Daichi opened the door for Shoto to walk out of the room first, courtesy of being one of the hosts of this year end's party. But he didn't mind showing this courtesy, he even felt like he was obligated to. But in a good formal way. Like how you would open a door for an old lady was slower than a snail when walking, and would still look back and tell you, 'thank you'.

Shoto whispered the same thank you Daichi would expect to hear from an old woman he opened a door for. Soft, gratitude underlying his tongue.

With a small glance over his shoulder, he stared back at the room he felt comfort in, he wished he could spend his days in there, with his grandfather once again. But that's when life tells you, it wasn't going to happen. The circle must continue. When your time comes, you can't escape that fate.

You might as well make the most out of living while you still can.

He followed after Shoto, beginning to speak again, "Not to pry or anything, but to stall some more time before we have to endure the big 'slightly' drunk crowd again- Want to get to know each other more?"

"Sure." 'I pretty much know all there is to you already... Which is creepy now that I think about it in a certain way. However- Learning something new about you, that nobody else did, was surprising...' Thought Shoto to himself, finding curiosity in his eyes, wanting to know more without pushing the boundaries Daichi had put up too far.

"Okay, soo... I don't go to school anymore. Once I started this career at 13, I switched to doing things online. Uhhh, about a year after that I pushed myself to finish school as fast as possible. Which was awesome cause now I don't have to deal with that and focus solely on music, but the migraines weren't fun or stressing myself out every hour of every day." Daichi laughed lightly, thinking back on that stressful time of his life. He didn't even remember sleeping, he would work in the studio for five hours, in between takes he would do schoolwork, once he got home he shoved food in his face, and did school well into the night. Wake up in the morning, do school, go to tell studio, and well, repeat. It was exhausting.

"You graduated school at... 14 or 15?"

"Just last year, so I guess just before I turned 15... I don't really remember, so much has happened since then." Daichi's smile irked downward into a frown, but he caught himself, pushing himself to smile so he wouldn't worry his friend.

"Anyways, what school do you go to?"

"Uh UA, I'm still a first-year."

"Awesome! I don't really pay much attention to the hero side of the world, but I have heard great things about UA. I'm glad that you managed to enroll in that school!" Daichi stated gleefully. Shoto softly smiled at his enthusiasm, a swell of pride in his heart forming. He was proud of himself... To be able to get this far in UA. He was recommended, one of them being his father's recommendation. At first, he felt he didn't deserve it, the praise of getting into UA. But now... He couldn't bear to tell Daichi that. He seemed truly happy for him.

"You don't pay attention to heroes?"

"Not really. I'm not really a fanboy when it comes down to it. I just see them as really advanced law enforcement, or like the government's trump card when things go to shit that they can't handle, if that makes sense." Shoto hummed, brows knitting together. Another thing he learned about Daichi that he didn't know beforehand...

"How about when you were younger?" Daichi shrugged, "Still didn't pay attention. I was more attentive in school and with my mom than anything else. I wasn't even in Japan when I was younger, younger. younger anyway." 'That's right.' Shoto blinked, a memory jogging in his head.

It was common knowledge that Daichi may be full-Japanese, however, he didn't live in Japan for the first 10 years of his life. He lived in Germany with his mom, aunt, and uncle. His uncle had married a German girl, who in turn came down with a nasty virus that just wouldn't leave her. They needed some extra help, so shortly after Daichi was born, they moved to Germany to help out their relatives. Daichi's father stayed in Japan to continue his work.

When Daichi was ten, he moved back to Japan, but nothing else was known as to why he moved back.

Shoto didn't press any further, tugging down at the cuffs of his sleeves as they walked by a few stragglers also making their way into the main room of the grand house where the party was taking place.

"What did you choose your hero name to be?"

"Just Shoto. Easy." Daichi smiled, humming in approval as a waiter passed by them carrying a cheese and cracker tray. He snagged a few crackers and slices of cheese, handing half of what he took to Shoto, not even asking him if he wanted any. "I like it. Especially during a fight or something, your teammates aren't focusing on trying to say the right name. Like, 'Hashbrown Extra' or something. They are used to Shoto cause it is your given name." Shoto snorted, covering up his laugh, "Hashbrown Extra?" Daichi giggled lightly, nodding.

