[In fairness, neither has Shoto. Romance was always the last thing on his mind--and he's not even sure this is romance, exactly. Just...he likes Izuku. He likes being around him. It feels nice, and holding his hand is nice, too, and more often than he'd likely admit he thinks about that time after the fox kidnappings when he'd fallen asleep hugging the other boy.

Maybe that's also one of the things that makes it easier, that it's Izuku. He understands that Shouto's first priority is and always will be being a hero. Helping people. It helps that Izuku feels the same way. And sure, maybe it's a little disappointing that the first thing he asks is met with the answer that's a little more ambivalent, but the rest makes up for it. It would be nice.

Lifting a hand to rub at the back of his neck, he looks away again, definitely a little embarrassed this time.]

I mean, it's not like I know a lot about it, either. I just know I like spending time with you. And if I'm going to try this kind of thing with someone, I'd want to try it with someone I feel comfortable with. So...?

[So maybe it can be???]