"Tape Me Out Tonight" pt. 1
Pairing: Sero x Reader Rating: M for Mature (MDNI)
Word Count: 2,791
"When Mina gets fed up with Hanta Sero being the last single guy in the group, she takes matchmaking into her own hands—dragging him into a setup he never asked for. But what starts as a favor to get his friends off his back turns into a night that just might change everything."
This is my first Sero x Reader fanfic. I'm making it up as I go along so I don't know if I'll keep or scrap it later. Hope you guys enjoy!
"That's it. Emergency meeting—now!"
Mina’s voice rang through the apartment like a battle cry. The guys all looked up in unison, exchanging confused glances before instinctively following her into the living room. She flopped onto the couch with dramatic flair, eyes zeroing in on one specific black-haired individual.
"We're getting you a date."
Sero blinked. "Come again?"
"You heard me." Mina crossed her arms. "We’re getting you a date. I'm done trying to plan cute group dates with you constantly third-wheeling!"
Sero chuckled, leaning back against a chair while Denki plopped down beside him.
"So let me get this straight," Sero began, amused. "You're not doing this for me, you're doing it so you can plan double dates without me killing the vibe?"
"Exactly! Glad we're on the same page," Mina said without missing a beat, pulling out her phone. "Now, I’ve already compiled a list of potential candidates I think you’ll—"
"I’m gonna stop you right there." Sero held up a hand. "As much as I appreciate the thought, I don’t want to date another hero."
"Why not?" Denki asked, frowning as he glanced over at him.
Sero shrugged. "Too much work, not enough time. If we’re both out on patrol or busting villains, when do we actually get to see each other?"
Kirishima, now comfortably seated beside Mina, nodded in agreement. "He’s got a point. Unless you get lucky—like me and Mina—it’s hard to make that kind of relationship work."
Mina huffed, falling back into the couch cushions. "Okay, fine. If not a hero, then we’ll find you a civilian!"
Sero shook his head. "And have them constantly worried I’ll get hurt out there? Pass. That’s not fair to them."
Mina opened her mouth to argue, but Sero raised a brow and kept going. "Look, I’m happy. I’m not against the idea of dating, but I’m not desperate either. Besides, you and Kiri have Denks and Jiro to do your cute coupley things with."
"I wish," Denki groaned. "With how busy Jiro is, Mina can barely plan anything for the four of us."
"Which is exactly why," Mina stood up with renewed vigor, "I’ve called this meeting." She marched over and grabbed Sero’s hands with all the solemnity of a sacred mission. "I get that you’re cautious. Who isn’t? But out of our whole class—you’re the last single guy."
Sero laughed, but the sound was hollow. "Ouch. Way to twist the knife, Mina."
And yet… she wasn’t wrong. Most of Class 1-A had settled into their adult lives—successful careers, marriages, even kids. Hell, just last month, Mineta sent out wedding invites.
MINETA.
Sero sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he wandered into the kitchen. He yanked open the fridge, grabbed a Capri Sun, and sipped from it like he had something to prove.
"Fine," he muttered. "If it’ll shut you guys up, I’ll try."
Mina let out an ear-piercing squeal and clapped like she’d just won the lottery. "YES! Okay okay okay—first step: outfit. Second step: clubs!"
"Wait—tonight?" Sero blinked, crumpling his empty juice pouch and tossing it in the trash as Mina darted toward his room.
Kirishima and Denki exchanged a look, then trailed after her.
"YES, tonight!" Mina called from halfway inside Sero’s closet. "How else are you gonna have someone in time for this weekend?"
"...What’s this weekend?"
"Beach episode," Denki grinned like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Kirishima added, "Mina planned a beach trip—was supposed to be a group date with Denki and Jiro, but…"
"Babe canceled on me," Denki pouted.
"Yeah, Jiro had work."
"So!" Mina spun around, holding one of Sero’s tragically outdated shirts between two fingers like it was toxic waste. Her face twisted with judgment. "If we can get you a date tonight, you’ll have someone to bring to the beach this weekend!"
