NOVEL NEXT Chapter 47: Shoto x Y/N
Title: A Brew of Unexpected Affection
The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the city as Y/N wiped down the last table of the day at The Warm Mug, the new local café that had quickly become a community hotspot. It was a cozy place, complete with plants hanging from the ceiling, mismatched furniture that somehow all worked together, and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Y/N loved every detail about the café – from the gentle hum of conversations to the sound of milk frothing in the espresso machine.
In the midst of her routine, a familiar face walked in. Shoto Todoroki, with his striking half-white, half-red hair and piercing eyes, made his way to the counter. He frequented the café after each shift at the nearby hero agency, creating a little ritual that Y/N had grown to look forward to.
"Welcome back, Shoto!" Y/N smiled, her cheeks warming slightly. "The usual?"
"Of course," he responded, his voice calm yet warm, the corners of his mouth curling into that faint smile that made her heart skip a beat.
He always ordered a matcha latte, intricate art drawn into the foam, a compliment to his cool demeanor. Y/N took pride in crafting his drinks flawlessly, and it became a game of sorts—she would experiment with her latte art to impress him, hoping for another glimpse of that smile.
As days turned into weeks, a routine developed. Shoto would come in, and without fail, he would look around, scanning the room until he spotted her. His gaze would light up, and Y/N couldn't help but feel special, as if they shared a secret that no one else knew.
One day, as she poured his drink with practiced ease, curiosity bubbled up inside her. "Hey, Shoto," she began casually, "I've been wondering… why do you always ask for me to serve you? There are other staff here, you know."
He tilted his head slightly, his expression contemplative. "I like your energy," he said slowly, his icy blue and fiery red eyes locking onto hers. "You make the café feel warm and welcoming. And… I like you, Y/N."
Her heart raced, warmth blooming in her cheeks. "You like me?" she echoed, taken aback. No one in her life had ever looked at her with such genuine admiration. "But why me?"
A slight smile tugged at his lips, softening his fierce demeanor. "There's just something about you. You seem… genuine, and I appreciate your company. You craft the best lattes and even better conversations."
Y/N's heart fluttered, confused yet exhilarated. It was strange how one small interaction had the power to change everything. "Well, thank you, Shoto. That means a lot. I…I really enjoy talking with you too."
He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to almost a whisper, "How about I take you out sometime? After your shift, we could get dinner?"
Her breath caught in her throat. "Are you serious?"
"Very," he replied, a hint of hope glinting in his eyes. "I'd like to get to know you better outside the café."
After a moment of stunned silence, Y/N broke into a smile, nodding enthusiastically. "I'd love that!"
From that day forward, the café transformed into a backdrop for their budding romance. Each visit became an opportunity for laughter and warmth—Shoto would bring her flowers, and she would entice him with new drink recipes. They shared glances that lingered a little longer and smiles that felt a bit deeper.
Eventually, the café no longer served just coffee and pastries; it became the space where two hearts began to intertwine. With every sip of matcha latte, they shared stories and dreams, intertwining their lives in ways neither of them had anticipated.
As they walked down the street one evening after dinner, the stars above sparkled like the dreams they had begun to share. Y/N looked at Shoto, his expression as soft as ever, and realized that sometimes, love brews in the most unexpected places, often starting with a simple cup of coffee. And in a world filled with heroism and challenges, their bond became a story worth savoring—just like every cup of coffee at The Warm Mug.