asmromantic

[asmromantic]

Short People Problems

Being on the shorter side has always led to little struggles, especially when you're around Shoto Todoroki, who towers over you effortlessly. When you can’t reach something on the top shelf or when he casually teases you about your height, it’s both endearing and frustrating. As the two of you navigate the playful banter, Todoroki’s quiet, considerate nature comes through in unexpected ways, showing that he notices a lot more about you than just your height.

It was always the little things. The top shelf in the kitchen, the cupboards in the common area, even the tall locker that seemed to mock you with its unreachable corners. And then there was Shoto Todoroki - who, without even trying, managed to make you feel like you were living in a world designed for giants.

The first time it happened, you were standing in the UA dorm kitchen, staring up at the highest shelf with a mixture of determination and frustration. The box of tea you wanted was sitting there, taunting you. You had tried standing on your tiptoes, even hopping a little, but it was no use. The shelf was just too high.

And then, out of nowhere, Todoroki had appeared. Without a word, he reached up effortlessly, grabbed the box, and handed it to you as if it were the easiest thing in the world.

You thanked him, trying to hide your embarrassment, but he had simply nodded and walked away, leaving you with the sinking realization that this wasn’t the first - or the last - time he would be the one to reach the top shelf for you.

It didn’t help that Todoroki was tall, with a calm, composed demeanour that made his height seem even more imposing. He towered over you effortlessly, and while he never made a big deal out of it, there were times when his quiet amusement was more than clear.

Like now.

You were back in the kitchen, once again struggling with the top shelf, this time in search of a plate. You could practically feel his presence behind you before you had even turned around.

“Need some help?” His voice was calm, with just the slightest hint of amusement.

You huffed, crossing your arms as you glanced over your shoulder at him. “No, I’ve got it.”

He raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable but clearly unconvinced. He watched as you stretched, fingers just barely brushing the edge of the plate you needed, but still not quite enough to grab it.

With a quiet sigh, you gave up, letting your arms fall to your sides. “Okay, maybe a little help.”

Without missing a beat, Todoroki stepped forward, his tall frame effortlessly reaching for the plate and handing it to you with the same calm expression he always wore. But this time, you caught the slightest twitch of his lips, a hint of a smile that betrayed his amusement.

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” you asked, narrowing your eyes at him.

“Not at all,” he replied, but there was no mistaking the playful glint in his eyes.

You rolled yours, but you couldn’t help the smile tugging at the corners of your lips. “You’re just too tall for your own good, Todoroki.”

He tilted his head slightly, considering your words. “Or maybe you’re just short.”

Your mouth fell open in mock offense, and you lightly swatted his arm. “Rude!”

He blinked, as if surprised by your reaction, but his expression softened into something almost fond. “I didn’t mean it in a bad way.”

“Yeah, yeah,” you muttered, taking the plate from him and turning back to the counter. “I’ll remember that the next time I need you to be my personal ladder.”

“I don’t mind,” he said softly, and the sincerity in his voice made you pause.

You glanced at him, expecting another teasing remark, but instead, you found him watching you with an expression that was… different. It wasn’t just amusement anymore. There was something warmer in his gaze, something that made your heart skip a beat.

For a moment, neither of you spoke. The playful banter from earlier seemed to fade, replaced by a quiet understanding that neither of you had expected.

Todoroki, ever the observer, seemed to notice a lot more about you than just your height. It wasn’t just the way he helped you reach things - though that was a frequent occurrence - but the way he always seemed to be nearby when you needed him. Whether it was grabbing something from a high shelf, offering you his coat when you looked cold, or stepping in when you felt overwhelmed, he was always there in his quiet, unobtrusive way.

“I’m sorry if it bothers you,” he said, breaking the silence, his voice low and careful. “The teasing, I mean.”

You shook your head quickly. “It doesn’t. Really. I kinda like it.”

His eyes softened even more, and you realized just how much he paid attention - not just to your struggles with your height, but to you as a person. It was something you hadn’t fully realized before, how much he noticed, how much he cared, even in the smallest of moments.

“Well,” you said, trying to lighten the mood, “at least I know I’ll never have to worry about reaching things when you’re around.”

He smiled, a small, genuine smile that sent warmth flooding through you. “I’ll always be here to help.”

Something in the way he said it - so simple, so certain - made your heart flutter. It wasn’t just about the height anymore. It was about him, about the quiet way he showed he cared, about the way his usually reserved nature seemed to thaw just a little bit more whenever he was around you.

You looked at him, and for a brief moment, you wondered if there was more to this - more to the way he always seemed to be there for you, more to the way his gaze lingered just a little longer than it needed to.

“Thanks, Todoroki,” you said softly, feeling a warmth settle in your chest that had nothing to do with the height difference between you.

He nodded, his eyes lingering on yours for just a moment longer before he turned and walked back toward the common area, leaving you standing there with the plate still in your hands, your mind racing with thoughts you hadn’t expected to have.

As you watched him go, you realized that maybe - just maybe - there was more to Todoroki’s quiet, considerate nature than met the eye. And maybe, he noticed a lot more about you than you had ever realized.

[asmromantic]

Ikea Adventure

What starts as a quick trip to Ikea with Kaminari turns into a chaotic adventure as you get lost in the maze-like store. Between navigating endless displays, getting distracted by ridiculous furniture names, and Kaminari’s constant jokes, the day becomes more fun than expected. As the day goes on, you both realize that maybe getting lost in Ikea wasn’t such a bad thing after all - especially when the company is this good.