"Don’t worry, bro," Denki said solemnly, placing a hand on Sero’s shoulder. "I’ll be your third wheel replacement."
He even gave a proud thumbs-up.
Sero groaned. "Alright, fine. But if we’re doing this..." He stalked toward Mina, gently removing her from his closet like she was a cat caught in a cupboard. "I’m dressing myself."
"But—!"
"Honey," Kirishima chuckled, looping an arm around his wife’s waist and guiding her toward the door. "He’s a grown man. Let the guy breathe."
They shut the door behind them, leaving Sero standing in the middle of his room, staring at his chaotic mess of a wardrobe.
He exhaled deeply, rubbing his eyes. The last time he’d been on a date was right after graduation. She was a rookie hero—smoking hot, yeah—but they’d had nothing in common. It lasted maybe two days before they both ghosted each other.
If he was gonna do this, he was gonna do it his way. No fake charm, no showboating, no pretending. Just him.
After some quick rummaging, he pulled on a loose boho-print tee and a pair of baggy cargo pants. Chill, comfortable—him. He padded back to the living room, where the group was waiting.
Mina, now glammed up with fresh lipstick and eyeshadow that could stop traffic, took one look at his outfit and grimaced.
She said nothing.
Smart girl.
"So can I at least know where I’ll be suffering tonight?" Sero asked dryly as they left his apartment.
Kirishima’s SUV was waiting at the curb, and the group piled in, the energy buzzing already—at least for some of them.
From the front passenger seat, Mina twisted around with a gleam in her eye. "I've already mapped out four stops!"
"Four?" Sero echoed, visibly dying inside.
"First," she said, ticking points off on her fingers, "we hit Ace of Spades. It’s just starting to pick up, so there’s a good chance we’ll find you a date within the first hour or two. Then, if that doesn’t work, we head to The Rocket. It’s got a more chill vibe but a great variety of people. And if that doesn't work—"
"Breathe, babes. Breathe," Kirishima chuckled as he pulled out onto the road.
"Ugh, sorry, I’m just so excited!" Mina squealed, practically vibrating in her seat.
"That makes one of us," Sero muttered from the back.
Denki gave him a sympathetic glance. "Look, worst case? It’s just us hanging out. Four friends, grabbing drinks, staying up way too late."
Sero let out a soft laugh, nodding. Denki was right. Even if this turned out to be a total bust, he’d still get a night out with his friends.
Or so he thought.
Hours passed.
"I give up," Mina groaned dramatically, slumping over the table in their final bar of the night. Her voice was laced with tipsy defeat, slurred just enough to be endearing.
"It’s alright, Mina. You tried your best," Sero chuckled, patting her gently on the back as she melted into the booth.
"I just wanted to find you a hottie, a baddie," she whined. "You deserve loooove, too!"
"I’ve got plenty of love—from you guys," Sero said with a soft smile, keeping his hand on her back as she mumbled into the tabletop.
"It does suck, though," Denki added, nursing the last of his drink. "I really thought the second place was gonna be a jackpot. But seriously? The dating pool is just… empty."
"I swear, it’s 'cause of situationships," Kirishima chimed in, shaking his head like a disapproving dad.
"What do you mean?" Sero asked.
"These days, everyone just wants no-strings hookups. No commitment, no effort—just temporary connection," he said, leaning back. "It’s kinda sad. Romance is becoming extinct."
"Sero!" Mina suddenly lifted her head, eyes glassy but full of fire. "Don’t cry, Sero! I swear, I’ll find you someone!"
Sero snorted. "Thanks, Mina. You're a good friend."
She beamed at him, flushed and proud, then turned to Kirishima with renewed energy.
"Come! To the bar!" she declared, grabbing his hand and wobbling to her feet.
Kirishima laughed, steadying her quickly. "Alright, alright—I’m coming."
Together, they weaved through the crowd, her teetering in her heels while he guided her like a patient shepherd.
Sero watched them go, slouching a little further into his seat.
