Chapter Text
They had been knocking for the last five minutes.
The sound of soft knocks echoed in the four corners of Todoroki's room. His friends were behind the door, calling his name and telling him to open the goddamn door.
The incessant knocking was annoying to someone like him who hated redundant sounds, but he had no will to stand up and tell them to not mind him.
He understood their concern. How can they not be bothered when Todoroki's dorm room remained shut the whole day?
The moment he hit the sack the day before right after he arrived from school, he shut the door, only going out by dawn to bathe and eat. The only time he went out on Sunday was for breakfast, and after that, he was not seen going out of his room. He did not even reply in their group chat nor give any audible answer to the people outside.
Their concern was indeed understandable, but he needed to be alone.
They could never help anyway.
Ochaco's monologue outside was cut, replaced with Midoriya and Iida whining as if an outside force disturbed them. This time, strong, heavy and rapid knocks landed on the door.
"Oi, Half and Half! Open the fucking door!"
From the nickname and manner of speaking alone, he could tell it was Bakugou. Todoroki went back to his phone, staring at his wallpaper which bore the face of the very person who ran in his head. He was about to get his earphones when a warning growl resounded.
"If you don't open this door in five fucking seconds, I swear I will bust down your fucking door."
"Coming." He said flatly. The knocking stopped, and he nearly crawled towards the door due to laziness.
The moment he turned the knob, Bakugou barreled in, shutting and locking the door at Midoriya's, Iida's and Ochaco's faces.
"Shouto-kun, if you need us—"
"Scram the fuck off! I won't eat him!" Bakugou barked, successfully warding away their classmates. He turned his head and finally noticed how dark it was.
"You complain how dark it is but you won't open your lights." Light flooded Todoroki's room, making Todoroki squint at the brightness.
"What the…" The intruder gasped as he took in how messy the room was.
"The fuck, Icyhot?" A frowning Bakugou gestured to his rumpled futon, to which Todoroki replied, "I was lying down the whole day before you barged in."
"Okay, but what's that?" Bakugou pointed at the pile of uniform and used clothes at the corner.
"I will wash it tomorrow."
"We have school tomorrow."
"I have three other sets of uniform."
"Tch. When did you even get this messy?" Bakugou reached up for the red and white strands standing on all directions. Usually, they were parted perfectly in the middle, but it was apparent how his classmate was indeed on bed all day with how unkempt he was.
Todoroki winced at slight pain of having his scalp tugged as Bakugou fingercombed the tangles on his hair.
"I don't have the energy." He lightly pushed away Bakugou's hand, opting to go back to his futon.
"When did you have energy?" Bakugou scoffed, walking towards Todoroki's bedside. He sat on the floor, watching as Todoroki plugged in his earphones.
"Bakugou," Todoroki whined when said male unplugged the earphones from his phone. He turned to the other to glare but Bakugou's phone screen flashed before him.
"The fuck is this shit?"
"My tweets." Todoroki deadpanned as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"I am not dumb not to know that, Halfie. What I mean is what happened this time?"
He really should have softblocked Bakugou when he went private.
"'Why is it so cold?' Maybe you are sick because how the fuck is this summer heat cold?" Bakugou, who wore a black tank top and loose shorts, wiped the sweat from his forehead. Perhaps Todoroki was really sick because he was wearing a blue turtleneck and joggers while his aircon was not on at all.
Bakugou has been in his room for so many times that Todoroki was not bothered at all when the former turned the aircon on.
"You really have no knowledge about figurative language." Todoroki sighed, watching the other's every move.
"The hell you are saying?" Bakugou sneered. He stooped down to fold the pile of used clothes. He reached for the school pants first, pulling the outside part in. "What the fuck happened? Is it your maddening boyfriend again?"
"Correction. Ex boyfriend." As soon as the words left Todoroki's mouth, the garments fell from Bakugou's hands.
"Holy shit." The blonde was right beside him, red orbs blown in astonishment. "Seriously?"
A nod.
"Why?"
"He was caught for the second time."
It was known how Shiketsu High School followed traditional rules, such as the no dating policy. As far as Todoroki knew, Yoarashi's junior overheard Yoarashi talking to Todoroki on the phone and told her friends, who then spread the news. As it was the second time, the school phoned his parents who were nothing short of disappointed with him. Yoarashi was adamant not to disclose Todoroki's identity, and whether it was because he wished to protect Todoroki or to conceal his sexuality, Todoroki didn't know.