What was supposed to be a quick trip to Ikea had spiralled into something much more chaotic, as expected with Kaminari. You both stepped into the store with a clear plan: grab a bookshelf for the dorms and leave. Simple, right? You should’ve known better.

The moment you entered, Kaminari's eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store. “Alright! Let’s do this,” he exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face as he grabbed a cart. You tried to remind him that you were only here for one thing, but as soon as the two of you passed the first display, that idea flew out the window.

“Look at this!” Kaminari pointed to a couch with a name that seemed to be missing half the alphabet. “Why do all the names sound like spells? I swear I’m gonna start summoning something if I say them out loud.”

You couldn’t help but laugh, nodding in agreement. “Seriously. How do you even pronounce Snöblig? Is that a chair or a mythical creature?”

“Probably both,” he chuckled, clearly having way too much fun.

What started as a focused search quickly became a maze of endless displays. Every turn led to another set of perfectly staged rooms, each more distracting than the last. Kaminari made it worse by stopping at practically every other item, testing out chairs, and mimicking TV hosts as he ‘sold’ you on various pieces of furniture.

“See this lamp? Mörtkver, it’s not just a lamp - it’s a lifestyle,” he said in a deep, exaggerated voice, lifting the lamp like it was some grand prize. “You need this in your life.”

You shook your head, playfully shoving him. “We need to find that bookshelf, remember?”

“Oh yeah! The bookshelf. Right,” he said, steering the cart down yet another aisle. “I’m sure it’s around here somewhere…”

Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.

You wandered through the store, passing section after section, following arrows that only seemed to lead you in circles. After what felt like an eternity, you stopped to look around, realizing just how far off course you had gotten.

“Are we lost in Ikea?” you asked, half-joking but also kind of serious. The store had this strange ability to make you feel like you were in another dimension, one filled with never-ending home décor.

“Lost?” Kaminari gave you a mock scandalized look. “No way. We’re just… exploring.”

You crossed your arms, raising an eyebrow. “Exploring, huh?”

He winked. “Exactly. Exploring is way more fun than just shopping.”

And, to be fair, he was right. The more time you spent wandering around with him, the less concerned you were about finding the bookshelf. Each display became a new adventure, filled with goofy commentary and impromptu ideas. At one point, Kaminari decided he wanted to test out every bed he saw, diving onto the mattresses dramatically while you tried to stifle your laughter.

“This one’s too firm,” he declared, rolling over on a sleek modern bed. “But this one…” He leaped onto a plush, oversized one and grinned up at you. “This one’s perfect for a post-training nap. C’mon, you gotta try it.”

You shook your head but couldn’t resist. Lying next to him, you realized just how comfortable it was. “Okay, you’re right. It’s amazing.”

“Told ya.” Kaminari propped himself up on his elbows, looking at you with that carefree smile. “Who knew Ikea would be this fun?”

You didn’t answer right away, taking in the moment. What was supposed to be a mundane trip had turned into something unexpectedly fun. Maybe it was the ridiculous furniture names or the fact that Kaminari had a way of turning even the simplest of tasks into an adventure, but you found yourself enjoying every second of it.

“Yeah,” you finally said, meeting his eyes. “It’s been way more fun than I thought.”

His smile softened, and for a second, the chaos around you faded. “You know,” he started, his voice a little quieter now, “I wouldn’t mind getting lost with you more often.”

Your heart did a little flip at that, but before you could respond, he hopped up and stretched. “But first, we have to find that bookshelf! Onward, my fellow adventurer!”

Laughing, you got up and followed him. Despite the chaos, despite getting lost in what felt like a never-ending maze of flat-pack furniture and Swedish names, you wouldn’t have traded this day for anything.

As the two of you finally made your way to the checkout - still without the bookshelf, somehow - you realized that maybe getting lost wasn’t so bad after all. Especially when you were with someone like Kaminari, who made even the most ordinary day feel like an adventure. Though next time, you were just gonna order the furniture on Amazon.

[asmromantic]

Breakfast at 4 AM

Kirishima wakes you up in the middle of the night, offering to make breakfast as a way to help with the nightmares you've been struggling with. Though it's clear his real intention is simply to spend time with you, the shared meal becomes a comforting ritual, allowing the two of you to bond over quiet conversations and pancakes, deepening your connection in the stillness of the early morning.

You were jolted awake, your breath coming out in ragged gasps, the remnants of your nightmare clinging to you like a heavy fog. The room was dark, the quiet hum of the night broken only by the sound of your rapid heartbeat. For a moment, you tried to calm yourself, squeezing your eyes shut in a desperate attempt to push the images away.

Then came the soft knock on your door.

You froze, wondering if you had imagined it, but then it came again - gentle, as if the person on the other side didn’t want to disturb you but knew you were awake.

“Hey, are you up?” Kirishima’s voice was a low whisper, full of concern.

You took a deep breath, trying to steady your racing thoughts before answering. “Yeah… I’m up.”

The door creaked open, and there he was, his familiar figure illuminated by the soft hallway light. Kirishima’s red hair was messy, like he hadn’t been asleep long himself. His eyes, though filled with the grogginess of early morning, were soft and kind as they found yours.

