{UNTIL THE END} Todoroki x Fem!Reader

Sparks of Collaboration

chapter seventeen

SERO'S P.O.V.

That night, I find myself in one of the empty lab tinkering with the tools and scraps left behind from the scientists and tech team. I toy with the materials, molding them into my latest creation- a specialized adhesive tape. I can't help but feel a sense of pride as I hold it in my hands, envisioning its potential to help in my new mission.

As I continue to marvel at what I just so happened to create, the door creaks open, and my heart skips a beat. Mei enters the room, her eyes filled with curiosity and a playful smile gracing her lips. Heat rushes to my face, and I quickly try to hide my flustered state, but it's too late. Mei sees right through me.

"What do we have here?" Her voice carries a hint of amusement.

I stumble over my words for a moment before responding. "It's a kind of adhesive tape I've been working on. It's designed to have enhanced strength and durability, perfect for our journey."

Mei's eyes light up with genuine interest as she examines the tape in my hands. "This is amazing, Sero! It could be a real game-changer for our mission. The possibilities are endless."

Her words fill me with a sense of pride and joy. To have someone as brilliant as Mei appreciate my work is truly humbling. But it's her next proposition that truly catches me off guard.

"Sero, what if we collaborate on the tech side of the mission?" Mei's voice is filled with excitement and hope. "Your adhesive tape and my expertise could create a powerful combination."

I'm momentarily speechless, my mind racing to process the significance of her suggestion. Collaboration with Mei, working together to make a difference, it's both thrilling and nerve-wracking yet all I've ever wanted.

"What would I have to do?" I manage to ask, my voice portraying a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.

Mei's smile softens, and her eyes meet mine with sincerity. "Whatever is needed, Sero. Once you start your travel through the tunnels, we can utilize your tape for various applications. I promise you with this, we'll definitely make it."

Her words hit me deep, as if she knows just what I'm about to say before it even escapes my lips. I find myself so captivated by her and the belief she has in my ability. Unlike with Y/N and the others, it's as if she sees something great in me and actually cares enough to hear me out.

Heat bubbles up within me, there's an unexplainable connection between Mei and me. The moment hangs silently in the air, as if time itself is urging me to take a leap of faith. I lean in closer to her, my heart pounding in my chest, ready to bridge the gap between us with a kiss.

But just as our lips are about to meet, Mei takes my hand, leading me away from my thoughts and out the door- into the lab where she works.

"This tape," she says, her voice brimming with excitement, "can reinforce the structural integrity of the tunnels, secure loose rocks, and prevent potential cave-ins along our journey. It can create temporary repairs and seal breaches, ensuring our safety. My god, it's brilliant!"

I stare at Mei in awe as she marvels at the potential of my adhesive tape invention. Her excitement is infectious, and her words fill me with a sense of pride and purpose. Could this tape could truly be a game-changer for our mission?

As we continue to talk, Ida enters the lab, turning all the attention instantly toward him. Mei wastes no time in explaining the capabilities of the tape, her enthusiasm bubbling over. Ida listens intently, his eyes widening with interest.

"Well, Sero," Ida says, extending his hand towards me, "I'm glad to have you on our side. Your invention will prove invaluable for our journey."

As I shake Ida's hand, the only thing I can feel is nervous excitement coursing through me. My body nearly shakes at the rush of adrenaline I'm feeling. Being recognized by someone as esteemed as him fills me with a sense of pride for the first time in a long time.

Mei, however, interjects with a suggestion that catches me off guard. "Sero should really stay here with us," she says, her voice laced with a hint of vulnerability. "I mean... I would really like your company."

Confusion swirls within me. Isn't the whole purpose to escape Earth and reach the spacecraft? But Mei's genuine longing for my presence tugs at my heartstrings. Could it be that she feels the same way I do?

"But isn't the whole point of what we're doing here-"

"I meant stay with me. At, uh, my place," she gulps.

Before I can respond, Ida clears his throat, taking the cue to leave, but before he can, the moment is broken by the entrance of a woman with pink hair.

"Hey, Mei, everyone's asleep now so-" he begins before being stopped by a quick gesture from Mei. Something unspoken passes between them, and I can't help but wonder what they were about to discuss.

Ida then decides to take Mina aside, mentioning something about missing food and pink dye. The awkward chuckle from Mina only adds to the intrigue. As they exit the lab, Mei turns her attention back to me, a soft smile gracing her lips.

"Sero, you should get some rest," she says, her voice carrying a hint of tenderness. "We have a big day tomorrow. I'll see you then."

Before I can fully process her words, she leans in and kisses me on the cheek. Heat rushes through my entire body, and I'm left speechless as she walks away, leaving me to grapple with the whirlwind of emotions that she stirs within me.

I find myself soon sinking into a chair back in my room, thoughts and feelings swirling around in my mind. Mei's presence, her brilliance, and her unspoken affection have left an unforgettable mark on my heart.

As I lie awake in the middle of the night, my mind drifts to the mission ahead. I long for a future unbound by fate, a life where my existence isn't dictated by forces beyond my control.

Amid my thoughts, a warm feeling fills my heart, like a flickering flame in the darkness. It's something I can't put into words, a strong desire that stays with me. Amidst all the confusion and not knowing what lies ahead, Mei is like a bright light, guiding me and making me feel at peace. With each passing second, my feelings for her grow stronger, becoming something I can't explain but know is real and genuine.