A/N: votes and comments are appreciated!

Shouto POV:

"So, the drug's been under our noses the whole night and we never knew..." Midoriya sighed, inspecting the pill bag from the Mizuchi in his hand.

After rounding up him and Bakugo, we made our way into one of the empty rooms here at the party. With the door closed, the music outside was muffled, even if it grew louder. But, to me, it just felt like noise.

I remained leaning back against the wall of the bedroom, keeping my arms crossed and looking to the ground. "It looks that way. We didn't realize it until hours later. It's probably already been distributed to heroes who have come and gone from the party. Mr. Aizawa won't be happy." I said, pinching the bridge of my nose at thoughts of how tomorrow will go in the office.

He asked a simple task of us, Mr. Aizawa, and even though we technically completed the job, the drug has spread tonight. And with the amount of young heroes who attended this party, it may possibly lead to an outbreak we won't be able to contain.

Bakugo grunted and brushed past me, snatching the pill bag out of Midoriya's hands. His hair was still damp from jumping in the pool earlier, but the angry steam from his skin was drying it quickly.

"Nice job, ya morons." He spat, glaring directly at me as he spoke.

"It's your fault, too." I looked back at him plainly, watching that vein in his forehead pop out again.

He should really see a doctor about that. He'll give himself hemorrhoids again if he's not careful. I would tell him that, but he'd just yell and make the hemorrhoids worse. He hates hearing about his hemorrhoids, especially with how many times I say the word 'hemorrhoid.'

"My fault?! You distracted me!" He stomped over my way and did the hemorrhoid walk. "If you hadn't spent all night yapping away with that ratty bitch, who wouldn't stop trying to bring me into her stupid party games, we woulda' found something!"

My brows furrowed slightly at his words, almost like I'd just been hit across the face. He said a lot of stuff just now, but only two words really processed in my brain, two that left a sour taste on my tongue and an agitated feeling in my chest.

'That ratty bitch!'

Bakugo insults everyone, and I never pay it any mind. He insults me all the time, and I've never had a problem with it. Mostly because I tune him out when he starts yelling. I don't like yelling.

But, for some reason, I couldn't just ignore it this time...

He continued glaring at me like a donkey, and I know him well enough to know he was waiting for me to say something so the argument wouldn't die. But, silence consumed the space instead as those two insulting words about The Woman—about Lani remained stuck in my brain, preventing me from focusing on anything else. I wanted to say something about them, I didn't even know what it was I wanted to say...

The words and emotions were clogged in my throat. I think there were a lot of them actually, but I couldn't get them out even if I wanted to. I never cared so much about being heard or wanting to say something. But, that feeling in my chest continued to fester inside me, rising up my throat and trying to push the words out with no success...

"Um, look..." Midoriya chimed in after a long pass of silence, glancing over at me with concern for my demeanor.

If it were anyone else, I wouldn't understand the expression, but it's Midoriya, and I know him. He's had the same look since he was fifteen years old, and for that I'm grateful. If he changed too much, I wouldn't be able to decipher his expressions anymore. Instead, I would have to really think about it, and that sounds exhausting.

He looks like he thinks my feelings were hurt by Bakugo's words. But, that's not true. I wasn't hurt. I was...annoyed? Are hurt and annoyed the same thing? I don't even understand, Bakugo annoys me all the time and it doesn't affect me this much.

I'm confused by myself. Again.

"It's no one's fault." Midoriya continued. "We weren't expecting to work here tonight. It was a party! Meant to be a good time. This is progress. We should count it that way. It's more than what we had a few hours ago, right?"

I felt Bakugo's glare continuing to stab daggers into my face, but I didn't care, still stuck on his earlier words and trying to work through my own confusing feelings about them. I've always been responsible when it came to work. I've always been engrossed in my job. Thinking about work was actually easier than thinking about other things, because 'other things' required that harder part of my brain, and work didn't...

But, for the first time, I was distracted by these 'other things.' I didn't care about work, or the Mizuchi drug, or the fact that Mr. Aizawa would have a stern talk with the three of us tomorrow. I didn't care about any of that like I normally would...

Instead, the feeling in my chest continued to bubble, and it was then that I realized, I didn't want to be here anymore. Definitely not with Bakugo, and also not at this party, and not even with Midoriya.

She was upset earlier. Lani was sad. She hugged me, and she let me hug her, and I made her feel better. Me...

And then I left her alone in that room. I needed to. But...