“I… uh, I know it’s kinda late - or early, I guess,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. “But I was thinking… maybe we could make breakfast?”

You blinked at him, your mind still foggy with sleep and lingering traces of the nightmare. “Breakfast? Now?”

“Yeah!” His grin was sheepish, a little lopsided in that charming way of his. “I figured it might help… with the, uh, nightmares.” His voice softened at the end, his eyes searching yours for some kind of reaction. “And, you know, maybe we could hang out. I make a mean batch of pancakes.”

You stared at him for a moment, the absurdity of his suggestion sinking in. But beneath it, you saw the real reason he was standing in your doorway at 4 AM, offering pancakes: he wanted to help, to be there for you in a way that was uniquely him. No pressure, no heavy conversation - just breakfast, a simple distraction to pull you from the darkness of your thoughts.

A small smile tugged at your lips. “Alright. Pancakes sound good.”

Kirishima’s face lit up, his grin wide and relieved. “Awesome! Let’s do it!”

You got out of bed, wrapping your blanket around your shoulders as you followed him down to the kitchen. The dorm was eerily quiet, the halls empty, and the world outside still shrouded in darkness. It felt like the two of you were the only people awake, like the whole world had paused for just a moment.

Kirishima moved around the kitchen with surprising ease, gathering ingredients and setting them on the counter. You couldn’t help but smile as he fumbled a bit with the measuring cups, muttering to himself as he tried to remember the recipe. Despite his rough appearance, he had this way of making everything feel… soft. Comfortable.

“So, what kind of pancakes are you in the mood for?” he asked, glancing over at you. “Classic? Chocolate chip? Banana?”

“Surprise me,” you said, leaning against the counter and watching him work.

He nodded, his hands moving with more confidence now that he had a plan. The soft sound of batter being mixed filled the kitchen, the quiet hum of the fridge the only other sound. You watched him in the dim light, noticing the way his eyebrows furrowed in concentration, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he worked.

“Thanks for this,” you said quietly after a moment, your voice barely above a whisper. “For waking me up.”

Kirishima glanced at you, his expression gentle. “Of course. I know how tough nightmares can be. Sometimes, it just helps to not be alone, you know?”

You nodded, appreciating his understanding. He didn’t push, didn’t pry for details about what had haunted your sleep. He was just… there. That was enough.

As he poured the first batch of pancakes onto the griddle, the sweet smell of batter began to fill the kitchen, and you felt some of the tension leave your body. The warmth of the stove, the steady rhythm of cooking, and Kirishima’s quiet presence - it was all so calming, like the world was slowly being put back together piece by piece.

“So,” he said after a few minutes, flipping a pancake with an impressive amount of flair, “what’s your favourite thing to eat for breakfast? Besides my obviously perfect pancakes, of course.”

You chuckled, grateful for the way he lightened the mood. “Hmm, I’m more of a breakfast-for-dinner kind of person, but if I had to pick… probably waffles.”

Kirishima gasped dramatically, pressing a hand to his chest. “Waffles? Betrayed by my own pancake partner!”

You couldn’t help but laugh at his over-the-top reaction, the sound coming easier than you expected. “Don’t worry, your pancakes are still great.”

He grinned at you, clearly pleased that he’d gotten you to laugh. “I’ll hold you to that.”

The two of you continued chatting as the pancakes piled up, the conversation flowing easily despite the early hour. Kirishima was good at that - making you feel comfortable, even in the middle of the night, even after a nightmare. By the time the food was ready, you were feeling lighter, the weight of your bad dreams slowly fading away.

You both sat down at the small kitchen table, plates of pancakes in front of you. Kirishima wasted no time digging in, a satisfied hum escaping him after the first bite. “Mmm, perfect. I told you.”

You smiled, taking a bite of your own. “Yeah, you were right.”

The kitchen was quiet except for the sound of forks against plates, the two of you sitting in companionable silence. Outside, the sky was starting to lighten, a faint hint of dawn creeping over the horizon. It was a quiet, almost magical moment - the kind you wouldn’t have noticed if you’d been sleeping, but now, with Kirishima by your side, it felt special.

After a few minutes, Kirishima spoke again, his voice softer now. “You know… if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m always here. Doesn’t matter if it’s 4 AM or whatever. I just… I want you to know that.”

You looked up at him, your heart swelling at the sincerity in his eyes. There was no awkwardness, no pity - just genuine care. It was so… him.

“Thanks, Kirishima,” you said quietly, feeling warmth spread through your chest. “I really appreciate it.”

He smiled at you, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Anytime. I mean it.”

You finished the rest of your pancakes together, the early morning light slowly filling the kitchen. It was peaceful, comforting, and by the time you headed back to bed, you felt a sense of calm that hadn’t been there before.

As you settled back under your blankets, Kirishima paused in your doorway, giving you one last smile before he left. “Sleep tight. If you wake up again… well, I’ll be here.”

And somehow, you didn't need to hear him say it to know he would be.

[asmromantic]

Roasted Jack 'o' Lantern

As part of a bizarre Halloween dare, you find yourself spending the night with the League of Villains. Dabi, surprisingly, agrees to participate in a light-hearted pumpkin-carving contest. But things take a dark turn when the pumpkins begin to glow and transform into cursed creatures that wreak havoc on the hideout. You and Dabi team up to stop the cursed pumpkins before the night is ruined, with plenty of snarky exchanges and unexpected bonding moments.

