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Lani POV:

I hummed to the tune of the music in the background of my apartment, glancing at the time on my clock as I got ready for the night.

7:52pm.

Perfect. Shouto should be here in a few minutes.

Popping the cap off my eyeliner pen, I crept in close to my vanity mirror, starting to apply the makeup before my phone rang.

"Shit." I cursed to myself, only halfway through my wing as I blindly tapped on my phone screen to answer.

"Who is it?" I mumbled out in focus, hearing my words come out slightly slurred thanks to my weird makeup applying face.

"The only person who can put up with your shit." The caller answered, causing me to chuckle.

"Heyyy, Kai." I mused, leaning back in the vanity mirror and checking the evenness of my eyeliner wings. "And before you ask, yes, I'll be on the way to your place soon."

"Mm, you better. I wanna be doing shots the moment you walk through this door." She threatened lightly.

Kai's always been a pretty versatile person. An introvert at heart, she has no problem getting her extroversion on—and forcing me to be social while she's at it.

She's always been that way. The only person who was around in my life to coax me out of my shell.

I owe her a lot for everything she did for me as kids.

I capped my eyeliner pen and switched it for a smudge brush, lightly running it under my eyes as I spoke. "Well, I dunno how many shots I'll be doing yet. Just a little heads up, I am gonna be bringing a plus one after all."

Kai gasped with new interest now, letting out a small 'ooo' of excitement.

"Really? And here I was, thinking you'd die alone." She snickered, causing me to roll my eyes.

"Very funny."

"So, who's the lucky guy? Or girl, hopefully."

"Still straight, thanks for asking." I huffed lightly, trying to play off her question as nonchalant as possible. "Ah, you know. Just my little hero pal."

I could feel her excitement freezing on the other end of the line, grimacing slightly from the instant change in attitude.

Shit.

"You mean your hero client..." She corrected me a little dryly now, causing me to shrug my shoulders even though she wasn't here.

"Yeah, yeah. Same difference." My voice came out as a mutter, blending my blush in distraction.

Kai sighed heavily on the phone, already starting the talk I didn't wanna hear.

"Lani, do you really think that's a good idea-"

"Oh, come on. There's gonna be a million other heroes at your place tonight." I reasoned a little less patiently, realizing this topic was starting to become a sore spot for us. "What's the harm in inviting one more?"

"It's not a problem that he's coming. It's a problem he's coming with you." She reminded me with blunt honesty, tugging at the strings of my heart.

Ouch. That shouldn't have stung so much.

But, I get what she's saying.

A tense silence hung over us as I focused on my makeup, lightly dropping my blush brush back onto the table with a little frustration.

Resting my hands atop the vanity, I met my own gaze in the mirror, speaking simultaneously to Kai and myself.

"I'm being careful." I reassured, betraying my own words from the crack that snuck into my voice.

I know Kai heard it, too, judging by her suspicious hum.

"If you say so." She mumbled, before the knock at my door saved me.

Phew. Shouto's here.

I watched my own dull features brighten in the mirror upon his arrival, trying to ignore how incredibly happy I looked as I departed from Kai.

"Oop. Gotta gooo. I'll be at your place soon." I rushed out, quickly hanging up before she could say anything else.

A heavy breath puffed from my mouth, almost coming out like I was nervous as I smoothed out my hair in the mirror.

Funny. This feels like first date jitters. But, that's not what this is at all.

It's just Shouto. And I'm just me.

"Yeah." I breathed out with uncertainty I refused to acknowledge, smoothing out my shirt before walking towards my door.

I wonder what he'll think of my appearance.

Suddenly, I wonder if I look okay.

But, it's too late to change—and to keep Shouto waiting as I opened the door, coming face to face with the man himself.

"Hey. You made it." I smiled, leaning against the open door as I took in his appearance. "Wow. And you look great."

His normally stoic eyes barely widened from my words before shrinking back to their usual size, glancing down at his outfit with one more quick look.

"Oh. Thanks." He uttered, smoothing out his shirt.

He really did look great, going for a classic, cool style that seemed to fit him perfectly. His black pants hung nicely on his hips, just a little baggy and paired with his usual converse. He wore a plain white shirt with a dark grey denim jacket atop it. His hair was styled messy, yet clean.

