Y/N pushed open the door to the café, the bell chiming softly as she stepped inside. The warm ambiance was a welcome relief from the weight on her shoulders. After running away from her wedding and navigating the complexities of her new life as Noctem, without her family controlling her as underground hero, she craved a brief escape even amidst her turmoil.
Finding a corner table, Y/N settled in with a sigh, glancing at the menu, trying to decide which comforting treat might lift her spirits. Just as she began to get lost in thought, the café door swung open again, and in walked Shoto Todoroki, his presence commanding yet unobtrusive.
The moment was almost cinematic; the café seemed to momentarily quiet as he entered, the soft afternoon light illuminating his striking features. Wearing his casual outfit that combined comfort and style, he scanned the café, his dual-colored hair creating a contrast that attracted attention. Y/N couldn't help but smile at the contrast of his seriousness with the cheerful atmosphere around them.
As Shoto approached the counter, Y/N overheard a series of muffled giggles from the barista as they fumbled with an order. She couldn't resist the urge to tease. "Hey, Todoroki! Don't set off any ice storms in here-or we might need to serve hot cocoa instead of coffee!"
He turned, his expression pleasantly surprised. "I'd say no promises, but there might actually be frozen coffee somewhere around here," he retorted, a soft smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
Y/N grinned, enjoying the lighthearted banter. "I think we just struck gold. Exploring the depths of frozen coffee sounds like a hero-level challenge!"
"I'm more of a hot chocolate kind of guy," Shoto replied, stepping closer to join her at the table. "It's simpler."
"Here I thought you were the boldest man alive! You could at least pretend to be adventurous with your drink choices," she joked, raising an eyebrow playfully.
"Hey, I face villains and high-stakes situations daily. I think I've earned the right to be simple in my tastes," he quipped back, a hint of mischief glimmering in his eye. "What about you? You've been underground. Do they serve mystical blends there?"
The sparkle in Shoto's eyes was infectious, and Y/N laughed heartily, feeling a sense of ease wash over her. "Mystical? Maybe I should start a trend. If you put enough marshmallows in, anything can be mystical!" she exclaimed, waving a hand dramatically as if casting a spell.
The barista called out their orders, and Shoto grabbed his steaming cup while Y/N went to the counter. As she took her drink, she noticed Shoto watching her with a bemused expression.
"What?" she asked, bemused by his scrutiny.
"Just thinking...you really went for it with that 'mystical drink' approach," he mused, trying to suppress a laugh. "Do you have an actual plan or is it all improvisation?"
"Why not both?" Y/N countered with a mock seriousness. "Life isn't a scripted play, Todoroki! It's chaos, and chaos is where I thrive!"
He chuckled, shaking his head. "I see. That explains a lot."
They settled into a cozy booth, their conversation flowing easily. Y/N began to share snippets of her adventures, avoiding the deeper issues weighing on her. She found it refreshing to be at ease with someone who treated her as past experiences were simply tales of bravery.
"I think by the end of the day, the café is going to need a hero to clean up after the 'mystical' drinks I create," Y/N said dramatically, her hands waving in the air again.
"You think you can handle that pressure?" he teased, leaning back, crossing his arms. "Because if it's a mess, I'm definitely tossing you under the bus."
YOU ARE READING
Noctem
FanfictionY/N is on the brink of being married off to her childhood friend Zero, arranged by her family to solidify their standing in society . On the before her wedding she will run away. On that night she is gazing at the stars, she recalls her childhood d...