"I couldn't think of anything else." Daichi defended, popping a piece of gouda cheese in his mouth, chewing quickly so he could continue speaking, "Plus no villain would expect someone to yell, 'Hashbrown Extra!' In the middle of a fight."

"That's your hero name then huh?" Shoto laughed along with him, nibbling on a cracker, content.

With a shake of his head, they entered the main room, the dark-haired male finishing off the cheese in his hand, "Nah. Mine would be simple like yours. And no, I do not plan of changing careers." He stated, pausing for a moment when he caught sight of G-Ma, mingling with the guests, in hand a glass of white wine.

"Soo... Just Daichi then?"

"Maybe, I could do my own spin on it so it isn't just my name." They made their way through the crowd, Shoto following after Daichi. Shoto didn't know what to do with himself as events like these, usually, he would follow his father around (it was sad, but he was usually the only one in the room he knew), and now he was doing the same to Daichi. But Daichi didn't seem to mind, unlike Endeavor did who quickly got annoyed with him and send him back to the car.

"There you are Daichi!" G-Ma exclaimed, ignoring the group she was talking to, diving her whole attention onto her grandson, wrapping an arm around him in greeting once again. "Hey G-Ma, I said I would be back before 12."

"Where were you at to be gone for so long?" She asks him, curious to know the answer. Daichi shrugged, not wanting to tell her that he was in her deceased son's office. "Not important. I did make a new friend though." Daichi gestured to Shoto, watching the boy's face heat up as the old lady's eyes shifted over to his form.

"It is nice to meet you! I'm Sato Hiroki, Daichi's great grandmother and head of the foundation. I hope that you are enjoying this event." She told him, offering her hand to him. Shoto smiled, nodding as he shook her hand. "Todoroki Shoto, likewise. The decorations are amazing here."

"Why thank you, we did a different spin on the decor this year." She blinked, her brain remembering the name, "A Todoroki huh? Is your father here with you?"

"He couldn't make it, hero duty."

"That's unfortunate, but the price heroes must pay. Please let him know I hope he has a good new year."

"I will."

"G-Ma, did all of the guests arrive?"

"From what I have seen yes, everyone has gotten here safely. It is getting home that will be a challenge for them. But- No drunk outbreaks have happened so far, unlike last year."

"What happened last year..?" Shoto's question went unanswered, but it was acknowledged, the two Sato's has just chosen not to speak more about it. It was a pretty bitter memory. Especially for Daichi who ended up having to clean the main hall, the library, and the in-home gym.

He shuddered at just the thought of it, but still cracked a smile for his friend.

"5 minutes till midnight ma'am." Stated one of the guests G-Ma was speaking to. G-Ma nodded, her blue eyes sparkling as she remembered the small bet she and Daichi made just hours before.

"Did you find someone, my dear?" G-Ma asked him with a playful smirk. Daichi's face flushed pink, not answering her as he looked anywhere but her. She left out a laugh at his embarrassment, briefly glancing at Shoto who looked more confused than his usual facade.

"Aww, don't worry, you still have 4.5 minutes left! It doesn't have to be right at 12! I will give you a few extra seconds since I am nice and I love you." She told him, ruffling up his dark fluffy hair. He swatted her hands away, rolling his eyes at her, "Yeah I love you too G-Ma, just- Don't try to block me in the room when I try to run away." G-Ma stared at him for a moment, a thought passing through her mind before she replied, "Oh never my dear! I'm not your cruel grandmother in a fairytale! Go on and show Todoroki to the drinks table, I don't care if you two drink alcohol tonight, but your father would have my head! So keep this a secret between us, okay?" Daichi tugged on Shoto's sleeve, getting him to follow him over to the table and away from the 64-year-old woman.

"Uh, she seems nice."

"She is, she just loves to tease me a lot of the time." Stated Daichi with a grin, letting go of his sleeve when they reached the table. "So do you want to drink? Like drink, drink?"