I've done my job now. I've shared the information with my colleagues, and her face is still stuck in my mind. All the unnecessary details about it and her, everything down to the subtle glitter that was dusted under her bottom eyelashes. And now that I had the time to process the last look on her face before I left, I think....maybe....she still wasn't okay. She smiled, but it didn't look like her usual smile, the one she always tries to hide. Her mannerisms were smaller, and she was quieter, and she kept her gaze to the floor, and I...I...

I should have kept hugging her.

I shouldn't have stopped, because I made her feel better—and what if she doesn't want to hug me anymore because I left so suddenly? What if she doesn't want me to touch her anymore? Where I wouldn't be able to feel her body in my hands, and her warmth radiating into me...and that dizzy feeling in my head that only she can give me.....and...

The subtle pain inside my mouth brought me out of my thoughts slightly, and I didn't realize I'd been biting the inside of my cheek so hard. I'd forgotten the context of the conversation and why I'd come to this room in the first place, why I'd left Lani. Saying goodbye to my colleagues, I pushed myself off the wall and headed for the door. It was only when Midoriya let out a garbled 'Midoriya' sound of confusion that I realized I only said 'goodbye' in my head and not out loud to them.

That happens a lot.

"Oh—uh—what—hold on, Shouto! Where are you going?" He asked over Bakugo's scoff, waving his hands around nervously like he always does. "Shouldn't we talk about this more? Or call Mr. Aizawa? Or-"

"Yes. We should." I agreed plainly, grabbing onto the doorknob with the intent to leave still in my mind.

Midoriya's face twisted in confusion for my odd departure. Usually, I'm the one who wants to continue talking about work stuff, I'm sure this is weird for him. It's weird for me, too.

"Then where the hell are ya running off to like the blonde bitch with the tacky glass shoes, huh?" Bakugo grunted, causing my eyes to blink a few extra times.

His voice didn't sound any different than how it usually does, but for some reason, it poked the rising agitation in my chest again. I...I think I was still mad about what he said earlier. About what he called Lani. But, once again, the words won't come out, and finding her is more important than talking to him.

"I just...I have to get back." I found myself holding back the truth of where I wanted to go, unlocking a new sense of privacy that I didn't want invaded. "Someone's waiting for me."

I opened the door to leave before Bakugo's voice stopped me again.

"And who the hell would that be?" His top lip curled under his front teeth and he slouched. "The only people you know here are us and..."

His red eyes went vacant before the realization hit him like a lightbulb going off in his head. He let out a cackle now, seeming like his desire for a fight had been rejuvenated. "Oh. Hah! Oh!-" He laughed, before Midoriya stiffened uneasy.

"Kacchan. Don't-"

I rolled my eyes in annoyance as Bakugo shoved me in the shoulder, keeping my hand on the doorknob with the desire to forget this and leave. But, then he spoke.

"Don't tell me you've taken a liking to that ratty bitch now-" The repeated insult slapped me across the face again, finally making the agitation bubble over in my chest and push the words out of my throat.

"Bakugo, don't talk about her that way." I said plainly, making him grin deviously as he realized he'd found a sore spot.

"Or what?"

Clenching my jaw, I slowly closed the door again, turning around to face him with a rare emotion I hadn't displayed in years.

Threat.

"Or I'll have to do something about it." I explained calmly, feeling that lower octave of my voice a bit dusty after a few years of no use.

I didn't really know what I actually intended to 'do' if I'm being honest. The words just sort of...came out?

It's been a long time since I actually cared enough to engage in a confrontation, and I haven't spoken to him like this since our early days of high school. The first days of UA where I had no intention of making friends, all the way up to our very first UA sports festival that seemed so ancient now. I didn't even know I was still capable of feeling this type of emotion towards Bakugo, or anyone anymore. I'd become so comfortable with my life, I really thought we were past this type of behavior.

But, he matched my look, and suddenly, he appeared fifteen years old again, bumping his chest into mine as he grit his teeth and angled his jaw upwards, trying to look down on me even though we were practically the same height.

"And I fucking dare ya to." He threatened, holding up his smoking hand into my vision. "It's been awhile since something's set you off—and it's been even longer since I've put you in your place."

My eyes felt empty as we looked at each other—well, actually, his look was more of a glare, and mine—now that I think about it....I think....mine was more of a glare, too. It was a natural expression on my face for the moment, the first thing my emotions could process.

