Chapter 2 Internet Quiz : Do You Have a Crush?
AN:Disclaimer : The characters depicted, settings, and some terminology in this fan work are the property of Kohei Horikoshi. The views and opinions of this fan based work in no way reflect the views or opinions of Kohei Horikoshi. This is a fanfiction written purely for entertainment purposes and nothing more. The author of this fan based work receives no profit gain in writing this.
AN: Hello! If you have read any of my other on going fics please don't worry updates are being worked on, but it will be some time. I also wanted to let everyone know I also post on AO3 as well.
"Woah...I knew your quirk was amazing but you're gonna make a great hero!" Midoriya spoke through panting breaths as they ended their training session. Shinsou couldn't help the way his lips curled upward in the slightest of smiles.
He really hoped one day he could be a great hero. He didn't care about the fame or the money, or any kind of recognition. He just wanted to help others. He wanted to show them that even with a villain's quirk he could be a great hero, and hearing someone tell him it was possible helped push him forward.
They both dropped to the ground having drained out most of their energy. Shinsou wasted no time laying back on the grass soaking in the sun eyes closed. He'd never pushed himself so hard during training before. Everything was already sore and it took an embarrassing amount of time to catch his breath compared to his sparing partner. He huffed a sigh. He knew he'd have to continue to work hard to reach his goals. He cracked his eye open to watch Midoriya finish stretching before he plopped down on the ground for a rest. He frowned wondering if he'd regret not stretching as well, but it was forgotten as soon as Midoriya aimed that bright sunshine smile his way.
That was the first time they'd trained together. Shinsou had expected it to be an awkward affair. However, Midoriya seemed really excited and not at all afraid of him or his quirk. It had definitely thrown him off kilter when Midoriya had casually suggested that he brainwash him for practice. Shinsou declined stating he'd rather work on his combat skills. Which in retrospect may have been a mistake as he recalled how sore he was the following day. Midoriya was definitely an odd guy, but he seemed like a decent person. He'd never met someone who seemed to wholeheartedly trust him especially given how short a time they've been friends. It was simultaneously worrying and pleasant.
That was three weeks ago and he still had trouble understanding Midoriya even though he found himself spending most of his free time around him. They sparred weekly and studied various subjects twice a week in the evenings and sometimes they added extra study sessions like today.
Shinsou glanced over in Midoriya's direction. He was lying on his stomach in the grass. His elbows supported his head as he leaned forward watching a villain fight on his phone only occasionally pausing to furiously jot notes. A light breeze pushed his already messy hair around. Midoriya's eyes shone wide as he continued to watch his phone. His English book lye next to him all but forgotten. Shinsou couldn't look away from the puzzle that was Midoriya.
The nice weather had brought several students outside to study out on the lush grass of the hero course dorms courtyard. Shinsou shouldn't have been surprised that Midoriya suggested it. He'd been inviting Shinsou to study with him often after learning he would be starting hero courses next semester. In fact if Shinsou didn't know any better he'd think Midoriya was just as excited as he was by the news. He felt a smile tug the corners of his lips as he recalled how happy Midoriya looked that day. He may not understand Midoriya or his motives very well, but he'd be lying if he said he hated having him around.
"Shinsou." His thoughts were broken by Midoriya's voice.
"You ready to get back to studying yet?" he replied. His voice held a tone of underlying teasing to it.
"Well...uh...yea I guess so." he faltered. His face painted with apprehension.
Shinsou watched the way Midoriya shifted to a seated position. His posture was stiffer than normal. "Was there something else?" Shinsou asked curiously eyeing Midoriya.
"Huh?! Oh no I just wanted...or I wondered actually if you could use your quirk on me? I mean I just wanted to know more about it! I was so amped up on adrenaline during the sports festival I barely remember what it was like, and I think your quirk is amazing and I just...oh gosh I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked. Let's just study." he finished taking a deep breath after his nonstop word vomit.
"What?" he felt his shoulders tense at the suggestion. Sure he'd used his quirk on him before during their fight and then twice directly afterward, but they were still in the ring. He had no desire to use his quirk on him for no reason. "You really aren't at all afraid of it are you?" he asked bewildered.
"Why should I be afraid?" he asked with a genuine confusion marring his features. "Is there some sort of side effect to prolong exposure or something like that?" he asked poised ready to write it down in his notebook.
"Er, no nothing like that. It's just I could literally make you do anything." he made certain to put extra emphasis on the word anything. There was no way Midoriya didn't realize the horrible range of things he could make the other do on whim. Right?
