Three Choices: Katsuki, Shoto, Rody

6. First Dinner Together

We make it down to the main dorm commons, and start talking while we wait for everyone. We decide to go to a ramen/sushi place just a few minutes outside of campus. Along the way, I got to know Uraraka and Tsu. Both seem like kind, energetic people. Todoroki stands silently by my side, and Midoriya steals Rody. Bakugo joins Kirishima.

Dinner is enjoyable. I exchange numbers with a few of my classmates. I learn about their lives and quirks as well as the crazy adventures they had been through together. Everyone seems close but still welcome me to their class.

People are pretty fascinated with my quirk and how it will fit in with the group's quirks.

"Dessa, I bet you could beat Katsuki!" Kirishima gloats.

Why you... Trying to start a fight right here and now with Bakugo?

But oddly, Bakugo shrugs it off and only comments with a "We'll see about that," which is pretty calm for his standards.

"Dessa, your power seems like it would be comparable to Todoroki's," Tsu says.

I nodded. I watched their school sports festival competition as part of my transfer studies. "You might be right Tsu. I can get a good range on my attack. However, I can't just make metal form like Todoroki can with ice or fire. I need metal to be present. But I do have a few tricks up my sleeve! I can't wait to train together! We'll all become great heroes together!"

"Oh," Tsu adds, "So you are like Momo. Momo has to use her lipids to create things."

"Exactly!"

"Do you need to know the chemical and molecular structure in order to manifest your quirk like I do?" Momo asks.

"No, but I've found that knowing a little bit of metal chemistry helps me enhance my quirk. For example, I usually carry around metal as part of my hero costume, but the weight limits how much I can bring with me. With chemistry, I found a way to alter the structure to make the metal I carry more compact and lighter!"

Momo's eyes lit up. "Wow! That's incredible! Dessa, we must study together so we can become greater heroes!"

I nod in excitement, "Yes!!" I am excited to be making friends. In the States, I became a little obsessed with developing my quirk and forgot to make friends. I always regretted that a little. I can tell by looking at class 1A how much their friendship has strengthened their quirks and pushed them beyond.

The chatter carries on, but eventually it is time to head home. I am pretty tired as we head back. Rody manages to break away from Midoriya, as Midoriya was busy mumbling about my quirk with Uraraka, who graciously listens to his ramblings.

"Ugh, I am SO tired." I lean against Rody for support, closing my eyes.

Rody chuckles. "I guess this can count as your first day of training."

"Not exactly what I imagined," I sigh. "Oh, hey!" I open my eyes, only to find Rody curiously staring right back at me. "Um," I fumble, not expecting him to be staring at me with such a... tender expression. "Where are you staying by the way?"

"Oh, actually, UA is letting me rent out a room in the dorms. Midoriya already showed me my room earlier." I recall that he had been carrying a backpack, which now made sense.

"Sweet! That means I'll get to see you a lot while you're here?"

"It sure does." He looks down at me again with those deep, stormy eyes. The moonlight made his eyes glow warmly. I snuggle sleepily into his shoulder.

"You're nice and warm..."

"I didn't realize you were cold." He wraps his arm around me. "I hope this helps. I can give you my coat if you like?"

"No, this is perfect."

He looks away, so I can't tell what expression he makes, but Pino flaps her wings and glows red with embarrassment.

I close my eyes and snuggle even closer to Rody. Yes, this was just perfect. I happen to briefly open my eyes and see Todoroki looking at me from a few feet ahead. He quickly looks away.

Rody leads me back to my room.

"Dessa, have a good night. I'm thankful I ran into you today."

"Even if I did ruin your map?"

"I'd let you ruin a thousand maps if it meant I'd get to meet you."

"Oh you~!" I give him a playful slap on his shoulder.

Rody leans in toward me. My heart quickens. His lips brush my ear lobe. He whispers softly, "Make sure to text me. Sleep well, Dessa." He turns around abruptly, leaving me breathless.

Fifteen minutes later, I finished brushing my teeth, changed clothes, and am ready for bed. My phone lights up from an incoming text message. I expect it to be Rody, but I am surprised to see it was from Bakugo.

Bakugo: DON'T STAY UP LATE, DUMMY. AND MAKE SURE YOU COME TO ME IF YOU NEED ANYTHING.

Me: Lol. Thanks for your help today, I'm so happy to have met you. Goodnight, Bakugo.

Bakugo: Goodnight. Dummy.

I meant to text Rody, but sleep lures me too quickly. Before I know it, I am fast asleep.