Beyond that though, I didn't really have any thoughts, or at least, ones I could understand. After years of knowing Bakugo, I've come to the conclusion that he wants a fight—a physical fight right now. And, while I'm agitated with him and his way of talking about Lani, I can't say I really want to fight him.

Because if I fight him, then it will take me longer to find her again. And I've only been away from her for five minutes, but it feels like a lot more time has passed than that. It doesn't feel like that with anyone else, but it does with her and the empty feeling without her here is uncomfortable for me.

'You don't get attached to things or people very often, Shouto. It's rare for you. But, when you do...you really do.'

Those were Midoriya's words from earlier. They stuck in my brain long after they were said, and if my brain remembered them, they must be important. But, still, I don't know why I think of them now.

I don't believe I'm attached to Lani—The Woman. We just came here together, and I think it's appropriate we leave here together, too. Isn't that what everyone does with their party guests? Isn't this part of the party etiquette?

Once again, the silence had gone on longer than I realized until Midoriya was between Bakugo and I, placing his hand on both of our chests and pushing us back with force—enough force to let us know he was still capable of breaking things up single-handedly if we were to try anything. Bakugo's jaw tensed and he shrugged Midoriya off, aggressively fixing his shirt as it wrinkled from the jostling.

And me, I felt checked out, barely stumbling from Midoriya's push and absentmindedly smoothing out my shirt. My brain fired off a million thoughts at once, and suddenly, it was too loud again. But, this time, all the noise came from inside my head, instead of the party music. I couldn't understand it, and I couldn't focus. But, immediately, I wished I'd taken up my idea from earlier. When The Woman was still hugging me in that room, before I found the drug. I wish we could have gone to the bed in the corner and climbed into it, putting the blankets over our heads so things would be quiet again.

An instinctive sigh escaped my lips and the sounds around me began to feel overwhelming, making me more exhausted and agitated than before. Luckily, Midoriya seemed to notice.

"Hey—okay—let's just...relax, guys." He said, his voice softer than his previous shove. "It's been a long night and there's nothing more we can do here. The drug has already slipped by us. Let's start fresh tomorrow. Alright?"

"Okay." I said immediately over Bakugo's 'whatever.'

Midoriya nodded and puffed out a breath of exasperation at the bickering, shielding me from Bakugo to ensure the tension didn't materialize into something stronger.

"Shouto, go where you need to. We'll talk later." He said, causing me to nod and quickly take my leave.

*

Everything felt more overwhelming after the fight with Bakugo and news of the drug spreading. I wanted nothing more than to leave the party and find a quiet space, but I couldn't go alone. Especially not after coming to the conclusion that Lani was still sad.

I grit my teeth and picked at the cuticle of my thumb absentmindedly as I scooted in between all the people in the big house, trying to drown out the loud bass of the music and focus on finding her. She wasn't in the room I left her in, and she also wasn't outside—or at the bar. It left me with the only option of forcing myself deeper into the house and the crowds of people I hadn't checked, sighing heavier as bodies jostled me from all sides.

Spotting someone near the entrance door, I found relief and made my way over with purpose. It wasn't Lani, but I was thankful that, even if I didn't remember her best friend's name, I vaguely remembered what she looked like.

"Thanks for coming." The girl with the blue braids smiled at a couple walking out the door, giving them a wave before I showed up in her peripheral vision.

She looked over at me with a natural smile before registering the identity of my face, appearing more surprised now than anything.

"Shouto? You're still here? Wow, I really wasn't expecting that to be honest." She chuckled, looking please with herself. "You must have had a nice time if you didn't give an Irish goodbye."

An Irish goodbye? What makes that different from any other goodbye? No less, a Japanese one?

The question came and left my throat before it was spoken, more concerned with saving my voice for other matters, "Have you seen The Wo—um...Lani?" Her name still rolled so foreignly off my tongue. "She......I had to talk with my friends about something, so we separated. But....now I don't know where she went."

Lani's friend's eyes barely widened before she made a face I couldn't understand. If I knew her better like I did Midoriya or Bakugo, I might have been able to decipher it. Rubbing the back of her neck, she glanced around the area like she was checking for me, but it didn't seem long enough to really be able to know...

"Oh, Lani...." She uttered in hesitant question before coming to her own conclusion a few moments later. "I actually think sheee...left. Like...thirty minutes ago."

She left? By herself? Were we not supposed to leave together? Maybe I really did have the party etiquette wrong...

