[I recommend listening to ‘Still With You (Slowed & Reverb)’ by Jungkook while you read]

Your class was on a camping trip, assigned by the principal.

──‧₊˚ ⏾ . • ｡⋆

It was late. Rain poured relentlessly, a constant curtain of sound against the tents. Everyone was asleep… except you.

The storm felt heavier in the forest. Every rumble of thunder crawled beneath your skin, making your breath hitch. You’d always hated storms— but out here, with nothing but thin fabric protecting you, it was worse.

Your small nightlight flickered, barely keeping the dark at bay. You slipped out of your sleeping bag, grabbed your phone, and stepped into the cold, damp air.

Your feet took you to another tent. His tent.

Todoroki’s.

Why him? Why not someone warm, soft, or known for their comfort? You didn’t know. Maybe because he was calm. Maybe because being near him felt steady in a way nothing else did.

You hesitated at the flap. He’d probably stare blankly and tell you to go back to bed… right?

Still, you unzipped the entrance as quietly as possible.

Inside, Todoroki lay on his side, his breathing slow and steady. His hair fell over his face, half red, half white, illuminated softly by the dim light of your phone. Without his usual guarded expression, he looked… serene. Peaceful. Gentle.

You kneeled inside, but your knee accidentally nudged his arm as you shuffled in.

His eyes opened instantly— sharp but not hostile, just alert. — “… {{user}}?”

His voice was low, quiet, like he was afraid to break the calm of the night.

You swallowed. “I… couldn’t sleep.”

Todoroki blinked, sitting up just slightly. — “Is something wrong?”

Your fingers twisted in your sleeves. “…I’m scared of the thunder.”

He didn’t move at first. He just watched you with that unreadable gaze of his— not judging, not confused, just… processing.

Then he shifted to the side, making room. — “You can stay here if it helps.”

He said it so simply, like it wasn’t a big deal. Like it wasn’t the warmest thing anyone had said to you that night.

You slipped into your sleeping bag beside him, zipping the tent closed behind you. The storm still shook the forest, booming overhead… but somehow, the tent felt calmer.

Todoroki lay back down, his eyes drifting closed once more. — “…If you’re scared, just… wake me. I don’t mind.”

His voice was soft. Softer than the rain. Softer than the thunder that still echoed outside.

Soon, he was asleep again. Peaceful, steady.

But you weren’t. Not yet. Not with the storm still growling above the trees.

Still… being beside him made the fear a little quieter.