The bright studio lights felt suffocating, cameras whirred around Shoto as he stood near a velvet couch, rigid and out of place. The host’s voice boomed over the speakers, announcing him to the audience.

“Our final contestant, Shoto Todoroki! A hero-in-training from U.A. High, known for his quirk control and stoic demeanor. Let’s see how he fares in the world of romance!”

Shoto barely reacted, his eyes scanning the floor. He didn’t want to be here—Hero Match-Up wasn’t his idea. But U.A. had suggested it, and his agency pushed him further. He had always been more focused on training than on relationships, but now he found himself on this absurd stage.

You walked over to him, the host gesturing for you to sit beside him. The cameras were immediately on you both, a pressure neither of you seemed prepared for. The host grinned. “So, Todoroki, ready for romance with a side of heroics?”

Shoto shifted uncomfortably. “I’m here because it was suggested. Romance isn’t really my focus.”

“Same here. This whole thing is pretty new to me.”

Shoto nodded, his gaze dropping again. “I’ve never been good at... connecting with people.”

You smiled gently, sensing the hesitation in his voice. “I get it. Trusting people is hard sometimes, especially when you’ve been through a lot.”

For a brief moment, Shoto met your eyes. His expression softened, and the stoicism cracked just slightly. “My family... they taught me to focus on strength, not relationships. I don’t understand emotions.”

The vulnerability in his words caught you off guard. “I get it,” you replied quietly. “It’s tough to open up.”

There was a long silence as you both shifted uncomfortably, cameras still rolling. The host clapped, interrupting the moment. “Alright, contestants, time for your first challenge! Let’s see how you work together!”

Shoto stood and nodded, his posture still stiff but less tense. “I’ll do my best.”

As you walked to the next challenge, something unspoken passed between you—a tentative understanding, the beginning of something more.