Chapter Text
Being a university student was difficult.
Being a foreign exchange student in a new country was even more difficult .
Being a foreign exchange student in university during midterms was an absolute headache.
You were currently halfway through your first semester at The University of Tokyo, having moved across the world to complete your degree in international business in the hopes of working at one of the top companies there. At first, you had been an even mix of excited and nervous, but it had quickly faded away to just stress. You had adjusted to your new life well, but midterms were quickly taking away the excitement of this new experience.
It was currently 8:34 PM and you were typing away furiously on your laptop at Espresso Express, a coffee shop towards the back of the campus. It was considered a best kept secret, as most people weren’t even aware that it existed due to its location. The coffee shop was mostly filled with graduate students and the occasional professor looking for some respite from their crazy days. Currently, the shop was pretty empty, especially given the late hour. The shop was due to close at 10 PM, so you were hoping to get plenty done in the next ninety minutes.
The sound of bells tingling filled the air, signaling that someone new had walked in. Not even bothering to look up, you kept on with your midterm paper, looking over the paragraph you had just written for errors. You reached for your cup only to find it empty. Sighing, you grabbed it and went to ask for your third refill of the night.
Standing, you peered over at the counter and froze.
Your Intro to Business professor was standing at the counter, hands tucked into the pockets of his camel trench coat as he surveyed the menu. You allowed your eyes to rake over his lean form, studying the familiar features of his handsome face that you saw three times a week from 11 AM to 12:30 PM. A pair of heterochromatic eyes moved slowly as he continued to examine the menu. Your eyes traced the sharp curve of his jaw, moving up towards his shiny, soft hair. Swallowing slowly, you stepped aside as you waited for him to finish his order.
Professor Todoroki.
Upon taking his class, you did some research on him, especially since his class was overcrowded. He was the heir to Japan’s top manufacturing company, recently taking the leap and investing in technology and cryptocurrency. His father, Enji Todoroki, was notorious for his steadfast attitude and stubbornness when it came to making deals with other companies. Despite having three other siblings, your professor was chosen as the best to take the helm and was expected to take over when Enji stepped down.
He turned to look over at you then, the feeling of a pair of eyes on him pulling him out of his reverie. Flushing, you gave him a small nod before turning away. You overheard him order a white mocha latte with a shot of espresso before stepping aside. The two of you exchanged a look before you stepped up to the counter and asked for another matcha latte.
Returning to your table, you took a long sip of your drink before rereading your essay for what seemed like the millionth time. The sound of approaching footsteps and someone clearing their throat had you looking up.
“Excuse me. I’m sorry to bother you.”
Professor Todoroki was standing by your table, his white mocha latte in his right hand, his left once again tucked into his trench coat. Blinking, you gave him a slow nod.
“Er, yes, Professor?”
He studied you for a second before cocking his head and uttering your name.
“I knew I recognized you from somewhere. Fifth row, middle seat?”
You flushed. Being a creature of habit, you always sat in the same seat, and he had definitely noticed.
“Er, yes, that’s me.”
“I’m sorry to bother you. I noticed you’re very focused on your work but I’m in a bit of a dilemma.”
You nodded, gesturing for him to continue.
“I have some grading to do, but unfortunately all of the other outlets are taken.”
You glanced around the cafe. Even though it was empty, there were enough people to take up all of the outlets in the cafe. Glancing underneath you, you saw an outlet and slowly looked back up.
“I’m assuming you want to borrow this outlet?”
“Well, borrow, no. Use is the more proper word.”
Heat rushed to your cheeks again.
“Er, right. That’s perfectly fine with me, Professor.”
He nodded, giving you a quiet thanks as he slipped into the seat across from you. You quickly tried to gather your things to give him space before going back to your paper. From the corner of your eye, you saw him pull out his laptop and open it, long, slender fingers typing in his password. Taking another sip of your drink, you tried hard to focus on your paper.
“What course is that for?”
Startled, you looked up. Professor Todoroki was staring at his screen.
“Er, a general education course, Intro to Cultural Anthropology.”
He nodded, his eyes flickering to yours briefly.
“Not familiar with that one, unfortunately.”
“It’s a bit of a borefest, if I’m being honest.”
Your professor chuckled, the sound making you crack a small smile.
“I hope you don’t find my course boring.”
“O-of course not. I’m taking it for my major, so I find it far from boring.”
“Really?”
He leaned back in his chair, draping an arm casually over the back of it.
“So what made you choose your major?”
That question sparked a discussion that went on for the remainder of the cafe being open. You opened up to him about moving to Tokyo, about your dream job, about adjusting to your new life. He listened intently, his eyes never wavering the entire time. He commended you about making such a huge decision and congratulated you for doing well so far. You shyly thanked him, blushing as you looked at your screen.
“Er, if I’m being honest, I’m not sure what questions I can ask you that won’t pry too much,” you admitted sheepishly.
“Feel free to ask me anything. I’ll answer as honestly as possible.”
You asked him about his father, about what it was like growing up knowing he had a lot to inherit, about why he chose to become a professor. He was careful with his responses, putting up a wall as he spoke. He tolerated his father, he grew up with a lot of pressure, and he was trying to put off becoming CEO. Plus, his family made generous donations to the University, and he felt that he returned the favor.
Smiling, you thanked him before falling silent again.
You two continued on with small talk, cracking the occasional joke and asking the occasional personal question. Before you knew it, one of the workers came up to you two and let you know the cafe was about to close. The two of you packed up your things and walked out of the cafe.
An awkward silence fell over the two of you as you stood outside Espresso Express. You awkwardly kicked at the ground, trying to avoid his gaze on you.
“Thank you for letting me use the outlet. I really appreciate it.”
“Of course. Thank you for the conversation.”
“You’re welcome.”
You bit your lip. Despite the fact that he was your Professor, it had been . . . easy to talk to him. His cold exterior was just a disguise, one that he had learned to use since he was constantly in the spotlight. A part of you wanted to keep the conversation going but a small part of your brain told you it was inappropriate.
“Well, er, have a good night Professor.”
You turned to go but was stopped by the sound of your name.
“Let’s say, hypothetically, that I will be here tomorrow night.”
He reached up to rub the back of his neck awkwardly.
“And let’s say, hypothetically, that I will be here tomorrow in the hopes of us finishing this conversation.”
Your heart picked up in your chest.
“Well, if that’s the case then let’s say, hypothetically, that I will also be here tomorrow to finish working on my paper. Hypothetically, of course.”
A small smile tugged at his lips.
“Perfect. See you tomorrow. Hypothetically of course.”