Chapter Text
You’re not really sure why this keeps happening to you, but maybe it’s the luck—in all its cliché glory—that comes with being reincarnated.
Well, there goes my third kiss.
Another kiss-related accident in such a short span of time is concerning, admittedly, so you’re hoping to put this to rest right here and now. In any case, it was so brief, just like what happened with Shouto, that you still can’t seem to feel all that embarrassed over it. Although you can’t say the same for Monoma—whose face is now beet red.
"Just don’t tell anyone," you insist. "It’s not that I’m embarrassed about what happened, but trust me. There’s a certain person in my life who’s… a little crazy. And I’d rather he didn’t find out about this."
Monoma doesn’t have the slightest clue what you’re talking about, of course, and that’s certainly for the best. You’re pretty sure nobody saw this kiss, thanks to the fact that everyone was focused on slow dancing, and you were surrounded by people in just about every direction. For once, you’re thankful for how packed the gymnasium is. Even though you don’t usually mind the spotlight, there’s no need for all your kisses to be put on display.
Anyway. Poor Monoma. He looks like his face is about to explode.
"Are you alright?" you ask, brows furrowing with concern. When you lean in closer to him, he jolts back like you’ve zapped him with a live wire.
"I-I’m fine!" he stammers, shoulders stiff and raised. "I’m fine, so just keep your distance! Shoo, shoo!"
…wow. It’s the first time anyone’s ever waved you off like you’re a dog or something, but you can’t really hold it against him. It’s clear he’s going through something right now.
You’re starting to become somewhat of a kissing veteran (not as much of a brag as you think it is), but that was probably his first kiss—and it was an accident. You feel for him. Although you’d appreciate it if he didn’t look that upset about it. You’re adorable, and it’s hard not to take his reaction a little personally.
"It was just an accident," you shrug. "Don’t think of it as a kiss if you don’t want to. It was just a… mouth collision."
Monoma throws his head back and groans, dramatic as ever. "Ugh, just leave me alone, already!"
And with that, he storms away, still red all the way up to his ears, forcing his way through the crowd like the room personally offended him.
You do your best not to audibly sigh. Instead, you gently press a finger to your lips, confirming the faint warmth that lingered just moments ago.
Yeah. I definitely can’t let Kai find out about this.
Whatever. You’re going to keep taking everything in stride and just brush this off as another silly moment you’ll end up laughing about in the future.
Well, probably.
In any case, the song still hasn’t changed back into something upbeat. People are slow-dancing all around you, swaying under the shifting lights, lost in their own little worlds. You consider retreating to your table and regrouping with Izuku.
Ironically, just as that thought crosses your mind, someone catches your peripheral vision. Someone standing stiffly against the wall, looking like he doesn’t quite know what to do with himself.
"Shinsou!" you call out, weaving past the crowd to reach him. He blinks, startled, as you grin ear-to-ear. "Yay, you’re here too! How’s the banquet been? Are you having fun so far?"
He shifts uncomfortably, tugging at his collar. "Um, it’s been fine," he says, tone carefully even. There’s a faint dusting of pink across his cheeks, though. "But I doubt it’s been as eventful for me as it has been for you."
"Why?" you ask innocently.
"Sorry," he mumbles, scratching at the back of his neck, visibly flustered. "I kind of saw… what just happened."
Oh. Oh.
Well, that’s just great, isn’t it?
"Of course," you mutter tiredly. At least someone had to have seen, given how many people are packed into this gym. Still, from the looks of it, nobody else seems aware. Hopefully.
"I’m sorry," Shinsou apologizes again, his voice a little softer this time.
You shake your head quickly. "No, don’t worry. It’s not like you have anything to apologize for. Just please keep it to yourself, okay? Monoma is already freaking out enough as it is. And I’m also hoping to keep this under wraps, if possible."
"Don’t worry," he reassures, his voice steadier now. "I won’t tell anyone."
A smile spreads across your lips. "Yeah, I know. I’m sure I can trust you. By the way, do you want to dance with me? I’ve lost my dance partner. He stormed off right away."
"I’m surprised you were dancing with him in the first place," Shinsou remarks, an eyebrow raised. "Isn’t he always making fun of your class?"
"With Monoma, it’s just best not to take him too seriously," you brush off with a wave of your hand.
"Uh… okay."
"Anyway, let’s go!"
Before he can rethink it, you grab his hand and tug him towards the dance floor. He stumbles after you, eyes wider than usual, but he doesn’t outright protest. You take that as an agreement.
Now facing each other, you beam at him while he scratches the back of his neck again, clearly hesitant.
"It’s nice of you to ask me to be your partner, but I don’t really know how to dance," he mumbles.
"That’s okay," you beam brighter. "I don’t either!"
"Huh? But you were dancing with Monoma earlier, and you seemed pretty good at it."
"I’m just naturally pretty good at most things I do."
That gets a chuckle out of him. "And you’re so humble, too," he muses.
"Obviously." Your grin widens. "Let’s dance!"