All he was aware of was how Yoarashi broke up with him through a call the other day.
This is for the best, Todoroki. Those were his last words to Todoroki before the line went dead. Since then, Yoarashi did not answer any call or message from him.
Of course, Inasa would choose his dream over me. That's what normal people do. The thought alone was what hurt Todoroki the most.
It was not his ex's fault to choose to live his own life not including the cold guy he chased after an entire sem who became his lover.
It was never Yoarashi's fault to be so lovable that Todoroki began seeing him as the entire universe.
Todoroki never planned to disclose the news to Bakugou, his only friend who knew that he was dating, another male on top of that. He never wished to tell him, for he knew how the blonde would celebrate in exhilarating joy and see it as an opportunity to enter his heart.
Perhaps three years of knowing Bakugou was not enough, for Todoroki never expected the other to ask for Yoarashi's number and dial him himself.
"Answer… answer you twat," Bakugou hissed under his breath as he called for the umpteenth time. The number you have dialed is either unattended or out of coverage area echoed in his ears all over again that he nearly threw his phone.
"He probably turned his phone off or changed his number," Todoroki remarked.
Bakugou gave up with calling, opting to message him in their group chat that was formed during their provisional classes two years ago.
As it was long since the last conversation transpired in that group chat, it was no surprise that Yoarashi left long ago.
Bakugou went for direct messaging but then, no answer. "If he really changed his number, why were you still calling him?"
"He won't answer my messages."
"Why would he answer if he already threw you away?" The words stung, but Bakugou was right.
Bakugou always said the right things that often enlightened and woke Todoroki up.
This situation was no different, only that it was Todoroki's choice to keep his eyes close.
"I know. I just want to try."
"Until when? Until he files a restraining order for you to just fuck off?"
Todoroki simply stared at Bakugou, his morose orbs empty.
"So stubborn," Bakugou hissed. He leaned by the wall and fiddled with his own phone.
Todoroki turned to the side not facing Bakugou. "Says the one who wooed me for like… one and a half years?"
"Shut the fuck up you pining bitch." Bakugou kicked Todoroki's ass who winced at the action.
"Ouch."
"You got any problem with me pursuing you before, hah!?"
"No."
"I do not plan to take advantage of your situation." Of course Bakugou could read his mind. When did the blonde fail to read him anyway. "You better fix that malicious and rotten single braincell of yours lest you want me to make your head explode."
"Like you can do that."
"One more fucking word you smartass cunt."
"Why are you here anyway?"
"It's a pain in the ass to see you being like this everytime shit happens to you and Baldy."
Todoroki never minded when Bakugou sauntered in his room as if he owned it. He even enjoyed his presence despite their usual bickering and the little gap they had when Yoarashi became his boyfriend since last sem. In fact, he appreciated Bakugou's efforts to reach out to him.
However, Todoroki knew that he was being unfair to Bakugou.
He broke Bakugou's heart by choosing someone else.
Allowing Bakugou to distract him from the heartbreak he was suffering was not right.
"Then don't look at me. Just let me be."
"You think I don't want to do that, huh? If I can, I would."
"Why can't you?"
"Why, can you bear witnessing Baldy suffer without you doing anything?"
"I…" I can't.
The thought of not being able to do anything for Yoarashi hurt Todoroki.
Perhaps, Bakugou felt the same. Helpless.
Perhaps Todoroki's heart clenched at the thought of Bakugou silently hurting because of him.
"It must have been great if I fell for you instead, Katsuki." Todoroki thought out loud. He rolled on his stomach and looked at Bakugou who stopped scrolling to stare at him. "Might have been a win-win for the two of us."
"Hah!" Bakugou smirked when the meaning of the words registered. Todoroki could tell that there was a sad gleam in the blonde's red orbs. "Good that you know, Half and Half. I would parade you around if you wanna. I'm not like that gigantic Baldy who has no balls."
That elicited a chuckle from Todoroki. "You're right." He believed Bakugou would really do that. Bakugou was several centimeters shorter than him, yet his confidence, ego and bravery made him stood taller than anyone else.
Todoroki wondered why he didn't love Bakugou instead.