"I never had it before."

"Really? That's surprising."

"How is it surprising?" He didn't feel too awkward now that he wasn't around the older Sato, he was easing back into the comfortableness he had felt with Daichi.

"Been in this industry for two years, there is a lot the public doesn't see behind closed doors. A lot of idols or people 'famous' in general have had alcohol many times more than the usual young adult."

"You have had it before then?"

"Yeah because G-Ma had me try it. I don't like the taste, it feels and tastes like I just poured gasoline down my throat." Shoto winced at his words, opting to not drink any alcohol. Not yet anyway, he will wait until he is older when he will give it a try.

They instead got non-alcoholic juice drinks, Daichi chose cranberry- Shoto choosing strawberry lemonade.

It was about 3 minutes until the year was over.

They were surrounded by many, all of them giving their kind regards to Daichi or nods of acknowledgment. Shoto didn't mind to fade into the sea of bodies, but with Daichi's presence always beaming it was hard to. Him alone made anyone seem brighter and in a better mood. Maybe it was because of his music? The Sato name? It couldn't be, didn't seem like something so easy to point out. It appeared to be more complex than that.

He sipped his drink, Daichi chattering about as his emerald eyes were constantly looking at everyone who was around them, he seemed to be counting their heads.

"Are you counting?" Shoto asks. Daichi's gaze returned to the slightly taller boy, realizing that Shoto was staring at him the whole time. It had a small feeling blush on his face appearing, covering up his blush by taking a drink out of his cup.

"Yeah, I never got the chance to look at the guest list, so I wanted to know how many people are here in attendance."

"How many did you count?"

"Uhh, maybe 80? There is probably more that I didn't manage to count."

"One minute left till midnight!" Shouted someone within the crowd, multiple cheers arranging out filled with excitement.

"Oh, 20** is almost here."

"Not just almost, in about 54 seconds." Daichi chuckled at his reply, nodding before clearing his throat. A few seconds passed, leaving Daichi to think. He had been thinking about it for the past two hours, wondering who would be...

"Are you okay? You look worried." The idol cleared his throat, nodding, "Yeah I'm-" He stopped, eyelashes fluttering as he stared at Shoto, the boy before him looking concerned. Wondering what was on his mind. "Actually, can I ask for a favor?"

"Uh sure...?" He felt his heart skip a beat, seeing the rising blush on his face as the countdown began.

"Can you uh... Can uh be my- Ah!" He puffed out his cheeks in frustration, cheeks burning brighter, spreading down his neck and inflaming the tips of his ears. "... Do I have your consent for what is about to happen?"

"Consent? Are you going to scare me or something?" Shoto was at a loss, confused about what he meant. And yet, his heart pulled at him, bouncing in his chest, his palms getting sweaty. It took a reassuring smile from Daichi, who looked equally as nervous as he felt inside. He felt like Daichi could see right through him.

"Uh sure..?" His brows furrowed together, the countdown beginning.

"10!" The boys jumped at the volume of the sound the people yelled around them. Daichi turned around, searching where his grandmother was, spotting her at the foot of the stairs still, the big tv had been turned on to watch the ball drop. "9!"

"Come with me," Daichi told him, grabbing ahold of his hand before taking him to a part of the room that more away from everybody. He could feel his heart palpitating harshly against his chest, cheeks, and ears on fire, knowing what he was bound to do. Would gaining one from G-Ma really be all that bad?

Then he remembered she wouldn't let him live it down for the whole of new years.

"6!"

"Okay, okay, uh, sorry that I sprung this onto you out of nowhere I should have asked you this earlier-"

"5!"

"What, why? Are you okay Dai-" His words fell short as Daichi took their drinks and placed them onto the window sill behind Shoto. "I'm okay, I'm okay- Don't worry about me. Alright? Uh, yeah I'm pretty sure friends do this an hour after calling themselves, friends..." He muttered the last part to himself.

"4!"

"3!"

"Is it bad that I'm still confused about what you are going to do...?" Daichi shook his head, tossing his head back as he willed to whatever God there was that this won't cause any trouble for Shoto.