You really hadn’t expected your Halloween night to take this turn. What started as a joke - a dare, really - had led to you standing in the dimly lit hideout of the League of Villains, surrounded by some of the most dangerous people you could imagine. The air felt heavy with tension, the low hum of whispered plans and the subtle glances making your skin crawl.

It had been a bizarre idea, a challenge thrown your way by some friends with more courage than common sense: spend Halloween with the League of Villains and make it out without losing your head. As it turned out, they were surprisingly receptive to the idea. Well, most of them.

Dabi, lounging in the corner like he didn’t have a care in the world, looked you up and down with his usual disinterested glare, but there was something almost curious in his eyes as you were brought into the room.

“Well, isn’t this cute?” he drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “You got a death wish or something?”

You crossed your arms, trying to keep your cool. “It’s just for the night. It’s Halloween, so… you know. Fun.”

Dabi raised a eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “Fun, huh? You picked the wrong place for that, sweetheart.”

You tried not to flinch at the nickname, choosing to stand your ground instead. "I guess we’ll see about that."

Before things could get any more awkward, Toga burst into the room, her energy manic as usual. "Pumpkin carving time!" she announced cheerfully, pulling out a large bag full of orange gourds. “Let’s see who can make the best Jack ‘o’ Lantern!”

You blinked, caught completely off-guard. Pumpkin carving? In the League of Villains’ hideout? Of all the things you’d expected to happen tonight, this was not one of them.

Dabi groaned. “You can’t be serious.”

“C’mon, Dabi,” Toga whined, bouncing over to shove a pumpkin into his hands. “It’s Halloween! We have to do something fun.”

He stared at the pumpkin in his hands like it had personally insulted him. “I’m not carving this.”

Before you could stop yourself, you smirked. “What’s the matter, Dabi? Afraid you’ll lose?”

His icy blue eyes shot to yours, a glint of amusement behind the usual boredom. “You think you can beat me at this?” he asked, his tone shifting into something more playful, almost daring.

You shrugged. “I’ve got skills. Unless you’re too scared to even try.”

He let out a soft laugh, dark and sharp. “Alright. You’re on.”

And just like that, the two of you were in a pumpkin-carving contest.

The rest of the League gathered around, their interest piqued by the unexpected competition. Twice was cheering loudly, already declaring you the winner before the contest even started, while Toga hopped around excitedly, eyes wide with glee.

You and Dabi both sat down at a rickety table, pumpkins in front of you, knives in hand. The tension between you simmered as you glanced at him from the corner of your eye, his hands skilfully cutting into the pumpkin's flesh like he’d done it a thousand times before. You had to admit, despite the mocking tone and perpetual indifference, Dabi was precise.

The minutes passed in silence, the only sounds being the scrape of knives against pumpkins and the occasional snicker from the others. You were halfway through carving when the air around you shifted, growing colder, heavier.

Suddenly, the pumpkins in front of you began to glow, an eerie light emanating from within. You froze, watching in disbelief as the carved faces twisted and contorted, the flickering glow intensifying. Something was wrong - very wrong.

Before you could react, one of the pumpkins on the table started moving. It shuddered, shaking violently before rolling off the table, landing on the floor with a sickening thud. And then, as if brought to life by some malevolent force, it sprouted thin, gnarled vines and began crawling across the floor.

“What the hell?” Dabi muttered, standing up quickly, his hand already sparking with blue flames.

More pumpkins began to move, the glow inside them growing brighter, more sinister. The carved faces of the Jack ‘o’ Lanterns twisted into grotesque, sneering grins, their vines stretching out like limbs, latching onto anything they could find. The room erupted into chaos as the pumpkins began wreaking havoc, knocking over chairs, climbing up walls, and - most terrifying of all - attacking the members of the League.

Twice was screaming, running in circles while trying to dodge the vines. Toga was laughing, clearly enjoying the madness, while Spinner and Mr. Compress tried to figure out what was happening.

Dabi lit his flames, his expression shifting into something serious as he glanced over at you. “I’m guessing this wasn’t part of your plan?”

You shook your head quickly, backing away as one of the cursed pumpkins crawled towards you. “Definitely not.”

“Great,” he muttered, stepping forward to incinerate the pumpkin before it could get any closer. “Guess we’ll have to deal with this.”

You found yourself standing shoulder to shoulder with him, the two of you watching as the cursed pumpkins continued to wreak havoc on the hideout. Without thinking, you grabbed a nearby chair and swung it at one of the advancing gourds, smashing it into pieces. Dabi raised an eyebrow at your choice of weapon but said nothing, his hands engulfed in blue flames as he roasted another one with a casual flick of his wrist.

“Who the hell curses a pumpkin?” you muttered, dodging a vine that tried to wrap around your leg.

Dabi chuckled darkly, his flames flickering in the dim light. “Some people really take Halloween too seriously.”

As the two of you fought side by side, the snarky comments and playful banter continued. Despite the chaos, you couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of camaraderie with him. There was something about the way Dabi fought, the way he moved with effortless precision, that made it clear he was used to dealing with unpredictable situations. And though he didn’t say much, you could tell he was watching out for you, his flames always ready to scorch any pumpkin that got too close.

