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“A sweets classroom?” Your mother nodded, placing the last baking sheet in the oven. Dusting her hands off on her apron she smiled. “I want you to publicize it, since the area around your school is so popular. Maybe you can invite some of your classmates to join!” “E-eh?!” You swiftly shook your head. Most of your classmates hadn’t known that you owned and worked at a coffee shop, except for some few that came after school for a light snack, or for a parfait date. “That seems so embarrassing, Mom...” The thought of having your friends and classmates in this cramped shop made you nervous. Of course, you both loved and enjoyed their company, but you didn’t like the feeling that you would be embarrassing yourself if you made a mistake. “Please, darling. Our shop seems to be losing familiarity, so I want to make sure that we keep business going in here.” Grabbing the stack of posters she prepared this morning, she handed the pile to your hands. “Your poor mother is growing old, and I won’t be able to support you if we lose this shop...that means that you may not be able to attend the UA anymore...” Freezing, you rethought your decision. To abandon the coffee shop or to abandon all the hard and grueling hours of practice and training to get into the UA. It was a rather obvious choice to make. “Roger that, Mom!” Giving a salute, you sped out the door, posters in hand. There was no way you could drop out of the UA, you’ve worked hard enough as it is! “Hmm...there’s quite a lot of them, but if I put my all into it, it will be over quickly!” You began placing the posters in the shopping district with details about the class. Surely, there would be some people interested! —— 2 Days Before the Sweets Class —— Back in the coffee shop, you reached the drawers by the cash register. Mom said that the application forms were in there, and tomorrow was the deadline for the sweets classroom applications. “Wow...! There’s so many...to think that we’d get this many!” You flipped through the stack of papers, glancing at each name. “There might be more people who come than we have space for, but that just means I have to do my best on that day!” —— Shopping District —— “Today’s practice went pretty well,” said Shouto. He and Izuku had just gotten off school one day and into the shopping district. “It did, but there’s not much time left till the practical exams...” “Yes. Tomorrow, let’s pay more attention to the finer details of—“ Shouto stopped his steps as he looked at the window of a store. Rather than being interested in what the store held, he stared at the poster. Izuku followed his gaze. “Todoroki-kun, is there something wrong?” Shouto shook his head. “No, it’s just seeing something like this on the shop window...” “A poster for a sweets making classroom! It seems that they will be making cookies that day.” Izuku tapped his chin in thought. “I might be slightly interested in that, to be honest...” Shouto stared at his classmate. Izuku didn’t seem like the person who would be interested in baking, as he might destroy the kitchen. But it wasn’t as if Shouto was that great himself, though. “You might? Why?” Izuku scratched the back of his neck nervously. Was it something embarrassing? “Sweets, like cookies, are easier to pick up, so they’re easier to eat while watching videos...about All Might...” “I see...That sounds like a reason you’d do it.” “I-I mean, lately, I’ve been looking forward to watching videos while eating the cookies that Uraraka-chan makes for us...” 
He has a point, Uraraka-san’s cookies do seem to have that relaxing effect on people...even Bakugou-san seems to enjoy it fairly. Even if he was reluctant to eat it at first.
 
Although it’s likely that Uraraka-san’s personality has something to do with it as well, the things she brings always lightens the mood of the class.
 “Todoroki-kun?” 
Would I be able to make sweets like that? If I can, I’m sure that I could make our class into a better—...although, I don’t seem like the kind of person who does that kind of activity...
 “Um, Todoroki-kun? Is there something wrong?” “No,” Shouto shook his head. “It’s nothing. More importantly, it’s getting dark soon. I should be getting home.” Shouto began walking ahead, making Izuku blink in confusion. For a moment, Todoroki-kun looked to be deep in thought.. Deciding not to think much about the stoic and confusing mindset of his classmate, he followed Shouto who was already putting quite a distance between them. —— The Day Before The Sweets Class: (Last) Coffee Shop ——" Let’s see, I’ll put this ingredient in this container, and this one in here…" Glancing down at your work, you smiled joyously. "Okay, now everything’s ready!" Your expression changed as you thought about the long day ahead of you tomorrow. "...Phew, it’s finally tomorrow. It seems like there was an application or two just before the deadline as well, there was a bigger response than I thought there would be. I said I could help Mom, but I wonder if I can do it. I’ve gotten a bit nervous now…" No! Shaking your head, you looked around the coffee shop. The containers were in the right place and labelled correctly and the baking tools and machinery were basically shining from the amount of scrubbing done. The only thing that needed to be fixed was your jittery nerves. Due to the amount of people coming in tomorrow, your mom wouldn’t be able to handle them all. So that naturally left her right hand woman to assist the overflow of people. Eventually, this will be my shop to take care of. I must learn the responsibilities of working in this kind of pressure.  "Okay, I’ll do my best!"

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It’s finally today…! Wah, there are more people than I thought…Mom said just to follow her lead but am I supposed to teach this many people? You fidgeted nervously with the straps of your apron, struggling to tie it around your back. Despite the shaking hands, you managed to successfully tie the know. It will be okay! I was up until late last night preparing various instructions, so I should be able to answer anything that’s asked. "Huh? If I remember correctly, you’re…" Swiftly pivoting your heel, you found yourself face to face with a taller figure. Your eyes darted up to his cerulean and. brown ones. The scar around his eye made you blink in recognition. "Huh? Todoroki-kun?" "It was (Last)-san...wasn’t it?" He seemed a bit awkward, as if he did not plan on seeing you here. You nodded, although hesitantly. He surely did not forget that you were in his class, right? "...I see. So this '(Last) Coffee Shop' belongs to your family." "Todoroki-kun, did you perhaps…come here for the sweets class?" You shouldn't have asked that, since it was pretty obvious that he was. With the apron around his waist and his sleeves rolled up, he looked ready to whip up some pastries. Still, he didn't remark on it. "Yes. Sweets like cookies have a relaxing effect on people." "I guess eating tasty sweets does calm you down, too." You paused. "Ah! Have you decided to try out baking because of Uraraka-chan? Her pastries are surprisingly good, although as the daughter of a Pro Baker, I can guarantee that ours are pretty tasty too!" Shouto took in your proud expression and let out a light chuckle. "Is that so? Although, that is part of the reason." "Huh? What do you mean, Todoroki-kun?" "If I was able make and bring along sweets like that at those time...I should have been able to change the atmosphere a little." His mind drifted off to the various times where the tension in the classroom became unbearable. When things between Katsuki and Izuku got heated, or when Iida received news about Ingenium, or just when the mood was down in particular. “Seeing how Uraraka-san was able to comfort our classmates with something as simple as cookies...I want to be able to do that to.”  By now, his cheeks were tinted slightly red. You giggled at his pure expression. “I see. That’s why you wanted to give baking a go. And it’s true! Sometimes people are so stressed that they forget to take a breather. I’m glad Uraraka-chan makes you feel that way. I’m sure if she knew this, she would be ecstatic to hear it. I think it’s amazing that you’re thinking that for the sake of others, Todoroki-kun." “Amazing...? I think that doing something for the sake of improving the atmosphere is the natural thing to do.” “That’s true,” you gestured for him to follow you, seeing as it was awkward standing in the middle of the room. The sweets making class would start in just a few minutes, and you had to make sure Shouto didn’t miss anything important. “But actually taking the time to go ahead and do something like that is amazing.” On the table Shouto was to work on held different appliances and ingredients he would be using. Attached to the table was a set of instructions, just in case he missed a step and the teachers weren’t able to assist him. It seemed easy enough. “You think so?...Although, I’m still just a beginner, so I don’t know whether I’ll be able to make them well.” “Nonsense!” You took the mixing bowl from the corner of the table. “You have me and Mom to help you. Mom is an experienced baker, and I’ve made tons of cookies before. You're also pretty good at everything you do--you have great test grades and a powerful quirk, so I'm sure something as simple as cookies won't be too harsh on you.” “That’s relieving to hear.” Shouto looked at the table where your mom was stationed at. On top of the table there was a display of cookies topped with a various colors of frosting and sprinkles. “(Last)-san. What are exactly are these iced cookies that we’re making today? They seem more difficult to make than normal cookies.” "Not at all, iced cookies are normal cookies decorated using colored icing made with sugar, egg white and other stuff! Basically, you need to make normal cookies and then decorate them. It’s not that hard, Todoroki-kun." Shouto visibly relaxed his shoulders as you explained the process. "You just need to make the dough by mixing together the flour, butter and sugar that’s on the table. For more detailed instructions, my mum’s about to start explaining how to do it while doing it at the same time, so watch carefully." A young toddler waved for your help. Just as you were about to head over and assist them, you paused briefly and turned around. "If there’s something you don’t understand, feel free to ask me anything!" --
(Ten Minutes Later)
-- "(First), do you have a moment?" You looked over your shoulder to see your mom casting a fleeting glance at Shouto. "What is it?" "Is that boy you were talking to earlier a friend of yours?"  "You mean Todoroki-kun? Y-yeah...he’s a friend." You watched her cross her arms in thought. She then smiled, eyes lighting up. "In that case, can you stay with him and help him through everything?" "H-huh?!" Your mouth open slightly in surprise. You would've thought that your mom expected you to look over everyone taking this class, but to address Shouto directly and help him through every step? Although, you did mention to him that you would be there to help him if he needed it... "He’s been looking around fidgeting for a while, it seems like he doesn’t know what to do. Can you do it?"  Ah, guess I’ll have to...but me teaching Todoroki-kun...uuh, I’m nervous...I heard from Izuku-kun that Todoroki-kun is very serious and strict…If I mess up an explanation in front of someone like him…B-but, just like mom said, he’s been looking around for a while and seems stuck with something… You shuffled your feet on the wooden floor, trying to come up with an appropriate choice. 
...Okay, she’s right! I did tell her I’d support her today, and since she’s asked me to help Todoroki-kun, I need to do it.
 "I-I’ll do my best…!"

