My Hero Academia Imagines

Bitterness and Sweetness (Kaminari Denki)

The hum of the coffee machine in the cozy little shop was the only consistent sound of this afternoon, aside from the casual talk of the barista behind the counter and the soft ring of the cash register.

It was a soft cushioned seat that he found himself upon, a hot cup of bitter liquid facing him, waiting to be drank and enjoyed by the consumer who had decided to purchase himself a cup. Yet, as he sat there, staring at the cup and the rise of steam from the hot beverage, he could not help but attempt to make sense of why he bought it in the first place.

Kaminari Denki was not a fan of bitter tasting things, as he much rather prefers sweet tasting foods over bitter ones. He had never even had a cup of coffee before, let alone knew how to order one. He struggled immensely as the barista waited with a worried smile for him to make his decision.

But why all the trouble for something he didn't even like? It was simple: the barista behind the counter had caught his eye. She had for some time now, and he had just finally today built up the courage to actually walk into the cafe that was on his way home and place an order.

Yet now he felt rather silly, knowing full well he would not enjoy the cup he had spent his already little amount of money on and look like a fool or a jerk when he dumped it out without so much as taking a sip.

He sighed deeply, glancing out the window near his seat. His brain racked for some kind of idea as the darkening clouds overhead looked ready to start a downpour. The weather report had predicted thunderstorms today, so many he could ask for a to-go cup? That way he would be under the impression that he didn't want to walk home in the rain.

But then came the issue of why he didn't ask for the to-go order in the first place. Plus she was still at the front, currently wiping off the counter. And he didn't want to fumble over his words a second time.

Oh, why was this so hard?

Before he could answer his own question, however, his vibrant golden hues caught sight of something being placed on his table, a figure behind it. The feeling of warmth in his cheeks and his tongue-twisting was enough for his mind to realize who it was.

The cute barista smiled softly, her apron now gone and her hair out of that enticing messy bun. She pulled out a chair, allowing Kaminari to dart his orbs momentarily to her own cup of coffee and a small white pitcher, as well as a stack of sugars.

"Have you never had coffee before?" She asked, reaching for the pitcher and tilting it.

"That obvious?" Kaminari chuckled, his finger rubbing against his cheek in embarrassment.

"Just a bit." She spoke as the white liquid flowed into her cup, the dark brown turning into a color reminding him of milk chocolate. "Would you like me to show you how to make it sweeter?"

Kaminari blinked, his finger lifting from his skin. His breathing was momentarily halted as the girl across from him waited patiently for his answer.

"I-um... sure?"

He berated himself internally for making his answer sound like a question. He was usually so good around girls, as he believed himself to be somewhat of a flirt. Though in reality, he had never dated anyone before, thus his own nerves were his worst enemy at the current moment.

The girl across from him chuckled, his heart relaxing upon seeing her giggle at his own strange response. Maybe he had not made a total fool of himself yet.

"I'm (Name). It's nice to meet you-"

"Kaminari." He spoke, taking a breath to calm himself more. "Now tell me again how to make this not taste so bitter?"

(Name) laughed again, the atmosphere between the two almost becoming as calming as the shop itself. And now that he would finally be able to enjoy his purchase, Kaminari felt relief in more ways than one.