The vibrant lights of the party illuminated the raucous energy of the Pro Hero kickback, echoing laughter and conversations that filled the air like an uncontainable wave. It was a scene that would typically sweep anyone off their feet; yet for Shoto Todoroki and Y/N, both esteemed pro heroes and closeted introverts, the setting felt overwhelming. They had nearly escaped into the comforting shade of a corner, seeking refuge from the lively chaos.
"Who knew Mina's parties would be like this?" Y/N remarked wryly, the corner of their mouth lifting in an amused smile despite the ambient noise. They twirled a half-empty soda can in their hands, trying to make sense of the blend of excitement and social anxiety rising within them.
Shoto, with his striking half-red, half-white hair and icy demeanor, merely shrugged, his crimson eye glancing toward the clamor. "It's better than fighting villains," he said, his tone contemplative yet restrained, like someone deep in thought.
The two sat in silence, nodding along to the conversations of others and sipping their drinks, until the silence was broken by a familiar voice. Hitoshi Shinsou approached their corner, adjusting the collar of his jacket sheepishly. "Mind if I join you?" he asked, just loud enough for them to hear over the music.
Shoto nodded, and Y/N gestured for him to sit. The trio formed an odd bubble of quiet camaraderie, appreciating one another's company without the pressure to entertain or engage more deeply with the loud crowd. They exchanged idle chatter, their voices blending with the pulsing rhythm of the party outside, finding solace in their shared introversion.
Hours passed, and while the atmosphere only grew more energetic, Y/N felt their enthusiasm dim like a flickering lightbulb. "I think I might head out soon," Y/N said, attempting to stand up, their legs stiff from sitting. Just as they took a step, the door burst open, and Mina appeared, brimming with exuberance.
"Hey, don't leave yet! Let's keep the fun going!" she exclaimed, her energy almost palpable. Before Y/N could protest, Mina grabbed both them and Shoto by their wrists with surprising strength and dragged them towards a closet, a mischievous glint in her eye.
"Wait, what are you—?" Shoto started, but before he could finish, Mina shoved them inside and locked the door behind them, the sound of laughter and music melding into muted echoes.
For a moment, they stood in the cramped darkness, confusion thick in the air. Y/N pressed their back against the door, trying to process what had just happened. Shoto stood beside them, his presence comforting yet unexpectedly tense.
"It's… kind of cozy in here," Y/N joked, their voice barely a whisper, trying to ease the unexpected panic that began to creep in. Shoto remained quiet, but Y/N could feel his warmth seeping into the small space they occupied.
With time stretching uncomfortably around them, the reality of their situation settled in. What should have been a light-hearted confinement turned into a close-quarters confession when Shoto broke the silence.
"Y/N," he began, his voice unusually soft, "there's something I've wanted to tell you."
Y/N turned to face him, their heart kicking into a faster rhythm. "What is it?" They glanced up, meeting his gaze—intense yet vulnerable.
"I… I have feelings for you," he admitted, the words tumbling from his lips like ice breaking in the sun. "I've had them for a while, but I didn't know how to say it. Being here, locked away with you, made me realize that I should just… be honest."
Y/N's breath caught in their throat. Shock coursed through them, tearing through the mundane boredom they had felt moments before. "Shoto…" they trailed off, searching for the right words. They could feel the heat rising to their cheeks, a mixture of surprise and elation mingling within.
"I know this isn't the best time or place," he rushed to say, his voice laced with anxiety. "But I've been drawn to you ever since we started working together. You're not just another hero to me; you're… special."
"I didn't know you felt that way," Y/N said, taking a step closer, their heart aligning with the honesty brewing in the small closet. "I've liked you too, Shoto—more than a friend, and I thought I was imagining it."
Shoto looked at Y/N, surprise flickering in his eyes, replaced swiftly by a gentle, hopeful expression. The tension between them eased, the walls of the closet feeling much less constrictive now.
As laughter echoed outside, enveloped by the warmth of their confessions, Y/N took a breath and reached out, brushing their fingers against Shoto's cool hand. "So… what do we do now?"
"We wait," he said softly, a smile forming on his lips, "until we can open that door together."
In that small closet, where they had expected to feel trapped, Y/N and Shoto found freedom through vulnerability. They spent the time weaving through their unspoken words, laughter dancing through the air, as the party outside swirled on. And for the first time that evening, they both realized they were exactly where they were meant to be.