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

...I don’t get it.
 Shouto furrowed his brows as he took a brief look around the coffee shop. He hadn't touched any of the ingredients or mixing bowls just yet. 
Everyone else has already started making them, so I should start as well so I’m not behind everyone...but can I follow this recipe properly?…
 You happened to walk by as Shouto was just about to experience an existential crisis. "Um, Todoroki-kun. Is there something wrong?" "I-" he stopped momentarily, suddenly feeling embarrassed for having his hands empty. He shouldn't have felt this way though...this was his first time trying out this baking activity after all. The other students have begun asking your mom for help, so there was nothing wrong with asking--especially when you offered in the first place. "(Last)-san...I have no idea what I should begin with." "That’s okay! Just as was said earlier, let’s start with mixing the dough! If you can do that, all that’s left is cutting the shapes and baking it." You grabbed the cup of softened butter on the counter and handed it to Shouto for him to mix in the bowl. "Making cookies isn’t that difficult. Also, I’ll be with you, so if there’s anything you don’t understand, ask me right away!" "(Last)-san, thank you very much. I’ll have a go." You nodded and gave a small reassuring smile, stepping back to see oversee his actions. He dumped the butter in the bow and began mixing. 
First, I need to mix the butter in this bowl until it turns white. At the start of the class, (Last)-san’s mother said that but… 
 You were about to doze off next to Shouto before you heard his mixing stop. Looking at the bowl and to him you heard him mutter: "...This is a problem." "Todoroki-kun? You stopped mixing the butter. Is there something wrong?" He looked at the students around him and gave a soft sigh.  "Yes." He gave a few stirs to the butter as if he was testing something out. Holding up the silicone spatula to eye level, he stared at the whipped butter as it dripped back into the bowl. His frown deepened. "Actually, there’s something I don’t understand…" "What is it?" You observed the buttered spatula along with him. "When it’s said to mix the butter until it turns white, exactly how white does it mean?" He placed the bowl and the spatula down on the counter, then gripped the edge of the table, leaning in. He studied the color of the mixture, not satisfied. "I would say it looks like a cream color but…" "A-ah, um, well..." Cursing yourself for stuttering, you used Shouto's distraction to your advantage and began to reflect on your solutions.  
What should I do!? How should I describe the color it’s supposed to look like!?  If I said pure white, that wouldn’t be right! I’m supposed to be teaching, so I need to do this right! Also, if I don’t answer quickly, Todoroki-kun will get worried…
 "Ah, um...y-yeah you’re right! Try mixing it a bit more until it turns white!" Shouto straightened up and grabbed the spatula, not before he gave an incredulous look in your direction. You had seemed unsure of yourself...but you were the baking pro here, right?  "Okay. I’ll mix it for a bit longer." His hand gripped the spatula tightly and he began stirring. You watched as his muscles tensed from the continuous motions, a bead of sweat rolling from his cheek. You were sure the air conditioner was on, although you weren't the one doing the heavy lifting of the job.  
Haa...I couldn’t explain it well at all. I’m really bad at this…You stupid, stupid, stupid--
 "Phew." Shouto silently tilted the bowl so you could see it. "I still wouldn’t say this is white yet."  I think it looks more white than it did earlier...but no one would think that this is white.  He was about to start another marathon of mixing butter when you called out to him. "Ah, Todoroki-kun! That color of butter looks good, so you should be fine stopping there!" "...Is this white? It still seems fairly yellow-ish to me…" "You don’t have to be that strict with it! This color should be just fine!" You grabbed the rest of the ingredients to where it was easily accessible to him. The other students were already waiting for their dough to chill in the fridge, chatting amicably with one another. You didn't want Shouto do fall too far behind. "I see. So this color is a butter-white. I need to remember this." Shouto was pleased to have gone through the first stage, seeing as how it took longer than expected. "Next is mixing the dough up isn’t it?" You nodded, relieved. "It is! Let’s try it!" You bumped your hands a few times into Shouto's own as you helped him add the ingredients into the butter. Flustered, you apologized profusely but he didn't seem to mind much. Oddly, you found his presence comforting despite this being your only interaction with him so far. "Where should I mix it to this time?" Shouto asked just as you finished adding the teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mix.  "Let’s see...For now, mix it until it’s a uniform mixture."  "Until it’s a...uniform mixture. I’ll try it." ... 
Uniform? ...I wonder if this counts as being uniform?
 Shouto squinted at the dough mixture. Something didn't feel right, just like when he was stirring the butter just a few moments ago. "Ah, Todoroki-kun. It should be fine mixing the dough up to there."  "I see. So a uniform mixture is when it’s about this firm." He pressed down on the dough with his spatula, effectively making it look like a burrow. "I'll remember this." "Next, you bundle the dough up and cool it down in the fridge for 30 minutes." You handed the roll of plastic wrap to him and watched as he unraveled the wrap around the metal bowl. "30 minutes...right. Thank goodness. This part’s easy to understand. In that case, I’ll go put it in the fridge." You took this brief moment to go over the events that happened in the last hour. You never really talked to Shouto during class...just nods here and there. It was actually exciting to be working with him since he was such an interesting character. You were sure Shouto didn't feel the same, but with his aloof and stiff personality, there was no telling if it was true. Still, you didn't want this to be the last time you interacted with him before it goes back to simply acknowledging him during class.  That wasn't any fun at all. You didn't want to force him into doing the activities he didn't want to do. He seemed to have a pretty rough schedule this time around. People would've expected him to be the last person to come willingly to this baking class. But he was here now for the sake of his classmates, the people who he tended to shrug off.. but it turns out that he has been thinking of them after all. He was quite the character. Maybe after this class, he wouldn't ever talk to you again. Maybe he will. You really wanted to get to know him better! But with the way your class is going, your nervous and shaky personality would only make him uneasy. Just as it did now. Then, you started to realize. That maybe you shouldn't have offered your help in the first place. You had wanted to impress him and teach him and make him appreciate that it was nice to spend time with people once in a while. Even though your job was to help him learn how to bake cookies, the reasons behind his wish to bake inspired you to do all of the above. ...But so far, it had all went downhill. You couldn't teach him properly. He had so many questions, but all was responded with hesitance and improperly. So naturally, guilt was all you felt. It rushed through your veins. Your blood went cold. You couldn't calm down your shaky hands. I'm so hopeless! As Shouto came back from putting the cookie dough in the fridge, you bowed immediately. It startled him, but he shook his head, frowning. "What's the matter, (Last)-san?" You looked up at him, eyes teary. You hurriedly blinked them away, wearing a discontented expression. "I’m sorry, Todoroki-kun. I haven’t been able to teach you well at all today…" He relaxed his shoulders. Honestly, he thought that you had gotten hurt.  "No, that’s not true at all. You taught me exactly how both the butter and dough should look when mixing them." He then gestured to your mom who was decorating premade cookies with the toddlers. "Also, your mother’s instructions were both very thorough and easy to understand. But…" He took a breath, making you feel your heart drop. It was as if Shouto was about to say something that you and your mom would be displeased with hearing, and although you didn't desire to hear it, you still found yourself replying. "But...?" "Getting it right is difficult isn’t it? At the start, I didn’t know how much 'until it turns white' or 'until it’s uniform' meant…" That was true...you didn't quite explain thoroughly about the steps. Shouto did get it correct in the end, although not without a few struggles. "I guess you’re right, it’s difficult for a beginner to understand how to do that sort of stuff…I’m really glad I was able to teach that properly but…Hah, I need to get better." You jolted suddenly, face heating up. Shouto was relying on you to guide him, but having self doubt about your teaching abilities would only make him more anxious. "...wait, I’m sorry! Being like this while I’m supposed to be teaching will end up making you nervous, ahaha..." "..." 
Ah.
 You clenched your fists, averting your gaze from his own. You hadn't meant to make this situation hot and cold...but your inability to think before speaking only created more disconnection between the two of you. You instantly began berating yourself in your mind, but Shouto looked at your fidgeting form with soft eyes. 
Until now, I’ve been concerned about my own lack of ability and flexibility but…(Last)-san has been accepting me the whole time. Also, she’s been trying very hard with teaching me, and being serious about it.
  "...Um, Todoroki-kun?" Blinking once, then twice, Shouto found himself awkwardly staring at you. "What's wrong?" "Nothing, I’m sorry...I was just thinking about something…We have a bit of time, so I thought I might tidy up around here a bit." He reached for the metal bowl that previously contained the two eggs he used. "...this bowl goes--ah." 
Clang!
 You yelped alongside him. "Ah! Todoroki-kun, what's wrong?!" He shook his head, bending down to reach the fallen dish just as you rounded the corner of the table. "I’m sorry...I dropped the bowl--" "D-Don’t worry about it! I’ll pick it up so you can...eek!" You felt your balance wobble as you slipped on a smudge of butter that one of the kids flung out. All while that happened, your hand had also smacked one of the plastic cups that was on the table. "(L-Last)-san!? Are you okay?" He knelt down, hand on your arm as he lifted you back up. "S-Sorry! I just dropped this bowl…Ugh, I really am hopeless..." You could feel the heat radiating off Shouto as he removed his hand from you. Your cheeks flared up, and you avoided all eye contact, embarrassed about your silly mess-up. Shouto chuckled lightly. You could feel your cheeks burning with more vigor. "In that case, let’s just pick them up together." "...I-I guess so. Then let’s do it...ahaha..."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"(Last)-san, I took the cooled dough out of the fridge. What should I do now?" You looked up from your phone. You didn't realize that Shouto had gone to get the cookie dough, but then again, you were on your phone for the past twenty minutes or so. "Now you need to flatten it out with a rolling pin! The thickness should be about--" You grumbled internally as your mom's voice rang throughout the shop. It seemed that she finally got away from the kids that were busy making a mess of your shop...oh well. Your mother did state that kids of any age were allowed in the posters you hung up.  She began by explaining how to effectively roll out the dough to get the desired thickness. It was all based on preference, so each student will choose whether or not they want their cookies to be chewy or crispy. "I see, so it needs to be five millimeters thick…" He dumped the cookie dough and placed it on the wood cutting board. He then took the rolling pin from the counter, but froze. "Five millimeters…? Now, how can I do that?" 