Eventually, after what felt like hours of fighting, the last of the cursed pumpkins was reduced to ash, the hideout a wreck of smashed gourds and broken furniture. The others were still catching their breath, Toga giggling to herself while Twice muttered about the pumpkins “coming back for revenge.”

You slumped against the wall, panting as you wiped pumpkin guts off your sleeve. “Well, that was… something.”

Dabi stood next to you, his usual smirk back in place. “Not exactly the Halloween party you were hoping for, huh?”

You laughed softly, shaking your head. “No, but I guess it was memorable.”

He glanced at you, his expression softer than before, though the smirk still lingered. “You held your own. Not bad for someone who thought a pumpkin-carving contest was a good idea.”

You rolled your eyes, but there was no real bite to it. “Maybe next time we’ll stick to regular pumpkins.”

“Or no pumpkins at all,” he suggested, his tone teasing but his eyes betrayed a hint of something else - something almost… impressed.

As the chaos died down and the rest of the League settled into their usual antics, you found yourself standing next to Dabi, the two of you sharing a rare moment of quiet in the aftermath of the bizarre Halloween night. Despite the craziness, despite the cursed pumpkins and the unexpected mayhem, there was something oddly satisfying about teaming up with him.

Maybe this wasn’t the worst Halloween after all.

[asmromantic]

Nightmare Realm

While on a Halloween patrol with Hawks, you encounter a villain whose quirk traps you both in a nightmarish dream world. The only way out is to confront your deepest fears, which materialize in terrifying ways around you. Hawks tries to maintain his playful attitude, but the horrors lurking in the nightmare begin to break down his usual confidence. The two of you must rely on each other to escape this surreal and terrifying world.

The streets of Musutafu were unusually quiet for Halloween night, save for the distant echoes of laughter and the occasional sound of footsteps on the pavement. The air was cool, the sky dark, and the city lights gave the night a faint glow, enough to make the shadows feel deeper, more menacing.

You and Hawks were supposed to be on a simple patrol, keeping an eye out for petty criminals or overzealous pranksters. Easy enough, right? Especially with him by your side, always so relaxed, a smirk playing on his lips as he glided through the sky, wings outstretched.

“You’re too tense, you know that?” Hawks teased, landing gracefully beside you on the roof of a building. He folded his wings with a flourish, cocky grin plastered on his face. “Halloween’s supposed to be fun. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were scared.”

“I’m not scared,” you shot back, though your eyes were scanning the streets below, ever watchful. “It’s Halloween. Weird stuff always happens.”

Hawks chuckled, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement. “Weird stuff happens every day in this line of work, sweetheart.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help the smile that tugged at your lips. That was typical Hawks, always lighthearted, never letting anything faze him. But that ease was part of what made you feel safe around him. No matter what situation you found yourselves in, Hawks always seemed to have everything under control.

Except tonight was different.

You didn’t notice the figure lurking in the shadows until it was too late. One second, the rooftop was clear, and the next, a gust of wind swept past, followed by the sound of something sharp cutting through the air.

“Hawks—”

Before you could finish the warning, the world around you shifted.

When your vision cleared, everything had changed. The sky above was no longer filled with stars or the soft glow of city lights. Instead, it was dark - unnaturally so - like the very night had swallowed up the world. The air was thick, suffocating, and the buildings around you seemed twisted, distorted, as though they were growing and shrinking with each passing second.

You looked around in a panic. “What the hell—”

“We’ve got a problem,” Hawks said from beside you, his usual calm demeanour noticeably strained.

You turned to face him, and even in the dim light, you could see the tension in his jaw, the way his wings twitched slightly as if ready for flight, but unsure which direction to take.

“Where are we?” you asked, your voice shaky as you tried to make sense of the surreal world around you.

“I think we’ve been pulled into some kind of quirk-induced dreamscape,” Hawks muttered, eyes darting around the twisted landscape. “That villain… must have hit us with something before we could react.”

A dream world. You swallowed hard, heart racing as the weight of the situation settled over you. This wasn’t just any quirk - it was designed to trap you here, to mess with your mind. And if the strange shapes in the distance, flickering like shadows that weren’t quite real, were any indication, this dream world wasn’t going to play nice.

“So, how do we get out?” you asked, trying to keep your voice steady.

Hawks flexed his wings, eyes narrowing as if searching for an answer in the twisted sky. “There’s usually a catch with these kind of quirks. If we were pulled into this nightmare world, there’s probably a way out… but it’s never easy.”

As if on cue, the ground beneath you started to tremble. You stumbled, barely catching your balance as the buildings around you began to shift, their walls cracking, windows shattering. The shadows seemed to ripple, growing larger, darker, until they began to take shape.

Out of the darkness emerged figures - creatures made of pure nightmare, their forms grotesque and terrifying. They moved toward you with eerie silence, their twisted faces contorted into expressions of malice.

Hawks moved in front of you, wings flaring out protectively, but even he seemed rattled. His usual cocky grin was gone, replaced by a determined scowl. “Stay close,” he muttered, his voice lower than usual. “We need to get out of here before things get worse.”

You nodded, following his lead as he guided you through the shifting landscape, but the creatures were relentless. Every corner you turned, more of them appeared, their nightmarish forms bending the very fabric of the world around them.

“What are these things?” you asked, your voice breathless as you tried to keep up with Hawks.

