Chapter 57: Would You Hit?
I have a funny feeling if I start giving characters actual images for those who don't know what they look like, I'll start another M.I.L.F. hunt.
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The train hissed to a stop, its brakes screeching slightly as the squad stepped off onto the platform. The bustling noise of the station surrounded them—announcements echoing overhead, the chatter of commuters, and the rhythmic hum of trains arriving and departing.
As the group walked together, the time to part ways inevitably approached. Todoroki glanced over at Izuku and Bakugo, who were standing a few steps behind him, visibly annoyed as Kuro animatedly described something almost certainly hero-related.
"So, where are you two going?" Todoroki asked, his voice calm but direct.
Izuku perked up, pointing toward the exit. "Oh, Kacchan and I live in the same area."
Todoroki raised an eyebrow. "But you two aren't friends? That's weird."
Izuku hesitated, glancing back to make sure Bakugo wasn't listening. Lowering his voice, he whispered, "We are, but don't mention it to Bakugo. He's really sensitive about this kind of stuff."
Todoroki tilted his head slightly, processing this new information. "I see. That explains things," he said, before pausing. "Actually, no, it doesn't. I don't get it."
Izuku sighed, his shoulders slumping. "It's complicated, okay?"
Before he could elaborate, Bakugo stomped over, clearly irritated. "Are you two done talking about whatever crap you're talking about?" he growled, jabbing a thumb in Kuro's direction. "Because if he doesn't shut up soon…" Bakugo's crimson eyes gleamed with frustration as he pointed at Kuro, who was standing a few feet away, happily oblivious. He looked so unbothered that it seemed like a literal question mark was floating above his head. "I'll kill him myself."
"Alright, alright!" Izuku quickly interjected, waving his hands. "We're leaving now! Bye, Todoroki! Bye, President!"
Izuku tugged Bakugo away, the latter begrudgingly following with a final glare in Kuro's direction. Kuro watched them leave, eerily calm as he muttered, "That's the closest Katsuki will ever come to waving goodbye."
Todoroki gave him a sidelong glance. "…True."
Kuro turned to Todoroki, his usual excitement bubbling back. "So, where are you going now, Todoroki?"
"My family wants me to come home," Todoroki said simply. His gaze drifted toward Kuro, who was now staring at him with a knowing look. "…I'm assuming you want to come along?"
"Yep!" Kuro chirped, grinning from ear to ear. "There's not much waiting for me at home anyway." His voice dropped briefly, a faint tinge of sadness creeping in, but it quickly vanished. "Besides, your mom would love to see you being more social, right?"
Todoroki considered this for a moment, his expression softening. "…That makes sense." He started walking toward the exit, Kuro falling into step beside him. A small, almost imperceptible smile crossed Todoroki's face.
As they reached the curb, a sleek black limousine pulled up beside them, the low hum of its engine blending into the background noise of the busy street. The window rolled down smoothly, revealing a middle-aged man with neatly combed hair and a composed demeanor.
"Ah, Shoto," the man said, stepping out of the car and bowing respectfully. "Miss Fuyumi asked me to pick you up."
"Thank you," Todoroki replied stoically. He gestured toward Kuro without missing a beat. "This is Kuro. You probably know him because he's constantly bothering me, but he'll be coming with me."
The man, unfazed, gave a polite bow toward Kuro. "Hello, Mr. Kurokami. I am Untenmaru Kurumada, your chauffeur. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Kuro's eyes sparkled as he grabbed Untenmaru's outstretched hand and gave it an enthusiastic shake. "Nice to meet you, mister! You have a super cool car!"
Untenmaru's lips twitched into a small smile as he returned the handshake. What a strong grip for such a small child, he mused. Straightening his posture, he held the door open for the boys.
Kuro hopped into the limousine without hesitation, marveling at the luxurious interior. "Wow! This is amazing! You get to ride in this all the time, Todoroki?"
Todoroki slid into the seat beside him, his expression as calm as ever. "It's just a car," he replied, though there was a slight upward tilt to his lips.
Untenmaru climbed into the driver's seat, the soft click of the door closing behind him. With a quiet hum, the limousine eased back into traffic, gliding smoothly down the road.
As they drove toward the Todoroki estate, Kuro couldn't help but press his face to the window, pointing out various sights with childlike enthusiasm. Todoroki leaned back in his seat, his gaze drifting out the opposite window, a quiet sense of peace settling over him.
For once, the chaos of their lives felt distant, and in the comfort of the limousine, it was easy to forget the challenges waiting just beyond the horizon.
...
The sprawling mansion of the Todoroki family came into view as the limousine glided through the traditional Japanese gates. The architecture was grand yet understated, steeped in a timeless elegance that contrasted sharply with the tumultuous past of its inhabitants. The gates opened with a quiet hum, and Untenmaru carefully guided the car along the cobblestone driveway, parking it near the entrance.
"We have arrived, gentlemen," Untenmaru announced as he stepped out to open the door.