...I wonder what’s up with Todoroki-kun? He just suddenly stopped moving…
 "...Ah. (Last)-san, do you have a ruler?" “Eh!? A ruler?” You stared at the half and half boy as he looked at you expectantly. Sure, you had rulers somewhere, but he couldn't possibly be this serious. “It’s necessary to roll the dough out to five millimeters, so I’d like to borrow one.” He explained. 
Todoroki-kun really is a serious person. He probably faces all sorts of things in a straightforward manner. 
 “Haha, Todoroki-kun. Although she said it needs to be five millimeters, so approximately five millimeters should be fine!” You waved your hands in front of you, feeling your lips curling upwards. "It’s not messing up if you go just a little bit higher or lower! You can get thick cookies too so it’s fine!" He held a passive face as he responded. "You can, can’t you. But…"  I don’t know what counts as being 'approximately' five millimeters...  Seeing as he hadn't made a move to roll out the dough, you placed a hand on his shoulder as if to reassure him.  "Todoroki-kun, shall we both look at the dough’s thickness together?" You suggested. He grunted in acceptance, and began to press down on the dough. The dough was flattened with ease as Shouto placed more pressure onto the rolling pin. As Shouto busied himself with his own task, you glanced around. It seemed that everyone got the hang of it, so there wasn't much of a point in helping the others. You were glad though, seeing as you could spend more time with your classmate. A couple minutes has passed since then. Shouto gently nudged your arm. Seeing as how that focused your attention to him, he pointed at his work.  "(Last)-san, I’ve rolled out the dough. Is this about five millimeters?" "Ah! That looks about right! Shall we measure it with a ruler to check?" As you hurriedly shuffled off to find a ruler after he agreed, he shifted his gaze over to the dough he rolled out. Shouto began tapping his fingers onto the counter as he waited for you to retrieve the measuring tool. So far, today had been quite the experience. He didn't think he would be this clumsy with the instructions, and he even made a small accident in the shop.  "Thanks for waiting! Then, let’s see what it’s actual thickness is!" Shouto stepped back to let you measure the thickness of the dough. As you leveled your eyes to the ruler, you jumped in surprise. You offered a nervous smile to Shouto who was awaiting the result. "It's, um--ten millimeters..." You lifted a finger to scratch your cheek, embarrassed. The measurement was way off, and you should've noticed it early on. I've made a fool out of myself again, haha...Todoroki-kun didn't seem to be aware either, though. "…Approximately is a very difficult concept isn’t it." Shouto muttered to himself. You nodded, moving the ruler away from the dough.  "Haa...I’m sorry Todoroki-kun. For not being reliable enough…" You apologized for the umpteenth time that day. He shook his head, then proceeded to retrieve the rolling pin once more. "That’s not true. Anyway, I’ll roll out the dough a bit more." He pushed the rolling pin down from top to bottom, then from left to right. There were a couple times where the cylindrical tool slipped out of his hands and off the cutting board, but he continued without missing a beat.  "Yes, go ahead…With sweets making there are places where it’s better to follow the recipe strictly and also places where it’s fine to do things approximately. The dough thickness is one of those places where it’s fine to measure it approximately, so it should have been fine to not be exact but..." You trailed off your explanation, not sure if Shouto picked up on your mumbling. "What’s an example of somewhere where it’s better to be exact?" He questioned, not once stopping his motions. "Um...something like the quantity of ingredients," You reflected back to the times where you forgot to add the amount of sugar needed to your cookies, essentially creating a bland tasting pastry. Needless to say, it didn't make it to the glass showcases. "You need to have the precise amounts or you might end up burning the cookies, or the dough won’t stick together well....ah, I’m sorry. That was a really self-important explanation…" "Not at all, you’re my teacher at the moment, so don’t worry about it. Besides, I’ve learnt when to be more lenient and when to be more strict." Shouto set the rolling pin back on the counter. "(Last)-san. How is the dough’s thickness this time?" "Hmm..." You peeked around his body to catch a glimpse of the dough. "...Yeah! It seems really good! Let’s measure it!" You clasped your fingers onto the ruler and began assess the width of the dough. Placing the ruler around every side of the dough, you let out a noise of happiness. "Wow, congratulations Todoroki-kun! Look at this, it’s five millimeters wherever you measure it!" He watched as you hummed in approval, lifting yourself off from the edge of the counter. "...I-Is it really something to be that happy about? But...thank you very much." 
But, even though it was only from rolling out the dough...the fact that she’s this happy for me is making me...happy as well.
 He hadn't felt this way in a long, long time. "Let’s keep this up and move onto the next step!" "Okay, I’ll do my best," he responded, his mood considerably better. Your chirpy attitude and encouraging comments left him desiring for more. "So what is it I should be doing next?" You walked around the table to grab a box. Opening the lid, you let him see that it contained different cookie cutters of various sizes and shapes. "Next you need to cut out the cookies using cookie cutters. Choose which shapes you want to make out of these!" He used his fingers to shift through the cookie cutters. "There are quite a lot of shapes aren’t there. Which should I choose…" 
Out of these ones...I guess this one...this one...and, this one…
 " ...I’ve decided. I’ll make cookies with these 3 shapes."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"...." 
Todoroki-kun’s being very serious cutting the dough into shapes. He’s being very careful so that they don’t go out of shape… I wonder if he’s making them as a present for someone important to him?
 A soft metal sound was made as Shouto placed the cookie cutter gently on the counter. "That’s done. (Last)-san, what should I do with the dough once it’s been cut?" "Line them up on this baking paper then you can bake them in the oven!" Answering cheerfully, you ripped off a sheet of parchment paper and handed it to Shouto for him to lay it on the baking sheet. "Got it. So, line them up then bake them in the oven right?" After Shouto finished positioning each cookie onto the parchment paper, he went off to bake them in the oven. He came back sooner than expected. You would have thought that Shouto would get mixed up with the temperature knobs and whatnot, but that wasn't the case. He was getting the hang of baking, albeit slowly. "I’m back. I put them in the oven and set the time. 170 degrees for 20 minutes was right, wasn’t it?" "Yes, that’s right! In that case, let’s wash and put things away while they’re baking!" You clasped your hands together, feeling pride overwhelming your senses. It was silly...getting excited for Shouto completing a simple task.  He nodded and picked up the floured appliances. It got a little messier than expected, but all that was needed was a bit of patience and assistance. You moved along with him, stacking the dishes on top each other. Shouto seemed to be rushing, even though he had about twenty minutes to do whatever he wanted. "Todoroki-kun, you don’t need to rush. We have 20 minutes after all. Let’s take our time washing!" "Sure." He took on a leisurely pace, placing the cookie cutters and empty bowls onto the dirty cutting board. Shouto kept a few steps behind you as you led him to the dish-washing area.  You had done more than your fair share of work. Originally, you were to lead him along the steps of baking, but winded up staying with him for the duration of the cooking class. Your attention was momentarily captured by the blaring noise of cookie cutters falling to the ground. A teenager around Shouto's age blushed beet-colored from the attention attracted to him and knelt over to pick them up. Just as you were about to lend a helping hand to the fellow, your mother shooed you away. Giving a bewildered look to your mother, you shrugged and made way towards the sink once more. Anyways...he wasn't to this feeling of comfort and kindness you gave on. The way you worriedly looked over his shoulders when he was focused on making things seem right, and how you always answered his questions even if you weren't too sure of yourself. The only other person to ever treat him with compassion was his mother, but that eventually ended when his father placed her in the hospital... You rarely spoke with him during class. Even though your desks were fairly close to each other, neither of you would willingly start a conversation with the other. It wasn't as if you both disliked one other, it was far from the truth. Both of you harbored a mutual respect for each other, just as with the other students of Class 1-A. Every one of you worked tirelessly and sacrificed the time in order to be accepted and respected by your peers. So, even though there wasn't much interaction between you and Shouto before this particular event, there was really no reason to change how you both acted towards each other. He reacted to you honestly, and you did too. It was different from when people would suddenly come up to him because he was Endeavor's son, and because of his popularity after the Sports Festival. They did not care at all. They cared about his father and his unique Quirk. You were never like them, though. You had the chance to speak with him about anything today, but never pried. You had the chance to ask about his father, like how anyone else would have. But you didn't, and he was grateful. But perhaps it wasn't as deep as he thought. You were always respectful to anyone you met...so why would he be different? Was it possible, that he craved for the kind of attention you gave him...? That was...out of the question.  Before all that...he hadn't had the chance to thank you yet. Not only that, now he had time to tell you what was on his mind. "...