"I understand." Midoriya responded looking just as enthused with sparkling eyes and that big grin of his. "So? Are you going to use it one me?" he asked unwavering eyes stared directly into Shinsou's.
"Midoriya, I could use my quirk to make you... well I don't know... walk out into traffic? It's a dangerous quirk. You can't really be that naive." he asked the other skeptically.
"I get how dangerous your quirk could be, but I trust you." he spoke with such conviction that Shinsou couldn't help the way his mouth fell open in shock for a split second before he hastily recovered.
He didn't understand Midoriya, but he found himself really wanting to. Pleading green eyes stared over at him expectantly waiting to get his mind wiped like a dumb-ass in Shinsou's opinion, but if this was what Midoriya really wanted he'd give him what he wanted. Hopefully he wouldn't come to regret it. He pushed down his reservations and gave a defeated sigh.
"Fine, I can't take you staring at me like that anymore." he grumbled glancing away from Midoriya. "Last chance. You sure you want this? I might make you do something embarrassing." he teased with a smirk.
"Yes."
That's all it took for Shinsou to gain control over his mind. It felt like his head was fuzzy and everything sounded so muffled. He tried to move his limbs with no success. He could see Shinsou watching him curiously. He watched Shinsou's brow crinkle. He looked like he was deep in thought. Midoriya wondered what he might be ordered to do. Shinsou didn't leave him waiting too long before a mischievous grin flashed across Midoriya's vision.
"Dance."
Shinsou couldn't hold back his laughter as Midoriya began what he considered dancing. Shinsou let Midoriya sweat it out for about a minute before he gave him back control. He hugged his sides from laughing. He'd never seen someone so bad at dancing. He honestly thought Midoriya would have been able to dance easily given the nimble way he moves during battle, but this was aimless flailing.
"I told you it's a dangerous quirk." he chuckled holding his phone out to show he'd been recording. Midoriya flushed, but otherwise didn't comment on it. He stayed absolutely still and eerily quiet as he gathered his thoughts. Shinsou was about to ask if he was alright, anxious that he'd upset Midoriya, but then he abruptly flipped the page in his notebook, and furiously began scribbling notes with a fierce determination for several minutes without stopping. Shinsou watched in fascination as Midoriya detailed everything he felt under his quirk, and theories on how to break it's trance (since he'd somehow managed once). It was strange he never had anyone tell him what it was it like. Typically people didn't like speaking to him after he'd used his quirk on them. Before he could ask Midoriya anything he was hit with a barrage of questions.
"How many people can you control at once? What is your quirks duration? Are there any limits? I know you said you could make me do anything, but I don't think that's true. There has to be some type of limit. Oh also is brainwashing more difficult based on a person's personality type or intelligence level? Can you read minds as well or just control them?" Midoriya rattled on with rapid fire questions completely unfazed by Shinsou's lack of response or his flabbergasted expression.
"YOUNG MIDORIYA! I AM HERE!" called the booming voice of All Might effectively cutting off any response Shinsou had attempted.
Midoriya frowned looking at the time. He was late for his run with All Might. Time had passed so quickly. He had really wanted to hear all the answers to his questions, but All Might was already jogging in place next to him waiting expectanly.
"Ah, sorry Shinsou I lost track of time I have to go. I'll text you later!" he apologized hastily scooping all his books and papers into his bag and threw it over his shoulder taking after All Might.
The boy was a whirl wind. There one second and gone the next. Shinsou sat on the grass wide eyed. His gaze fell on a lone notebook laying on the grass. He picked it up carefully. The cover read Hero Analysis for the Future # wondered if he really should be looking through Midoriya's things, but he did leave it behind he reasoned with his conscience. He flipped lazily through the book. He was impressed with the sheer amount of detail even the drawings of everyone in their hero gear was really good. He had no idea Midoriya was artistic. He made it midway through the book when his eyes caught a glimpse of himself staring back at him.
Shinsou was shocked to see he already had a page in Midoriya's notebook. This must have been his initial quirk assessment. The writing was sloppy in the margins. He wondered briefly if Midoriya had written this before his hands healed fully from his fight with Todoroki.
Midoriya had dedicated him a page in his hero notebook. It shouldn't have been such a big deal to him as several of Midoriya's classmates had their own pages too, but to Shinsou it was a huge deal. Midoriya considered him a hero even after feeling his quirk first hand. He couldn't stop smiling even if he wanted to.
