When Heroes Collide - Bakugou X Reader Slow Burn

Chapter 99: Unrequited Love

The grand ballroom was alive with the buzz of laughter and music as we stepped back inside, the air warm and filled with a sense of celebration. Glittering chandeliers hung high above, casting golden light that shimmered across the elegant decor. I marveled at the sheer grandeur of the room—the floral arrangements, the gilded tables, and the soft candlelight that set everything aglow. Everywhere I looked, people were chatting and laughing, dressed in their finest, each one looking like they belonged in this magical setting.

Katsuki had gone to the bathroom, so I found myself wandering toward the buffet table alone. I picked up a small plate, admiring the variety of dishes and treats laid out—each one looking as fancy as the next. I took a small bite of something sweet, savoring the taste as I let my gaze drift around the room, taking it all in. Everyone looked incredible, transformed for one night into versions of themselves I'd never seen before.

"Enjoying yourself?" a familiar voice interrupted my thoughts, smooth and calm.

I turned to see Todoroki, standing just a few feet away. He looked... breathtaking. Dressed in a sleek, tailored suit, his mismatched eyes softened with a gentle curiosity as he watched me. His hair, two-toned as always, caught the light perfectly, making him look almost ethereal.

"I—yeah," I managed, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. "The ballroom looks amazing. Everyone does, really."

A hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "You look nice too," he said softly, his gaze flicking over me. "The night suits you."

I bit my lip, feeling my face grow even warmer. "Thank you... you look great too. Really."

He nodded, his eyes lingering on mine for a moment longer before they drifted to the buffet. "Anything here you'd recommend?" he asked, his tone light, but there was a warmth to it that felt... comforting.

I glanced down at the dessert I was holding, shrugging a little. "I tried one of these pastries—they're pretty good." I passed him a plate, and he took it with a quiet "Thanks," brushing his fingers against mine for just a second.

We stood there in companionable silence, sampling desserts and watching the other guests enjoy themselves. The night felt soft and dreamlike, and I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of contentment, standing beside Todoroki in the glow of the ballroom lights, sharing this small, quiet moment amid the lively crowd.

Todoroki and I continued talking, our voices low under the hum of the party around us. It felt oddly natural—almost comforting—to stand here with him, enjoying the atmosphere without any pressure.

"You danced with Yaoyorozu yet?" I asked, keeping my tone light.

"Yeah, we were dancing earlier," he replied, a soft smile forming as he followed my gaze across the room, where Yaoyorozu was laughing with a group of friends. "She looks stunning tonight," I added, admiring the elegant dress she wore that fit her so perfectly.

"Yeah, she does," Todoroki agreed simply, his gaze lingering on her a moment longer before he took a sip of his drink, his expression unreadable.

He looked back at me, and there was a warmth in his eyes—a hint of something unspoken. I felt a gentle blush rising as he studied me, and I quickly took a sip of my own drink to distract myself, hoping he didn't notice.

"You've got an eye for detail," he said, his tone soft but genuine. "You notice things about people. It's... nice."

I blinked, a little surprised by his words. "I guess I do. I like seeing how happy everyone looks tonight," I murmured, glancing around. "It's like we're getting a glimpse of everyone at their best."