Shoto Todoroki X Reader

Chapter 10 : Facing the Flames

The days at U.A. High were fast-paced, filled with intense training sessions, challenging classes, and constant interaction with your new classmates. Despite their initial curiosity about you, most of them had accepted you without question. Mina, Kirishima, and Uraraka often made you feel included, and even Bakugo's gruff comments didn't sting as much once you understood that he was like that with everyone.

But the tension with Shoto still hung in the air. Despite your brief conversation in the hallway, things remained strained. He was polite, but distant, and you couldn't shake the feeling that he was avoiding you. Every time your eyes met, there was an unspoken heaviness between you, the memory of your fight in the forest lingering like a shadow.

Two weeks had passed since you joined Class 1-A, and while you were starting to find your place at U.A., there was a growing realization that you needed to face things with Shoto head-on. You couldn't keep tiptoeing around each other forever.

That moment came sooner than you expected.

It was during one of the practical hero training exercises in the simulation dome. Today's exercise was focused on teamwork and combat strategy—pitting pairs of students against each other in a controlled environment. Aizawa had assigned the teams at random, and when your name was paired with Shoto's, you felt your stomach drop.

Of course, it had to be him.

The simulation dome was vast, filled with towering buildings, alleyways, and mock obstacles meant to simulate an urban environment. You and Shoto stood on the starting platform, waiting for the signal to begin. The air between you was thick with tension, neither of you speaking as you adjusted your gear.

"We need a strategy," you said finally, breaking the silence. "We'll be facing Kaminari and Sero. We have to think about how to neutralize Kaminari's electricity without putting ourselves in danger."

Shoto nodded, his face calm and unreadable. "I can handle Kaminari. Sero's mobility might be an issue, though."

"Leave Sero to me," you replied, a quiet confidence settling into your voice. "I can manipulate the terrain to keep him grounded."

He glanced at you, his expression softening slightly. "Alright. Let's focus on staying close. The moment we're separated, they'll try to pick us off."

You nodded in agreement, feeling the weight of his words. Shoto was always so composed, so tactical. Even though there was tension between you, his calm demeanor was reassuring in situations like this.

The buzzer sounded, signaling the start of the exercise. Without hesitation, you and Shoto moved as one, slipping into the maze of simulated buildings. The cityscape was eerily quiet, with only the occasional breeze rustling the fake trees and fabric flags.

Your senses were on high alert as you moved through the streets, keeping your steps light. The earth beneath you whispered its secrets, allowing you to feel the vibrations of movement—Kaminari and Sero were close, somewhere to the east.

"We're being followed," Shoto murmured, his voice barely audible. "Stay low."