I didn't realize I'd been looking at him for so long until he shuffled subtly on his feet, causing my eyes to quickly snap up to his face.

Blinking a few times, I didn't invite him in just yet, not knowing what I was expecting from him as I smoothed out my hair.

What am I looking for? A compliment? That's not Shouto. He'd have no reason to compliment me anyways. We're just business partners...

"Um—come on in." I recovered as seamlessly as possible, stepping aside and gesturing him in. "I'm almost ready."

He furrowed his brows in confusion, but came in anyways, turning to me as I closed the door behind him.

"But, aren't we going to be late to the party?"

I chuckled slightly at his usual Shouto technicalities, giving him a little grin before sauntering back to my vanity table.

"Everyone's late to the party, Shouto." I explained, uncapping my tube of lipgloss. "That's part of the fun."

He wandered further into my apartment, following me over to the vanity table with his hands in his pockets.

"I didn't know being late was part of the.....party etiquette." He murmured curiously, catching my eyes in the mirror.

I hummed before looking back at my lips, parting them softly before carefully swiping the gloss along my bottom one.

Painting the corners, I smacked my lips together before filling in a few gaps, glancing back at Shouto on a whim.

It was then that my actions froze slightly as I saw him still watching me—actually, watching my lips, wetting his own unconsciously.

Selfishly and seeking his attention, I kept my piercing gaze on him as I unnecessarily swiped another light coat over my bottom lip, feeling my pulse starting to accelerate the longer he watched my mouth.

Why is he watching me? If it were any other man, I'd know exactly why. I'd say it's because they're attracted to me.

But, Shouto is a mystery. Even after coming out and saying I was attractive yesterday, I still can't tell what he really thinks about me, because he didn't say the words like they were his own opinion, but rather a generic statement that surely everyone must think. Which is obviously not what everyone thinks.

But, what about him? What does he really think of me? Not in the generic sense, but the personal sense? The sense that fits his inner, deepest desires?

I don't know. And if it's about Shouto, I'll probably never know because he never says his thoughts out loud. I never seem to know what he's thinking, so there's no use dwelling on it.

Not that it matters anyways. How Shouto sees me as a person has nothing to do with our professional relationship.

I capped the lip gloss tube and slowly turned my head away in the mirror so he'd no longer be able to see my features, sighing softly as I reached for some jewelry instead.

"O-Okay, so!" I changed the subject quickly, grabbing a few rings and sliding them on my fingers. "I know this is a big step for you, and I don't wanna overwhelm you with so many new people. So, if you want to ditch the party at any time, don't be afraid to tell me. Alright?"

Shouto hummed and began walking around the small space of my apartment, looking like he was actually taking in the details of it this time for his own interest.

"I actually think I'll be okay." He said, crouching down at my fish tank with interest. "My friends got invited, so they'll be there, too."

"Oh, cool." I looked back at him, finding myself remembering my previous encounters with his two friends. "Er—the nice green friend, I hope..."

He placed both hands on the table as he continued to watch my fish Ziggy swim around, sounding neutral and unbothered as he said, "The other one is coming, too."

Ugh.

Does he even realize how douchey Bakugo is? Or is he just used to it?

"Lovely." I muttered blandly, walking towards the door to grab my shoes.

Upon seeing me moving around, Shouto slowly rose back to standing, rubbing the back of his neck like there was something on his mind.

"So, um...." He trailed off, causing me to look at him in question as I tied the laces of my shoes.

"Mhm?"

He shuffled on his feet and stroked his chin, looking intense in thought at whatever was clearly eating away at him—for awhile, by the looks of it.

I felt myself starting to get a little nervous from his incredibly perplexed face, wondering what the hell could have happened before he finally came out with it.

"What did you mean earlier? By your text?" He asked, sounding like he'd been rehearsing the exact question for hours.

Furrowing my brows, I mentally mulled over our earlier conversations, coming to an interesting realization about Shouto and I.

"Which one? We text a lot—and you said you're a bad texter." I mused a bit smugly, rising back up to my feet.

He didn't let me walk more than a few steps before pulling his phone out of his pocket, looking down at it as he came over to me.

"Well, specifically this message."

I chuckled and crossed my arms at his usual seriousness, leaning back against my wall with amusement. "Are you really pulling up receipts of our conversation right now? I should expect nothing less from you."

