The Favor [Bakugou x Reader]

Chapter 6 - In Common

Sunday rolled around and Mina had convinced the entire class to go to the mall and multiplex. The mall was bigger than many you had seen in America. At its center stood a large cinema boasting twenty-six theaters. Its tall windows showed a multitude of posters for movies "Coming Soon!" or "Last week to see".

"We have three choices for movies this afternoon!" Mina stated to the group all gathered together near a wide two-tiered fountain. "One action, one rom-com, and one documentary that if anyone chooses, I will seriously question our friendship!"

"You said there was gonna be a horror film Shitty Hair!" Bakugou turned to walk away but Kirishima pulled him back. It was a miracle Kirishima had even gotten him to come out in the first place.

"C'mon man. The action one should still be good. Lots of explosions!" Kirishima pretended to make tiny fireworks with his hands. Bakugou huffed, rolled his eyes, and shoved his fists into his pockets.

"We have two hours before either of the movies, so I suggest breaking up and finding something fun to do. Shop, check out the arcade, grab food, but be back by two o'clock!" Iida instructed, looking like the chaperone of your little field trip.

You watched as your classmates broke into smaller groups. Ochako walked beside Izuku, the boy focusing on the string of shops to his left. You caught her eye and winked. Her whole body stiffened before she turned red and seemed to forget what to do with her hands.

"You feeling okay Uraraka-chan?" Izuku seemed to have noticed her strange behavior. You chuckled to yourself as they walked off.

"What movie do you want to see?" Todoroki pulled up to your right side.

"Oh! Didn't see you there!" You blinked a few times awkwardly. "I think the action one. I've seen my fair share of rom-coms. Girl and boy don't see eye to eye, but somehow they fall in love. Something crazy happens to split them up, but they get back together. Happily ever after. It's so predictable."

"I guess you're right," Todoroki said, nodding toward the pavement. "What would you like to do in the meantime?"

"Why're you asking me?" you squeaked, taken aback by his question.

"You're the one who suggested the movie day. I thought you wanted to spend time together. Besides, you're new and I haven't figured you out yet," he answered matter-of-factly.

"Haven't figured me out?" You began to feel a touch more defensive.

"I've been watching you," he stated so plainly it was unnerving. "You're clearly strong and smart. You show a cheerful side even though you can be sarcastic. But sometimes I catch you looking really anxious and distant when you think no one is paying attention and I can't figure out why."

Okay creepy stalker...

You felt the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Trying to ignore that terrifyingly accurate description, you countered with, "And because of that you agreed to come to the movies?" Just as he was about to answer, you heard a familiar voice call your name.

"Hey [y/n]!" Kirishima said, "We're going to the arcade. Wanna come with?" You could see Sero, Mina, and Kaminari smiling at you to join while Bakugou kicked a nearby curb.

"Wanna join them?" You pivoted to face Todoroki and instinctively grabbed his hand to drag him toward the arcade. He stiffened at the contact but allowed himself to be pulled.

"I suppose," he responded, walking a pace behind you as you trotted over to the group.

***

The arcade was bursting with life on the weekend - couples on dates, parents with young children, packs of middle school students, a few weird loner guys. You scanned the loud, brightly lit space, taking it all in. There were five levels, each with a different theme. You'd never been to such a huge arcade before.