(Last)-san. Thank you." You had just reached the sink. You turned around in surprise, almost dropping the dishware. "Huh!? W-Why are you saying that all of a sudden?" You watched as Shouto scratched his chin, but kept eye contact with you. "I’ve managed to come this far thanks to you telling me what to do. I wouldn’t have been able to do this if I’d been doing it alone." He was now directly in front of you. He offered a small smile, which made your cheeks buzz with a tingly sensation. "So, really, thank you very much." He swiftly turned around and walked to the sink. "Th-That’s not...!" You scrambled to him, but still clutched the dishes to your chest protectively. He stopped and looked at you with confusion. He gave his thanks, so what more did you have to say other than a 'you're welcome'? "...I haven’t really done anything...everything was because you were working so hard!" "No," Shouto shook his head. He took a glance at the dishware in his hands, seeing his yellow reflection staring back. He spared the reflection a second before turning back to you. How could he show you his appreciation when you were always belittling your abilities? "That’s not true. You’ve taught me a lot of valuable stuff throughout the class." "Valuable stuff…?" You enunciated the words slowly and carefully. You were sure that the expression on your face was stupefied and dazed, but you couldn't help it. Valuable stuff? From baking? It seemed a bit odd...but Shouto was always full of surprises. "You could say it’s a bad habit of mine, but regardless of what I do, I can’t relax and my shoulders and elbow tend to get tense." He rolled his shoulders as if to emphasize his statement. He then placed his clutter in the sink before taking yours and doing the same. "But, while I’ve been making the cookies, you’ve been teaching me about getting stuff in the right amounts...About how I don’t have to do everything exactly. You’ve explained with utmost effort, and completely seriously so that even I could understand…" Is that valuable...? While his compliments were flattering, you didn't quite feel the same. You walked besides him and took a dish from the sink and grabbing a wet sponge from the sides. You began scrubbing at the mixing bowl. "I’ve been helped a lot by your enthusiasm," he continued, "your enthusiasm is a very wonderful thing about you." Your ears burned, and you ducked your head in an attempt to hide your flustered expression. Shouto tilted his head, perplexed at your reaction.  "B-Being spoken of like that makes me f-feel a bit embarrassed. Th-thank you." Your stuttering was horrendous, but was there ever a time where you could form a coherent sentence...? With the exception of some instances, this situation was definitely one of the most unexpected. Your tongue was twisted and you couldn't think of a reply. "U-Um...this might be out of place to say this but...making cookies together with you today made me realize how similar we are," you blurted out. Shouto's mismatched eyes widened--he couldn't believe what he was hearing. You were two totally different people, so...how were you two similar? He did mention that Endeavor was brutal in his way of discipline, so was it possible that you also had a life akin to his? "...Huh?" Was his reply. You seemed to baffle him with your words once again. You were especially proficient at that, huh? "Similar to what you mentioned just now, I’m also not very good at relaxing. Everyone always makes fun of me for that…" You placed the bowl onto the drying rack and ran the sponge under the sink before reaching towards the stained measuring cup. "Ahaha, I just thought we were similar in that way. I’m sorry…" "Don’t be, it’s fine. I mean, I also felt a similar closeness to you as well." "R-Really? Haa, thank goodness. So, you also thought the same thing that I did?" He took a peek at you from the corner of his eyes, and saw you practically looking at him in wonder. You looked back to the dish in hand and resumed cleaning, murmuring: "That kind of makes me...happy...or maybe a bit embarrassed…" He plucked the last of the dishes from the sink and wiped the excess egg whites off it. With that, dish-washing duty was now finished, which left you with plenty of time before the cookies were done. "(Last)-san, since we still have time until the cookies finish baking, can we talk a bit more with each other? I want you to tell me more about yourself." You blinked. Someone actually wanted to learn more about you...? You assumed you rambled on and on about your life that you could bore someone, but he was willingly to listen to you. "Yes, I’d be glad to! I also want to know more about you too!" "You already know them, but everyone in Class 1-A is amazing! Izuku-kun has this amazing super strength, but his Quirk always seems to backfire on him though...I hope he can learn to control it well, I can tell he'll be an amazing Pro-Hero! Iida-kun can be a bit straightforward, but he's actually an intelligent, dedicated, and noble person. He takes things a bit too seriously, which makes it a bit difficult to communicate with him... Uraraka-chan...she's my best friend and a sweetheart. She can be an airhead at times, and she's extremely bubbly! She's so warm and lovely, but she is often incredibly blunt--and she isn't even aware of it! When she gets determined, Uraraka-chan has this intimidating aura around her that even I don't want to be near her...Ah! Her reactions are so exaggerated and funny that I'll purposefully mention her crush on Izuku-kun...um, wait! I shouldn't have said that, huh...? Anyways, even though Bakugou-kun and I don't really talk, I can tell he's a good person under all that antagonistic act. Yes, he may be arrogant and crude and a have a seemingly anti-hero personality, but he is always resolute and unswerving, always dead-set on victory and nothing less. You've experienced this first-handed, no? During the final challenge during the U.A. Sports Festival. The rest of Class 1-A, they're all amazing! I mean, I can't stress this enough. Yaoyorozu-san's Quirk is so unique and convenient, and Hagakure-chan's stealth is something that I can only dream of having...then there's Kirishima's Hardening Quirk which isn't as unique as I thought, but it's still useful in both offensive and defensive terms. Ah...there's also Mineta-san and his perverse decisions... ...Then there's you, Todoroki-kun. At first, I thought you to be distant and devoid of any emotion, but shortly after the Sports Festival you became...more sociable...? Yeah...that's the word for it. N-Not that it's a bad thing! Of course, it is nice to see you interact with others, and I'm sure that Izuku-kun had something to do with it. He has a way to always turn the tides in his favor." You paused, scared that Shouto was getting tired of your rambling. The look in his eyes seemed to urge you to go on, though. "...I’m really proud to be a part of Class 1-A with everyone! ...But, that’s exactly why I need to hurry up and catch up with everyone. So that they don’t go any further ahead of me…" Your laugh trailed off awkwardly as you shifted your legs. You bowed your head, and suddenly your shoes were so captivating. 
(Last)-san...she really is like me. Comparing herself to the other classmates and feeling impatient about it...it’s just like how I compare myself with my father…
 "Ahaha, I’m sorry. That last bit of the conversation got a bit heavy…" Your eyes met his once again, and you gave him a wry smile. He closed his eyes as he spoke. "No, that’s not it. I can’t really explain it well, but I’m the same." "Huh? The same as me…?" "Yes, I'm sure you know this, but my father is Todoroki Enji, or Endeavor as he goes by. The Number Two Pro-Hero." His lips twisted into a frown, and his eyes appeared to have darkened a bit. "Endeavor is different from me, I know this. But the way he tries to get me to be stronger than All Might...I can't help but compare myself to him. Midoriya himself told me this, and...I really do desire that I don't become anything like him. His aggressive and dismissive behavior is one that I hope not to have inherited from him. Which is why that despite the amount of time and effort he has put into me surpassing him and All Might--I will do anything in my power to prevent that from happening." "Todoroki-kun..." It really was strange...this person that you'd rarely talked to was revealing the effects of his inner turmoil to you. There was also the way he spoke with such emotion you never saw in him before. He seemed to be conflicted with what to say. "...I've recently visited my mother after ten long years," he continued. "My father put her in the hospital after I received this scar from her...She believed my left side to be unsightly, and threw a kettle of boiling water at me. However, despite all this, I cannot resent her for this scar. After all, it was my father who put her into mental instability with his constant abuse towards her. She deserved none of that...isn't it cruel of what Quirk marriages bring...? I was denied a normal childhood just so he could train me and my Quirk. I was separated from my siblings because of him.  I absolutely despise him. For what he did to my mother and I, for what he did to sate his selfish desires. I will be the one who controls my fate, whether I decide to use his power or not." "That’s why I can understand your feelings of wanting to catch up to your fellow classmates." He glanced at his left palm and clenched it tightly. His slowly opened his eyes, and saw that you were staring with a sympathetic look in your eyes. His situation with his family seemed way worse than your own hardships... " I think your enthusiasm and single-mindedness are both wonderful. If you’re going nowhere, comparing yourself to other people and feeding to an inferiority complex...you might be overthinking things...although, I wish I could think that way for myself as well." You waved your hand through the air, eyebrows furrowed. You leaned towards him and grasped his shoulders, making him gasp out in surprise. "I-I think the way you face everything so earnestly is really amazing! Also, you’re very skilled at controlling your Quirk. We may have different Quirks, but I really respect you!" "(Last)-san...thank you very much." You felt him relax under your hold. "If you’re saying that, then I need to hurry up and find my own path in order to not betray your expectations." "Your own path…?" You questioned. "Yes. I’m still in the process of trying to find my own path. I don’t know when I’ll find it, but I’ll make sure to find it someday," he answered truthfully. 
Finding his own path...Todoroki-kun is really amazing, huh...? He's been through way more than me, and yet I'm here complaining about not being able to fit in with my classmates...
 You let your arms fall to your side, but you slowly brought them up to your chest. You fiddled with your fingers and gazed into his eyes. "U-um, do you think that I might also have my own path?" "Yes, you should do." His reply was immediate. "After all, you have merits to you that no one else has. One day, you’ll be able to find your own path without comparing yourself to anyone else. " Me too, without fail… He promised himself. You weren't quite sure what to respond. He seemed to be so concerned with your well-being and wanting to alleviate your distress. It made your chest feel so warm and full. "I might be able to find my own path by relaxing more as you’ve told me about…" He spoke up once again. You nodded. With his encouraging words, a surge of confidence swelled through your body. "I-I’ll do my best so that I can find my own path too...Todoroki-kun!"