I formed a small 'oh' from my lips and ran a hand through my hair, taking one more look around the big crowd. Her face still hadn't left my mine, and my brows knitted together automatically. Because Lani was sad and I left her alone.

Was she still sad when she left? Did she tell anyone she was leaving? Did she look for me? Was she expecting me to look for her? Did she go home? All of these things I had to say, but once again, my brain clogged up and all I managed to get out was a single, vague question.

"Do you....uh.....do you know if she was...okay...when she left?" I asked, forcing myself out of my comfort zone by conversing with this person.

Talking to strangers made the words harder to get out again. They were choppy, shrinking back into the deepest parts of my brain where I couldn't reach them. But, I needed to know. Because it was about Lani, and I was feeling impatient with her not around me.

"Was she okay? What do you mean?" Lani's friend furrowed her brows in question, not understanding what I was trying to say.

And for once, I was frustrated. With myself, I was frustrated. Frustrated for being unable to get my words out in a time I really wanted to. For being so confused about the emotions that have fired off in my brain over the last few minutes—more emotions than I've felt in years, all too complex for me to understand. The bass of the music continued to ring against the core of my eardrums, scrambling the thoughts in my head and making it harder to speak.

"Well....she was...sad earlier." I finally managed to say over the noise a few hard moments later, watching Lani's friend change her expression into something else.

Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped. Judging from basic human expressions, I think she was...surprised.

"She told you that?" She gawked and I didn't know why.

Because which part was surprising? That Lani was sad? Or that she let me see that part of herself? I'd really like to know. I'd really like to know so many things right now, but all I keep finding are more questions—and it's......it's more overwhelming—and Lani's still not here—and...

The louder the noises became, the more I felt my mind retreating until I heard nothing but my own heartbeat, and my own labored breaths. It's been a long time since I've felt like this, and to be honest, I never really understood what it meant. When my heart goes faster and my lungs tighten, when the world feels too heavy on my shoulders and the control slips from my grasp.

It used to happen all the time when I was a child, when dad would yell at me or mom, and I'd be so angry at him—so angry....so...scared...that the jumble of emotions just turned into this. This spiral in my veins of cold sweat and shaky muscles. I never had anyone, and the feeling always went away after a few minutes, leaving me exhausted. But...right now...it was happening again, and it hasn't in years. And...for the first time in my life...

I wish I wasn't alone to feel this. There's only one person I'd like to be with me right now...

And I can't find her. I can't find her. Where is she....

Trying to blink away the rapid shots to my brain, I ran another hand through my sweaty hair, barely registering I was still picking at my, now bloody, thumbnail as I tried to hold the conversation as best I could. "No, she....she didn't tell me she was sad. But...I just....welll...I kind of....figured it out." I explained, a little intrigued by my own words.

Because I don't usually just....figure things like that out about people. Figuring things out would fit into the category of those 'other things' I told you about. The 'other things' that aren't hero related and work the harder part of my brain.  It's never worth it to me to try. At least, it never was until a few weeks ago.

"What was she sad about?" Her friend asked again, causing me to sigh a bit tiredly.

More questions. More questions and still no answers. Why was Lani sad? I don't know. I don't know because I left her alone, and never gave myself a chance to find out, or to make sure she was okay. Because I had to work, and for the first time, I wish I didn't.

And I also didn't come over to her friend with the intention to have a big conversation. My social window was shutting down, and all I could hear was noise, noise, noise.

"I don't really know. But...I didn't want her to leave feeling sad." My words came out automatic and distracted as I scanned the crowd once more, looking at the ground in subtle defeat when her face never showed.

The girl with the braids gave me a sad smile for my lack of success, and judging from the way she shrugged with finality, maybe she could tell I wanted to leave. I really hope so, I don't want to talk to her. I don't mean that in a rude way, I just...don't want to talk to anyone right now.

"Sorry about that, Shouto. Thanks for coming though." She changed the subject with a smile, gesturing me towards the door with a polite nod. "I bet you'll catch her tomorrow. You guys work together, so..."

Suddenly, there was a weird emptiness in my chest as I gave up, nodding and hesitantly making my way towards the door to leave.

"Yeah." I uttered.

But, then again, maybe that response was in my head, too, and I just didn't realize it.

*

I don't go out very often, and it was way past the hour I usually go to sleep by the time I arrived back at my apartment.

