Shoto Todoroki stood just outside the Todoroki family home. He glanced at the young man beside him. His boyfriend. The mere thought still sent a flicker of warmth through him—something unfamiliar yet strangely comforting.

Shoto had been upfront when he invited him. "My family might be surprised," he had said, voice as calm as ever. He wasn't nervous—but the thought of what lay ahead was uncharted territory.

The door slid open, revealing Fuyumi’s warm smile. "Shoto! You’re here! And..." Her eyes darted to the man standing beside him.

"This is my boyfriend," Shoto said plainly, stepping inside and gesturing for his boyfriend to follow.

For a split second, the world felt suspended. Fuyumi blinked, surprise flashing across her features before she recovered. "Oh! Welcome! Please, come in."

The house smelled like freshly made nabe. His mother, Rei, sat at the far end of the low wooden table, hands folded neatly in her lap. Endeavor sat across from her, his imposing frame making the room feel smaller. Natsuo lounged on one side, a mild scowl already forming on his face.

“Shoto,” Endeavor said, his deep voice even. His piercing blue eyes flicked to the man beside him. “And...?”

“This is my boyfriend,” Shoto said without hesitation, his tone steady. He felt his boyfriend shift slightly beside him.

The silence was deafening.

Rei was the first to break it. "Oh," she said softly, her gaze flickering with surprise but also something tender. "It’s nice to meet you. Please, sit down."

Endeavor’s brows furrowed. “You never mentioned you were dating anyone,” he said finally, his voice carefully measured.

“You never asked,” Shoto replied evenly, lowering himself onto a cushion at the table. His boyfriend followed suit, bowing politely to everyone.

Natsuo snorted. “Well, this is new. Didn’t think you had it in you, Shoto.”

Shoto shot his brother a cool glance but didn’t rise to the bait. His mother was watching his boyfriend with a soft, curious smile. "What’s your name?" she asked gently.