He carefully packed Midoriya's notebook in his bag. He felt oddly obligated to keep it safe. He lazily pulled his phone out and texted Midoriya that he had his notebook. He could just imagine Midoriya freaking out looking for it later if he didn't. The response was quick and had several emojis that Shinsou was unsure of their meaning but given the context he assumed Midoriya was grateful.
He heaved himself off the ground and started back towards his dorm. His eyes kept wandering to his phone screen. He realized he'd been doing that a lot lately, checking for messages from Midoriya. When Midoriya left he often felt loneliness in the pit of his stomach.
He huffed a silent laugh at the thought. He was lonely. The guy who stated he wasn't here to make friends. The guy who declared war on an entire class of people he didn't even know. He really wasn't lonely before he started this friendship with Midoriya. He wondered for a moment what it was about him that had him feeling like this. He came to the conclusion shortly after that it was Midoriya's smile. Whenever the freckled teen directed that smile at Shinsou he felt like winter snow melting in the spring.
He didn't know if friendship was supposed to feel this way, but a nagging feeling in his gut suggested otherwise. He entered his dorm and belly flopped onto his bed with a groan. He pulled out his phone after feeling it vibrate. His excitement waned seeing it was from Kaminari and not Midoriya. The blonde had sent him a tons of memes which he found mildly amusing, but this time it was an invitation to hang out. He initially declined the hang out favoring lying in bed face planting into his pillow while he tried to figure out.
His thoughts were consumed by brilliant green curls, freckled dusted cheeks, and the warmest smile he'd ever seen. His thoughts came to a screeching halt. He whipped his phone out and immediately began googling 'how do you know if you like someone?' His fingers shook as he typed. This couldn't be happening.
Shinsou found several quizzes online testing him on whether or not he was crushing on Midoriya. He picked the first quiz that popped up. His eyes scan the questions nervously.
Do you find him/her attractive? He barely had to give it any thought at all. Yes, Midoriya was attractive especially his smile.
Do you spend a significant amount of time with him/her? He did spend a fair bit of his free time with Midoriya, and if not in person then through messaging and a rare phone conversation here and there, so yes then they did spend a lot of time together.
Do you find yourself wanting to know more about him/her? Yes, every time he learned something new about him it was exciting or warm? He wasn't sure how to describe it, but the answer was definitely yes.
The questions continued in this fashion and he found himself answering yes to most of them. It was quickly becoming apparent he did in fact have a crush on Midoriya. He groaned into his pillow tossing his phone to the side. He liked Midoriya. Was that even okay to like him?
Shinsou never gave his orientation much thought. He honestly never thought he'd find anyone who would even want to be around him as his friend let alone a person he'd potentially date, so wanting more than friendship just felt so wrong in his gut. He felt greedy wanting more. He felt like he didn't deserve more, but he wanted more.
He ended up internally panicking and texting Kaminari since he was the only other friend he had. Kaminari may not be the smartest guy, but even Shinsou could see how socially adept he is. He was clueless so he had to ask for help. It was embarrassing, but he didn't have many options given his situation. He would have to grin and bare it.
XXX
Shinsou looks up at the small corner restaurant. It was a small old building with weathered paint. It was owned by a foreigner from the states. It was apparently called a diner and it served American cuisine for the most part. It wasn't really his favorite type of food, but Kaminari had invited him out since it was Friday. He'd texted the blonde the night before when he came to the staggering realization that he had a crush, and he had no one else to talk to about it. He felt so conflicted, but Kaminari offered to help over loaded cheese fries.
It wasn't odd for Shinsou to hang out with the blonde and his friends minus Bakugou on occasion. He wasn't holding any kind of grudge over his nose. The explosive teen was just rarely around when he was. He sighed as he entered the nearly empty diner. He spotted the booth Kaminari and his friends were crammed into. He wondered if it was too late to turn around when Kaminari called out to him.
He walked lazily to the booth surveying who was present. Kirishima was squished into the right side of the booth against the wall with Sero next to him and Kaminari on the outside seat. The left side had just Mina taking up the whole side. Her wide grin was intimidating.
"Shinsou-kun!" Mina yelled waving him over.
"Hey man glad you could make it!" Kirishima smiled with his greeting.
Shinsou found it odd they treated him so kindly. They barely knew him, but Kaminari insisted he was part of this friends group now. The thought made his stomach flop. It was overwhelming to have so many people around him, but this was the price of receiving Kaminari's help with his issue. He stood awkwardly wondering where to sit. Mina must have noticed and patted the bench next to her. Shinsou awkwardly slid in next to the pink girl.