But, even so, I didn't feel tired. I actually felt the...opposite. The 'out of control' feeling had gone away, but it didn't leave me exhausted this time. My brain was actually running a mile a minute, replaying the events of the night—and the noise in my head hadn't slowed down the way I wished it would. Even changing out of my 'party' clothes and taking a shower didn't help.

Each time I closed my eyes to run my head under the hot water, I saw Lani's face behind my lids. Her sad face. Every time the shower stream ran down my body, I thought about her touch, and how she touched me there a few hours ago. Now that I think about it, maybe I shouldn't have showered at all. Her scent of lilies and oranges was now washed away.

Forgoing a shirt for the night and slipping into some sweatpants, I came out of the shower after only a few minutes, a steam cloud following behind me. It wasn't until I saw my phone on the counter that I realized I hadn't checked it in a long time, continuing to towel dry my damp hair as I tapped the screen to 'on'—seeing an unopened Instagram notification from four hours ago instantly greet my eyes.

🖤_LANI_00🖤 has followed you!

"Huh...." My heart jumped a bit before remembering my earlier conversation with Lani at the bar.

I didn't forget, even if the conversation was unnecessary. We were talking about social media, and I asked about hers. Then, she tapped a button on her phone, causing my own to vibrate in my pocket.

"Don't open it now! Do it when you're alone." She uttered, cheeks warm and pink as she waved the sound away.

This must be what she did. She followed me on Instagram. I don't know how I got the notification, she said she turned off my notifications to strangers for me once she took hold of my account. She switched it so I'd only receive notifications from people I followed. But, I don't follow her.

Or...do I?

With furrowed brows, I navigated to my following list and saw her name at the top. Oh. I guess I do follow her now. She must have logged into my account and followed herself so I'd be sure to see the notification. Does that mean....she wanted me to see it? She wanted me to see she followed me? Is it because she wanted me to check her account?

I blinked a few times as I tried to process, too distracted by the anticipation to think hard enough as I tapped on her profile instantly. I'd be lying if I said the curiosity hasn't been eating away at me for days now. Ever since we brought up social media, I've wanted to see hers. Because she doesn't talk about herself much, and I wish she would. Maybe this can give me a glimpse into her life. Into what she likes. Who she likes...

And I can see pictures of her—I don't know why that would matter, I see her everyday. But...I don't know......I don't know......

Keeping my eyes locked on the phone, I plopped down into my bed. My heart skipped beats inside my chest as her profile loaded on my screen, displaying itself a few seconds later and causing me to scan it eagerly.

Lani Hidaka
64.2K followers.

Bio:
Writer of tiddies and ass - but, professionally🍒✨

"Writer of...what..." I uttered a bit bewildered, rereading the biography to ensure I saw it correctly. "Oh..."

I did see it correctly. That's interesting.

I've never seen these things she writes about. It's not what she showed me when she let me see her writing that one day on the subway. Does she prefer to write about these sort of things instead of what she showed me? But, then why did she show me something different? Now I'm curious about this type of writing from her. I want to read it because if she cared enough to put it on her profile, it must be something that interests her.

Clicking on her most recent post, it was dated from last month, which means she hasn't posted since then. I saw it was a picture of her at a cafe—I think it was the cafe she worked at. She had a cup of coffee in front of her and she was smiling, but she was covering her smile the way she always does. So, nobody could see it clearly. I squinted my eyes to try and see the smile better before pinching my fingers on the phone screen and zooming in.

"Why...do you always cover it..." I murmured absentmindedly, giving up on trying to see after a few moments.

She covered it pretty good.

There were a lot of likes and comments on the picture, so I tapped on them to see what people were saying. I didn't expect to see anything bad, and I was correct. My face softened with the shower of compliments she was getting. A lot of them were from well known heroes. Probably because she works for the hero commission.

Miruko 🍑: gorgeous, baby

Gucci Jeanist: slay. Maybe I should write an article about YOU xo

URAVITY: so pretty!

Ch4rgeB0Lt: pls lift my restraining order and reconsider me for marriage 🥺 the incident with the BBQ sauce was a misunderstanding istg 😩

Hourglass: I'd marry you if I wasn't already taken😘

See? I told you, everyone thinks she's attractive. It's not a preference, just a fact. My eyes caught on the little heart button next to the picture, before a little guidance icon popped up...

Like 🖤_LANI_00🖤 's picture? Tap this button here to show it!

"Oh?" I questioned quietly, quickly following instructions and clicking the heart.