"...Yeah," he muttered. "Romance is totally dead."
“I wouldn’t say dead—just not thriving,” a soft voice cut through the haze.
Sero glanced up, feeling an unexpected warmth bloom in his cheeks.
You stood there—a waitress in a fitted black tee, jeans, and a green apron—smiling gently as you bent down to gather the empty glasses and bottles around the table.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to eavesdrop,” you said shyly, eyes flicking up to meet his. “But seriously, romance isn’t dead yet. Don’t lose hope so fast.”
Sero nodded, unable to look away. Denki raised a brow and smirked knowingly.
“Hey, can I get another?” Denki called out with a grin.
You returned the smile. “Sure thing, I’ll be right back.”
As you turned to leave, Denki waved his hand in front of Sero’s face. “Earth to Sero.”
“Huh?”
“Dude, you’re gonna catch a fly with your mouth open like that,” Denki teased.
Sero’s cheeks flamed red, and he blamed it on the alcohol. “Whatever,” he muttered, rubbing his chin.
He’d seen plenty of good-looking people tonight, but damn—he hadn’t expected to see someone like you.
“I know that look,” Kirishima announced, returning to the table with Mina, both carrying fresh drinks. He scanned the group with a grin. “Who is it?”
“The waitress,” Denki said, smirking. Sero shook his head quickly.
“No, shut up. It’s nothing,” he said, eager to change the subject. Honestly, he was relieved he hadn’t found anyone tonight—he’d been looking forward to going home and resting once Mina gave up. If she thought there was even a chance now, peaceful night was definitely out the window.
“What’s nothing?” Mina asked, eyes narrowing as she sat beside Kirishima, leaving the seat next to Sero deliberately open.
“Sero caught heart eyes,” Denki teased.
“I did not!” Sero lightly punched Denki’s shoulder. Denki yelped, rubbing it with a chuckle.
But it was too late.
“Seriously? Who?” Mina pressed. “What does she look like?”
“Denki says it’s the—” Kirishima began, but the waitress arrived just then.
“Here’s your order,” you said to Denki, setting down his drink. Sero silently begged Mina to stay quiet, but the knowing looks between her and him told him she’d already connected the dots.
“Anything else I can get you guys tonight?” you asked, glancing around the table before your eyes lingered on Sero. His brow lifted slightly, a goofy smile threatening to break free.
“Actually—” Mina started, and the smile immediately dropped from Sero’s face as he shot her a wide-eyed look.
“We’re good!” he interjected, nervously laughing.
“Um, excuse you,” Mina shot him a look that clearly said shut the hell up. He obeyed, though his heart was pounding.
You gave an uneasy chuckle, glancing between Sero and Mina, unsure of how to handle the sudden spotlight.
Mina, ever the charismatic extrovert, smiled sweetly at you.
“I was actually wondering—are you single?” she asked bluntly, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
You nearly choked on your breath, a faint blush creeping up your cheeks.
“I-I'm sorry?” you asked, shifting uncomfortably.
Sero had had enough.
"Oh man, Mina, you’ve had way too much to drink already, huh?" he said with a nervous laugh as he stood, scooping up her freshly poured drink. "I’ll just return this for you." He leaned down, narrowing his eyes at her in warning.
Mina only grinned wider, lacing her fingers together and resting her chin on them like she was watching her favorite soap opera.
Sero straightened and turned to you. "Mind if I go ahead and close our tab?"
"Sure! I’ll help you out at the bar." You gave a small nod and began walking, Sero right behind you, feeling like he’d narrowly avoided complete public embarrassment.
Back at the booth, Mina giggled, watching them go.
"Twenty bucks says he asks her out," she whispered.
"You kidding?" Denki slapped a fifty on the table. "Bro’s gonna flunk so hard."
Kirishima frowned. "Guys, we shouldn’t be betting on Sero’s love life." The other two gave sheepish looks, but then Kirishima smirked and dropped his own cash onto the pile.
At the bar, you slid behind the counter with practiced ease, fingers gliding over the touchscreen to bring up the group's tab. Sero rested an arm casually on the edge of the bar, watching you work.