Bakugou's hand planted on the floor, muscled arm flexing as he rose on his feet. Todoroki felt disappointment welling in his chest knowing that Bakugou would leave.
"Oi, I will cook for a while."
"Isn't your turn on Tuesday?"
"I don't care about those turns. I will cook whenever I want." Bakugou picked up the entire heap of Todoroki's used clothes before heading to the door.
Before Todoroki could think of a proper response, the door already slid shut.
Exactly two hours after Bakugou left, loud knocks resounded again.
"Half and Half! Open the door. This is too heavy!"
Heavy? Todoroki paused the clip of a cat cuddling its friend. He ran to the door and made way for Bakugou who carried a tray of food. For Bakugou to be patient enough to balance everything from first floor to fifth floor without throwing anything was indeed a feat, considering his short fuse.
"That hurt like a bitch." Bakugou complained as he laid the tray on the chabudai. He flexed his biceps that ached from the need to balance the tray. Two sets of bowls, chopsticks, spoons, cups, servings teriyaki salmon, stir fried vegetables and soup, a plate of rice, a big bowl of mouthwatering soba and a pitcher of green tea were indeed a chore to carry.
"This is why I hate it when those extras are in charge." Bakugou grumbled as he placed the food on the table. "Teriyaki salmon and stir fried vegetables only? Really? I could cook these shit when I was a sixth grader."
"Katsuki."
Said male understood Todoroki's inquiring gaze. "I will have dinner here. It's too loud downstairs."
"You don't have to do this."
"Shut up! Who said I am doing this for you?" Bakugou said while putting rice in one of the bowls and handed it to Todoroki. He placed the plate of teriyaki salmon in the middle and started slicing the piece facing Todoroki.
Bakugou continued his scolding. "You won't go down for dinner again then you would wake up at dawn just to eat shit heated by your quirk. Tch. If we team up on exercises again and you go flailing weakly, I would really kill you."
"Thanks… wait, where are the bowls for the soba?" Todoroki asked as he poured water in their glasses.
Bakugou pushed the big bowl of cold soba towards Todoroki while looking at the side. "That's yours."
"...this is what you cooked, right?"
"Just shut your trap and eat!" Bakugou furiously munched on his bowl of rice and salmon, the tips of his ears red.
Todoroki's lips curled behind his chopsticks as he took a mouthful of soba. "Same great taste."
A pink tint graced Bakugou's cheeks. "Of course. I know it like the back of my palm."
How can Bakugou not know it when he surfed the net and asked Fuyumi and his own mother for recipes and tried them one by one until he perfected cold soba?
"This one tastes nice." Todoroki gestured to the clear onion soup. "Who made this?"
Bakugou gestured to himself. "I used mushroom broth. It isn't that fresh but yeah."
"That's why. The flavor is unique, in a good way." Todoroki hummed around his spoon, loving the taste. "Thanks, Katsuki."
"I don't need your gratitude. Just eat." Bakugou's words held no bite. He gulped his soup straight from the bowl and Todoroki smiled.
As much as the food was delish, he really couldn't eat much. It seemed his stomach was being uncooperative, only accepting small amounts of food despite not eating lunch and snacks.
"Katsuki." Todoroki pointed at the leftover rice on the serving plate and the half of his salmon. Bakugou cocked a brow in question and Todoroki glanced at the food before nodding.
"Fine. I'm hungry anyway." Bakugou scooped the remnants of rice and salmon. He peeked at Todoroki's nearly finished soba, half full rice bowl and empty soup bowl. "Finish that."
Todoroki nodded and took small bites. He noticed Bakugou taking a look on his phone every now and then and swiping it right after reading.
"What's that?"
"Reviewer." Bakugou answered through a mouthful of rice.
Cute. "For?"
"Midterms."
"Isn't it too early? That's like two weeks away."
"I need to beat Pony Tail and Four Eyes. Tch. We have last two sems before we graduate and I gotta taste first place again. Besides, those extras especially Pikachu and Racoon Eyes would bug me for study sessions again. I should already know what to drill in their bird brains by the time they ask me."
"I see." Could Bakugou be cooler than he already is?
"You joining?"
"Depends on the sched. You know, I gotta study with the others."
Bakugou murmured grumpily as behind his cup. "Deku again."
"Not just him. Iida and Ochaco too."
"Like I care."
"Bakugou, they are my friends."
