With their distraction gone, Momo and Shouto stand in the hallway, accidentally staring at each other's eyes. They both notice what each other was doing and both turn their heads to look away.
"What am I doing?" is the thought they both shared as the hallway fills with this awkward vibe.
"Yaoyorozu, is that pot too hot. I can cool it down for you momentarily." Shouto raises his right hand.
"No, no. I'm okay, but I'd like to come in eventually. This pot is awfully full, and I don't wanna make a mess in the hallway."
Like a gentleman letting his date through, Shouto directs his arm towards the room. A physical gesture welcoming Momo to enter.
"Yaoyoruzu."
"Yes, Todoroki-san?" Momo sets down her pot on top of Shouto's table.
"What's in there?" Shouto knew exactly what's inside the pot, but for the sake of Momo's feelings he wanted to play dumb for her.
"Oh, this," Momo hurriedly opens the top. "I made some chicken noodle soup to help with your cold, or fever, or whatever your condition is." Shouto never realized it before, but the way his seatmate is flustering over his question seems rather adorable.
"Why am I having these thoughts?"
Upon first glance of the soup, Shouto already knew that several things are out of place.
"Soba noodles?"
"Oh, I know it sounds weird, but soba noodles are more nutritious and contain essential amino acids, as well as antioxidants."
"I see."
He then notices tiny flakes of chili flakes floating on the surface. In fact, the stock itself looked more red than your average chicken noodle soup.
"I know it's a little red, but adding some spiciness would help decongest your sinuses."
Shouto may feel better, but he still does have a cold.
"Perhaps there's a method to her madness."
The two sit down as Momo materializes a ladle and two spoons from her hand. She then makes two ceramic bowls. She believes that ceramic would retain the heat of the soup better.
Staring at the cauldron of red brew, Shouto swallows his spit as he waits for Momo to serve him a bowl.
"Here you go." Momo said with a eager smile of her face.
"Thank you."
He takes a spoonful of soup and gulps it down. Rather than expecting his mouth to burst into flames, something strange occurs. He takes another spoonful. Then another. And another. Shouto is beyond shocked. He never expected this from her. Never in a million years did he ever expect to use this word to describe her cooking.
"Umai."
"Umai?" Momo cradles her head on her hands. "You really think so?"
"I never lie, Yaoyorozu. It's a little spicy, but I really do enjoy it."
"Really?" Momo takes a sip of soup from her bowl. Her eyes widen in disbelief. For once, she finally cooked something palatable. She covers, her mouth almost in horror of her creation. Shouto looks at her with concern.
"What wrong, is it not to your taste?"
"It's delicious." A tear fell from Momo's eye. She keeps her face covered, to keep Shouto from noticing. Her lack of self-confidence and her previous failed attempts have left her doubtful about her cooking skills. Today, however, she doesn't have to worry. Her dish came out a success.
"Did the soup burn your tongue," Shouto asks. "Here let me cool it down for you." He waves his right hand over her bowl. Momo tried to take her spoon out of the bowl, but instead she pulls out a chicken noodle soup popsicle. Perhaps Shouto used a little too much of his quirk.
"Todoroki-san, if you can."
"Sorry." He waves his left hand over the bowl, and the soup melts and returns to its warm, liquid state.
"I can't believe I lost control. Her smile, it's too distracting."
Perhaps Shouto has been spending too much time with Izuku lately.
Ngl I could go for some spicy tofu soup after writing this chapter.