"2!" Daichi's gaze returned to Shoto's, the hetero chromic boy's breath hitching in the back of his throat. Why did he feel...

"1!" Only a second, into half a second. He couldn't back down now, he needed to follow this through. He felt like he had to.

"Zero! Happy New Y-!" Their voices are drowned out when Daichi held Shoto's head in his hands, pulling him to meet him halfway until their lips collided.

Consent...

Shoto didn't expect this.

Has he even ever had a New Year's Kiss before?

Has he ever... Had someone asked to kiss him? To have that thought run across their mind about him like that?

He felt like he was underwater, the sounds of cheering and welcoming people in the new year drowned out. The harsh thump of his head, the pulsing of blood being heard in his ears.

'Soft...' He found himself thinking, face flushing bright red.

Eventually, he eased his body, closing his eyes, resting his hands on top of Daichi's. If the pounding of his heart was any indicator, he was surely going to start questioning more of his sexuality when he made the trek home.

Daichi on the other hand wasn't as calm and collected as Shoto was. Even though he initiated the lip lock, he was having what can be easily put as- Gay panic.

He opened his emerald-colored eyes slowly, feeling the heat in his face as he pulled away, but keeping his hands on the sides of the boy's face. He was shocked at how bold he managed to do it. And with all of the celebrating going around in the room, no one noticed the flushing from head to toe boys, having shared their first kiss. That would result in a tight-knit friendship, but will always yearn for more than that.

Daichi took a step back, removing his hands from Shoto's face to hide the red blush on his face, the tips of his ears flaming hot, hidden by his dark hair. Shoto turned his head away from the other flustered boy, hiding his own face with his arm, embarrassed, and questioning his sexuality. He actually...liked the kiss.

The singer kissed him for New Year's... Yeah, that was going to take some time to process in his brain.

"S-Sorry..." Daichi muttered out in embarrassment. Shoto shook his head lightly, his heterochromatic eyes meeting Daichi's homochromatic ones.

"...It's okay. I wasn't- Wasn't expecting it..." Shoto replied back, feeling his heart rate still high up there, he could feel his watch buzz, casually turning his wrist to see what it was. His heart rate, '147 BPM' it was currently. Quite high for a resting heart rate... Unless it was caused by Daichi's actions.

He didn't comment about it out loud, hearing Daichi clear his throat to not make the aftermath more awkward.

"Happy New Year's, Shoto. I-I will understand if you don't want to speak to me anymore." Pain flared in his heart, ready to counterattack his words when Daichi's phone went off, buzzing, buzzing, and buzzing. Going off the handrails in his pocket.

He pulled out his phone, confused as he unlocked it. He reads the text, sighing heavily.

"G-Ma.." Shoto stands awkwardly in front of him, his cheeks still flushed scarlet. All of the fanfiction he read about him back in the day coming to mind, sending his heart soaring.

"Shoto?" He is pulled out of his stunned state by the teenage idol, meeting his gaze. "I'm sorry again for doing that. I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me." Daichi bows at him in apology, ignoring how cute he thought Shoto looked at the moment.

"I-Its alright." Shoto chokes out, covering his face with the back of his hand to hide his blush. He hears Daichi giggle, "Let me know if you ever want to be kissed by me again." He jokingly flirts with him just so he could see how much redder the boy could get, and wasn't disappointed.

"S-Shut u-up!" He states.

"Sorry love, can't, apparently I have some singing to do." Shoto feels his hand being pulled away from his face, watching how Daichi's green eyes glimmered like jewels. His heart pumped more ferociously in his chest.

"Uh, okay." He didn't know how else to answer that, gaining a smile from Daichi.

"Stick around! You might actually like my singing!" Daichi lets go of his hand to run off over to the front stage, passing by one of the waiters to grab a beverage, downing it quickly. Shoto didn't even know if Daichi even checked to see if there was alcohol in it, he just saw and grabbed it without a second thought.

"Happy New Year everyone! Let my voice be the first song you listen to this year!" States Daichi with a wide grin, feeling energized.

To Be continued