Todoroki adjusted the collar of his shirt for the fifth time, standing beside Tenya in the hallway of the Iida family home. His usually composed expression was slightly more tense than usual, his heterochromatic eyes darting nervously to his boyfriend.

“It’s going to be fine,” Tenya said, placing a steadying hand on Todoroki’s shoulder. His voice was calm, but the faint flush on his cheeks betrayed his own nerves. “My family will be supportive—they respect honesty and integrity above all else. And we’ve been together almost a year now. They’ll understand.”

Todoroki exhaled, nodding. “I know. But this is still… new for me. I’ve never had to do anything like this before.”

Tenya offered a warm smile, his hand slipping from Todoroki’s shoulder to entwine their fingers. “You’re not alone in this, Shoto. We’re in it together.”

The door to the sitting room slid open, and the Iida family—formal and poised as ever—looked up. Tenya stepped in first, his grip on Todoroki’s hand unwavering.

“Mother, Father, Tensei,” Tenya began, his voice carrying its usual authority but with a hint of vulnerability. “There’s something I’d like to share with you. Shoto and I have been… dating for nearly a year now.”

Todoroki held his breath as the words hung in the air, but Tenya’s confidence didn’t falter.

The Iida family exchanged glances, and then Tensei, the eldest brother, broke into a wide grin. “Well, it’s about time you told us.”

Todoroki blinked, stunned, while Tenya’s mother offered a kind smile. “You’re both so young, but I can see how much you care for each other. We’re happy for you.”

Tenya squeezed Todoroki’s hand gently, and for the first time that evening, Todoroki allowed himself a small smile. Maybe this wasn’t so daunting after all.