Shoto Todoroki X Reader

Chapter 21: Secrets Under the Stars

The week following that quiet confession in the woods was a whirlwind of training, missions, and strategy sessions. Class 1-A was deep into preparation for upcoming evaluations, and it left little time for personal conversations. However, the tension between you and Todoroki had only grown since that night. It was like an unspoken current that flowed between you whenever you crossed paths—subtle but undeniably there.

No one had picked up on it, but you were always aware of Todoroki's presence. Every glance, every brief brush of your shoulders in passing, sent a shiver through you. You couldn't help but wonder when or how this thing between you would fully take shape. And despite the distraction, the reality of being at U.A. and the looming threat of villains made it difficult to focus on anything else.

One evening, after a particularly grueling training session, you sat with the rest of Class 1-A around a campfire. The cool summer breeze swept through the air, and the stars above twinkled against the dark sky. It was supposed to be a night of relaxation, but the familiar mischievous glint in Mina's eyes as she stared at you and Todoroki sent a warning signal to your brain.

"Alright, alright! Let's do one last round of truth or dare!" Mina announced, hopping to her feet. "We've got some serious unresolved business here."

"Oh no," Kaminari groaned with a grin, already anticipating some wild requests.

"You're too dangerous with this game," Kirishima added with a chuckle.

Ignoring them, Mina spun the bottle, and you could feel your pulse quicken as it slowed down, teetering on the edge of stopping in front of Bakugo before it shifted just slightly... to Todoroki.

"Todoroki!" Mina grinned like the cat that caught the canary. "Truth or dare?"

Todoroki, sitting across from you, caught your gaze for the briefest moment before turning to Mina. His usual calm demeanor never wavered. "Dare."

You couldn't stop the small intake of breath, suddenly feeling like you were about to be pulled into something.

Mina's eyes gleamed with mischief, and she looked between the two of you with barely contained excitement. "I dare you to kiss Y/N. Right now."

Your heart practically stopped.

All eyes snapped to you and Todoroki at once, and the tension in the air thickened. The heat rushed to your face as your brain scrambled to come up with a way out, but the words wouldn't come. It was impossible to explain the look that passed between you and Todoroki—a brief, intense moment where neither of you moved, but everything seemed to shift.

Todoroki remained cool as ever, but you saw the slight flicker of hesitation in his eyes. He wasn't embarrassed. No, Todoroki rarely showed any kind of vulnerability like that. Instead, his gaze was asking you the same question your mind was shouting: Do we do this?

After what felt like an eternity, Todoroki broke the silence. He stood slowly and walked around the fire to where you sat. The group's chatter hushed to a quiet murmur as they all watched with wide eyes. He knelt in front of you, his expression unreadable but calm, his mismatched eyes locking onto yours.