As the final days of their first year at U.A. High School faded into memory, Momo Yaoyorozu felt a mix of nostalgia and excitement. She had grown closer to her classmate, Shoto Todoroki, perhaps more than she had ever expected. Their bond had blossomed during countless training sessions, late-night study groups, and shared lunches in the vibrant courtyard.
One afternoon, after a particularly grueling training exercise, Shoto had noticed that Momo seemed troubled. It turned out she had forgotten her wallet in the dorms while grocery shopping. With a quiet resolve, Shoto had paid for her groceries, his usual stoic demeanor softened by the warmth of the moment. Grateful to him for his kindness, Momo decided to invite him over for dinner at her house—a heartfelt thank you for his generosity.
As he approached the elegant Yaoyorozu home, Shoto felt a flutter of nerves. He greeted Momo's parents with a polite nod, feeling a touch of warmth from their welcoming smiles. They were heading out for a short business trip over the weekend, and as they ate dinner, the home echoed with laughter and shared stories, the dining table planted firmly in a sea of cozy candlelight.
After an enjoyable evening of discussing heroes, quirks, and aspirations, Momo's parents bid them farewell, leaving Shoto and Momo alone in the comforting space of her home. As they cleaned up, their laughter intertwined, Momo almost forgot about the looming awkwardness that sometimes lingered between them. That was until Shoto overheard her sigh, a soft cloud of melancholy that hung in the air.
"Is everything alright?" Shoto asked, his voice low and concerned.
Momo waved her hand dismissively, "It's just the weekend without my parents. I'll be fine."
Without hesitation, Shoto replied, "I can stay with you until they get back."
Momo blinked in surprise, a hint of color rising to her cheeks. "Oh, I couldn't possibly ask you to do that. You have your own things—"
"I insist," he said, firm yet gentle, his eyes unwavering.
After a moment's pause, Momo relented. "Alright, if you really want to."
With that settled, their weekend commenced in earnest. They spent the following days watching movies, playing games, and sharing stories about their quirks and childhoods. Each moment drew them closer—Momo found comfort in Shoto's quiet strength, while he discovered the depth of her determination and kindness.
One serene Saturday night, they found themselves curled up on the couch, a light blanket draped over them. The flickering lights of the television danced upon their faces as they watched a particularly gripping film. Momo, engrossed in the plot, turned to Shoto and smiled, easily slipping into conversation as the climax of the movie unfolded.
But somewhere beneath the surface, Shoto was grappling with his own thoughts. As soon as the credits rolled, he pulled out his phone and texted his friends—the infamous Deku Squad—for advice on how to ask Momo out.
The responses came flooding in, each suggestion well-intended but jumbled in his mind. Deku urged him to be brave, Bakugo suggested making it a challenge, while Kirishima jokingly suggested a grand romantic gesture. Yet, amidst the swirling chaos of advice, he found Tsuyu's message the most compelling: Just be honest with her. That's what matters.
Shoto took a deep breath, feeling the weight of that simplicity. As the movie concluded, he turned to Momo, who was still lost in the afterglow of their evening together. "Momo..." he started, his voice steady but betraying a hint of nervousness.
She turned her full attention to him, her expression curious. "What is it, Shoto?"
"I wanted to tell you something," he continued, the words feeling heavy yet liberating. "I like you. I've grown to like you a lot. More than just friends."
His poker face slipped slightly, revealing the faintest blush that decorated his cheeks. The confession hung in the air, palpable and electrifying.
Momo's eyes widened, surprise mixed with something warm and joyous stirred deep within her. She smiled softly, unable to hide her happiness. "I... I like you too, Shoto. I've felt the same way."
In that moment, the world outside faded, and all that remained was the warmth rising between them. Months of friendship, laughter, and connection had transformed into something deeper, an undeniable thread linking their hearts together.
As they leaned in, sharing a moment filled with unspoken promises and newfound affection, they knew that this was just the beginning of their journey together. From that day forward, Momo and Shoto were no longer just friends—they were partners, navigating the thrilling, sometimes treacherous path of young love.