Bit more of an update, I hope you all like this one.
The early morning sun filtered into the UA courtyard as Shoto Todoroki stood by the side of the training grounds, quietly observing the others prepare for the day's exercises. He preferred these moments of solitude before the chaos of training began. But today, that peace was short-lived.
"Good morning, Todoroki," Saiko Intelli's voice cut through the air, smooth and calculated as ever. He turned slightly to find her approaching, her hands clasped neatly in front of her.
"Intelli," he said, his tone neutral as his gaze returned to the training equipment.
"Always so formal," she said with a faint smile, coming to stand beside him. "I couldn't help but notice you disappeared over the weekend. It's rather curious."
Shoto stiffened slightly, though his expression remained stoic. "I had family matters to attend to."
"Oh, I see," Saiko replied, tilting her head as if studying him. "But you didn't mention anything to the class, did you? I wonder why."
"It's personal," Shoto said simply, his voice clipped.
Saiko's eyes glinted with curiosity, her smile unwavering. "Of course. But it does make one wonder... were you meeting someone special?"
Shoto turned to her, his heterochromatic eyes narrowing. "What do you mean?"
Saiko shrugged, her tone light but tinged with a deliberate edge. "You're quite the enigma, Todoroki. It wouldn't surprise me if someone had caught your attention. Perhaps a certain someone in our class?"
The faintest flicker of irritation crossed Shoto's face before he turned away again. "I'm not interested in these kinds of conversations."
"But isn't it natural to be curious?" Saiko pressed, stepping slightly closer. "You're quiet, reserved, yet so many people admire you. It's only logical to wonder if there's someone who holds a special place in your life."
Shoto exhaled through his nose, his grip tightening on the strap of his bag. Toya's voice echoed in his mind 'The ones who make you feel like you can breathe—those are the ones you hold on to.'
He thought of Momo, of the calm she brought him, of how easy it was to speak with her compared to the guarded conversations he always had with Saiko. The contrast was stark.
"Is there someone?" Saiko asked again, her tone more curious than teasing this time.
Shoto turned back to her, his expression cool and composed. "If there is, it's none of your business."
Saiko's smile faltered for the briefest moment, but she quickly recovered, her posture straightening. "Of course. But you should know, Todoroki, I'm not one to give up so easily."
Her words lingered in the air as she turned and walked away, leaving Shoto to process the conversation. He felt the weight of her persistence and the tension it brought.
As Todoroki walked away, his figure disappearing into the courtyard's soft morning light, Saiko remained rooted to the spot, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. For all her calculated composure, a knot had begun to form in her chest, one she couldn't quite suppress.
Someone who holds a special place in his life.
The words she had spoken were meant to tease, to probe, to draw something out of him. Instead, they had ricocheted back, leaving her unsettled. She thought of the way Todoroki had answered her: cool, guarded, his words clipped in a way they rarely were. But beneath that veneer of control, there had been something else—a flicker of irritation, of tension. It was small, fleeting, but to Saiko, it was as revealing as a crack in armor.
There was someone.
The realization gnawed at her, a sharp and unfamiliar pang she wasn't sure how to name. She had spent weeks observing Todoroki, drawn to the quiet power in his presence, the way he carried himself with a calm certainty that bordered on unshakable. He rarely showed his emotions, rarely let anyone past his carefully constructed barriers.
But when she thought about it more carefully, she realized there were exceptions.
Midoriya and Iida came to mind first—his closest friends, the ones who had chipped away at his reserve with their relentless kindness and camaraderie. Saiko wasn't concerned about them; those relationships were platonic, built on mutual respect and shared experiences.
No, her concern laid elsewhere.
Yaoyorozu.
The name surfaced like a thorn in her thoughts, and her chest tightened. She thought of how Todoroki acted around her, how his posture seemed to relax when they worked together, how his tone softened when he spoke to her. There was something in the way he looked at her—subtle, but undeniable. It wasn't just respect; it was trust, comfort. A kind of connection Saiko had never seen him share with anyone else.