And just like you did with Monoma before, you guide Shinsou’s hands towards your waist, setting them carefully against the fabric of your dress. You drape your arms lightly over his shoulders, bridging the space between you.
His face flushes deeper, though he still doesn’t protest.
When you start moving, it’s clear he doesn’t have Monoma’s precision or natural skill. His steps are a little uneven, his rhythm unsure, but you don’t mind in the slightest. You sway along anyway, guiding where needed, smiling like you don’t notice a thing.
And honestly? You’re having fun.
You’re determined not to kiss anyone else by accident tonight, though. Definitely not.
Meanwhile, over by the buffet, Monoma finds refuge—coincidentally right next to his classmate, Inasa.
"Yo, Monoma!" Inasa greets cheerfully, a plate piled high in his hands. "Where’ve you been? Have you eaten somethin’ yet? Everythin’s really good!"
Monoma hardly spares him a glance. His jaw tightens as he stares off into the crowd. From where he’s standing, he can see you. He can see how you’ve already replaced him, already laughing again as you sway with Shinsou under the lights.
You really wasted no time in moving on, huh? Monoma huffs quietly, the sound sharp with indignation.
Inasa blinks, chewing thoughtfully on a mouthful of food. He leans in closer, squinting at Monoma. "Hey, man. Your face is lookin’ super red for some reason. Feelin’ okay? You’re not sick, are ya?"
Monoma doesn’t respond to that. Even if he wanted to, he’s not quite sure what he would’ve said. Instead, he balls up his hands, nails biting into his palms.
Unfortunately for him, his blush only deepens.
You’ve been having a really good time. The music is back to being upbeat (not that you minded slow-dancing, to be honest), and so you regroup with some of the girls again. This time, Yaoyorozu and Jirou join in too, about as shyly as you’d expected. They linger at first, swaying in place near the edge of the floor, but eventually Mina and Hagakure drag them in until they’re part of the little circle.
And even though it’s just the girls at first, it doesn’t stay that way for long. A few beats later, some of your other classmates wander in to join. The circle grows, arms link, and suddenly the dance floor is buzzing with laughter and stomping shoes.
Kaminari, for one, decides to bust out some very, uh… unique moves.
He leaps forward with exaggerated hip swings, body shaking like he’s using his electricity Quirk to make every one of his limbs spasm uncontrollably.
"Whoa!" Kirishima marvels, watching with glossy eyes. "Your dancing is so manly!"
"Is it, though?" Jirou remarks, scrunching her nose a bit as she flicks her earjacks in mild disgust.
You chuckle softly. At least it looks like everyone’s enjoying themselves. Kaminari and Kirishima are extroverted enough that their energy spilling onto the floor isn’t surprising, but what makes you happiest is seeing others join in too—people who normally hang back, who let themselves relax and let loose tonight.
Especially a certain curly-haired boy who, admittedly, really isn’t the best dancer.
Izuku steps gingerly into the circle, movements hesitant, his arms stiff at his sides. But he tries. He tries really hard, eyes darting towards you like he’s checking for approval every other second.
"Wh-What is it?" Izuku stammers, cheeks pink as he catches you staring. "I… I really don’t know how to dance, so…"
You smile warmly, shaking your head. "Don’t worry. I wasn’t going to make fun of you or anything. I just think you’re really cute!"
"Cute?!"
He practically squeaks the word. His voice cracks just as you grab both of his hands in yours and twirl him quickly, spinning him before he can run away.
The compliment has him practically glowing pink, but after a moment, a timid smile creeps up his face. He looks proud of himself just for staying there with you.
"I’m glad we got to do this," Izuku admits, shoulders rising slightly as if he’s embarrassed to even say it.
You arch a brow. "You’re glad you got to show off your amazing dancing skills?"
"O-Obviously not!" His face flares red again. "I mean… I’m glad we had this banquet. I’d never heard of U.A doing something like that before, but it’s been a lot of fun."
He pauses, gaze darting away for a second before snapping back, and his blush spreads across his whole face like wildfire.
"And I know I already said it before, but your dress looks, um, really nice on you."
"Thanks," you grin. Without thinking twice, you wrap your arms around him and pull him into a big hug. Predictably, he squeals, voice strangled in panic as his arms shoot out.
You laugh under your breath. He’s hopeless—but in the most endearing way.
He does have a point, though. The banquet has been a lot of fun, and it feels good to do something so normal with your friends. Especially when you know what’s waiting for you next week.
Your first round of workplace experience. Stain still lurking. Shigaraki, too.
You may have saved Tensei thanks to Chisaki’s help, but some things can’t be avoided, no matter how many times you rewrite the script. What’s set to happen in Hosu is going to happen, one way or another. The thought lingers heavy in the back of your mind, but you push it down for now.
You want to enjoy this wholesome peacefulness, this carefree tune, for as long as possible. Because you have faith that even when bad things happen, you’ll find a way to overcome them.
You always do.
"Sorry, Midoriya," someone suddenly mumbles. "Can I please steal [Name] for a bit…?"
