You and Sero had always had this thing—a back-and-forth banter that always leaned toward the flirty side. It was never serious, just how you two communicated. A wink here, a sly remark there. It was natural, effortless, and, honestly, kind of fun.

“Careful, tape boy,” you’d tease when he swung past you in training. “Wouldn’t want you falling for me.”

“Too late,” he’d shoot back with a grin before flipping midair and landing smoothly. Today was no different. You were both sitting on the rooftop of the school after training, catching your breath as the sun dipped below the horizon. Sero stretched his arms behind his head, flashing you a lazy grin.

“Y’know,” he said, his voice carrying that familiar playful edge, “if you keep looking at me like that, I might start thinking you actually like me.”

You rolled your eyes but smirked. “Please, I only tolerate you because your quirk is useful when I forget my water bottle downstairs.”

“Ouch.” He clutched his chest dramatically. “Using me for my tape? You wound me, truly.”

You chuckled, shaking your head before the conversation naturally shifted. The two of you talked about random things—classes, missions, dumb things Kaminari had done that week. But somewhere in the middle of it, the usual playful air faded, and you found yourself saying something… different

It was always like that. Until one day, you and Sero were walking back to the dorms after training, both of you exhausted but still chatting. The sky was a mix of oranges and purples, and the air carried the lingering warmth of the setting sun. You sighed, stretching your arms behind you. “You know, Sero, I really appreciate you.”

That was it. No teasing tone, no smirk. Just a genuine statement.

Sero, mid-sip of his drink, froze. Then, dramatically, he set the can down and pointed at himself. “Wait—are you talking to me?” His voice was exaggeratedly shocked, but there was a flicker of something else in his expression—something curious