And it infuriated her.
Saiko had prided herself on her ability to read people, to calculate the dynamics of any situation. She had studied Todoroki carefully, noting his preferences, his patterns, his silences. She had assumed, with her intellect and poise, she could navigate her way into his trust. Into something more.
But Yaoyorozu had beaten her there.
Her thoughts churned as she began walking back toward the dorms, her footsteps brisk. It wasn't just that Yaoyorozu was close to him—it was the ease with which she fit into his life. Todoroki, who kept everyone at arm's length, let her in. Saiko had seen it in the way he looked at her during training exercises, the way he listened when she spoke, the quiet understanding that passed between them without words.
It wasn't fair.
Saiko clenched her jaw, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. She wasn't used to feeling this way—this tangled mix of envy, frustration, and something dangerously close to vulnerability. She hated the idea that someone could make her feel... less than. And yet, every time she thought about the way Todoroki acted around Yaoyorozu, the image gnawed at her.
Why her?
As she reached the dorm hallway, her mind began to clear, her sharp intellect taking over. This wasn't a problem without a solution. If Yaoyorozu was the obstacle standing between her and Todoroki, then she would approach this like any other challenge: methodically, strategically. She was, after all, a master of strategy.
Her steps slowed as she approached her dorm room. A faint smile returned to her lips, though it no longer held its usual composure. It was sharper now, tinged with determination.
'I'll find out how close you really are, Yaoyorozu. And if you think I'll step aside so easily, you're mistaken.'
Scene skip
The quiet hum of the dormitory rooftop was a welcome reprieve from the day's chaos. Momo Yaoyorozu stood near the edge, her hands resting lightly on the railing as she gazed out at the horizon. The sunset painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, but her thoughts were far from serene.
She didn't hear Shoto Todoroki approach until he was nearly beside her, his footsteps soft against the concrete. She turned her head slightly, offering him a small smile.
"Todoroki," she greeted. "It's nice up here, isn't it?"
"It is," he replied simply, his tone as steady as always. He stepped closer, standing beside her and gazing out at the skyline. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence stretching between them like a shared understanding.
Finally, Shoto broke the quiet. "I spoke to Intelli."
Momo glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "Oh?"
"I told her I'm not interested in relationships," he said, his voice calm but deliberate. "Not with her."
Momo nodded slowly, her gaze returning to the horizon. "I see. That's... very clear of you."
"I thought it was necessary," Shoto said. "She's been persistent."
There was a pause, and Momo's hands tightened slightly on the railing. "It's your choice, of course. And I respect it."
Her words were sincere, but Shoto caught the faintest edge of something else—something almost wistful. He turned to look at her, studying her profile as she kept her eyes fixed on the horizon. The wind caught a strand of her hair, and she tucked it behind her ear with a quiet elegance that struck him in a way he didn't expect.
She makes you feel like you can breathe.
His brother's words echoed in his mind, unbidden but insistent. He had dismissed the thought before, brushing it off as impractical. But now, standing here beside Momo, the weight of those words pressed against him. With her, everything felt... easier. He didn't have to explain himself, didn't have to guard his every word. She just understood.
For the first time, he wondered what it would mean to let himself explore that ease, to allow himself to entertain the idea of being something more to her. The thought startled him, and he quickly pushed it aside, though it lingered in the back of his mind like an ember waiting to catch.
"Todoroki?" Momo's voice pulled him from his thoughts.
He blinked, realizing he had been silent for too long. "Sorry. I was just... thinking."
She tilted her head slightly, her expression soft but curious. "About what?"
"Just... everything," he said vaguely, his voice steady. "Intelli won't give up so easily, will she?"
"No," Momo admitted with a faint sigh. "She's not the type to back down. I've seen how determined she can be, and now that she's decided on you..."
Shoto frowned slightly, his gaze dropping to the ground. "I'll handle it. It's my responsibility."