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"(Last)-san, it’s been about twenty minutes, so I’ll go and check on the oven." "Sure, see you!" The both of you returned back to the table once the dishes were done, and prepped the colored icing for decoration. You allowed Shouto to make the colors himself, as he was the one decorating them.  You were currently situated on a chair you brought over, which was originally for Shouto. Instead, he waved his hand and gave up the seat to you.  "Hmm..." Ever since the lengthy conversation you had with Shouto about his father, you couldn't stop thinking about it. Even while you busied yourself with wiping down the counters and cleaning the display case, he was always on your mind. The way he explained his relationship with his father and family made him feel vulnerable, and you knew. It was part of the past Shouto couldn't forget about because of how much he despised it. It was plenty obvious that he only told a few about it. Which meant, that you were probably special...and would possibly end up conversing with Shouto more even after this sweets class.  "I'm back." Shouto appeared with a tray of piping hot cookies. Steam wafted up from the freshly baked pastries and onto his face, but he didn't seem affected at all by it. Must be his Quirk, you thought.  "Welcome back! Wow, they look like they cooked really well!" A smile creeped onto your face as you took a peek at the tray. A variety of shapes lay before you, all with golden brown edges. The sweet smell of sugar made your mouth water, but you kept to yourself.  "Yes, I think so too. Seeing them like this makes me feel proud of them." Shouto looked along with you, lifting the tray up to allow himself a better look. He was relatively silent for a moment before he spoke. "...These are the cookies that I made." You let out a small chuckle before taking the tray out of his hands. You set it down on the table next to the icings. "Fufu, Todoroki-kun, you haven’t finished yet you know. Let’s put the icing on them for the finishing touch! Ah, but perhaps we should wait a bit to let them cool off." "I can use my Quirk to cool it down, if you wish," Shouto suggested. You let out a soft sound of recognition--you had forgotten all about his Quirk. He raised his hand to hover over the sweets. Ice began to crystallize around his hand. He moved his hand around to cover the tray evenly, and surely the steam began to dissipate. "Wow, Todoroki-kun! Your Quirk is so useful...it makes mine seem nothing compared to yours." You watched as Shouto brought his left hand over his right and began melting the ice on his right hand. He looked at you with a stern gaze. "Hadn't you promised to not compare yourself to others? I am no exception." "Ah, I'm sorry..." You rubbed the back of your neck with your hand. "It's just a habit of mine, but I'll try to stop it." Shouto nodded and changed the subject. He reached over and grabbed the pastry bags of icing that were set on the table. He thumbed the nozzle, seeing that it was a simple icing tip instead of one of pattern. "Icing...You did mention earlier about decorating them but...it seems pretty difficult." "Not at all, it will be fine!" Shaking your head, you fished the tray of cookies closer to the both of you. "It’s just drawing pictures on the cookies using a mix of sugar and food coloring." "...Okay. I’ll try it." He lifted the pastry bag up and focused on one of the cookies. He placed the tip in the middle of the cookie, but you stopped him. "Oh, wait, Todoroki-kun." He paused his actions and listened. "You should start by outlining the different colors you use. For example, say you want to use two colors for this one. You outline this--and then this part with a different color. It will be much easier to fill in if you do that." "I see. Thank you." His short response made you feel a little sheepish, if you would say. It was just simple advice, but you got the feeling that he should be allowed to decorate however he wanted to. Oh well, maybe you were over-reading it; he always had a curt and offhanded way of speaking. God...you really needed to get rid of this habit. Always assuming and comparing yourself, this inferiority complex was just eating away at you. Luckily, this time you didn't think much about it. A few minutes had passed by. You were mindlessly flickering your eyes to and from Shouto and the rest of the kids who seemed to be finished with icing their cookies. It still appeared to be that Shouto was taking his time with his own, which was a delightful notion. Something that was to be gifted should be prepared with care and love. "Todoroki-kun, how is it?" You leaned over your chair to see Shouto struggling with the pastry bag. The tip of his tongue stuck out as he meticulously applied the icing. "Right now, I’m trying to draw on the narrow bit of the snowflake but...it’s tricky." His hands trembled for a brief second. You observed him, and you could scarcely help yourself from becoming mildly amused at his effort. "Hmm...I guess if you’re being particular about them, you’ll be particular about everything, including this." You shifted your fingers through the mound cookies before spotting a couple that made your eyes soften. "Ah, these cookies are…" Shouto looked up from his work as he saw you pick up two of the cookies. You rotated them with your fingers, inspecting the amount of detail that could be seen. "They’re the dog and cat shaped cookies. It was difficult getting the balance right with the eyes and noses, so the faces ended up a bit lopsided…" "N-Not at all! They’re cute! Especially the dog cookies look like you put a lot of effort into them, you can feel the love just by looking at them. Todoroki-kun, do you like dogs by any chance?" Shouto seemed to be taken aback with the innocuous question. He slowly nodded his head, as if he wasn't so sure of himself. "Yes...although I prefer cats. My father never permitted me and my siblings to have a pet, but whenever I see a stray around, I will spend some time with it." Shouto replied. "Though I assumed that our classmates are more of a fan of dogs, so..." He gestured to the cookie in your hands and you nodded back. "Is that so? Then, I’m sure no matter what that all of Class 1-A would be thrilled to get them as a present!" "Yes, I’d be happy if they were." "Who are you going to give these snowflake cookies to?" You pointed at the few cookies that were similar in shape. Shouto gingerly placed down the pastry bag on the table. For a while, he did nothing but breathe, staring off to the side. He contemplated whether to tell you of his plans. He let his eyes fall and stare at the confections. "My mother," he relented. "I was going to arrange a checkup with her at the hospital. I felt that she would appreciate this." "I'm know she will, Todoroki-kun," you said. "In all honestly, you don't seem like the person to go out of your way to please others. But...! I'm not all that close to you, so I can't say much about that..." You quickly put the cookies you were holding back on the tray. Shouto would get working on them later, and you didn't want to accidentally break them. "So, um...snowflakes because you got your ice powers from her...?" "Yes, that’s right." He didn't give the impression of being bothered by your words. It was as if he was aware of his personality, which was of course what it was.  
Before the class started, Todoroki-kun said he wanted to make the cookies because they have a relaxing effect, but I wonder if it’s actually because he wanted to make our classmates and his mother happy...
 