He handed me the phone and I took it lazily, reading through the familiar messages nonchalantly.

Text Message To: The Woman
Stop stalking me.
3:07pm.

Text Message From: The Woman
Never
3:07pm.

Text Message To: The Woman
Also...how would you make me?
3:08pm.

Text Message From: The Woman
How would I make you? Come over tonight at 8pm and find out.
3:08pm.

I couldn't help but snort at my contact name in his phone. 'The Woman.' Classic him, really.

"Mm, I see." I said once I finished reading, handing the phone back to him. "So, what about it?"

Shouto suddenly felt closer in my vicinity, opening his mouth instantly before slowly closing it, thinking about what it was he truly wanted to say.

"Well, I just want to know.....what you meant?"

I tilted my head in question, trying to get a read on him.

He's not the type to harp over things that don't matter to him. I really didn't think that specific comment would even make its way into his selective memory.

Pushing myself off the wall, I walked a little closer, feeling the tips of our shoes touching.

"You mean, you wanted to know how I'd make you?" I asked knowingly, hearing my voice a little lower in tone.

He looked down at our touching shoes, before back at me, speaking his next word clearly to ensure I understood.

"Yes."

Huh. The whole conversation sounds a bit suggestive right now. The way I asked it, even the simple way he responded with his eyes looking at me like that. But, knowing Shouto and his bland thoughts about sex, I can only attribute the thinning air to my dirty mind being in the gutter.

"Hmm." I barely brushed past him, stopping side by side until our shoulders nudged together. "To be honest, I didn't really have an idea in mind when I said that. It's just playful banter."

"Oh." He said quietly.

Why does he sound disappointed?

"Did you?" I asked flat out, glancing at him boldly.

Shouto responds best to blunt, clear words. No use beating around the bush.

"No." He admitted. "That's why I asked."

I nodded and inhaled deeply, feeling my stomach starting to stir.

Because the thought of my words affecting him that much. The thought of actually doing something when I say that....it just makes me wonder how he would feel about it.

When will Shouto finally let me into his brain so I can have some answers?

"Was there a specific answer you were looking for?" I turned towards him now, gently grabbing onto his wrist. "Something you'd like me to do to you when I say that?"

He let me turn him towards me so easily, allowing his body to flow with my movements like water as we were now face to face.

"I...don't know." His voice came out quieter, looking at me for guidance.

So adorable.

I hummed and lifted my hand towards his face, gently stroking his hair back from his forehead.

He's so sweet. But, also so easily influenced. If he fell into the wrong woman's hands, she'd ruined him.

I could see his dual colored eyes starting to melt as I stroked through his hair, gently gliding my fingers down to cup his jaw before squishing my fingers around both sides of his face.

I pulled him forward by his cheeks, feeling the tips of our noses touching and our breaths mixing as I spoke in a warm, joking whisper.

"Why don't you think about it and get back to me then, alright?"

"Okay." He muffled out through his squished cheeks, causing me to giggle softly as I melted into him.

His soft hum of question puffed through his nostrils and onto my face.

"Are you laughing.....because I was funny?" His words came out slightly muffled again, causing me to release his cheeks from my light grip.

My next actions came instinctual. A bit too instinctual.

I snaked my arms around his neck and pressed our foreheads together, smiling mere inches from his mouth as I murmured...

"Yes."

He didn't flinch or pull away, melting into my touch so naturally, you'd think he was missing it.

I could see his arms in my peripheral vision, awkwardly lifting before falling, unsure of where to put his hands.

I didn't know where he should put them either. I shouldn't even be touching him this way in the first place.

But, he seemed to indulge in the moment as much as I did, inhaling deeply and letting a sound of content sneak past his throat.

"Mm."

My fingers absentmindedly toyed with the hairs at the nape of his neck, looking down at his mouth as I asked, "What is it?"

"You........you like wearing that lip gloss, I think." He blurted out, sneaking another whiff. "The peach one. I've smelled it before."

I nodded in encouragement, letting my mouth dangle tauntingly closer to his own. "You've also tasted it before, remember? On my boba straw."

Why do I sound so flirtatious? It's just a habit. But, a bad one. One I need to stop.

His throat bobbed with a swallow at my suggestive drawl, gazing down towards my lips in growing interest.

"Oh, yeah. It tasted really...good." He murmured, letting his lips part softly.

