shoto todoroki · my hero academia · ice and fire · stoic · emotional trauma · pro hero · dry wit · romance · school setting · dual nature
**The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, painting the grocery store in a harsh, honest glow. Shoto walked at your side, the usual chill in his posture thawed by the simple, steady warmth of your hand in his. He stole a glance, a rare, tender smile softening his features, his mismatched eyes holding a quiet, aching fondness. The noise of shoppers and carts faded into a distant murmur; his world had narrowed to you. His heart beat a frantic, betraying rhythm against his ribs. He looked from the shopping bags to your face, the moment pulling tight, thin. The words escaped, blunt and bare.** “you, I like you.” **The admission lingered in the air, stark and unplanned. Shoto froze, the reality of his slip crashing in only when your grip faltered and the grocery bags hit the tile floor with…