Todoroki-kun is a really kind person...
 "(Last)-san? Is there something on my face?" He looked at you worriedly. "N-No, it's nothing! More importantly, I think it’s great how you chose your cookie cutter shapes thinking about everyone else!" Your shoulders perked up as you spoke. You were so easy to read, but Shouto paid no heed to your actions. "I’m sure those feelings will reach everyone and make them happy...no, w-will make them feel relaxed!"  Instead, he gave a smile, One that reached his eyes. "Thank you very much. Hearing you say that makes me think so too." 
It’s strange…Probably thanks to (Last)-san accepting me.
  Once he had the pastry bag in his hands, he continued on the cookies. It took some time, what with the amount of precision he was used. 
(Last)-san respects the parts of me that I consider faults, and talks to me…
 
That makes me really happy.
 "...and done. (Last)-san, I’ve finished icing the cookies." The tray was currently filled with cookies. Each one had its own set of colors and uniqueness to it. Although it wasn't the prettiest in the class, you could see that no one else could rival the amount of care he placed in his. They were most likely baking the treats for themselves, which was what you would've done if you weren't teaching Shouto. "Wow! Congratulations! Now it’s time for the last finishing touch. Let’s wrap the cookies up!" You reached under the table to bring out an assortment of tissue paper, gift bags, and vibrant ribbons. "Use the bags and ribbons that we have here!" "Okay." Shouto pondered for a moment, surveying the motley collection of decorative items. He reached out towards a roll of ribbon. "Okay...ah, this ribbon...it has a pretty color." He unraveled the ribbon around his finger, lifting it up for a closer view. You quickly recognized it as one that you bought a few weeks ago. "Ah! I found that ribbon at the shopping mall! I’m glad you like it! There were a lot of other pretty colored ribbons and bags, but I couldn’t buy them with the money I had on me at the time…" An idea popped into mind, and you couldn't stop yourself from blurting out: "Ah, I know! Todoroki-kun, would you like to go with me to the general store next time? We can go and buy some of the bags and ribbons that I couldn’t buy the last time." Shouto's eyes widened. Sure, he's certainly been invited out a couple of times by Izuku and his classmates, but it was on rare occasions would he accept their requests. "The general store…?" "I-I mean you don't have to...I assume that baking cookies wouldn't just be a one time thing for you--so maybe I can help you stock up on whatever you need..." You flushed out of fear that he would reject your offer. "Ah, but of course, only if you have the time...c-can you not make it?" Shouto's thoughts were pacing. To see if he wasn't booked for the entire weekend. Tomorrow he would bring these cookies to his mother and have their usual mother-to-son conversations. And then after that...he was free. "I can. Let’s go for sure. I look forward to it." Your mouth opened wide with glee and you couldn't prevent your hands from grabbing onto his own. "Oh, I look forward to it, Todoroki-kun!" The sudden contact caused his lips to open and close. He was at loss for words, struck dumb by your sporadic episodes of delight. "Yeah...I do, too."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"Todoroki-kun, good work! The sweets class is over now!" You pushed over the wrapped cookies over to his hands. Shouto struggled to wrap the ribbon around the bag, so you treated yourself to help him. "Thank you for putting up with my shoddy explanations and keeping me company!" "Likewise, thank you very much. Though, the explanations were far from being shoddy." He picked up the bags and scanned them, nodding in approval. "Thanks to you, I managed to enjoy a very good experience.' You let out a shaky breath of relief. Shouto seemed like the person who wouldn't sugarcoat anything. It scared you to think that this sweets class was below his standards, but now your fears were washed away with his statement. "R-Really? In that case, I’m glad…" "(Last)-san, I can’t really say much about people, but I think you should have more confidence in yourself." Shouto placed the bags over to the side. You squeaked out an apology, but he shook his head as if he was reprimanding you. "There are lots of good things about you. In particular, I think you’re very adept at finding the best in other people." "You...think so? I’ve never thought that about myself before, so I’m not so sure about that…" You mumbled to yourself. Shouto's mismatched eyes narrowed slightly as he scrutinized you. You were a very timid and withdrawn person even when it was just the two of you speaking. "It’s true. I feel like I saw a lot of that part about you today," he stated with tone of validity. "Our classmates are all very different in their own way, but..." His eyes bore into your own. Your cheeks flushed and you desperately wanted to look away, but something about his gaze seemed to calm your nerves. You continued to stay frozen in your spot, waiting for him to proceed with his speech. " I think that 'being good at finding good things about people' is a merit that you have." "I-Um...eh..." You swallowed harshly. You certainly weren't expecting that. Todoroki Shouto, the one who is always being commended for his never-ending accomplishments and performance, the one who never batted an eye in the face of danger, the one who always carried out his duties with honor--a person of integrity... was expressing admiration for you...? You, who cried tears when you were scared, slacked off when you were supposed to be training, and worked in a damn coffee shop when you were attending one of the most prestigious high schools in all of Japan... A high school that guides you to become a Pro-Hero and help citizens in need... Pfft...what a joke. Except, it apparently wasn't a joke. Because he wasn't laughing, and neither were you. You were reduced to being absolutely flabbergasted. The expression on your face was enough to know.   What am I supposed to say?! 'Thank you'? That didn't seem adequate enough to you. He praised me a great number of times today, I feel like I might explode...   You wanted nothing more than to go to your room and wallow in your self-consciousness. Maybe even cry a little. Still, you still went with a normal response of appreciation, though not without difficulty. "Th-Thank you very much…!" 
A merit that I have… Within Class 1-A, there’s no one who’s the best, but rather I have my own good quality that belongs only to me…
 You giggle, finding contentment within Shouto's words. Though, it was short-lived when he announced his departure. "Well, I guess I should be heading off. You have to go back to working in the shop after this don’t you? Do your best with it."  You couldn't mask your disappointment as your shoulders slumped. Your lips formed a pout. "I'll do my best, Todoroki--" Ding! The bell signaled the arrival of customers. However, taking one quick look was enough to tell you that they were no customer.  A pair of teenagers your age had walked in, making you grin as they took notice of you. "Hello, (Name)-chan!" Izuku had approached you along with Uraraka. "...Huh? There's no mistaking it, it's Todoroki-kun!" "Midoriya...? Why are you here?" Shouto questioned. He didn't expect Izuku and Uraraka to be here, especially when the sweets class had already ended. It wouldn't make sense to visit so late. "Ah, I planned to visit (Name)-chan earlier. I checked the poster we saw the other day again, and realized that it was her coffee shop that was doing the sweets class. I woke up late today though, and I had to run some errands for my mother." He scratched his cheek in embarrassment. "As I was heading over here, I met Uraraka-chan on the way and we both decided to walk with each other." "Hehe, yep!" Her smile was radiant as she balled her fists in excitement. "It's been a while, Todoroki-kun!" Shouto continued to look as bewildered as ever. Just as he was about to leave, his classmates had came in and greeted him, which was already bad enough since he had to be back by the next hour. "So, Todoroki-kun, why are you here? Uraraka-chan has her part time job here. Are you here as a customer?" Uraraka worked here, huh? That would explain the sweets she brought in from time to time. Perhaps she got personal lessons from you? Anyway, Shouto shook his head. "No...I'm--" "We just finished our (Last) Coffee Shop Sweets Class. Todoroki-kun was taking part in it too." "(Last)-san! Th-that’s…!" You tilted your head in confusion as Shouto seemingly glared at you. Was he embarrassed? Oh well, it was the truth, anyways. "Huh!? You can make sweets Todoroki-kun? Amazing...! I want to try some." Izuku found himself staring at Shouto expectantly, a shy smile on his face. "I thought you’d say that…Here, this is your share." Shouto sighed, handing Izuku one of the wrapped gifts. It was one of a four-leafed clover pattern, with a grassy green ribbon tied around the opening. Izuku's eyes gleamed as he practically snatched away the gift. "Really!? Um, even if you tell me to give it back, I won’t," Izuku stated. He cradled the pastries in his hands as if they were something fragile and precious. "No one is going to tell you that, " Shouto answers in a deadpan tone. "Then, can I open it? Can I look inside?" It was kinda cute...Izuku was excited about something that wasn't about All Might or Heroes. "You don’t need to be in that much of a hurry...If you wait until you get home--" It was too late. Izuku had already pulled the ribbon off the bag and stuck his hand into it. He pulled out a cookie--the dog, both Shouto and you recognized. "Huh...? You already opened it...? "S-Sorry, I got too excited..." Izuku raised his eyebrows. "Is this supposed to be a hamster? It's cute!" You turned to Shouto. Sure, the cookie didn't look exactly like a dog, but it was close enough. "Todoroki-kun, wasn't that supposed to be a dog...?" Shouto nodded, but hadn't spoken a word. Instead, he was intent on staring at Izuku as he nibbled on the treat. His eyes lit up as he eagerly ate the rest of the cookie. He licked his lips, savoring the taste. "Wow, this is good! I want to be able to make cookies as good as you, Todoroki-kun. Say, would you teach me how to make them, sometime?" "You're better asking Uraraka-san or (Last)-san about baking. This is only my first try," Shouto shrugged off Izuku's puppy eyes. He reached behind his back to pull the strings of his apron, then setting it upon the table after folding it. You did the same, smiling at Izuku. "Izuku-kun, I don't mind teaching you," you called out. "You're one of my closest friends. I would be more than happy to offer you some help." Izuku's smile stretched to his ears. "Really? Thank you!" "Wow, Deku-kun! That's great!" Uraraka chimed in. "Listen, Midoriya. It’s important to be relaxed when making cookies you know." Shouto scolded, thrown off by the energy Izuku and Uraraka emitted. While he did have a great time learning how to bake cookies, he realized that it wasn't as easy as it looked, with what trouble and confusion he encountered. "You need to make them while being flexible." You brought your hand to your lips, stifling a laugh. He was already giving advice like a professional, despite this being his first (and successful) time making cookies.  "If there’s another chance, I’d like to join in the next sweets class!" Uraraka grabbed your hands and stared into your eyes. They were filled with the determination you've grown to love. You nodded your head with enthusiasm. "Sure! Next time we do it, I’ll make sure to invite you." Shouto coughed. You both turned your attention towards him. Oh, right. He was about to leave before Uraraka and Izuku came in. "Well then, I should get going. Midoriya," He focused onto Izuku, "are you heading home now?" Shaking his head, Izuku replied, "I'm staying to have tea until Uraraka-chan's shift starts." "Okay. In that case, I’ll head home first." Shouto picked up the rest of the bags on the table, gazing at you along the way. He nodded towards you, "(Last)-san, thank you again for today. Next time will be when we’re going to the general store isn’t it? I look forward to it." "Yes, me too! I’ll contact you later about it!" You held up your cellphone. Shouto had given you his number earlier when you were wrapping the gift bags with ribbons. In back of Shouto, you could see Izuku and Uraraka gaping at you. "Eh!? (Name)-chan and Todoroki-kun, you’re going somewhere together?" Izuku tilted his head in astonishment. He couldn't imagine how the two of you could be close enough to share contact information with each other, especially when the both of you were rather distant during school hours. "Yes, we are." Uraraka pouted. "Since when did you get along that well? Mmn...! That’s not fair!" "Well, we have gotten rather close today," you felt Uraraka squeeze your hands tighter. "How about the five of us spend some time together next time? Next week, Todoroki-kun and I were planning on going alone." "...I see. I won't pry, since I see you most days when I have my part-time shift here," Uraraka grinned, cheeks growing rosier. "But you promised! Next time all five of us go out! And no backing out, Todoroki-kun!" All Shouto could do was pinch the bridge of his nose as he shut his eyes. Now, he had to make extra time for the following weeks.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"Mmph! Today was tiring, but it was great that All Might showed up to teach us the last lesson of the day." Uraraka stretched her arms up in air, bones popping with each tug of her arm. It had been exhausting. Aizawa wasn't in such a great mood for whatever reason he had, but All Might took over the class during the last few hours of school. "Yes..." Was all Shouto said.  Uraraka continued, not bothered by Shouto's disinterested response. "So far, everyone in our class seems to be getting along well. It just seems so surreal, though. I mean, Bakugou has been weirdly quiet this week--he rarely approached Deku this whole week! And don't get me started on Mineta! I guess he finally realized that harassing others brings no advantages. I wonder how Momo tolerates him..." "That's true..." "..." "..." Although Uraraka was more patient than others, Shouto's short responses were starting to irk her.  "Hey, Todoroki?" "W-what is it?" Uraraka's mouth fluttered open. It wasn't everyday that the Shouto stuttered. So, there was obviously something very wrong. "You seem like you wanna say something. So, what's up?" Uraraka questioned. Shouto shook his head in denial. "...No." Uraraka brought a finger up to her chin and tapped on it lightly. Now, what could possible be the reason for Shouto's fit of nervousness? As she thought and thought and thought, a light bulb popped in her head. She turned to him once more. "Really? You kept glancing at me during class, and even asked Deku if he was okay with leaving the two of us alone. It's pretty odd coming from you, Todoroki. Therefore, you must want to talk to me about something." "...Actually," he began, turning his gaze away from her. They both kept the same pace as they walked together and away from the U.A. Before this, he imagined that it would be a pleasant walk, given how the sun was hidden by the clouds and how the streets weren't as crowded as usual. Still, he wasn't sure if Uraraka would feel...uncomfortable with him. Especially since he did not have the same level of enthusiasm as her. Normally, Izuku was the mood maker of the group, ensuring that each and every one of his friends were included in the conversation. Never leaving anyone out. Shouto was a young male who was isolated at birth. Away from his siblings, away from his mother. His mother desperately tried to pull him out of his father's abuse, but it was futile. Cracking from the pressure of living in such a dysfunctional family, his mother poured boiling water over her son's left eye, and that was the last he's ever seen of her. Until after the Sports Festival. The scar was a reminder that he had failed to save his mother. And although Endeavor never left any lasting damage on Shouto's body, what Shouto suffered from was psychological trauma. It hurt way more than just the silly burn on his eye.  Because...if physical scars couldn't fade on its own, what made Shouto think that emotional scars were different?  "Todoroki," Uraraka called out. She narrowed her eyes in concern. "You blanked out for a moment. Are you okay? You look kind of pale... Perhaps you should call someone to pick you up." "I'm fine," he brushed off her worried expression, eyes glaring at the floor. He couldn't leave, not when he went out of his way to get the two of them alone. He took a deep breath, preparing himself for the conversation. "I...I gave you homemade cookies today at lunch, right?" "Oh, yeah!" Uraraka replied, chirpy as ever. "Everyone was surprised! The whole time, everyone in the class kept asking 'why did Todoroki make cookies?' Deku kept trying to get the dog-shaped cookie! It was pretty funny." "...Uraraka. You were laughing then like you are now, but," he readjusted his bag on his shoulder. He gave her a half-hearted glare. "Couldn’t you have helped me out a little?" 
"Ahaha, my bad, my bad!" Uraraka burst out laughing, pausing her tracks. She bent forward, eyes teary as she wiped them away. "
But I don’t think their reactions are surprising. 
To think that you would bring cookies..."
 She fixed her posture continued on the path with Shouto. The boy's cheeks became tinted with red. "T-That’s because...I happened to have an opportunity to make them so I thought I’d make them for everybody …" 
"Yeah, I know," She reassured. "So, what’s bothering you?" She got straight to the point.
 