"So Shinsou-kun I hear that you need help with something?" Mina asked obviously feigning ignorance to his situation.
"Yeah bro what's going on?" Kaminari asks with a smirk. Shinsou keeps his face as neutral as possible when gathering his thoughts. The night before when he'd texted Kaminari he was vague as to what his problem was. He wasn't expecting to have to admit it to the whole Baku-squad though.
He tells Kaminari and the others about the internet quiz. Mina and Kaminari lose it full on wheeze laughing. Sero and Kirishima had the good graces to at least hide their laughter for the most part. He waited impatiently for those two to stop laughing. His glare did not go unnoticed by the blonde.
"O-okay. Okay. I'm done laughing now I swear man." he managed to speak through wheezes as he straightened his hunched body. "I'm serious I want to help." he added with a lopsided smile effectively ending Shinsou's death glare from across the table.
At this point he's hesitant to name the guy he's apparently 'crushing on' according to the quiz. Kaminari decided to play super dumb even though he knew exactly who he was talking about Midoriya based on the fact he'd seen them hanging out a lot.
"So...you like someone? That's hardly a crisis." Sero points out awkwardly. "It's pretty normal at our age you know."
"Yea...I guess it is something normal." Shinsou admitted sheepishly with his hand cradling the back of his neck. "I think maybe I should go..." he added after a minute of silence. This was far more difficult than wallowing alone in his feels. Shinsou felt a pressure on his shoulder holding him place. He glanced sideways at the pink girl next to him. Her hand planted firmly down on his shoulder. Man, she was much stronger than she looked.
"Don't be shy! If you're friends with Kami, then you're friends with all of us! Now who is this person you like?" she spoke with a wicked grin and eyes hungry for the tea.
"Yea it's cool man we don't mind helping you out. Plus we kind of owe you for not reporting Bakugou for breaking your nose." Kirishima awkwardly chuckles. "Besides it would be pretty unmanly if we laughed at you and then didn't help you out!" he added with a lop sided grin.
"See Shinsou, everyone wants to help sooooooo want to tell us who it is your crushing on?" Kaminari spoke with a wide grin. He had a feeling he knew who the brainwasher was crushing on, but he wanted to make him admit it aloud.
Shinsou hid his face in his folded arms on the table top. He could feel his cheeks heat up and he hated it. It was embarrassing and ultimately pointless. There was no way he could see things working out for himself. He should have left, but it was too late now. He may as well spill the tea as Mina would say.
"He's probably not even interested in guys anyway." Shinsou mumbled quietly.
"Well if you're talking about Midoriya..." Shinsou's head popped up off the table eyes wide with shock as Kaminari continued to speak. "I'm sure Mina can find out what way he swings." Kaminari suggested with a knowing smile. In fact after a quick look around confirmed that Shinsou's poker face needed some work.
"I bet Bakugou would know. They practically grew up together." Sero interrupted.
Shinsou glared at the tape user for even suggesting adding Bakugou to this already embarrassing situation. Sero seemed to understand the meaning behind Shinsou's glare.
"Okay yea probably a bad idea." Sero smiled awkwardly before glancing over to the pink teen. "Mina do you think you can find out for him?"
"Well, if you're crushing on Midoriya I could just ask Uraraka." she offered. "Buuuuuut, you haven't really confirmed that it is Midori..." she smirked.
"Yea... it's him." he admits reluctantly avoiding making eye contact with anyone at the table.
"I knew it!" she giggled pulling out her phone excitedly.
He watched the pink teen typing rapid fire messages to Uraraka. He was impressed she could text so fast. It would take him twice as long to text the same amount. He wondered what she would say. Shinsou didn't find it likely Midoriya was into guys and even so he doubted he'd like someone like Shinsou. He frowned. This was all pointless. This had been a mistake.
Mina-Hey girl got a situation
Uraraka- whats up?
Mina- well I got a friend whose crushing hard for Midoriya
Uraraka-?!
Mina- it's a secret
Uraraka- no fun : (
Mina- sorry I've been sworn to secrecy
Mina- anyway just need to know if Midoriya is into guys or not?
Uraraka- I'm pretty sure he's pan tbh
Mina- is it okay for me to tell people?
Uraraka- who the fuck lrjnwlkertgrtgnwrnt
Mina- ?
