"Todo, I can walk home on my own. My apartment is too far out of the wa-"

"It's fine. Besides, it's dangerous this late." He insisted.

"But I walk this way all the time, and even later than this sometimes." You huffed. Todoroki wasn't having any of it though. He reached down to intertwine his fingers with yours.

"Stop being stubborn. I also want to spend time with you."

MY HEART!

"Me too..." You mumbled shyly, eyes sheepishly glancing at your connected hands. "I also want to spend time with you."

The sports festival had just ended. Todoroki took it upon himself to walk you home as he had done so many times. It's not like he wanted to go home with Endeavor anyways.

"Well, what do we have here?" A woman called out from behind you.

"Oh, hey Ai!" You grinned towards her. Todoroki and you waited for her to catch up to you. Ai's eyes immediately gravitated down to your intertwined hands.

"I see you two have gotten comfy." She snickered. Blood rushes to your cheeks.

O-Oh boy...

"We have. We're dating now." Todoroki causally stated.

"Bout damn time." She scoffed. "And you're heading to (y/n)'s apartment!? My, my are you two bold~"

"Eh? What do you mean by that?"

"Ai, cut it out!" You panicked, face reddening even more.

"I'm just messing with ya. Besides, tonight we're gonna celebrate!" Ai laughed while pulling a bottle of soju out of seemingly nowhere.

"What? Ai no, we can't-"

"Oh come onnn," She slung her arms around your shoulder and pulled you along. "You guys don't have school tomorrow anyway."

"But-"

"GET THAT STICK OUTTA YOUR ASS AND HAVE SOME FUN!"

- - -

"CHEERS~" Ranka called out, waving his glass around.

"Please don't spill on my carpet..." You muttered.

How on earth did it end up like this...

You, Todoroki, Ai, Satou, and Ranka were all gathered around your tiny living room table.

"RANKA, why the FUCK is this crusty lookin ass old man here?!" Ai drunkily growled, her pointer finger stretched across the table at Satou.

"Shut the fuck up you shitty brat." He mumbled. "Can't a crusty old man enjoy a drink in peace."

"Oh please you two, can't you just get along long enough to celebrate (y/n)'s and Todoroki's success~" Ranka giggled in an attempt to calm the quarrel.

Ahhh geez...

You leaned your elbows on the table, hands covering your face.

This is so embarrassing.

"You seem like you know how to hold your liquor kid." Satou noted towards Todoroki who was just quietly sipping his drink.

"Eh?" Todoroki looked up before nodding. "Yes sir. Drinking is traditional at formal dinners in my household."

S-So cool!

With determination, you took hold of the small cup before you. You brought it up to your lips, ungratefully taking a few gulps.

"YEAHHHH MY GIRL'S JOINING IN ON THE ACTION!" Ai cheered.

"(Y/n), do you drink often?" Todoroki asked curiously.

"Huh? Uhhh yeah..." You chuckled.

"No she doesn't." Satou scoffed.

"Traitor."

"Well, technically you guys are underaged. But I don't think it really matters so long as you're responsible." He added.

"S'not like they really give a shit out here." Ai huffed. "Somebody's probably getting mugged in the alleyway behind us."

"Does that happen often?" Todoroki questioned.

"Here in Kabukicho? All the time. Heck, I'm the one doing the mugging most of the time-"

"YOU BETTER NOT BE YA LITTLE BRAT!" Satou yelled.

"DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO FUCKING DO!" She angrily retorted.

The two of them went at it. Your profuse sighing was interrupted by the feeling of Todoroki's hand gently grabbing yours under the table. The all too familiar blush returned. You peaked over, eyes meeting his. As silly as this whole situation was, you could tell he was very content with it. The reassurance allowed you to relax once more and relish in the warmth of his hand.

"SO, TODERDOKI!" Ai grinned.

You yanked your hand away from his. The attention of the room was suddenly on the two of you.

"Yes?" He responded softly.

"This goes without saying, but if you break (y/n)'s heart I will take it upon myself to break your beautiful face." She casually said.

Oh my god Ai...

You slapped your hand over your face. There was no actual malicious intent behind her words, but you could tell she wouldn't sit still if worse came to worse. Todoroki suddenly stood.

"Wha-? Wait Todo, she's kidding I swear!" You insisted.

"No, it's alright (y/n). I have something I'd like to say." He responded.

Ranka and Satou, who had been previously conversing, directed their attention towards him as well.

"(Y/n) is very precious to me." Todoroki bowed his head forward. "I promise to treat her with the utmost care and respect. She deserves that."

Todoroki...

His words truly touched you.

"BRAVO TODOROKI~" Ranka cheered.

"Heh! I'll choose to believe you for now."Ai joked with a wide smile.

Satou remained silent, simply keeping to himself and sipping his drink.

"Todoroki," He finally muttered. You glanced over at the old man. "Come with me for a second."

Your boyfriend quickly agreed walking off towards the door after him.

"Where are you going?" You questioned towards Satou.

"None of yer business. Don't worry though, I'll bring him back." Satou snorted.

"But-"

"It's fwine (y/n). DRINK WITH MEEEEEE!" Ai complained, slinging her arm over your shoulder.

Outside, the moon was already high. After the door had closed, Satou stood in silence, eyes cast to the side. Todoroki patiently waited for a moment before speaking up.

"What did you want to talk about?" The end of Satou's cane struck the wall beside Todoroki's head. The student's eyes widened. 

"I don't buy it." The old man growled. It didn't take long for Todoroki to get it.

"You still think I have ill intentions. What have I done to have not earned your trust?"

Satou glanced at the boy, noticing the sincerity of his eyes. He pulled away, cane falling back to his side.

"Sorry." He grumbled. "Truthfully you have done nothing. It is others in the past that make me weary..."

"Others in the past?" Todoroki pondered. "Has (y/n) been in a relationship previously?"

"No. But there are many in Kabukicho that have pursued her. Do you know why that is Todoroki?"

"Well, I can't speak for others. But..." A flush came over the boy's face. "(Y/n)... She has a kind heart and a caring soul. I admire the way she pushes through hardship with a smile, and the way she is never afraid to speak her mind. Of course, she's also very cute and has a tender presence. "Todoroki reached up, hand settling on his chest. "Something about her just always calms me."

"I see... So you really do care about her." Satou huffed. "Forgive me for doubting. Unfortunately, people's motivations tend to not be as pure as yours."

"But I thought the people of this city adored her?" 

"It's true that there are many in this city who appreciate and care for (y/n)... But there are also many who wish to steal her away for themselves." The old man's tone grew more sorrowful. "That's why we look after her so closely."

"You, Ranka, and Aisa?" Todoroki questioned

"There's more than just us." Satou chuckled. "But, there's no need to delve into that just yet. For now, just keep this a secret from (y/n). I don't want her to worry about all this."

"I understand."

Satou smiled and motioned back towards the door, but not before making one last point.

"And Todoroki?"

"What?" 

"You have to protect her too now."