Point Based Dating

Favorite Place Quest Part 13: Shouji

    Three people left. All of them are quiet people. Deciding between them was a lot more difficult than Bakugou imagined it would be. So he decided that he would just go to ol' reliable for the answer. The randomized wheel app on his phone. And that is how he ended up walking beside quite possibly the most respectful man in class, aside from Kirishima.

    "After you." Shouji says, holding the door of the school open.

    This is quite a shock. Why were they re-entering the school right after they got out of school? Not exactly right after. They fid have time to change their clothes. Still, it is weird.

    Bakugou just stays silent and follows Shouji. He's sure to find out shortly, and also find out what is in the bag Shouji is carrying. That had really caught his eye the moment he got downstairs to leave for their quest. He wasn't going to ask though.

    They go up some stairs and Shouji opens a door. He holds the door open for Bakugou to step through. A nice, cool, breeze catches him, blowing his blond hair into his face. His was the roof. Shouji had brought him to the rooftop of the school.

    "I didn't even know we were allowed up here." Bakugou says while Shouji places a small red brick in between the door and the frame so it won't close.

    "We're technically not, but I got permission from Principal Nedzu to come up here with you when it was my turn. My favorite place isn't any one location. It's just any place that is high up, and away from people." Shouji explains.

    He then opens up his bag and takes out a giant blanket. He holds one end and tosses the other up a few times until it falls flat on top of the cement. Then he takes out a couple of cushions for them to sit on. So that's what was in there.

    "I didn't want to take you to a rooftop in the city. And the cliffside I went to the most is so far away that by the time we reach it we would immediately have to turn back." Shouji adds.

    "Well then, I will give this a pass." Bakugou says as he sits down. "I can see why you would like places like this. It's peaceful."

    Shouji sits down beside him and looks out over the campus. There are some people still walking around campus, but it's not nearly as crowded as it was when classes first ended. Soon the grounds will be cleared of life.

    "Are you enjoying this whole contest thing?" Shouji asks unexpectedly.

    "I mean, yeah. It can be exhausting at times, but that's mainly because training has become tougher. Doing a harsh training session and then moving immediately into a quest is making by body scream at me by time for bed." Bakugou explains. "But I don't hate that. It's nice to know so many of you guys don't despise the thought of being my partner, and are willing to go through trials like this just so I can find some level of enjoyment in the pursuit of finding someone I'd like to be with."

    He lays down on the blanket to look up at the sky. Being here like this was reminding him of his evening with Todoroki. It's very similar. Of course these two are similar. They rarely talk unless prompted. They prefer it to be quiet. Both have opened up a lot recently though.

    "So why did you choose to sign the paper? I didn't think you'd want to be with someone who is loud like me." Bakugou says. He looks over at Shouji who was still watching those below.

    "You're not always loud. When you are it's usually when something is important to you." Shouji says. He looks over at Bakugou. "I can hear a person's heartbeat if I focus on them."

    "That's cool. What's that have to do with me though?" Bakugou asks.

    "Most of our class, they say they are fine with me. That they aren't scared. That was true in the beginning but... After I took off my mask that all changed. Now, if I'm near some of them I hear their hearts speed up like they're nervous. You're one of the few people whose heart has stayed the same. Your opinion of me hasn't changed after seeing my face."

    "Why would a few scars make me scared if you? If anything they make me respect you more. You got them by saving someone. They're a sign that even as a kid you had what it took to be a hero." Bakugou says. "Plus, I think they look kinda cool."

    "You think they're cool? Why? They don't look cool to me." Shouji says. He absentmindedly places one of his hands over the mask, causing Bakugou to frown.

    Bakugou sits up and turns to face Shouji. He looks him up and down, and then he nods.

    "You don't have to do this if you don't want to, but will you take off you mask for me?" Bakugou asks.

    "You want me to take off my mask? Why?" Shouji asks.

    "I want you to see yourself the way I see you." Bakugou says.

    Confused, Shouji listens. He carefully lowers his mask and looks away. His hand moves to rub the back of his neck as the nerves hit him. Right as he is about to ask how this is supposed to help, he hears a shutter sound. His eyes widen as he looks over at Bakugou, who has his phone held up.

     "Did you just take a photo of me?" Shouji asks.

    Bakugou hands his phone over so Shouji can see it. He can't believe his eyes. For something taken quickly, it's really nice. Not only that but Shouji doesn't hate it.

    "How can you look at that and think scary?" Bakugou asks. Shouji continues to look at the picture. Bakugou is right. It doesn't look scary at all. "Scars don't automatically mean scary. The way you hold yourself can be more intimidating than any scar. The only times I have ever been scared of you is when we have to go up against each other in training, and that is only because you are a tough opponent to beat. You know my movements, and your arms serve as a solid defense. And when you are paired with the right person, you're pretty much untouchable."

    "You think I'm tough?" Shouji asks shocked. "You always beat me though."

    "Yeah, but I have to push myself harder every time just to break through." Some wind blows causing Bakugou to shiver. The seasons are starting to change, meaning that the air is getting colder each day. "As much as I would enjoy continuing this conversation, I don't do well with the cold. We can continue this next time." Bakugou says.

    "I was thinking about heading back down anyway. I have some things I want to think about." Shouji pulls up his mask and then helps Bakugou stand.

    Both boys make their way back to the dorms after packing up. Their classmates were surprised to see them back so soon. The sun wasn't even setting yet. They don't question them about the time though. All they ask is if the two enjoyed themselves before going back to watching the movie they had put on.