Uraraka- sorry some dumbass took my phone (╬ Ò ﹏ Ó)
Uraraka- yea he's not hiding it so I don't see a problem with telling this mystery guy.
"Looks like you're all good lover-boy. Midoriya is apparently pan so you might just have a chance." she teases him playfully giving him a light shoulder punch.
Three orders of loaded cheese fries American style hit the table minutes later. Waffle fries topped with gooey yellow cheese, bacon, chives, and sour cream. Shinsou barely looked at the greasy mess. His stomach flopped with nerves. He wasn't sure if he was excited or upset that he had a chance however slight it might be.
"See problem solved. Just ask him out on a date." Kaminari reasons digging into the greasy cheesy fries in front of them.
The rest of the night was spent sharing typical gossip compliments of Mina, and recent hero news. Shinsou still felt awkward as hell, but the Baku-squad had started to grow on him. They were good people, and even Bakugou didn't sound that bad with the way his friends spoke about him. Kirishima was mid-story about how kind Bakugou truly is when the explosive teen entered the diner.
"Baku-bro!" Kaminari waved him over to the booth.
"Yo! Raccoon eyes why the hell you asking about the nerd's sexual preferences?" Bakugou yelled as he approached the booth ignoring the looks he earned from the other diner patrons, which to be fair were only a few other people.
"I guess we know who you were with." Mina winked suggestively at the ash blonde.
"Dude! Did you get a girlfriend and forget to mention it?" Kaminari teased Bakugou elbowing him in the ribs.
"So unmanly not to tell your friends." Kirishima gave an over dramatic sigh.
"Round face is not my damn girlfriend!" he grumbled pulling Kaminari out of the booth and stealing his seat. "I ain't sitting near her." he scowls in Mina's direction.
"But you want her to be." Mina singsongs in response.
"Shut the hell up." he yelled with pink dusted cheeks.
"Honestly, I'd feel bad for Uraraka-san if you were her boyfriend. She's waaaay to nice for guy like you." Sero bravely teased.
"Fuck off! I'm excellent boyfriend material! I'd be the best fucking boyfriend, and I'd sure as hell be better than any of you losers." he exclaimed loudly in typical Bakugou fashion.
It took a minute or so before the angry blonde noticed Shinsou who sat across from him. He leveled his gaze with the purple haired teens. Red eyes narrowed jaw clenched.
"What's he doing here?" Bakugou spoke bitterly nodding in Shinsou's direction.
"Leaving." Shinsou tried to stand, but Kaminari slung an arm around his shoulder and sat down next to him.
"Don't be like that Baku-bro! He's hanging out with us tonight." Sero answered his question.
"Whatever." Bakugou grumbled looking away from Shinsou brows creased and pouting.
"Hey man, just tell him you're sorry already." Kirishima gave the explosive blonde the nudge he needed.
"FUCK! FINE! I didn't break your nose on purpose." he yelled hands hitting the table.
The whole table fell silent and then abruptly broke out into laughter except for Kirishima who shook his head and Shinsou who sat quietly staring at the explosive blonde. His features were set into a permanent scowl ignoring the petering giggles of his friends.
"Was that supposed to be an apology?" the brainwasher asked incredulously. Bakugou blatantly ignored the question and refused eye contact.
"That's the closest you'll get to an apology so I'd take it." Sero suggested with an amused smirk.
"It's fine I guess." he responded indifferently which only irked Bakugou more.
"Sooooooo? When you going to ask Midoriya out?" Mina asked overflowing with excitement. She seemed to really like being in the know about class 1-A's relationships. Shinsou looked down at his hands unsure of how or even if he should answer her question.
"HAH?!" Bakugou screeched choking on his fries.
"Ignore him." Sero responded giving the unruly teen a slap on the back, nearly getting himself exploded before Bakugou remembered begrudgingly that he couldn't use his quirk in public much less a diner filled with extras.
"I don't know if I even should." he spoke quietly with eyes downcast.
"Why not? What's got you so worried?" Mina asked with concern over taking her usually bubbly smile.
"I just...don't want to ruin our friendship." he admitted reluctantly. It wasn't his only fear about asking the freckled teen out, but it was the only one he felt even remotely comfortable sharing.
"I can't imagine Midoriya would end a friendship over something like that." Kirishima tried to assure the purple haired teen. "Yea bro! Midoriya is like super understanding and forgiving. Like he's still friends with Bakugou despite his obvious character flaws. I doubt you asking him on a date is any worse." Kaminari adds with a smirk.
