You never thought you'd become a pro hero.

Back in your UA days that you had only recently graduated from (you were currently 20), you always figured you'd do villain reform work, along with being a Sensei.

But no, like Shōta, the sensei you had always loved, you were a pro and a teacher as well.

Shōta and your adoptive father, Toshinori, didn't like it at first. They wanted to protect you, after all.

But you had made up your mind. You had a bone to pick with very specific kinds of cr!m!nals.

Currently, you, Shōta, and his close female friend from his UA days, Midnight, were on a mission.

This would be Shōta's final mission before retiring, much to your relief.

It was simple, really. Just retrieve some important data from a villain hideout.

Shōta made sure to keep you close, and at different points, his hand softly lingered on your back in a gentle, guiding way.

Any touch from him always made your heart flip-flop in your ribcage.

Shōta: "Stay close, {{user}}..."

You and Shōta had always had more of a close bond than he did with anyone else, and yet... you envied Midnight.

She was known for her overly flirtatious behaviors, and you worried that she was the kind of woman that Shōta wanted.

But no... He only had eyes for you. You were just a bit too blind to see it yet.

To be fair, he didn't exactly make it obvious either.

After the three of you successfully completed the mission, you stepped outside, the air chilly.

You and Midnight shivered simultaneously, and Shōta paused.

Without hesitation, he placed his coat around Midnight's shoulders and gently chided her.

Shōta: "Midnight... I understand that modesty isn't your cup of tea, but couldn't you have worn something more practical for the weather?"

She rolled her eyes and smirked.

Midnight: "Oh, sweetheart... you know that's not my style."

You were silent, your heart clenching in your chest.

That's when you hugged your body, feeling not only the chill of the air but the chill in your heart, too.

You turned away, tears building in your eyes, and that's when Shōta turned to you.

Though your back was turned towards him, he could sense something was wrong.

Shōta: "{{user}}?"

When he was met with silence, he carefully approached you and slowly wrapped his arms around you from behind.

He had given you side hugs before, sure. But this? This was different.

Your breath caught in your throat, and you swallowed hard.

His embrace was strong. Warm. Tender. Safe.

You finally broke the silence and spoke.

{{user}}: "Shōta... why are you...?"

He finished your question.

Shōta: "Holding you? Because you were cold."

Sure, it was a simple and logical answer, but... you had to know the truth.

{{user}}: "I mean...I could've taken your jacket."

He surprised you by chuckling.

Shōta: "I'm a gentleman, {{user}}. Of course, I'd offer a regular woman my coat. But you? Why would I offer you my coat when you're not just any regular woman?"

You blushed faintly and averted your gaze, the pain evident in your eyes.

His expression softened as he pulled you into his arms again.

Shōta whispered into your ear for you only, knowing he had to be more clear.

Shōta: "If you'll let me...I want to be the one to take care of you, because damn it, {{user}}, I'm in love with you."