"Yeah, I know."
Todoroki took one last slurp of his soba. "If you are not busy tomorrow, let's study together."
"Call. You got any problem with our lessons?"
"Modern Japanese. I have some problems with character reading and writing."
"Ah. I will try to see what I can do. Teach me the geometric formulae, especially the parabola one."
"Okay. I also have some of Yaoyorozu's notes. Let's see if they may help."
"Send them."
"Sure." Todoroki reached for his phone, fiddling with it. "Sent."
"Thanks."
They finished eating, with Todoroki about a few minutes behind. His stomach ached a bit from so much soup but at least he felt sated.
"Thanks for the meal, Katsuki." He gathered everything and placed them on the tray but Bakugou grabbed the tray.
"Wash the dishes next time."
In all honesty, Todoroki has zero energy to go down. "Thank you."
"You owe me." Bakugou stood, carrying the tray. He frowned when he saw Todoroki lying down. "The hell are you lying down again?"
"Trying to sleep."
"Gross! Get your ass up and brush your damn teeth." Bakugou chided, clucking his teeth.
"Oh, right." Todoroki completely forgot. "I'll follow."
Todoroki spaced out again that he forgot to follow.
It was no surprise that Bakugou came bursting in his room minutes later. "What the fuck, Shouto! I was waiting downstairs you bastard!"
Todoroki did not even flinch, face buried on his pillow.
"Oi, oi, oi." Bakugou poked Todoroki's leg with his foot. "Get up. I don't have all day."
Todoroki blinked in surprise when he saw Bakugou with an empty basin and two tall glasses of water. "Oh."
"Don't 'oh' me. Sit the fuck up." Bakugou laid the basin and glasses on the floor and proceeded to get Todoroki's toothbrush and toothpaste from his kit. He spread the toothpaste on top of the brush and handed it to Todoroki.
Todoroki felt a bit self conscious seeing how Bakugou was intently eyeing him as he brushed his teeth. "Stop looking."
Bakugou diverted his gaze to the side, resting his chin on his palm as his other hand tapped the wooden floor. Todoroki went on with brushing, rinsing his mouth and brush before putting toothpaste again and brushing his teeth for the second time.
"How can you even clean your teeth like that?" Bakugou commented, apparently stealing glances, and Todoroki might have been really too sluggish that Bakugou got irritated and slapped his hand away.
Todoroki's eyes were blown as Bakugou firmly yet gently held his chin and took hold of the toothbrush.
Bakugou brushed Todoroki's teeth, and the latter felt his face heating up with how close Bakugou was and how his eyes were glued on Todoroki's mouth.
"So burdensome." Bakugou murmured, forehead creased.
Todoroki answered in monotone when he spat in the basin. "I didn't ask you to do this. Stop if you are tired of me."
"Did I say that I am tired?" Bakugou flicked his forehead, earning him a flick on his arm.
After they were done brushing, Bakugou threw the glasses in the basin. He made a move to stand, only to flinch when a hand pulled on the hem of his top.
"What?"
"Will you go to sleep already?"
Bakugou's eyes flickered to the bedside clock. It was ten minutes shy of eight o'clock, exactly forty minutes before Bakugou's bed time.
"Nah. I slept long last night."
"Ahh." Todoroki nodded. He retracted his hand and avoided Bakugou's knowing gaze.
"I will be back." Bakugou declared. Todoroki found himself nodding along.
Bakugou acted as if it was easy, but it wasn't.
He knew zero shit about dealing with people especially those who were vulnerable like the Todoroki he had been dealing with the entire day.
Todoroki was someone with good control of his emotions unless a switch was flipped. Knowing him for three years, Bakugou could tell that the switch was either Endeavor or any one dear to him that was in danger. From the time Yoarashi started courting Todoroki, the time they became together until their recent breakup, he became a vital part of Todoroki's life.
A level-headed Todoroki being self-destructive almost every time they have a disagreement or falling out was proof of that.
This was the worst though. Usually, in those phases, Todoroki would release his anger through battles or talking to Bakugou but this time, he was shutting out everyone and had no will to function properly.
Bakugou needed to watch after him, lest he wanted Todoroki to go back to being the ice cold bastard he was or a lifeless sack of anger, resentment and sadness.
Fuck Baldy. Fuck Shiketsu. Fuck the system.
