Secrets [Todoroki]

*Chapter Sixty-Three*

Todoroki led her to a booth in the corner at the very back of the restaurant. "My family and I sit here every time. We have a tendency to stick out too. Are you okay here?"

Miri smiled, sliding into the booth. "Yes. It's perfect."

Todoroki took a seat across from her. He didn't pick up the menu, rather just leaning his head in his hand and staring at Miri.

Miri looked up from the menu. Her cheeks ignited. "Why are you staring at me?"

The corners of his lips quirked up. He reached across the table and grabbed her hand. "Remember when I kissed you?"

The menu fell away from her free hand. She swallowed heavily, red. "Uh, yeah. Yeah, I remember."

"I want to do it again." He said, nonchalant. Miri's face heated. She fumbled for the menu again, almost trying to hide her face. "But first, do you remember what I said to you?"

"Please don't drag this out." Miri rubbed her face. "Yes, yes. I remember everything about that night."

A smug feeling blossomed inside of him. He enjoyed seeing Miri flustered. It was an emotion from her he didn't get to see too often, and he took great pride in being able to bring it out of her. "I noticed you didn't say it back."

Miri watched as his expression changed from smugness to embarrassment. He looked smaller in that booth. His fingers that were tangled with hers, tightened.

Miri felt a pit in her stomach. He must have been sitting on that thought for a long time. She bit her lip, feeling too terrible to get flustered.

"I have a hard time expressing feelings of emotions. I'm improving on my physical expressions, but verbal is difficult. Every person who I've ever said 'I love you' to has just...ruined it for me. My father can't tell me he loves me and means it. It's not that I don't care about you, believe me, I like you a lot." She squeezed both of his hands, her face red again. "But when I tell you 'I love you', I want to feel it building up in me. I want it to effortlessly pass my lips without me hesitating."

"So, do you think I said it too soon? Or too quickly? If it made you uncomfortable-"

"Stop." Miri stroked her thumb across his hand. "I think you said it at a perfect time. You said it when it was perfect for you. Don't ever feel sorry for what you said to me that night. I needed it more than you could ever realize."

He stared down at their conjoined hands. "So, does that mean you like me or...?"

Miri stared at him. "Are you-" She caught herself, knowing damn well if the roles were reversed, she'd be questioning him just the same. "Yes. I like you. A lot."

"Can I call this a date?"

Miri blushed. "Yeah, if you want."

There was a small smile on his face. "I have one more question." He fidgeted, almost looking a bit constipated. "Will, uh..." He cleared his throat. "Will..." He pressed his lips into a line. "Dammit. Let's just worry about it later."

Miri's eyes softened. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. I'll ask after dinner when I'm less likely to say something stupid." He suddenly pulled her knuckle to his lips and placed a kiss on it. "Order anything you want." He released her hands.

Miri smiled and opened the menu once more.

𓆩*𓆪

They were arm and arm while walking throughout the town. The sun had since set, but Miri didn't hear any whispers. It was almost as if the presence of Todoroki pushed them back.

They stood on the outskirts of the park. The light illuminated the area, making for a beautiful scene. The pollen levels were thankfully low, making the trip through it much easier on Miri.

"What was it you were trying to ask me earlier?" Miri asked, strolling alongside him.

He hummed. "Not yet."

Miri looked over to him, confused. "'Not yet'?"

He nodded. "Let's get to the bridge. I'll ask you there."

She sighed. "If you say so." She watched as fireflies danced around them. She followed one as it swirled around Todoroki's head. It landed in the boy's hair, and Miri couldn't stop the snort from escaping her.

"What's so funny?" He turned to look at her. Miri wheezed out her notorious horse laugh as she watched the bug crawl down his hair and on to his nose.

His eyes crossed, watching the creature on the tip of his nose. He flinched and blew out air, swiping at his nose.

The bug flew around his face more and he kept trying to smack it away before Miri grabbed his hand. He stopped and stared at her.

"They're just here to welcome us." She held a hand out and the little bug landed on it. She watched as it crawled across her fingers, flashing yellow occasionally.

Todoroki watched her hand before holding up his own. A firefly floated towards his finger, climbing around it. He lowered his hand to Miri's and watched as the two fireflies crossed their hands to meet one another.

The two fireflies took off together. Miri and Todoroki watched as they flew around the sky, flying apart and coming back together again. Their lights flickered consistently, one lighting the way as the other one went dark.

The couple finally stepped foot on the bridge. Underneath it was a small pond that was decorated with fish and many other creatures. Frogs hopped along the rocks and little bugs kissed the surface.

The bridge creaked beneath their feet, but they leaned against the railings, looking down at the fish. Their shoulders were brushed against each other and they breathed in each other's warmth on the chilled night.

"Today has been peaceful." Miri whispered, watching a frog jump into the pond.

Todoroki nodded. His hand found Miri's, and he held it close to him. "A nice change of pace."

They went silent for a moment, just taking in the sounds of the frogs chirping and the occasional firefly swirling around them.

Todoroki gripped the railing of the bridge. "Will..." He trailed off, watching two fireflies fly by his face. He watched them swirl around Miri before nestling in her hair. He smiled to himself, feeling the power fill his voice. "Will you be-"

"Yes." Miri breathed out, turning her head towards him. "I'd love to be your girlfriend."

His lips parted in surprise. "How did you know I'd ask that?"

"I didn't. I just hoped that'd be your question." She smiled, blush decorating her cheeks.

He sighed, a small smile on his face. "Can I ask another question?"

"You just did."

He shook his head. His hand came up, brushing the hair behind her ears. "Can I...can I kiss you again?"

Miri's eyes widened. She could hear her heart pounding in her ears. Their first kiss wasn't magical. It was desperate. It sent her toes curling in her shoes and her quirk going haywire. Now he was asking to kiss her? It was such a vulnerable question that sent heat racing around her face and neck.

"You...you never need to ask." She smiled bashfully.

They leaned into each other, breathing in the same air. They felt each other's heart beating erratically, their pulses becoming one. Their noses bumped each other as they leaned in, earning an awkward chuckle and smile as they fixed their positions.

The kiss was sweet and passionate. Todoroki's hands wrapped around Miri's hips while her fingers tangled in his hair. They held each other close, the chill from the night air being no match for the warmth they shared.

The two fireflies nestled in Miri's hair took flight, dancing around the couple for a moment before flying towards the moon.

It was peaceful.