“They’re manifestations of fear,” he replied grimly. “Our fears.”

Your heart pounded as the truth of his words sank in. This nightmare world wasn’t just random - it was designed to feed off your darkest thoughts, your deepest anxieties. The more scared you became, the more powerful it grew.

Suddenly, one of the creatures lunged at you from the side, its skeletal hand reaching out with clawed fingers. You barely had time to react, raising your arm defensively, but before it could reach you, Hawks was there. With a sharp burst of energy, his feathers shot out like arrows, slicing through the creature and sending it dissipating into the shadows.

“You okay?” he asked, glancing at you with concern, though his breath was heavy, his usual cockiness replaced with something far more serious.

You nodded, but your legs felt shaky, the reality of the situation sinking in deeper with every passing second. “Yeah… I’m fine. Just— what do we do now? We can’t keep running forever.”

Hawks wiped sweat from his brow, his golden eyes flickering with a rare uncertainty. “We have to confront it,” he said quietly. “Whatever this nightmare world is throwing at us… we have to face it. It’s the only way out.”

You stared at him, the gravity of his words hitting you hard. Confront your fears. It sounded easy enough, but in a world where those fears took physical form, it was far from simple.

But before you could respond, the ground beneath you shifted again, this time more violently. The landscape began to warp, trees and buildings twisting into grotesque shapes, and the sky darkened even further.

In the distance, something huge and monstrous emerged - a figure so massive it towered over everything around it. Its form was shrouded in darkness, but you could feel its presence like a weight pressing down on your chest.

Hawks’ face paled slightly, his wings twitching as if ready for flight, but something held him back. His usual bravado seemed to falter for a moment, his golden eyes widening as he stared at the looming figure.

You looked at him, realizing that whatever this new threat was, it was part of his fear, not yours. “Hawks,” you said softly, reaching out to touch his arm. “What is that?”

He didn’t answer right away, his gaze fixed on the monstrous figure in the distance. His jaw clenched, and for the first time since you’d known him, you saw true fear flicker in his eyes.

“It’s… not important,” he muttered, shaking his head as if to clear it. “We’ll take it down, just like the others.”

But you could tell he wasn’t as confident as he was pretending to be.

“Hawks,” you pressed, stepping closer. “We’re in this together, right? Whatever that is… we can face it.”

He glanced at you, his expression torn between frustration and something softer, something vulnerable. “It’s not that simple,” he muttered, his voice lower than before. “I’ve always been able to handle things on my own. I don’t let people in… 'cause I can’t afford to be scared. Not when I’m the one who’s supposed to protect everyone else.”

His words hit you hard, and for a moment, the nightmare world seemed to fade into the background. Hawks wasn’t just the confident, playful hero everyone saw - he was human, with fears and vulnerabilities he kept hidden behind that carefree facade.

But in this nightmare realm, those walls were crumbling.

“You don’t have to do this alone,” you said softly, stepping even closer until you were standing right beside him. “I’m here. We’ll face it together.”

He looked at you, the fear still lingering in his eyes, but something shifted in his expression - gratitude, maybe, or something deeper. He gave you a small nod, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.

“Okay,” he said, his voice quiet but steady. “Together.”

With renewed determination, you and Hawks turned to face the monstrous figure. The fear was still there, lurking in the back of your mind, but with him by your side, it didn’t feel quite as overwhelming.

Because no matter how terrifying this nightmare realm was, you knew that together, you could overcome it.

And as the two of you stepped forward, ready to confront the darkness, you realized that maybe, just maybe, the bond between you was stronger than any fear this world could throw at you.

[asmromantic]

Horror Hike

A simple hike in the woods takes a terrifying turn when strange noises and eerie sights start to follow you and Bakugo. Though Bakugo tries to brush it off, you can tell even he’s unnerved by the strange occurrences. As the two of you work together to figure out what’s happening - and maybe survive the night - the tension of fear begins to blend with something more. In the midst of the horror, the bond between you and Bakugo only strengthens.

You hadn’t expected a simple hike in the woods to turn into something straight out of a horror movie. It was supposed to be a normal day - just you and Bakugo, taking on one of the more remote trails outside the city. He’d been in a rare good mood earlier, and though you’d teased him about it, the truth was, you were glad to spend time with him away from the chaos of U.A. and hero work.

But now, as the sun dipped lower and the shadows stretched long across the forest floor, something felt wrong.

“Did you hear that?” you asked, stopping in your tracks, your heart hammering in your chest. The sound had been faint, barely there - a rustling in the underbrush that didn’t quite sound like wind or an animal. It was too deliberate. Too close.

Bakugo scoffed, though you noticed his shoulders tensed slightly. “It’s probably just a squirrel or somethin’. Don’t start freakin’ out on me.”

You shot him a look, but his words didn’t ease the tightness in your chest. The forest, once calm and peaceful, seemed to have shifted into something darker, something that made your skin crawl.

“I’m not freaking out,” you muttered, stepping closer to him as you both continued down the trail. “It’s just… I don’t know. Something feels off.”

Bakugo snorted, his usual confident swagger still intact, though his eyes scanned the woods with a little more focus than before. “You’re bein’ paranoid. It’s a forest. It’s supposed to be creepy.”

