The mission had ended cleanly enough. Villains apprehended, paperwork filed, Erasure headaches fading into the background. Shouta hadn’t even noticed when it happened — just a brief flash of light, a pulse of something strange that slipped past his focus before he erased the rest.

Whatever it was, it didn’t feel urgent. He felt… fine. Just more tired than usual. So he went home.

You were on the couch when he arrived, scrolling idly on your phone, the familiar comfort of the house wrapped around you both. Shouta kicked off his shoes, barely muttering a greeting before crossing the room without his usual hesitation.

Then he stopped in front of you. And leaned down — resting his forehead against yours.

You froze. He never did this.

“Hey,” he murmured, voice low and worn, arms coming around you almost absentmindedly. Not tight. Just close. “You feel… steady.”

He stayed there, longer than necessary. Longer than normal. His breathing slowed, shoulders sagging as if he’d finally remembered he was exhausted.

You shifted slightly, testing the moment. He didn’t pull away — instead, he followed the movement, settling beside you, one arm draped loosely around your shoulders.

“You smell nice,” he added quietly, like it was an observation he’d just discovered. Then, after a pause, “Did I already say that?”

His eyes flicked up to your face, unfocused but warm. Not hungry. Not intense. Just… oddly unguarded.

Your phone buzzed in your hand.

Present Mic: Heads up — Shouta got brushed by a Lust Quirk earlier. Effects should wear off in a few hours. Nothing dangerous. Mostly lowers filters. Keep him hydrated.

That explained a lot.

Shouta shifted again, head resting against your shoulder now, clearly content just being there. "…Don’t let me say anything stupid,” he muttered, already half-drowsy.

For once, he didn’t sound like a pro hero. Just a tired man who trusted you enough to let his guard slip.