"Hey shut the hell up Sparky!" Bakugou yelled but his words didn't hold the usual bite and his eyes reflected something Shinsou could barely read. Was it guilt? He wasn't sure but before he could get a better look it was gone and red eyes narrowed glaring back at him.
"I don't know I have to think about it." Shinsou responded staring down at his hands.
No one pushed him for the rest of the night. They could tell Shinsou still had a lot on his mind. Kaminari especially made it his mission to keep Shinsou in lighter spirits. The whole table took turns roasting Bakugou and getting him all riled up over his not date with Uraraka. Kirishima gave him a particularly hard time, which Shinsou enjoyed witnessing. It took his mind off his current worries and anxieties. About an hour later and three plates of greasy cheesy fries devoured the group headed out of the diner. Shinsou followed a few feet behind the laughing group of friends. He came to an abrupt stop almost running into Bakugou who decided to break away from the group and block his path.
"What do you want?" he asked in a bored monotone.
"Just ask the damn nerd out. He won't turn you down." he blurted out before stomping off toward Kirishima.
He stood dumbfounded for a moment before joining the others. He smirked to himself thinking that maybe Kaminari and his friends were right about Bakugou not really being a bad guy. In his own way. He picked up the pace to join the rest until it was time for him to part ways.
XXX
Midoriya sat on his bed with his back against the wall staring up the ceiling. His phone clutched between crooked fingers as if waiting. He glanced down to his right at Uraraka whom sat on the floor with her back resting on his bed frame. Midoriya had offered the bed to her, but she declined given his forlorn mood and shadowed eyes. She knew he was upset by something even when he tried to hide it.
Shinsou had been avoiding Midoriya all week and it was obvious. He wasn't outright rude or hurtful to Midoriya, but his absence in itself was hurtful. The anxious teen wondered if he'd somehow chased him off with how annoying he could be. He cringed thinking back to their last in person interaction and how he'd bombarded him with quirk questions. He audibly groaned gaining Uraraka's attention.
"Deku, what's wrong with you today?" she asked blunt and to the point likely a trait she learned from spending too much time around Bakugou.
"I just think Shinsou is avoiding me for some reason." he swung his arms out gesturing as if his troubles should have been obvious to his best friend. He continued without waiting for her to respond. "Oh god what if I offended him!? Or I annoyed him? Or what if he was just hanging out with me because I pressured him into friendship?!" he rambled going into a near panic droning over the possibilities.
"Deku, stop it. I'm sure he's just been really busy this week. You're really overthinking this. I promise." she replied with a quick glance at her phone screen before quickly typing and sliding back into her pocket. She ignored his raised eyebrow at her secretive actions. He didn't ask who she was texting.
"I know it's probably nothing but I never really had a lot of friends before UA so I'm kind of behind socially and it worries me a lot." he admitted quietly staring at his hands resting in his lap.
She poked his leg a few times to get him to pay attention to her and get out of his own head. He reluctantly looked at her.
"It's going to be okay I promise." she sent him a reassuring grin before her phone dinged again. He watched her read whatever message she was sent. Her lips formed a smirk before she stood and stretched her arms and began gathering her things. He watched her curiously waiting for her to share, but didn't push it when chose not too.
"I'm sorry but I've got to go now, but I promise everything is fine just try relax." she gave him an assuring smile.
Midoriya suddenly felt guilty for taking up her free time. She probably had plans this evening before he pulled her into his pity party. He should probably apologize for wasting her time. The apology he started died on his lips as his thoughts were interrupted by his phone vibrating next to him. He received a text. His heart skipped a beat. It was from Shinsou. She watched as he picked up his phone with a smile.
"Bye!" she waved pulling his attention briefly from his phone.
He waved distractedly as he read the message he was just sent. Shinsou wanted to meet him outside the dorms. He didn't know what to think. At first he was happy, but soon after his gut filled with dread. He wondered why suddenly Shinsou wanted to meet, to talk maybe? Talk about what? The implications filled his gut with dread as his anxiety kicked into high gear.
He struggled to get his shoes on but managed to make it down the stairs and into the common room. Uraraka sat on the couch with Bakugou and avoided eye contact. He caught the sight of narrowed red eyes for a split second before rushing out the door. He distantly heard Kaachan yell something in the background as the door shut behind him.
He spotted Shinsou instantly. The evening light formed a blurry halo above the teens head. He was sitting on the porch with his back to him. Midoriya hesitantly took a seat next him without a word. His chest ached with nerves. He really didn't want to lose a friend. He really treasured every friendship, but Shinsou's was different and it hurt to think he might lose it.