You tried to brush off the unease gnawing at you, but as the minutes passed, that feeling of being watched, of something lurking just out of sight, only grew stronger. The trees around you seemed to close in, their shadows dark and twisted, and every snap of a twig made your heart jump into your throat.

“Seriously, though,” you said after a while, your voice low, “what if something’s out there?”

Bakugo huffed, turning to you with an exasperated look. “And what exactly is gonna be out here? A villain hiding in the middle of nowhere?”

He was trying to stay cool, but you knew Bakugo well enough by now to catch the subtle signs - his jaw was clenched a little too tight, and he kept glancing over his shoulder, like he wasn’t as sure of himself as he pretended to be.

Before you could respond, a loud crack echoed through the forest, and the two of you froze. This time, the sound wasn’t something small or distant. It was close, unnervingly close, and it sounded like something large had snapped a branch in half just a few feet away from you.

Your breath caught in your throat as you turned, eyes wide, trying to pinpoint where the noise had come from. But there was nothing. Just the endless darkening forest, the shadows playing tricks on your mind.

“Okay,” you said, your voice a little more shaky now, “tell me that wasn’t weird.”

Bakugo stayed quiet for a moment longer than you expected, his gaze fixed on the trees surrounding you. His fists were clenched, and you could see the faintest spark of his quirk crackling at his fingertips, a sure sign that he wasn’t as calm as he wanted to be.

“Tch. It’s nothin’,” he muttered, though the edge in his voice betrayed him. “Let’s just keep movin’.”

You nodded, but the eerie feeling of being watched refused to leave. The two of you pressed on, walking faster now, though neither of you wanted to admit you were speeding up out of fear. Every snap of a twig or rustle of leaves felt like a threat, and the darkening sky above only made everything worse.

After what felt like an eternity, you came to a clearing, the last bit of daylight barely illuminating the space around you. You stopped, hands on your knees, trying to catch your breath, and glanced at Bakugo. He was on high alert, his gaze darting around the clearing, searching for anything out of the ordinary.

“We’re… we’re fine, right?” you asked, hoping to hear some of that usual Bakugo bravado, something to calm your nerves.

But he didn’t answer right away. Instead, his eyes narrowed, and he stepped closer to you, his voice low and serious. “Stay close.”

That was all you needed to hear to know that he was just as unnerved as you were. For Bakugo to actually admit something might be wrong meant things had officially crossed into ‘bad’ territory.

Suddenly, another loud crack tore through the air - this time accompanied by a low, rumbling growl. Your heart slammed in your chest as the hairs on the back of your neck stood on end.

You instinctively moved closer to Bakugo, your hand brushing against his arm. He glanced at you briefly, his expression still set in that stubborn, determined scowl, but his eyes softened for just a moment.

“We’ll be fine,” he said, his voice steady. “Whatever’s out here, I’ll handle it.”

You weren’t sure if his words were meant to reassure you or himself, but either way, the tension between you shifted. It wasn’t just fear anymore. It was something else, something that had been simmering beneath the surface for a while now. In this moment, where it felt like the forest was closing in on you, that something became impossible to ignore.

“You’re not invincible, you know,” you muttered, trying to keep your voice light despite the pounding in your chest.

Bakugo gave you a sidelong glance, his lips twitching into something that was almost a smirk. “I’m not, huh?”

You rolled your eyes, though the warmth of his presence next to you made you feel a little braver. “Well, if we die out here, at least I can say I died next to the almighty King Explosion Murder.”

He let out a low, humourless laugh, shaking his head. “You’re an idiot.”

Before you could shoot back a retort, the sound of rustling in the trees nearby made both of you tense. Bakugo moved in front of you, his body instinctively shielding yours as his hands sparked with energy, ready to blast whatever was out there.

You stood frozen, holding your breath, waiting for whatever was hiding in the shadows to reveal itself.

But then… nothing.

Just silence.

Bakugo didn’t lower his hands right away, but he glanced back at you, his brows furrowed. “Still think we’re bein’ watched?”

You hesitated, scanning the woods one last time, the eerie quiet sending chills down your spine. But nothing moved. Whatever was following you, whatever had been stalking through the woods, seemed to be gone now.

You took a shaky breath, relief slowly washing over you. “I don’t know… Maybe it was just the wind or something.”

Bakugo huffed, though you could tell the tension in his shoulders hadn’t completely left. “Whatever it was, it’s gone now.”

The two of you stood there for a moment, the adrenaline slowly ebbing away, replaced by a strange, shared silence. You hadn’t realized just how close you were standing to him until now, your shoulder brushing against his. He didn’t pull away, and for once, neither did you.

“Thanks,” you said quietly, the weight of the night starting to catch up with you. “For, you know… not letting me freak out back there.”

He shrugged, the familiar cockiness creeping back into his voice. “You’d have been fine without me.”

You smiled, sensing there was a warmth in his tone that wasn’t usually there. Bakugo wasn’t one for grand gestures, but in his own way, he was saying something more. Something that made your chest tighten and your heart race for a whole different reason.

“Well, I’m glad you were here anyway.”

He didn’t respond, but you caught the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. The night still hung heavy around you, the forest still felt a little too dark, but standing there with Bakugo, the fear seemed a little less overwhelming. Maybe it was the way he stood close to you, or the way his usual tough exterior had softened just enough to let you in.

Whatever it was, in that moment, it wasn’t just the lingering fear of the woods that made your heart race.