I never really used social media before this moment. I'm glad to see there's instructions. So, when you enjoy a picture, you have to press this little button. I suppose I should go through all 3,457 of her photos and press this button on each one so she knows I like them. Right? Is that how it works? That's what people do, I assume. Pretty time consuming...

Her next post was a few weeks before that. She really doesn't seem to post very often. But, she has a lot of followers. It must be from her job. From the comments, there are a lot of people who seem to be fans of her articles. Now, I only want to read them even more.

The next post really caught my eye though because there was another person in it. A—well, it was a...guy.

The two of them were in the mountains and there was snow everywhere. Lani had her arm around his shoulders. They wore matching snow suits and both held up snowboards. Does Lani know how to snowboard? She never said she did, but she also doesn't talk about herself very much. This is why I wanted to see her social media...

I zoomed into the picture again, but not towards Lani this time. It was towards the person next to her—the guy. I could only see the top half of his face, his snowboarding scarf was covering the bottom half. There was also the logo of five circles at the top of his jacket. I think...that's the Olympics, if I'm not mistaken. I only know because Denki Kaminari loved to watch them with Kirishima in the dorm lounge when we were in high school. I always liked the curling competitions where they swept the ice. No one understood why.

But, who is this person?

'Can't wait to be up in the mountains with you again one day, Raiga.' The caption read, only perking my interest more.

Raiga...Raiga—I've heard that name before. I.....I don't know how I remember because it seems unnecessary to remember such pointless information, but she had a picture of this person in her office—Lani did. It was with this same guy, and he had an athletic jacket on that said Raiga. So...this must be the same one.

She seems close with him—I wonder how close they are. How did they meet? What does she think of him? What does he think of her? Have they known each other for very long? She's never brought him up to me.

My eyes began to zone out slightly at my thoughts, looking back at the picture in question.

I want to know more about Raiga and how he fits into Lani's life. I want to know more about Lani, too, but her social media only makes her more of a mystery to me.

I don't even know what happened to her tonight. That's not something her social media can tell me because she doesn't post very often on there. Isn't she the one who said you're supposed to 'document' your life on social media? Well, she doesn't follow her own advice. There's not really anything about her personal life on here—actually, all of her pictures seem very vague, like she's hiding how she really feels from the world.

But, then I remembered something—something I didn't think about until now because it's not something I usually do. Quickly swiping my thumb up the phone screen, I exited out of Instagram and navigated to my text messages instead, clicking on The Woman's name. I don't text people very often, so it didn't occur to me that I could just text her and ask where she went.

My fingers hovered over the keyboard, inexperienced and rusty with starting conversations—in person, or over text. My brain was sore from being out of my comfort zone all night, and I could feel the noise starting to build in my head again. So, with a small grimacing headache, I shifted in my bed slightly and grabbed the blanket, quickly pulling it all the way over my head like I'd been wanting to do for hours.

Ah. That's better.

I inhaled deeply as the blanket cocooned me in it's warmth, concealing me from the rest of the world, even if it was just my own apartment. The smell of fresh detergent was comforting, and so was the steady sound of my own breath. Since I've been a child, I always did this. I don't know why, but it was comforting, and the noise in my head always quieted down—just like it did right now. My eyes closed softly as I felt myself finally decompressing, and thinking became easier when I realized it was Lani I wanted to talk to, having a smoother time typing my fingers across the phone keyboard.

Text Message To: The Woman
Where did you go tonight?
2:34am.

I was happy with the question, and I clicked my phone closed a few seconds later, holding it close to my chest and rolling on my side as I waited for her reply. Maybe she was asleep, but then again, I hope she wasn't. Because I didn't know what happened to her, and I wouldn't be able to sleep if I didn't find out-

DING! My phone chimed with a quick message, causing me to quickly lift it back to my eyes and see her name flash across the screen.

Text Message From: The Woman
I had something to take care of. I'm so sorry I left you. That was rude of me to do.
2:36am.

Relief slowly coated over in my veins, feeling the words pulling from my brain easier than they have all night as I typed a reply so naturally.

Text Message To: The Woman
It's okay. I didn't think it was rude.
2:36am.

I was looking for you. I just didn't know where you went.
2:36am.

Your friend said you left the party. Are you home now? There's a 20% crime increase after 2am on the weekends. It's not safe to be out at this time.
2:36am.