"H-hey Shinsou-kun, what's up?" he stuttered through his greeting as he schooled his features as best he could.
"I.. uh have your notebook." he extended the book towards Midoriya. His voice was uncertain and his moves were stiff. Shinsou avoided direct eye contact and it all felt foreboding. His movements. The tension. The avoidance. It all screamed that something was wrong. That Midoriya had done something wrong or offended him in some way.
Midoriya awkwardly reached for his notebook. He was happy to have it back, but he also felt like this might be some sort of ending or goodbye. He fought down the lump in his throat. "Thanks." he spoke with a wobbly smile.
"No need to thank me." he mumbled chancing a glance sideways at Midoriya before shifting a bit further away. It made Midoriya want to scoot closer to keep him from slipping away, because that's how it all felt. He watched Shinsou intently. The brainwasher's posture and demeanor reminded Izuku of the night he turned his friendship down. All the times they spent hanging out, laughing, training, and studying might be coming to an end, and it hurt deep in his chest. It was tight nagging feeling and before he could process it, his voice broke the silence between them without his even meaning too.
"Did I do something wrong?!" Midoriya blurted out.
"W-what?! No." Shinsou sputtered clearly confused.
"Then why have you been avoiding me?" Midoriya spoke almost inaudibly looking down at his feet, but he had the brainwasher's full attention and didn't go unheard.
Shinsou heaved a sigh and gripped the back of his neck in the way he often did when nervous. "I shouldn't have done that to you. I just needed to talk to you about something, but I wasn't sure how?" he responded carefully.
"Shinsou, we talk all the time." he sassed trying to lighten the mood even though he was still buzzing with anxiety. He hid it well enough, however his brain was already imagining hundreds of scenarios of what could be so bad Shinsou didn't know how to bring it up, and would avoid him on top of it.
"Yea, we have been talking a lot haven't we." he mused.
"Well yeah, we're friends right?" Midoriya asked obvious he was searching for Shinsou's confirmation of their friendship.
"Yeah, we are." he confirmed with a soft smile and sideways glance at the other teen.
Shinsou sighed. He could tell he was making Midoriya nervous. He should just ask or leave at this point. He gritted his teeth. He could feel the teen's emerald eyes boring through him. He wondered if Midoriya could see through his feelings with that intense gaze of his. It caused his palms to sweat and his heart to flutter.
"What did you want to talk about?" Midoriya asked uncertainly.
"There's just something I wanted to ask you, but I really don't want you to feel obligated or anything..." he added thinking of Midoriya's people pleasing personality. He waited until Midoriya nodded in acknowledgment although he looked confused. He took one last deep breath before speaking.
"Will-you-go-on-a-date-with-me?" he spoke fast blending the words together. His cheeks dusted pink and his posture stiff. Gaze locked on to Midoriya trying to gauge his response.
He watched chest clenching as Midoriya froze wide eyed. He didn't move didn't speak. Shinsou panicked at first wondering if he'd somehow hijacked the boy's brain. No, it was impossible. Midoriya hadn't even responded. His expression looked far away, and it twisted his stomach in knots. Shinsou cautiously reached forward to wave his hand in front of Midoriya's face. He watched as Midoriya's eyes came back into focus. His cheeks burned red and his lips formed a wobbly smile. In that moment he knew he absolutely screwed this up, and immediately began to backtrack.
"It's fine if you don't want to re-" he began trying to pull a blank face to hide his utter embarrassment and disappointment.
"Y-yes." Midoriya stuttered out in shock interrupting Shinsou. His body was trying to reconcile the anxiety of possibly losing a friend and his growing nervousness of having been asked out on a date instead. His stomach didn't know if it should have the flutters of butterflies, or the churn of bile. His hand gripped his notebook tightly enough to turn his knuckles white, but underneath the anxiety he buzzed with excitement. He'd wanted to be Shinsou's friend, but maybe he did want more than that if he was really being honest with himself.
"Really?" he repeated eyes wide with shock.
He watched Midoriya eagerly waiting for confirmation, which came in the form of a sunshine bright smile and a nod. Shinsou's heart fluttered beneath his ribs. He couldn't believe he'd said yes. He found that there was no way to hide smiles from Midoriya. He couldn't help it. Midoriya just radiated a positive energy impossible to fight. He made you want to smile.
"Shit, I'll text you later. Gotta get back before curfew." Shinsou spoke quickly realizing the time and took off waving over his shoulder.