You turn, blinking.
Shouto is standing right in front of you. His face is mostly unreadable at first, but then you notice the guilt pulling down his mouth, and the shame shadowing his eyes.
You blink again, a little stunned. You’ve been trying to find him for most of the night, but every time you thought you caught sight of him, he slipped away like smoke. He must’ve been avoiding you on purpose. Until now, that is.
"I want to talk to you," Shouto says. Then, after a pause, he cringes slightly and adds, softer, "Please."
Truthfully, you don’t appreciate that he’s been keeping his distance. You’re not used to him willingly staying apart from you. You’re used to him always being there, close by, proud to call you his friend, always steady in your corner.
You understand his embarrassment, sure. You understand why he wanted space—after all, it’s not every day that you kiss someone on live television in front of the whole world. But still. You’ve missed him.
And why wouldn’t you? He’s your best friend.
So, you glance back at Izuku, silently asking if he minds, because it looks like you’re going to have to leave him again. He just gives you that soft, understanding smile of his and nods, like the freckled little angel he is.
"Alright," you say at last.
Shouto exhales, relief clear in the way his shoulders loosen. He steps aside, gesturing for you to follow him.
He leads you off the dance floor, weaving towards one of the less crowded corners of the gym. The place is still noisy, filled with chatter and the thump of music, but here at least you’re a little more tucked away. Not quite private, but removed enough.
"I’m sorry," Shouto blurts the second you’re alone, and before you can say anything in response, he wraps his arms around you. His embrace is tight, almost desperate, and he even buries his face against your shoulder. "I’m sorry, [Name]. I’m really sorry for avoiding you all night. It was a horrible thing to do."
You chuckle softly, your hand instinctively coming up to pat the crown of his head. His hair is smooth under your fingers.
"I definitely wouldn’t go that far," you reassure.
He shakes his head. "No, it’s true. Best friends aren’t supposed to avoid each other. I should never have done that."
"It’s fine, Shouto," you insist gently. But he’s clearly in his repentant phase, clinging to guilt like he always does. You know better than to push. So you wait, patient, until he’s ready to keep talking.
Eventually, he lifts his head and faces you properly. His cheeks are burning red, eyes darting down then back up like he can’t decide whether to meet your gaze.
"I didn’t know how to act," he admits, his voice quieter than usual. "I just didn’t know how to pretend like things were normal. I mean—they are normal, but I just… I don’t know. I was embarrassed."
You nod gently, letting him see that you understand. It makes perfect sense. Not everyone brushes things off as quickly as you do. Take Monoma, for example. He couldn’t handle the accident earlier, either. He practically combusted. But at least with Monoma, only Shinsou saw.
When you kissed Shouto, it wasn’t just in front of classmates. It was in front of everyone. The entire stadium, broadcast nationwide, even worldwide. Replay clips, articles, trending hashtags—people still won’t stop talking about it.
So yes, you understand. His embarrassment isn’t small; it’s massive, inescapable.
Still.
You really hope this won’t come between you forever.
Shouto’s cheeks redden further, and you can’t tell if he wants to say more. He hesitates, lips parting and closing again, and so you take it upon yourself to speak first.
"It’s normal to feel embarrassed, but I just hope we can keep being best friends," you say. You pause for a moment, then offer a warm smile. "Forever."
For a moment, he looks relieved, like the weight is lifting. But then something flickers in his eyes, and the relief morphs into something else. Something almost like… disappointment.
Although you’re not really sure why.
"Best friends forever," Shouto repeats, voice low. His lips press together, thin and uncertain. "As in, forever forever?"
"Of course," you beam. "Like, for the rest of our lives!"
"But what if… what if something changes?" he forces himself to ask, cheeks blazing hotter than before. His fingers flex at his sides, restless.
You frown slightly, mistaking his expression for worry. "Why would it change? You’ll always be my best friend. I promise I’m not upset, Shouto. I doubt I could ever really be upset with you."
He doesn’t answer right away. Because you’ve misunderstood.
He didn’t mean that you might stop liking him as a friend. He meant that he hopes someday, somehow, you’ll think of him as something more.
But now isn’t the right time. He instinctively realizes that much. He’s not ready. He’s not brave enough yet.
So instead, he swallows hard and mumbles, "But there must be something beyond being best friends. And if there is… I think we could be that way."
"What, like super-duper best friends?" you giggle.
Shouto exhales a quiet laugh through his nose. His eyes soften, warmth flooding them, and he smiles at you—gentle, tender, full of affection.
"Maybe. Or maybe something else."
And then he hugs you again.
This time it’s calmer, steadier. He doesn’t speak again for a long while, but you don’t mind. You’re happy to stay like this, pressed close in the corner of the banquet hall, feeling right at home in the comfort of his arms.
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I just published a new BNHA story, and since I’m assuming those of you reading this story like the isekai/reincarnation trope, there’s a very good chance you’ll like my new story as well. Please consider giving it a try! LINK TO NEW STORY HERE