I began to pick at the cuticle on my thumb again as I thought about where she might be. It's true about the crime increase. If she's out somewhere, I'll go to her and take her home. She is attractive, after all—factually speaking. Beautiful women walking around at this time of night are in danger.

DING!

Text Message From: The Woman
Don't worry, hero. I'm home.
2:39am.

My shoulders relaxed, allowing me to melt deeper into the bed as I imagined her in the safety of her apartment. Maybe she's in her bed. I wonder what she wears to bed. I don't think she's the type to wear those proper matching pajama sets like Momo always did. I...well, I...I don't know what she wears. But, my mind...is drifting to the possibilities.

Maybe she's the type to wear only her undergarments to bed. Or maybe she doesn't wear anything at all. What...what is she wearing right now? I'd really just like to know...

Even though I just took a shower and my hair was still wet, suddenly my skin felt hotter, and it wasn't from being completely under the blanket either. It couldn't be, the air conditioning was seeping through the seams of the covers. And, yet, a heavier sigh came from my mouth and my eyes fell closed, seeing her frame pop into my vision on instinct.

I'd really like to know...what she's wearing.

In my vision, she has underwear on—underwear with no shorts. But, she also has a tank top on. It's...it's a tight tank top. And....she's looking at me—with sultry pink eyes—and...she's coming over to my bed...she's.....she's climbing into it with me, running her fingers through my hair....telling me how good and handsome I am...

Quickly, I opened my eyes and cleared away the odd thoughts, coming face to face with my blanket instead of her face.

Wow. I'm not usually this creative with my imagination, and definitely not at this hour. I must have had too much to drink at the party tonight.

My brain couldn't translate any of my thoughts to the screen, typing back the only thing I could.

Text Message To: The Woman
Okay.
2:43am.

I stared at the screen with dissatisfaction—dissatisfaction with myself. I wanted to say more. I wanted her to say more. I only spoke to her a few hours ago, but it's not enough. I like the words when they come from her mouth. How they form on her lips, and how they sound in her voice. I like her mannerisms when she speaks, and the way she speaks to me. The way she looks at me, and touches me, and pays attention to me...

I was happy when I saw the little gray bubble to show she was typing, thankful our conversation wasn't ending yet. Maybe she wants to continue talking, too?

Text Message From: The Woman
Hey, Shouto
2:44am.

Thank you for tonight. I hope my little moment didn't ruin the party for you. I'm sorry about that.
2:44am.

'Her little moment.' I assume she's referring to the moment she dragged me away to the empty room and hugged me after that hero—I already forgot his name—threw alcohol in my face. It's a moment I haven't been able to stop replaying in my mind since it happened, and not because she 'ruined' anything. I don't care about the party. I never really did. It....it wasn't about the party for me. None of it was.

My thoughts felt more free and light than they did an hour ago, with the soft glow of my phone illuminating under the blankets as I typed back a message easily.

Text Message To: The Woman
I don't think you should apologize for being sad
2:44am.

Are you still sad?
2:45am.

My muscles woke up once again in preparation. Because if she was sad, I could go over there. It doesn't matter to me that it's three in the morning, or that I have to be up in just a few hours. It doesn't matter to me that she lives on the other side of town. I could hug her again and I would. Just to feel her in my arms, and take in her scent again, and hear her talk...and...

DING!

Text Message From: The Woman
I'll be okay. It's crazy though...
2:46am.

I actually wish you were here right now.
2:46am.

I blinked a few times in surprise for her words, feeling my mind starting to race again, along with my heart.

Text Message To: The Woman
Really?
2:46am.

Text Message From: The Woman
Really, really. You give good hugs.
2:46am.

It's not in my nature to find the...irony (?) in situations. But, I couldn't help but find this one ironic, because I was thinking the same thing about her hugs. And, in the moment it was happening, I wasn't even thinking about my own hug or how it may have felt in her mind. I was too distracted thinking about how she felt to me. But, now, I know she was thinking about the hug just as much as I was. And I want to replay the night again, and then again, wishing I could hear her thoughts during that time. About me, and the hug, and...everything else.

I was surprised at the next words forming in the text box on my phone as I typed. But, they felt too natural and easy to ignore—when it came to her, that's how a lot of things felt. Natural. Easy. It's different from how it feels with other people.

Text Message To: The Woman
I usually don't like to be touched
2:47am.

But, I think I'd like a hug from you as well.
2:47am.

Text Message From: The Woman
I'd hug you, Shouto
2:47am.