Fuck himself though, for not being able to raise Todoroki's spirits.
Fuck him for not being enough, for not being suitable to be chosen by Todoroki.
If only Todoroki ended up with him, this problem would certainly not exist.
Bakugou's blood boiled as soon as he opened the door ajar to Todoroki's room and heard his broken voice mingling with a conflicted one.
"Shou… Todoroki," a voice echoed from the speaker of the phone, which was apparently Yoarashi's. "Please. Stop this. Stop contacting me."
"Do you hate me that much now?" Bakugou's heart clenched at how small Todoroki's voice was.
"You know that it isn't the case, right?"
Despair laced Todoroki's words. "Didn't you tell me before that you will give whatever I want? All I want is for us to hold on and wait. Graduation is just a few months away. That is such a short time. I can wait."
"This isn't just about the dating ban." The other answered. "Yes it was the trigger for this breakup but Todoroki, think."
Todoroki is thinking. Always.
"Our relationship is not a usual one."
Yes, it isn't. Why are you thinking of that now?
"If we continue it, then what could possibly happen to us?"
Shut up. Shut up, Baldy.
"Since I was young, I dreamt to be a hero."
I also dreamt. Todoroki did too, but we spew no bullshit like you are doing now.
"I cannot not only risk being expelled, but our future careers as heroes…"
Shouto, turn the fucking phone off.
"...should also not be risked. I also cannot risk my family kicking me out just because of you. I love you, but — "
Fuck you. Bakugou burst in the room, marched to Todoroki, grabbed the phone and turned the call off.
"Katsuki!" Todoroki screeched through gritted teeth, reaching for his phone from his kneeling position.
Bakugou who was standing raised it so high, keeping it out of reach of his classmate.
"Give me my phone!" Todoroki desperately tried to reach for it, attempting to drag Bakugou down or stand on his shaky legs but to no avail.
Bakugou noticed Sero and Sato passing by. The duo paused, shock written on their faces as they witnessed Todoroki being helpless, as if on the verge of breakdown.
"Shut your fucking traps and stay the fuck away from this!" Bakugou growled, stalking to the door. The two ran in fear, for it was long since they saw Bakugou that enraged.
Bakugou locked the door with his free hand, and this time, Todoroki was standing shakily in front of him.
"Give it back! This is the first time he answered my call, damn it! Bakugou!"
"Are you stupid!?" He yelled on Todoroki's face, paralyzing the other. "Isn't it fucking clear!? He is retching you out! He is not going to choose you! He does not fucking want you in his life anymore! What more do you need to hear for you to stop torturing yourself!?"
Todoroki wordlessly sank to the floor, head tilting up to gaze at Bakugou with his lifeless orbs. Tears welled up from his eyes, silently gushing in endless streams. He bit his lip, as if suppressing a cry, and he let his head hung low, defeated.
Bakugou was right.
Yoarashi made it clear, and Todoroki understood.
Being a hero was more important to Inasa.
His family is more important than me.
I would just be a hindrance to him living a normal life.
Inasa does not need me anymore.
The weight of his world being shattered to pieces was too much that he did not mind his friend answering the ringing of his phone.
"Shouto—"
Bakugou hissed to the phone. "If you really love him, there are no 'buts.' No fucking excuses. Nothing above him. If you really love him, you would fight for him."
"Hello? Who is this?"
"What did you dare say? You can't risk your dreams and family JUST for Shouto? Could you fucking hear yourself, hah!? Is there no single functioning brain cell left in that head of yours?"
"...Bakugou?"
Todoroki's arms found its way around Bakugou's legs, wrapping around them and patting his thigh as Todoroki heard how torn and enraged he was. "When you snagged Half and Half, you struck a gold mine, you dunce. Honestly, I have no fucking idea what he saw in you. You are a mere imbecile simpleton who thought the world was all rainbows and unicorns and passion, and besides your quirk and height, you are nothing to me. But what? You pursued him and he fell for you. He was happy with you, and you would do this to him?"
Even without seeing his ex, Todoroki knew that his face was hard, eyes ice cold as his words reverberated from the speaker. "You don't know anything. I would appreciate it if you do not meddle."
A hollow chuckle. "Hehe, I know nothing? Maybe I don't know all the bull crap that happened between you two but all I know is how much of a moronic douche you are letting Todoroki go. In the first place, you should have not pursued him if you plan to live a normal life as a hero."
