and pulled out the HR form Nezu had given me earlier, and I handed it to Toshinori with a nervous smile.
His eyes scanned the document briefly and he raised a brow. "Well, that makes it simple at least," he said on an exhale. "I wasn't sure if relationships between staff members were allowed."
"What would you have done if they weren't?" I wondered.
"I figured I'd cross that bridge when we came to it," he answered with a shrug.
"Liar," I smirked. "I don't believe for a second you hadn't thought it through."
"You put too much faith in me," he shook his head, eyes light. "I don't always have a plan you know. If fact, I think it's more accurate to say I rarely have a plan. But in any case, I fail to see how this relates to your new accommodations," he said, but his tone told me he had an idea where this was going anyway.
"I might have told Nezu I didn't need my own rooms..." I said, watching the sidewalk intently, hands tangling in the strap of my bag as they wrung nervously in front of me.
"Did you now?" he hummed, and even without looking at him I could hear the smile; but I'd be willing to bet if I did look up, he'd also be as red as a tomato. "Then where will you be staying?"
"Well, we've been such good roommates up until now - why spoil a good thing, huh?" I said coyly. When I looked up at Toshinori he was definitely blushing, and I found it incredibly amusing and adorable. For a split second though, there was still that small spark of self-doubt. What if I was overstepping? Just because we'd stayed together at his apartment didn't mean he wanted that here. Maybe it was too much, too fast? However, even as the thoughts flitted through my brain, the tall man took my hand in his and brought it to his lips to brush a soft kiss against my knuckles.
"Sounds good to me. Don't fix it if it isn't broke," he muttered with a grin, making me laugh.
"Glad you agree," I replied, feeling my overzealous anxiety relax a smidge and my shoulders lost some of the tension I hadn't realized I was holding.
When we reached the teacher's residence building, I was surprised he didn't drop the hand he'd been holding. Even with our recent discussion on discretion, it seemed like an unspoken agreement had been made to keep it quiet around the school at least for a little while, and I was okay with that. It made sense. However, if we were going to be living in the same quarters, it was also inevitable that someone would notice sooner or later. The other building residents were pro heroes after all and no doubt our closer relationship wouldn't escape their observation totally.
I felt my jaw drop when we stepped inside, and I looked around the downstairs common area with wide eyes. "Damn, and I thought your place was fancy," I whistled lowly.
Toshinori snorted. "You thought my apartment was fancy?" he asked, incredulous and amused.
"Fancier than my old place for sure," I replied as I took it in. "I mean, come on Toshi. You live in a penthouse," I reminded him, and he coughed.
"Your old place was nice," he tried, covering his mouth with his hand and I rolled my eyes, ignoring him.
The common area was humongous, and contained a kitchen, dining area, large sitting space, and work area with desks and computers. While the architecture was modern, sleek, and stylish in a way that felt comfortable and welcoming, it still conveyed an atmosphere of prestige and standing that made me feel even more out of place than I already did. Thankfully the room was empty (likely a majority of the teachers were working with their classes at the moment), so there was no one besides Toshinori there to see the way my shoulders hunched self-consciously or the way my eyebrows scrunched together in uncertainty and hesitance.
Large hands laid gently on my shoulders, and he gave them a comforting squeeze. "What's wrong?" he asked, eyes concerned and searching.
But I wasn't ready to get into this again - not now. So instead, I smiled and shook my head. "Nothing."
Toshinori's frown only deepened at my reply. "I thought we agree to talk to each other from now on?" he reminded me, and my fake smile slipped a hair.
Dammit, you know he's right, I scolded myself internally. "Later," I sighed, and while he still didn't look thrilled, he seemed to accept it - for now. If I was being honest with myself though, I knew that really I hoped he'd just drop it.
Toshinori's rooms - our rooms, I reminded myself a little giddily - were on the second floor. Each floor held three apartments, and our hall-mates according to Toshi were Aizawa and Snipe. I was glad our neighbors were likely to be rather quiet, and the relief that I wouldn't have to hear Present Mic's inevitable yelling at any given time of day or night was undeniable. The tall blonde keyed into the room and stepped aside, holding the door open for me like a gentleman.
We stepped inside and I couldn't help the small giggle that escaped me as I took in the space. "Now this seems familiar," I hummed happily.
Toshi chuckled, almost sounding a touch embarrassed. "Yes well, as many talents as I have, home decor is not one of them. I've got one style and that's about it." The room we were in now was decorated so similarly to his apartment across town that I immediately felt more at home. Here too there were miscellaneous bits of All Might merch scattered around, and the furnishings were light and comfortable looking. The dorm itself seemed to be composed of four rooms - a main living area and kitchen combination, a bedroom, a bathroom, and a small office - and while they weren't super spacious, the space was cozy and homey. And it was still bigger than my old apartment had been.
"It's perfect," I said, turning around and smiling brightly at him. "You sure you don't mind sharing?"
Toshinori shot me a look that conveyed quite clearly that he wasn't impressed by the teasing question. "Considering how little I was looking forward to having to sneak back and forth between your rooms and mine every night, I don't mind at all."
It was too easy. "You weren't looking forward to spending the night with me?" I asked, putting on my best pout and immediately the man began sputtering.
"Y-you know what I meant!" he coughed and I let the fake pout give way to laughter. He glared at me for a only a moment as he wiped his chin, and I stood up on my tippy toes to try and kiss him. Damn the man was tall, and even stretched as high as I could I still had to grab a fistful of his shirt to drag him down far enough to reach. Despite the stern look I'd just received, I felt the smile on his lips when we kissed all the same.
"So anyway, Toshi... Why don't you give me the grand tour?" I asked, gesturing around the apartment as I pulled back some. "We can start with the bedroom."
His smile widened at that. "Sounds like the perfect place to start," he agreed, eyes sparkling.
It was a while later before I ever saw the rest of the place.