"I know you will," Momo said, her tone firm yet gentle. "But don't feel like you have to do it alone. The rest of us... we're here if you need us."
Her words were simple, but they carried a weight that made something in Shoto's chest tighten. He met her gaze, and for a moment, he thought about saying something more, something he couldn't quite put into words. But the moment passed, and he only nodded.
"Thank you, Yaoyorozu," he said quietly.
Momo smiled softly, a touch of warmth returning to her expression. "Always."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the world in a deep golden glow, the two stood in silence once more.
The rooftop silence lingered for a moment longer before Momo spoke again, her tone thoughtful but firm. "Todoroki, I think you should tell the others."
Shoto turned his gaze back to her, his brow furrowing slightly. "Tell them what?"
"About Intelli," Momo said simply. "They're already aware of how she's been acting, and it's clear they're worried. If you let them know you've addressed it, it might help ease the tension."
Shoto considered her words, his expression unreadable. "Do you think they'll accept that?"
Momo offered him a small, reassuring smile. "They respect you, Todoroki. I think they'll understand. But," she hesitated, her expression growing more serious, "you should also be prepared for some... reactions. Not everyone will believe it's over."
Shoto nodded slowly, the weight of her advice settling in his chest. "You're right. I'll talk to them."
Scene skip
The common room was alive with its usual energy when Shoto and Momo descended from the rooftop. Conversations buzzed around the room, but the moment the two entered, several heads turned their way. It was clear from the glances and murmurs that Intelli's presence—and Shoto's involvement in the situation—hadn't gone unnoticed.
Kirishima was the first to speak, his grin welcoming but curious. "Todoroki! You're back. Everything alright?"
Shoto glanced at Momo, who gave him a small nod of encouragement. He stepped forward, his calm demeanor drawing the room's attention.
"I need to say something," he began, his voice steady. "I spoke to Intelli earlier and told her I'm not interested in a relationship."
The room went quiet for a moment before a mix of reactions erupted.
"Finally!" Mina said, throwing her hands in the air. "I was starting to think you'd never say anything."
"Good call," Kaminari chimed in. "She was getting... intense."
"Is that really going to stop her, though?" Jiro asked, crossing her arms. "She doesn't seem like the type to take no for an answer."
"That's exactly what I was thinking," Katsuki said from his spot near the kitchen. He crossed his arms, his crimson eyes narrowing as he leaned against the counter. "You think one little talk's gonna make her back off? Not a chance."
Shoto frowned slightly. "I was direct with her. I made my position clear."
"And she'll pretend to get it," Katsuki shot back, his tone blunt. "But she's already got her sights set on you, Icy Hot. That chick's not gonna let this go."
"Bakugo," Momo said, her tone firm but not unkind. "Let's not jump to conclusions."
"I'm not jumping to anything," Katsuki replied, his gaze sharp. "I'm just saying what everyone's thinking. She's trouble."
Camie, sitting cross-legged on the arm of the couch, smirked. "Gotta admit, boom boy's got a point. Intelli's got that 'won't quit' vibe."
Mina leaned forward, her expression a mix of curiosity and amusement. "So what now, Todoroki? Are you gonna wait and see, or do you have a plan?"
Shoto's gaze swept the room, taking in their expectant faces. He appreciated their concern, even if some of it was delivered with less tact than he preferred. Finally, he spoke.
"I'll handle it," he said firmly. "If she doesn't respect what I've told her, I'll make it clear again. This is my responsibility."
Kirishima nodded approvingly. "That's the spirit, man. You've got this."
"Just don't wait too long if she pulls something," Jiro added. "We've got your back."
Momo's voice was quieter but carried just as much weight. "You're not alone in this, Todoroki. Remember that."
Shoto glanced at her, the faintest trace of a smile flickering across his face. "I won't forget."
As the group began to disperse, Katsuki walked past Shoto on his way to the kitchen, pausing just long enough to mutter, "She's not gonna stop just 'cause you said no. Watch your back, Icy Hot."