It was him.

[asmromantic]

Ghost Buddy

After inheriting a mysterious old house from your father, you discover a ghost named Todoroki playing the piano in one of the rooms. Though initially shocked, you soon find comfort in his presence, and together, you bond over a shared love of music. As you navigate life with your new spectral friend, you offer him companionship, promising to be his "ghost buddy" until he discovers the reason for his lingering existence.

The house was old, its bones creaking with every step you took as you walked down the long, dimly lit hallway. You had inherited it unexpectedly, a relic from your father’s past that had been left untouched for years. The walls were lined with faded portraits, the kind where the eyes followed you no matter where you stood. It had been unsettling at first, but as days passed, the house began to grow on you. The place was beautiful, in its own eerie way, with a certain charm in the dust-covered furniture and cracked wallpaper.

But the strangest part wasn’t the house itself. It was the music.

At first, you thought it had to be a trick of the wind - soft piano notes drifting through the hallways late at night. But as the nights passed, the music became more distinct, more hauntingly beautiful. It always came from the same room, the one you had avoided since moving in - the old music room with the grand piano.

Tonight, though, something compelled you to investigate.

You crept through the darkened hallways, your heart racing as you approached the closed door of the music room. The melody was soft, delicate, but filled with emotion, pulling at something deep within you. With a deep breath, you pushed the door open.

There, sitting at the piano, was a young man, his pale hair falling over his face as he played. His fingers moved effortlessly over the keys, lost in the music. But it wasn’t his playing that stopped you in your tracks - it was the fact that he was transparent.

You froze, staring at him, your mind struggling to process what you were seeing. He looked… peaceful, sitting there, as if he belonged to the house as much as the piano did.

Suddenly, the music stopped, and he looked up, his mismatched eyes meeting yours. The room fell into a heavy silence.

“You can see me,” he said quietly, his voice soft and calm, as though this was the most natural thing in the world.

You blinked, your mouth dry. “I… you’re a ghost.”

He nodded once, his expression unreadable. “I suppose I am.”

You stood there for a moment, unsure of what to say. Of all the things you had expected when you inherited this house, a ghost wasn’t one of them.

“Who… who are you?” you finally managed to ask, your voice barely above a whisper.

“My name is Todoroki,” he replied, turning his gaze back to the piano. His fingers hovered over the keys, but he didn’t play.

You took a cautious step forward, still trying to wrap your head around the fact that you were speaking to a ghost. “How… how long have you been here?”

He shook his head slightly, his eyes distant. “A long time. Longer than I can remember. Time… it’s hard to keep track of when you’re like this.”

The air in the room felt heavy, like the weight of years was pressing down on you. But there was something about him that didn’t feel threatening. If anything, he seemed… lonely.

“You’re the one who’s been playing the piano,” you said softly, moving a little closer. “I’ve heard you. It’s beautiful.”

For the first time, a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Thank you. I’ve always loved music. It’s one of the few things that still feels… real.”

You stepped closer, the initial shock starting to wear off, replaced by curiosity. “How did you… you know, end up like this?”

He hesitated, his eyes focused on the piano keys as if the answer was hidden somewhere in the music. “I don’t know. I can’t remember. I’ve been here for so long that it all blurs together. But I think… I think I’m waiting for something. Or someone.”

You sat down on a dusty chair near the piano, the weight of the situation settling in. “You don’t know why you’re still here?”

He shook his head. “No. All I know is that I’m not… finished yet. There’s something I need to do, but I don’t know what it is.”

The room fell quiet again, the only sound being the faint creaking of the old house around you. There was something profoundly sad about his words, about the idea of being trapped here, unable to move on.

“Well,” you said after a moment, your voice a little more confident now, “if you’re stuck here for a while, maybe we can figure it out together.”

He looked at you, surprise flickering in his eyes.

“I mean,” you continued, “you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here now, so… I guess we’re in this together. We’ll figure out why you’re still here.”

His expression softened, and for the first time, you saw something like hope in his eyes. “You’d help me?”

You smiled, feeling a strange warmth spread through you. “Of course. I’ll be your… ghost buddy.”

A quiet chuckle escaped him, and the sound was so unexpected, so human, that it made your heart skip a beat. “Ghost buddy,” he repeated, his voice carrying a lightness it hadn’t before. “I’ve never had one of those before.”

“Well, you do now,” you said, standing up and moving to sit next to him on the piano bench. “And hey, if we’re going to be ghost buddies, you’ll have to teach me how to play.”

He raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting with amusement. “You don’t know how to play?”

“Not really. But I’d like to learn.”

For the first time since you’d met him, he smiled - a real, genuine smile that lit up his face, and suddenly, he didn’t seem so ghostly anymore. He seemed… real.

“All right,” he said softly, his fingers returning to the piano keys. “I’ll teach you.”

And just like that, the music filled the room again, softer this time, as he began to show you how to place your hands on the keys. You followed his lead, clumsily at first, but soon, you found a rhythm together.

As the night stretched on, you and Todoroki played, the sound of the piano echoing through the empty halls of the old house. And for the first time since moving in, you didn’t feel alone. You had a ghost buddy now, after all.

And maybe, just maybe, you’d help him find the peace he needed to move on. But for now, you were content with the music and the quiet companionship of the ghost by your side.