Shoto Todoroki X Reader

Chapter 6 : An argument

(Time skip your both 14,15)

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the border between the city and the Dark Forest. You and Shoto had met here almost every day after school since you were children, this quiet place where the world of quirks and the magic of the forest seemed to touch but never truly blend. It had always felt safe—a space that belonged to the two of you.

But today felt different.

You stood with your arms crossed, staring out at the thick wall of trees, a heavy question weighing on your mind. Shoto was next to you, quieter than usual, his mismatched eyes fixed on the ground. He had been distant lately, more reserved since his quirk training with his father had intensified. You could sense the change, the tension building between you both.

"Shoto," you said, breaking the silence. "What do people think about... people like me?"

He looked up at you, confused. "People like you?"

"People from the Dark Forest," you clarified, your voice softer now, but still pressing. You had always known you were different from the rest of society. The powers you held were not classified as quirks, and because of that, people often viewed you with suspicion. Lately, it had been bothering you more and more. You wanted to know what Shoto thought—what everyone thought.

Shoto shifted uncomfortably. "I don't know," he muttered, avoiding your gaze. "Most people don't talk about it much."

You weren't satisfied with that answer. You stepped closer to him, your heart pounding a little faster. "But they do think something, right? What do you think?"

Shoto hesitated, glancing away as if searching for the right words. "I guess... I've heard people say that... people from the Dark Forest are dangerous," he said slowly, as though testing out the words himself. "Unpredictable. They think you're... strange."

His words hit you like a physical blow. You froze, the air between you suddenly heavy with tension. "Strange?" you echoed, your voice barely above a whisper.

He didn't seem to notice your reaction at first, too focused on trying to explain himself. "I don't mean it like that. It's just—people don't understand your powers. You're not like the rest of us. That makes people nervous. Even I—"

Shoto stopped short, realizing too late what he had said. But the damage was done.

You felt a lump rise in your throat as you stared at him, your eyes wide with disbelief. "Even you?" you asked, your voice trembling. "You think I'm dangerous?"

"No!" Shoto quickly said, taking a step toward you, his eyes widening in panic. "That's not what I meant, Y/N, I swear."

"But you just said it!" you shouted, your voice cracking. "You think I'm strange, like everyone else! You—you're afraid of me too, aren't you?"

Shoto's expression was one of desperation now, but he didn't know what to say. He reached out as if to grab your arm, but you stepped back, shaking your head, your vision blurring with unshed tears.