XXX
Bakugou stood arms crossed in front of himself as he leaned along the wall next to Uraraka. He watched as she crouched down ear pressed to the window. He'd rather be doing anything but listening in on the nerd's train wreck of a social life, but Uraraka had been very persistent. He most definitely had much better things he could be doing. He growled in frustration earning himself a hurried 'shuuushh' from Uraraka, before she returned her attention ahead.
"I swear to fuck if eye bags screws this up after I dragged his ass here I will murder him." he grumbled as quietly as he could manage ignoring the look he received.
"You act like you hate Deku but it's obvious to everyone you don't." she teased him with a smirk.
"Fuck off." he hissed and rolled his eyes for good measure even though he knew Uraraka saw right through his bullshit. However, he still had an image to uphold, and he managed to feign disinterest as he sneakily stole glances through the window over Uraraka's head.
XXX
Shinsou stood in Kaminari's dorm room watching the electric blonde absolutely losing it. He frowned waiting impatiently for him to cease his wheezing laugh at his expense. He'd come to ask the blonde for his help but now he was beginning to think he'd chosen the wrong person for help. Maybe he should have asked Ashido or the guy with tape arms at this point either had to better. Hell maybe even Bakugou would have been a better choice.
"Are you done laughing at me yet?" Shinsou asked expression deadpan.
"Almost." Kaminari heaved himself off the floor from where he'd fallen down in his laughter. His breaths came out in tiny pants now that his laughter had died down.
"What's going on in here?" Kirishima poked his head into the room. He entered with Bakugou in tow. "What's so funny?" he asked with that bright grin of his.
"Shinsou finally asked Midoriya out and now he's freaking out because he doesn't know where to take him." he stifled another laugh as Shinsou playfully shoved him.
"I should have gone to Ashido." he mumbled in feigned regret.
"Congratulations! Confessing your feelings is one of the manliest things ever." Kirishima exclaimed slapping him on the back much to Shinsou's chagrin.
"Thanks, but seriously any suggestions? I'm really out of my element here..." he asked the three of them, well two of them. He'd prefer not to hear from the explosive blonde even though he kind of begrudgingly owed him twice over at this point.
"The nerd is absolutely obsessed with anything hero related. My suggestion is to take the loser to a villain fight." he suggested sardonically.
"NO! Bakugou what the hell man?!" he admonished the blonde before turning back to Shinsou. "Definitely, don't do that, it's a terrible idea. Midoriya would probably jump into the fight and break all his bones before you've even made it to dinner." Kirishima explained frantically.
Shinsou sighed. "Yeah, that would make for an awful date." He shook his head abruptly to rid himself the mental image of a bandage covered Midoriya in a hospital bed. Most definitely a bad idea. A horrible idea. Midoriya ended up injured enough as it is.
"Isn't there a new cafe that just opened by the train station?" Kaminari asked the group finally contributing to Shinsou's dilemma.
Kirishima plucked Bakugou's phone from his hand earning a few crackling explosions against his hardened arm. "I forgot my phone in your room, just give me a second." he bargained. Bakugou grumbled under his breath. "Don't read my texts shitty hair." he bit out with crossed arms.
"It looks like there is a new cafe near the train station, but I think you'll be more interested in this one." he ignored Bakugou's bitching as he shoved the blonde's phone into Shinsou's hands. "It's a little further, but I bet Midoriya will really appreciate it." he suggested with a wide grin.
Shinsou scrolled down the page opened on Bakugou's phone and recorded the address in his own phone quickly feeling the blonde's glare boring through him.
"Alright, eyebags you've stared at my goddamn phone long enough." Bakugou growled.
"Yea, he's gotta answer all those private texts from Uraraka." Kaminari snickered.
"Shut it Sparky!" he growled at the blonde as he lunged forward only to be held back by Kirishima.
"Thanks." Shinsou replied with a smirk before he tossed the phone back to the explosive teen.
"What the hell asshole! Don't just throw people's phones!" Bakugou scowled after just barely catching it causing Kaminari and Kirishima to fall into a fit of laughter.
"Really? You're scolding me for throwing things?" Shinsou retorted deadpan.
Bakugou's palms crackled as Shinsou excused himself from the room quickly. He had a date to plan and he couldn't do that if Lord explosion murder killed him. Although, at this point he was pretty sure Bakugou's bark was far worse than his bite. He's not sure how he managed to make such good friends, but he found himself grateful they managed to weasel their way into his life.