"Sorry about my friend back there," he said, smiling. "She can be a bit—"
"Bold?" you offered, glancing up at him. He chuckled and nodded.
"Yeah, exactly."
You took his card and ran it through with a soft beep.
"It’s okay. Not the first time I’ve been asked that question."
"Yeah, I bet you get that a lot," Sero said, trying to sound casual.
"I'd say at least ten times a night," you said with a soft laugh, handing him back his card along with the receipt and a pen. "Just need you to sign here, please."
As he reached for the pen, your fingers brushed for the briefest moment—and something electric pulsed between you. You both paused. Your breath hitched, his hand stilled.
He cleared his throat, quickly signing.
"So, um..." He hesitated, then pushed forward. "Can’t say I’m not curious."
You raised a brow, intrigued.
"About whether or not you're single," he clarified quickly, his tan cheeks turning an adorable shade darker.
You couldn’t help the smile that tugged at your lips as you leaned forward across the bar, mirroring his position.
"Why do you wanna know?" you asked, voice playful but teasingly low.
Sero blinked, clearly caught off guard by your sudden closeness.
"Uh, well, I mean—" he stammered.
You giggled and leaned back slightly, deciding to let him off the hook—just a little.
"I am," you said, a sparkle in your eyes. "Single, that is."
“Oh, really? Cool, cool, cool.” Sero was fumbling—hard. He gulped, scrambling to figure out his next move. Should he just ask you out? Try to flirt? His palms were starting to sweat.
You watched him calmly, amused by how adorably off-balance he was. It was a refreshing change from the cocky guys who usually tried to win your attention.
“Uh, listen,” he began, his expression shifting to something a bit more serious. “What would you say to grabbing coffee tomorrow? Or, I mean, tea? Or whatever you like. If you’re up for it.”
A slow smile tugged at your lips. “Depends. Are you asking me out?”
Sero let out a breathy chuckle and gave a small nod. “Yeah. I am. Would you want to go out with me? Tomorrow?”
You paused. Your dating history was a disaster—burned bridges, bad decisions, and a self-imposed break that had lasted almost a year. But something about this guy—his nerves, his honesty, the way he looked at you like you were something rare—made you hesitate in the best way.
You picked up the pen he’d just used and scribbled something on the receipt.
“Here.” You slid it across the bar to him. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Before he could respond, a customer down the bar called for your attention. With a wink, you turned and returned to work.
Sero stared at the receipt.
On it was your name—your number—written in neat, looping script.
He blinked. Then blinked again.
"Holy shit," he muttered under his breath, a grin slowly spreading across his face. He clutched the receipt like it was a trophy, turning back toward the booth with the cautious excitement of a kid who just won a prize and didn’t want to jinx it.
Back at the table, Mina, Denki, and Kirishima watched him approach, eyes squinting like hawks on the hunt.
Sero didn’t say anything at first—just slid into the booth like nothing happened.
Denki raised a brow. "So…?"
Sero said nothing, just casually placed the receipt face-down in the middle of the table.
Mina was the first to snatch it up.
"OH MY GOD."
Denki leaned over to look. Kirishima let out a low whistle.
"She gave you her number?"
"And agreed to a date tomorrow," Sero said, trying very hard to sound cool and nonchalant.
"MY BOY!" Kirishima shouted, clapping Sero so hard on the back the poor guy nearly choked.
Mina wrapped her arms around him from the side. "I told you you were a catch, Hanta Sero!"
"Okay, okay," he laughed, prying her off. "Let’s just hope I don’t mess it up tomorrow."
"You won’t," Kirishima said confidently.
"You might," Denki added, "but at least you’re finally back in the game."
Sero looked down at the receipt again, his thumb brushing over the ink like he was making sure it wouldn’t disappear.
Maybe tonight hadn't been a total loss after all.
-- And that's what I got so far. I still don't know where this is gonna go or how long it'll be but here's this part at least. I hope you all enjoyed the read!