My chest stirred, and I didn't understand the emotion. But, I was able to process that I wanted more. I wanted more of this conversation and words like this from her.

Text Message To: The Woman
Really?
2:47am.

Text Message From: The Woman
Really. I'd hug you for hours. Until you told me to stop.
2:48am.

And, yet, 'hours' doesn't seem long enough. I wouldn't tell her to stop.

Text Message To: The Woman
I wouldn't tell you to stop.
2:49am.

Finally. My thoughts finally translated into words. Even if they weren't verbally spoken, they still came out in one way or another. And it felt good.

Text Message From: The Woman
Where are you right now?
2:49am.

Text Message To: The Woman
I'm in my bed. I put my head under the blanket
2:50am.

Text Message From: The Woman
Would you let me under the blanket with you if I was there?
2:50am.

My mind drifted again at her question, letting my drowsy eyes fall closed as I imagined her here under the blanket with me. Her legs would be tangled in mine and her breath would be puffing against my neck. My fingers grazed the empty cold pillow next to me, practically able to feel her warmth teasing me from wherever she was.

Text Message To: The Woman
Yes
2:50am.

Text Message From: The Woman
Remember when we fell asleep together? Would you let me fall asleep with you again if I was there?
2:51am.

Text Message To: The Woman
I would
2:51am.

Text Message From: The Woman
I want to. I want to be in bed with you. I want to be with you.
2:52am.

I didn't know when my heartbeat had skyrocketed, but I didn't care. It wasn't from that feeling from earlier, the feeling where I had a cold sweat and felt out of control. No, this feeling was different. It was hot within my veins and made my head light. It made me fidget in my bed, and the inside of my mouth a little wetter. But, most of all, it made me desperate—an emotion I don't exhibit very often. It made me desperate for her presence, because I saw her hours ago, and that was too long ago. It was too long.

I need more. I craved it. She added something to my life, and I don't know what it was, but...I craved it.

My fingers typed quickly now, already imagining getting out of the bed and grabbing my house keys.

Text Message To: The Woman
Can I come over right now? Then I can hug you. And we can be under the blanket. We can fall asleep together like you said.
2:52am.

I kept the phone screen open as I waited for her reply, feeling dizzy and lightheaded from the way my ribcage tightened around my lungs. My whole body coiled tensely and my muscles vibrated out of my control, but none of it was from fear. It was...I don't know what it was. It almost felt like that same adrenaline I get right before a big battle—anticipation, but, stronger.

And then, she was typing, and naturally, I hovered closer and closer to my phone until her text finally popped up.

Say yes. Please...

Text Message From: The Woman
I want that very much
2:54am.

But, I don't think work colleagues are supposed to do that.
2:54am.

Get some sleep, Shouto. I'll talk to you soon.
2:54am.

I looked at the message neutrally, blinking a few times and trying to make sense of the weird feeling inside my chest. I guess it's true that I don't know any work colleagues that have sleepovers together at three in the morning. Although, there was that one time in high school where I went to Mr. Aizawa's room to tell him I threw up. He let me sleep on the floor of his bathroom with a bucket. I...that....it doesn't sound the same, right? I don't think it does.

But, she said she'll talk to me soon. And while there was a time I despised whenever her name would show up in my notifications, now I find myself wondering how soon...

Text Message To: The Woman
Tomorrow?
2:55am.

Because at this hour, 'tomorrow' was already today. So, I wouldn't have to wait too long.

Text Message From: The Woman
Tomorrow.
2:55am.

Goodnight, handsome.
2:55am.

There it was again. The 'handsome.' She's called me that from the moment we first met, and somehow, I never seem to get used to it.

I don't feel tired anymore. Not one bit, but still, I said the only thing my brain could think to say, keeping all the endless thoughts and questions about her deep within my jumbled mind.

Text Message To: The Woman
Goodnight.
2:56am.

***********************************

A/N: in case you're curious about what's coming in bad habits, here's some Patreon comments from the most recent updates on there. I blocked out everyone's names for privacy and also tried to pick comments that were spoiler free for you guys -

ANDDDD I have the first 5 chapters (including the prologue) of my new Gojo Satoru story up as well! Here is how people are liking it so far on Patreon:

A/N: as you can see, I've been working on so many fun things, so now you know what you have to look forward to! You can read about all of these things on Patreon, and if you can't afford it, don't sweat! I'll see you guys soon!❤️