Shoto watched him go, his jaw tightening. Katsuki's words weren't comforting, but they were honest, and Shoto couldn't dismiss them. He glanced toward Momo, who was gathering her notes from the table, her calm presence grounding him once more.
She makes you feel like you can breathe.
The thought lingered as Shoto turned toward the hallway. He wasn't sure what was coming next, but one thing was certain: he wouldn't let it spiral out of control.
Scene skip
The dorm room was quiet, save for the soft rustling of paper as Momo Yaoyorozu flipped through her notebook. She sat at her desk, the gentle glow of her lamp illuminating her careful notes. The day's events still lingered in her mind, but her nightly routine of organizing her thoughts always brought a sense of calm.
The click of the door closing behind her drew her attention, and she turned slightly to see Saiko Intelli entering the room. Her roommate's usual composed expression was in place, but there was something sharper in her movements tonight, a deliberate precision that set Momo on edge.
"Good evening, Yaoyorozu," Saiko said smoothly, setting her bag on the bed with practiced ease.
"Good evening," Momo replied, her voice polite but cautious. She watched as Saiko moved around the room, straightening her belongings with a meticulousness that felt almost too controlled.
For a moment, the only sound was the quiet shuffle of Saiko's movements. Then, without looking up, she said, "Todoroki told me he's not interested in relationships."
Momo froze, her pen hovering above the page. Slowly, she turned to face her roommate. "I see."
Saiko finally looked up, her sharp gaze locking onto Momo's. "Did he tell you that as well?"
"Yes," Momo said evenly, her hands folding neatly in her lap. "We spoke earlier."
"Hmm." Saiko tilted her head slightly, her lips curving into a faint smile. "It's interesting, isn't it? That he felt the need to tell both of us."
Momo's brow furrowed. "I don't understand what you mean."
"I think you do," Saiko said, stepping closer. "Todoroki is careful about his words, about who he lets close to him. And yet, he acts differently with you. Don't you think that's worth considering?"
Momo's chest tightened, but she kept her voice calm. "Todoroki and I are friends. We've worked together often, and we trust each other. That's all there is to it."
"Trust," Saiko repeated, her tone almost mocking. "He trusts you. Lets his guard down around you. He doesn't do that with just anyone."
Momo's hands clenched slightly in her lap, but she forced herself to maintain her composure. "He's kind and respectful to everyone."
Saiko's smile sharpened. "But not like this. With you, it's different. Even I can see that."
Momo didn't respond, her silence speaking volumes.
Saiko moved closer, stopping just a step away from Momo's desk. "You know, Yaoyorozu, I can see why he might feel that way about you. You're intelligent, composed, driven. But..." Her gaze hardened, a flicker of something raw flashing behind her eyes. "You're not the only one who can match him."
Momo's jaw tightened, but she kept her tone steady. "Todoroki has made his feelings clear. If he's not interested in relationships, then we should respect that."
"Oh, I respect it," Saiko said, her voice like silk. "But you should know, I'm not one to give up. Todoroki and I are similar in ways that matter, and eventually, he'll see that."
Momo stood, her height giving her a natural air of authority as she met Saiko's gaze head-on. "You're free to pursue whatever connection you think you have with him, Intelli. But I won't be part of whatever game this is."
Saiko's smile returned, cold and calculated. "We'll see."
She turned and moved toward her bed, the air between them thick with unspoken tension. As she adjusted her blankets with meticulous care, she spoke again, her tone casual but loaded with intent. "You should know, Yaoyorozu... I'm very good at getting what I want."
The words lingered like a challenge as Momo sat back down, her pen trembling slightly in her hand. She forced herself to focus on her notes, her mind racing.
The room had grown quiet again, but the unease was impossible to ignore. Momo could feel the weight of Saiko's presence behind her, a silent reminder that this wasn't over.
Got an ending for this a while ago but didn't find the time to post it yet. Believe me when I tell you. We are nowhere near done.
Saluut.