Three Choices: Katsuki, Shoto, Rody

13. Rody's Confession

When I get back to my room, I check my phone to find a text from Todoroki.

Hey, Dessa, what are you up to? Want to watch some shows or a movie together tonight after dinner?

My heart beats quickly and I smile to myself.

Sounds great!

I check the time. There's still a few hours before dinner. I decide I'll relax a little and read. I'm only a few chapters in when I hear a knock on my door.

"Oh, hey, Rody! What's up?" Pino flies out and lands on my shoulder. I give her a little pet and a quick kiss.

Rody looks at me shyly. "I was wondering what you were up to. I haven't seen you much today, so I was wondering if you wanted to hang out before dinner?"

"Sure! Anything in particular you had in mind?"

"Um, not really," he nervously scratches the back of his head. "Did you want to go on a walk to the pond?"

"Oh! I haven't seen the pond yet! Let's go!"

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We are sitting on a bench next to the pond. The sun is just setting. The pink, orange, and red hues fill the skyline. The air is starting to turn chilly.

Dessa," Rody starts. "I wanted to tell you what my quirk is. For some reason, not telling you makes me feel like I'm hiding something from you, and I don't like that."

I listen to him eagerly. "I don't like having secrets between us either, but I don't want you to feel uncomfortable."

"No, I want to tell you." He looks at his hand, and Pino flies into his palm. "My quirk is Pino. No matter what I may say or express, Pino always shows how I'm really feeling."

I nod. "I had a feeling..."

"What!" He exclaims. "Could you tell? Was it that obvious?"

I give him a nudge on the shoulder and flash a teasing smirk. "Why do you think I like Pino so much?"

He blushes deeply at my words. Then he stares straight into my eyes.

"So... if you like Pino... Does that mean you like me?"

An intense blush instantly spreads across my face. Is he asking if I like like him? As in more than a friend? And... Do I like Rody? My mind quickly turns to thoughts of Todoroki and Bakugo too. I am so confused... Why does my heart beat so quickly thinking about each of these three? Everything is happening too quickly, and I didn't have time to think seriously about this. Do I like all three? Could I pick just one?

"I-I," I stammer, lost at words.

Rody, losing his confidence, places his finger across my lips, as if to gently sush me.

"I'm just messin with you!" He gives a goofy grin. "But we should probably head back. Dinner will be done soon." He quickly stands, ready to go. He appears nonchalant, but I notice Pino in his pocket looking quite sad...