Kuro hopped out first, his eyes widening as he took in the sight of the mansion. "Wow, your house feels so different now!"
Todoroki followed, holding a suitcase in one hand and adjusting his scarf with the other. He glanced at Kuro, his tone as calm as ever. "Nothing has changed."
Kuro shook his head, his expression thoughtful for a rare moment. "No, it has. It's the vibe, y'know? It used to feel... dreary, depressing, and sad. Now, it feels like what a home should feel like!"
Todoroki paused, considering Kuro's words. His gaze shifted toward the house, his thoughts lingering on the subtle changes that had taken place. "That's probably because we have a real parent now," he said softly. His words carried a weight that Kuro didn't miss, though he didn't comment on it.
"Bye, Mister!" Kuro called out, waving enthusiastically at Untenmaru, who gave a polite nod in return.
As he climbed back into the driver's seat, Untenmaru thought, What a polite child. It's good to see Shoto making friends. The car hummed softly as it rolled away toward the parking lot.
Todoroki rang the doorbell, and an awkward silence settled over them as they waited. Soon, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from inside, and the door swung open to reveal Fuyumi Todoroki, her face lighting up as she saw her brother.
"Shoto!" she exclaimed warmly before her gaze shifted to Kuro. Her smile faltered ever so slightly. "Oh, and it's you…"
"Hi, Miss Fuyumi!" Kuro said cheerfully, either unaware of her hesitation or choosing to ignore it.
Fuyumi stepped aside, ushering them inside. As they entered, Todoroki set his suitcase by the wall. "Where's Mom?" he asked, his voice steady but quieter than usual.
Fuyumi's expression softened, and she folded her hands in front of her. "She's been resting. Ever since she was discharged, the doctors have prohibited her from moving too much."
Todoroki nodded, his eyes drifting toward a door at the end of the hall. He stood still, staring at it for a moment before slowly stepping forward. He stopped just in front of the door, his hand hesitating above the handle.
Behind him, Kuro tilted his head. "Are you afraid to see your own mom?"
"…I don't know," Todoroki admitted after a pause, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "It's just... weird."
Kuro studied his friend for a moment before deciding to act. Without warning, he pushed the door open and strolled inside.
"Wait—" Todoroki said sharply, quickly following him.
Inside the cozy living room, Rei Todoroki was lying on the couch, her delicate frame wrapped in a soft blanket. Her white hair fell loosely over her shoulders, and her pale face brightened when she saw her son.
"Hello, Shoto," Rei said gently, her voice calm and soothing.
"Hi… Mom," Todoroki replied, the last word coming out stiffly. His posture was tense as he stood just inside the doorway.
Kuro, as oblivious as ever, plopped himself down on the carpet without hesitation. He looked up at Rei with wide eyes and exclaimed, "Wow! You're really pretty, Miss!"
Rei blinked, momentarily taken aback by his bluntness, before a soft laugh escaped her lips. "Thank you," she said, her smile warm and genuine. She glanced back at Todoroki, her eyes softening. "Shoto, aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?"
Todoroki nodded, clearing his throat as he gestured toward Kuro. "This is Kurokami Tenshin. He prefers being called Kuro for short. He's my friend and the Class President of 1-A."
"Yep! I'm amazing!" Kuro declared, puffing out his chest proudly.
Rei chuckled, reaching out to pat Kuro's head. "Thank you for being my son's friend."
Kuro beamed, unbothered by the gesture, as he sat cross-legged on the floor. "Shoto! C'mon! Don't you want to sit down? Standing like that must be tiring!"
Todoroki hesitated for a moment before reluctantly sitting on the edge of the couch, his movements stiff and cautious. As the moments passed, however, he began to relax, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.
"Great! Now, what are you watching, Miss Rei?" Kuro asked, his curiosity bubbling to the surface.
"Oh, it's nothing you'd be interested in," Rei replied modestly. "Just a few romance shows. They're silly, really."
Todoroki raised an eyebrow. "Romance shows?" He hadn't pegged his mother as the type to enjoy such things.
"You might as well put it on," Kuro chimed in. "It's not like it can be that bad!"
Rei hesitated, a spark of excitement flickering in her eyes. For a brief moment, Todoroki could have sworn he saw her fist pump in victory, but she quickly composed herself. "Ahem. Sure, if you two really want to."
The TV flickered on, and the room filled with the cheerful music of a romantic comedy. As the three settled in, the awkwardness melted away, replaced by the warmth of quiet companionship.
Todoroki, sitting beside his mother, glanced at Kuro, who was laughing at the exaggerated antics on the screen. A small, rare smile tugged at the corners of Todoroki's lips. This… feels nice, he thought.
For the first time in a long time, the Todoroki household felt like a home.
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[Auther: Yo, it's been awhile, eh? Anyways, want some quick math?
Kurokami Tenshin + Short + Childish + Polite = Complete Shota.
If you understand what damage a shota has, you'll get it.