"...Everyone’s thoughts on the taste." He halted his steps as the cross-lights flashed red. Cars zoomed past, and suddenly it wasn't so quiet anymore. "Yaoyorozu, Midoriya, Kirishima and you said they were delicious but I want to hear honest opinions."
 
A noise bubbled through Uraraka's lips. "Huh...?"
 "Especially since you’re good at making cookies…" he stated, "So please give me your honest opinion.' 
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Todoroki, wait, wait…!" Her hands waved frantically through the air as she desperately vouched for his attention, although he was already focused on her. Shouto tilted his head.
 
"What’s the matter?"
 
"
Do you think everyone said they were delicious because they were being nice...? 
That’s not true!"
 
Shouto didn't seem to believe her. "Really?"
 
"Yeah! 
You can tell by looking at their expressions at they ate them, right? 
Everyone was smiling as they ate the cookies!" She paused momentarily. "Well, except Bakugou, he's always an angry asshole."
 
Were his classmates really smiling? Perhaps he hadn't noticed at all since he was so worried about whether or not they would enjoy them. Still, he took Uraraka to her words.
 
"Yes...
 
Everyone was eating with a smile…
 
And they were having fun talking to each other too…"
 
"Then that means it was delicious! I thought it was really good too!" Uraraka said as she brought her palm down to Shouto's back, snapping him out of his trance. He seemed to be doing that lately.  "So you can have more confidence in yourself just like when you fight with your Quirk! Okay?"
 
Shouto was stunned speechless. First you, then Uraraka? SInce when did he deserve these kind words...?
 
"I--Thank you very much." He said with gratitude. The cross-lights signaled that he and the other pedestrians could cross, so he did. Uraraka followed. "...Uraraka, I want to try making different sweets next time so…"
 
Uraraka dodged a person who almost knocked their shoulders into hers. "What? You’re going to make them again!?" Truthfully, she didn't mind if Shouto became a baker. He was pretty good for an amateur. "Then maybe I’ll request something! Hmm...Maybe chocolate gateau? Or tiramisu?" She bit down on her lip. "No, pudding would be good too"
 
...Shouto had no clue to what she was rambling about. What was 'tee-ah-mee-su' anyways? Or chocolate 'ga-tou'?
 
"If...if they're too difficult, I'll have a hard time."
 
"It’s fine, I believe in you! If you ever do take up the challenge, you always have me and (Name) here!" She made an effort to raise his spirits. "I’m looking forward to it!"
 
Shouto wondered where Uraraka got her energy from. She was so eager to talk at any given moment, and she always strived to raise her friends' morale no matter the cost. Just like you hadn't given up on him when you were teaching him how to bake.
 
"I won’t be able to meet your expectations if they’re so high…" He muttered softly. 
 
Uraraka still heard him loud and clear. "Then, let’s make it together with (Name), Todoroki! That should be fine, right?"
 
He chuckled, nerves at ease finally. "Then, I might take you up on that offer..."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Today was finally the day where you and Shouto would be going to the general store. Though nervous, you were more than elated to find out that he hadn't cancelled the plans for today. It was just before noon. In the midst of your excitement, it may have caused you to arrive a bit early. There was still a couple of minutes until the time you arranged to meet.  Just as you were about to search for a place to sit, you spotted Shouto seated at the edge of the fountain, gazing with boredom into the water. His eyes fluttered from coin to coin, as if he desired to let a form of greed overwhelm him...which you already knew wasn't the case. Of course, how could the son of the Number Two Hero allow himself to thieve some coins when his dad could provide him with everything he needs (except a parent's affection)? You willed your legs to run towards the young man. He was wearing a simple white T-shirt with a thin black jacket over it, and donned black black jeans along with casual pale cyan lace ups. It was unusual to see him in such informal wear, where you were used to his U.A school uniform. Not to say it was unpleasant, it was far from that. It didn't help that the sight of him made you stutter to no end when you finally reached him. "T-T-Todoroki-kun...! I-I'm sorry, were you waiting l-long?" You cringed inwardly and mentally face-palmed. During the sweets class, it was a weekend so he hadn't worn his school uniform, but he was covered with an apron most of the time... 
You dumb, dumb girl...you've only properly met him during the sweets class and now you're having a crush...
 
