The Red String | S. Todoroki x reader

Chapter 16

I take a second to grab my water, sweating buckets. I catch my breath before hopping back onto the treadmill.

Today we're working on our endurance and strength using the schools gym equipment. They for sure don't go easy on us.

"Don't think i can't see you, Mineta" i mumble, after spotting his reflection in the mirror. He's probably staring at my ass, though i can't blame him. Denki eventually just drags him away since Mineta clearly can't move himself.

I mentally eye roll.

I refocus and close my eyes, focusing on my breathing as i run. My legs are burning and so is my chest. I've been at this for ten minutes.
I open my eyes only to reveal Shoto standing completely still next to me.
I let out a cry as i trip over my own feet.
His eyes widen and he rushes to press the stop button even though i managed to catch myself on the support railings.

"How many times? You've got to stop doing that, Shoto" i sigh, pinching the space between my eyes.
"Sorry. After this, do you want to get food?"
"I kind of have to study" i turn down his request.
"We can do that too, besides, we won't eat for long" he tilts his head, pleadingly.
I think for a moment. My grades are pretty good, i just wanted to put some extra work in.
I give in "okay, fine. As long as it's not long".
Before turning to leave, he gives me a winning smile which earns him a smile in return.

I love him.

After class, we quickly head back to the dorms to have a speedy shower before getting dressed into fresh clothes and leaving the building.

We're walking side by side, the only noises being our footsteps against the pavement and the birds tweeting gently. It's nearly the Summer time so the breeze is fairly warm.
I have my hands held behind my back as i stare down at my feet, just watching the steps i take.
Todorokis hands are in his pockets as he looks straight ahead of himself. I think it's pretty obvious who's nervous.

"So" he tries to kick start a conversation "how did you find training today".
"Good, yep, good" i bite my lip "you?"
"Yeah, yeah. The usual"
There's more silence.

"I really-"
"I was-"
We start to say at the same time but we both laugh awkwardly and i finally look up at him.
"You first" he beams down at me. The sun is currently behind us, causing it to shine on him. He looks like an angel.

"oh, uh, i was gonna say I really enjoyed the combat routine we practiced"
"oh yeah it was hard but fun, i guess"

God this is so awkward.

"What were you going to say?" i ask.
"it can wait"

*****

"My, Todoroki, is this a date?" i flirt playfully. He cheeks glow a calm pink as he shrugs, pulling out my seat for me.
Taking his offer, i sit down on the chair which he then proceeds to push back in.

Everything he does makes me breathless, i swear.
He sits opposite me, picking up the menu and opening it. I imitate his movements subconsciously, holding the menu in front of me. I peak over the top of the thin piece of cardboard to see Shoto doing the same. His eyes crease at the corners, telling me he's smiling directly at me.

'Now that'll make your pussy throb'
I quote in my head and chuckle to myself.
"What?" he asks, wanting to know what i'm laughing at.
"Don't you worry"
He shakes his head, still smiling.

After selecting a meal from the menu and ordering, i place it back onto the table. He holds his hand out, offering me to take it, which i obviously do.
Gently, stroking the back of my hand with his thumb, he inspects me.

"What were you going to say earlier when we were walking here?" I question.

"You didn't answer my question the other day"
"Oh? which one?"
I knew which one. I just wanted him to say it again.