The Realist(Shoto Todoroki x reader- Bakugo's twin sister)

Chapter 43

Once we got back to the dorms, I didn't even wait for anyone to say goodnight. I beelined straight to my room, head down, ignoring the tired chatter behind me.

The second I stepped inside, I shut the door with a familiar creak and leaned against it for just a moment, exhaling a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.

Silence.

It felt too loud in here.

I tossed my suitcase down in front of the closet, opening the door, I started digging through the wrinkled mess of clothes.

My fingers snatched a clean shirt and a pair of shorts, clenching tighter than I meant to.

"I can't believe it was that blonde bitch," I muttered, the words bitter on my tongue. My voice felt sharp in the quiet room, like I was talking to the air just to keep from boiling over. "I knew I had a bad feeling about her."

I yanked close the closet door, letting my forehead rest against the cool wood for a moment as I breathed in through my nose.

The weight of the evening pressed down on my shoulders like lead.

"How could I be so stupid?" I whispered, eyes squeezed shut.

The words tasted like shame and regret.

Reaching for my towel and toiletries from the shelf, I kept muttering, barely aware of what I was saying. It felt like I was venting to a friend who wasn't there- just the shadows and silence to soak up my anger.

"It was obvious. Something about her was just... off." My voice grew sharper with each syllable. "I should've said something. I should've done something."

I turned toward the bed, tossing my clothes on top, still simmering.

My fingers moved to my chest, checking under my bra for the folded paper I'd hidden there earlier. A quick pat, and I felt the familiar crinkle of paper against my skin.

Still there. Thank god.

I set everything down carefully, took a step toward the door, when-

Knock knock.

I froze mid-step, brows furrowed. The knock came again, quieter this time. Hesitant. Almost nervous.

I blinked.

Mina? Maybe Katsuki? Hell, Katsuki might've come by to yell at me for this stupid paper. Again.

I checked the paper's position one more time, reassured by the faint press of it against my skin, then padded over to the door.

"Coming," I called, pulling it open halfway.

But instead of the familiar grin or the usual scowl, I was met with a face I didn't expect.

"Todoroki?"

He stood stiff in the doorway, posture rigid, fists clenched tight at his sides. His eyes flicked up to meet mine, then dropped again just as quickly, like the contact physically hurt.

His expression was unreadable- but the storm beneath it wasn't.

"I..." he began, voice rough. He swallowed. "I'm sorry."

The words hung heavy in the air between us, heavier than I expected. There was nothing casual about his tone. No formality. No detachment. Just weight.

I blinked again, unsure. "Todoroki?"

His gaze lifted slowly, and I saw it- guilt. Raw and unfiltered, carved into every line of his face. "I shouldn't have been so reckless," he said. "I could've hurt you. Permanently."