[An actual answer isn't necessary. The working of the other teen's jaw in an attempt to consider what words should come out of it say much more than the actual words that do and much earlier for that matter.

Shoto's eyes trail again and he draws in a deep breath, letting it out slowly before the word 'but' is snapping his attention back to the screen. It wasn't much of a 'but', however, at least his family wouldn't worry. In short fact, Shoto is damn sure that he's never heard one of them go off about being transported to a fakemom, shoved together with an animal and belittled by some asshat on the side of the road for not wanting to falcon punch his pet rat.

That's definitely something he would've remembered them saying in passing.]

I understand.

[Which is all he can muster for a few seconds.]

I'm glad you're here, at least. [Despite that it's obvious he's already unhappy he can't contact them. Maybe people not as nuanced in Todoroki-ese wouldn't know, but someone like Midoriya might have a fighting chance to know.] That a few others are and that no one back home is going to worry.

[Just them, here. To make sure that it's not dwelled upon, he quickly adds:]

One more question.
You're sure in your heart of hearts I should let this teacup try to fight a rat? You're certain?