Wait, wait, wait, a crush?
 "(Last)-san. No, I just got here," Shouto looked over at you, startled. Then, his eyes glossed with worry. "You seem to be out of breath. Are you alright? I didn't mean to make you run over here." "Ah, th-thank goodness...and I'm okay, I thought I made you wait more than you had to." You took a deep inhale of fresh air, regaining composure.  "Don't worry about it." He offered a small smile. "Thank you for inviting me today. It made me happy getting your text." Your heart pounded against your chest rapidly. Placing a hand over your chest in an attempt to slow it down, you realized that it would be in vain. So far, Shouto believed your shortness of breath and tinted cheeks were due to the unnecessary running you did earlier. Partly true. Right now, you were just glad that Shouto had agreed to come to the store with you. "N-Not at all! I’m sorry for inviting you so suddenly...Um, it wasn’t a bother was it?" "Today was a free day for me, so it's fine." He reassured you. You sighed, relieved that you hadn't been a bother like you originally believed to be. "Th-Thank goodness! I was really worried about that…" "Please don’t worry about that so much. Shall we head off then?" He stood up and stretched his legs. He placed both of his hands into the pocket of his jeans. "Sure!" You began to lead the way and inside to the general store. --
Shopping Mall: General Store
-- Upon entering the store, you grabbed onto the sleeve of Shouto's jacket. If your temptation was strong enough, you were sure that you would have practically deserted Shouto to satisfy your selfish desires. You squealed in delight into Shouto's ears, to which he flinched slightly to. "Todoroki-kun, this is it! This is the general store I mentioned! The shop is famous for having cute designs!"  "I see, is that so…" You went ahead and grabbed a basket after letting Shouto's poor sleeve loose. Shouto was quiet as he watched you look at the various craft supplies. He was always silent, but he seemed to be deep in thought. "Is there something wrong?" "No, it’s a bit embarrassing but… I don’t have much experience going to cute shops like this…" His cheeks flushed red. Looking around, you realized that most of the customers were female, with Shouto being one of the only males in the store. Two girls to your right giggled as they hovered over the stationery aisle. One of them was holding a small stack of animal stickers. " I just end up going to shops which sell more practical items. So, I’m sorry, for not being used to this…" "Wh-what! Don’t apologize for that! It’s fine!" He genuinely had nothing to be forgiven for, although you were a bit shocked. Shouto looked to be the person to who wouldn't go shopping on his own. You'd half expected him to get lost along the aisles of a grocery store. Your eyes flickered down for a moment. You hadn't bothered to ask if he was busy at all when you had sent the text. It had been possible that he didn't want to hurt your feelings because of how excited you had been when you declared that he should go shopping with you.  Shaking your head, you clutched the basket a bit uneasy. Uuh, I should have asked for Todoroki-kun’s opinion beforehand...B-But, we can still go on right? Since we’re out with just the two of us, I’ll do my best to make it fun for us! "By the way…" Shouto began. You turned your head to face him, giving him your full, undivided attention. A wave of contentment washed over your entire body, and you felt that you were about to drown from the happiness. Not only was Shouto willingly going out of his way to shop with you, he was also initiating the conversation. "What is it?" You awaited, leaning slightly on your toes. "The other day, I tried making more cookies with the recipe you taught me and gave them to our classmates." Your mouth hung open slightly, but you quickly closed it shut with an audible click of your teeth. A moment later, you practically jumped on him. "Really!? Ah, I think I wasn't there that day, huh..." Your shoulders slumped, feeling dejected. Your father had came back from his business trip that day, and you wanted to spend some time with him before he left the next day. Ah, it would have been lovely to have some of Shouto's homemade cookies, but that could be save for another time. After all, he was buying more materials to gift the cookies in, so that meant he would continue baking. However, it was still unknown to you whether or not your classmates enjoyed the gifts. "Anyways, h-how did it go…?" Shouto reached over to take the basket from your hands. Despite trying to reject his considerateness, he ignored you and grasped the handle, pulling it away. "They seemed to calm everyone down. Aizawa handled us better." "That means...that everyone was happy to have them doesn’t it?" You tugged on the hem of your sleeve, having nothing to fidget around with. You waited patiently for his response. He nodded. The hand holding the basket fell to his side. "Yeah...They said the cookies were tasty, so I think they were happy with them." Nothing could explain the overwhelming elation you felt. You brushed a strand of hair behind your ears. "Wow, that’s really great!"  Glancing up at his expression, he didn't share the same excitement as you did. His eyes conveyed slight yearning. He didn't seem pleased, regardless of the fact that he was praised by his classmates. "Is there something wrong--" "But, when I gave them the cookies, I was bothered by how surprised they all were." He interrupted. With the way he gazed at the floor, it seemed that he was disappointed in himself. But what for? Shouto explained that all of his classmates enjoyed his cookies... "...I know myself that I’m not the type of person to give cookies, but I didn’t think that even they would be surprised too…" Shouto's jaw clenched. He wasn't used to this feeling... Since when did he care about how others perceived him? All this was new to him. It was true, he rarely showed his emotions to outsiders, but that was his own attempt at defending himself from others. But since these were his classmates, he realized that there was nothing to be protected from.  Little by little, he ventured out of his comfort zone to try to connect with them. Ever since Izuku taught him that he shouldn't be defined by what his father desires him to be, he strayed off on his own path. One that he created. Except, that path wasn't finished just yet. With a great deal of obstacles, it could take him months--no, years to fully reach the end. It started off by first visiting his mother at the hospital after years of holding himself back. And now, next was... ...what was it? He didn't know. "That’s…" Speaking after a pregnant pause, you wanted to comfort him, you really did. But you didn't know the full extent of the problem. Perhaps it was something much more than the impression of his classmates. Was it possible to console him, since you experienced the same feeling as his classmates? 
But, I understand how they feel. I was really surprised when Todoroki-kun came to the sweets class…
 "I’m sorry. I got too deep into talking there." Shouto shook his head, giving a wry smile. He took a few steps forward, before glancing back at you. "Shall we have a look around now?" You nodded. The two of you began walking from the entrance of the store and to the party supplies aisle. Although what you need wasn't for a party, most of the gift wraps and ribbons would be stationed here. "Todoroki-kun, look. They have such a wide range of wrapping products!" You pointed in front of you. Shouto looked towards the direction you pointed in. One look and his vision was filled with bright colors that made himself recoil back. "This shop is my favorite! Over here they have cute wrapping bags too!" "...Yes, there are lots of things I’ve never even seen before." He plucked a small gift bag that was hanging on the wall. Giving a quick look over, his nose scrunched in dissatisfaction and he placed it back. He then knelt down, eyes focused on the small buckets on the ground. It was filled to the brim with ribbons of cloth, plastic, and metal. "Just like you said during the sweets class, there are lots of different types of ribbons too." Your body swayed back and forth as you nodded. A childish grin made its way onto your face. No matter how many times you've been here, there was no way you could handle yourself.  Shouto brought his free hand to shuffle through the ribbons. They were quite...cute, as you stated, but none caught his interest. He didn't mind which types of ribbons he was going to purchase, but he had to at least put some consideration into his choice.  "It’s hard to pick with this many of them…" Shouto ran his hair through his red and white locks. His lips curled into a frown. "Which should I choose…?" Registering the way he tousled his hair in distress, you went to help him. You bent down, tucking your skirt under your thighs and then began rummaging through the container of ribbons. Two rolls of ribbons caught your eyes and you snatched them as quickly as you saw them. "Ah! In that case...how about something like this?" Bringing the two rolls into his line of vision, you awaited his response. While he was studying the pattern, you continued, "Flower patterns and strawberry patterns are really cute!" Shouto's eyes widened. The hand on his hair went limp and smacked against his thighs. Then, the sound of his chuckle resonated to your ears, making you blink in confusion. What exactly was so funny? "(Last)-san, you’re just like one of the staff here." You lowered both of your hands. Cheeks burned as you stared at him in silence. Just like one of the staff? Staffs were usually pushy to get customers to buy their items, and you didn't want to seem so aggressive like them. "Ah, that’s…I’m sorry." You pardoned yourself. Shouto simply shook his head. "No, don’t worry about it. You’re being considerate of me because I’m not used to the shop aren’t you? Thank you very much. Thanks to you, I’m getting used to the feel of this place." "R-really? That’s great!" Shouto watched as your eyes regained their usual shine. You brought the two ribbons up again. "By the way, which do you prefer out of the flower patterned and strawberry patterned bags?" "I think they’re both cute...but I think I might pick a different one." You pouted. Turns out he didn't want any of these adorable ribbons. Not that you couldn't blame him though, since others would definitely give him strange stares. Katsuki would probably scoff and reject his cookies, saying 'I don't want no girly shit,' or something about his pride. It was truly amazing that Katsuki even accepted it in the first place. After the Sports Festival, all he did was rant about Shouto not fighting Katsuki with the full extent of his Quirk. Maybe his anger was extinguished after Shouto and the others were attacked by Hero Killer: Stain. Pity, perhaps? Katsuki always loved to look down on others. Maybe it was better that you had an inferiority complex rather than a superiority complex. You couldn't quite imagine yourself as a stuck-up and selfish person like him. "Since it doesn’t really fit my image, if I give them something with cute wrapping like that, they’ll be even more surprised," Shouto continued, breaking you out of your thoughts. His expression was refreshing, his cheeks glowing with crimson.  
It’s kind of cute seeing Todoroki-kun get embarrassed by something like this…
 "By the way (Last)-san, what are you going to buy?" "Ah, I was thinking of buying this one with the diamond pattern on it…" You showed him the argyle pattern. Shouto pursed his lips. It had diamonds of white and various shades of red. This was definitely better than the flowers and strawberries you suggested earlier. "...A more low-key design like that looks great. Would you mind if I bought the same thing?" Of course you didn't mind. It wasn't as if you claimed the design. You stood up and shook your head. "Not at all! Ah, they have cookie cutters over here! Let’s go and have a look!" Shouto watched as you trailed away from him. It was somehow a miracle that you hadn't done that earlier. He picked himself up from the ground and placed the ribbons into the basket. The same design, but a different color. Blue. "Yeah, let’s go," he whispered.