I was drawn into his aura of whatever this moment was, nodding again and gently grazing my fingers along the back of his neck until I felt goosebumps arise on his skin.

"It's....it's a popular flavor." I breathed out, feeling my mind starting to go hazy from his warmth.

He's attractive. Of course, I know that. I knew it from the moment I met him. It's part of the reason why I picked him.

But, attraction is slowly melting into something else. And while I'm in too much denial to think about something like legitimate feelings for Shouto, I can't deny my physical connection to him.

My own desires. The fact that he's a person I would totally hook up with based on his looks. His body.

The urge to lean forward and close the distance coursed wildly through my veins, feeling my breaths coming out hot and shaky against his lips.

Fuck.

How would it feel? God, how would it feel to just slam my mouth against his own? Would he even reciprocate? Would he finally put his hands on me? Would he moan?

"A-Are you okay..." His voice came out hoarse and a bit breathless, starting to mimic my heavy state.

"Huh?" My gaze remained on his mouth, feeling my eyes going half lidded.

But, his were no different, and I could feel the hairs on his forehead tickling my cheek as he was the one to lean in closer. So close, it would only be another inch before our mouths would touch.

"You....you seem...." He trailed off, sounding lower and more raspy.

I seem like what? Go on, say it. Do you even know? You naive, adorable Shouto...

Do you even know that I'd fuck you right now if you made a move? Right here, in this room. That I'd rip your shirt off and feel those perfect abs, kiss your lips, and down your neck...pulling your hair back until you moan. That I'd risk my job—and yours—and everything we built just for one night to feel you?

To feel your body...and your lips....and-

Ding!

I jumped slightly from the texting chime of my phone, pulling away from Shouto at lightning speed.

On instinct, I turned my back to him and grazed my lips, trying to calm my racing heart and compose the flushed heat rising to my cheeks.

Shit. What the hell was that? That's the second time something like this has happened now. I need to stop.

And, once again, Shouto is silent and neutral, leaving to wonder if he even understands the tension—or, if he even feels it in the first place.

It doesn't matter. Nothing can ever happen between us. I can't let my emotions influence his success.

Besides, it's just a physical attraction. Nothing else. No harm in that...

The silence was awkward for me, and probably not for Shouto as I grabbed my phone with a sigh and checked the message.

Text Message From: Kai
The shots have started!
(image attached)
8:34pm.

I laughed lightly at the picture of my best friend surrounded by her friends, already halfway drunk before the party even really started.

"Alright, we really gotta go." I said, putting my phone away and walking towards him.

His eyes were soft as they watched me, with his usual cold gaze having been melted as I approached his frame.

Without even thinking about it, my hands reached out and smoothed his shirt, letting another genuine compliment sneak past my lips.

"You look very handsome." My voice came out as a whisper, watching his eyes gleam a bit from my praise.

"Really?"

"Really."

"I...picked out an outfit for myself. Like you said to." He followed up, unable to use his stoic nature to hide the hints of pride in his voice.

"And it looks very nice." I reassured sweetly, giving his chest a small pat. "You made a good choice. I'm proud of you."

I barely caught the small flush that rose on his cheeks, watching him look down at our shoes as he mumbled a little "Thanks."

Suddenly, my apartment felt cozier, and it had nothing to do with the layout, but rather Shouto himself, making me hum a bit dreadfully at all the noise and people we'd have to encounter soon.

"Mm. I don't even wanna go to the party now." I pouted a bit. "I'd rather just stay here like we did the other night. That was fun."

"Can we?" He asked genuinely, eyes immediately going towards the couch and tv.

For someone who was so difficult to work with in the beginning, he's certainly developed a habit of going with whatever flow I suggest now. It's cute.

But, as tempting as it was to ditch the party and stay in...

"I wish. But, Kai will kill me if I don't show up." I sighed, watching his brows barely raise.

"That's illegal, you know." He informed, voice sounding just a little lighter and more innocent.

I shook my head musingly and grabbed my bag, gesturing him towards the door.

"Thanks for the information, hero. Now let's get going."

*********

A/N: you guys can read way ahead on Patreon and also check out a few smuts of bad habits and also nsfw art with Lani and Shouto. Link to Patreon is in my bio - tier 4 and above receive these benefits.

Otherwise, see you next week!