Yoarashi was speechless.
Bakugou's voice descended into a dangerous, warning tone. "Do him a favor. Block him and completely cut communication if you have no plans to get back with him."
A long pause. "...Shouto, I am sorry."
Venom laced Bakugou's last lines. "Remember this, Baldy. What you threw away, I would cherish. I swear you can never lay your hands on Todoroki again."
Bakugou turned the call off. Great, he allowed his emotions to get the best of him again. He made a scene that would probably be the topic of the conversation downstairs, meddled with Todoroki's personal affairs, and made an embarrassment of himself by spilling his honest feelings.
Fuck feelings. He peered down Todoroki who he expected would lash out on him, stab him with ice and burn him to death. He was surprised to see him already wrapped around his bottom half, like a cat clinging on its owner.
"Oi, Shouto." Bakugou peeled the arms around him, only for tear-stained Todoroki to raise and spread his arms to his direction.
Bakugou lowered himself and awkwardly wrapped his arms around Todoroki. He was immediately engulfed into a bone-crushing embrace and tears wetted his top.
"It hurts, Katsuki," Todoroki whispered to his chest.
Indeed, it does. Bakugou's throat constricted at the pain in his own chest.
Seeing you like this hurts.
He rubbed Todoroki's back in soothing circles and pulled him closer until there was no space between them.
It was nice to hold Todoroki, his other half cold and the other warm.
It was heartwarming to see Todoroki embracing him as if he was his sole lifeline.
It was comforting to be able to cradle the person he treasured in his arms.
Still,
It was infuriating to be aware of the reason why Todoroki was like this.
It was distressing to see him being a vulnerable and shattered mess.
It was heartwrenching to know how he was embraced, yet the other was thinking of somebody else.
They stayed like that for what seemed like hours. Bakugou internally winced on how his legs were sleeping, but in case this would be the last time he could hold Todoroki, he muttered no complaint.
"Katsuki." Bakugou knew he was doomed with how his heartbeat raced just by the manner his name rolled down the other's tongue.
"Oh?"
Todoroki gazed at him with his swollen orbs. "Aren't you sleepy?"
"...I would get my extra futon."
A head shake. "No need. You can rest if you want."
Bakugou raised a brow. "No. What if you jump down your damn window?"
There was that blank look directed at him. "You know I won't do that."
"Don't you want me here?"
Perhaps Todoroki cried too much or Bakugou was just seeing things when a crimson tinge graced the former's features. "I-I do."
"Then just wait for me." Bakugou braced himself on his foot, only to lightly slap the other's cheek when Todoroki's arms remained glued around him. "Oi, I can't move."
Ten seconds passed before Todoroki willingly peeled his arms off. He let out a choked gasp when arms scooped him up and laid him on his futon.
Bakugou went out, the door left ajar that Todoroki could hear him yelling at someone to "stop meddling!" Moments passed before a bunch of green, curly hair peeked through the gap. "Shouto-kun? Did you fight with Kacchan?"
Maybe Midoriya was on their floor to check up on him. He really was blessed to have such great friends. "We are okay."
Midoriya's forehead scrunched in apparent disbelief. "You sure? Didn't you two… have a fist fight or something?"
Todoroki shook his head, a weak smile on his lips. "We didn't."
"If you say so." Midoriya let half of his body in. "We have no idea what is happening but if you need us, don't hesitate to seek us, okay?"
"Thank you." Todoroki's smile grew into a genuine one. Midoriya seemed to have something more to say when he was yanked away from the door.
Bakugou stood, panting, a folded futon on his shoulders. "Out of my way, Deku!"
"Ka-Kacchan?" Midoriya's eyes widened as he saw the futon Bakugou was carrying and laying inside. He looked at Todoroki who just made a hushed gesture with his forefinger and pursed lips. He opened his mouth, only for Bakugou to slam the door shut to his face.
"Why do you have a futon besides your bed?" Todoroki asked once Bakugou turned the switch off and flopped down on the bed. Todoroki turned his phone's torch on, illuminating the room.
"None of your business." He rested his head on his folded arms as he laid down and threw a thin blanket on top of him.
"Katsuki." Todoroki turned to the side, facing Bakugou.
Bakugou side-eyed him. "Oh?"
"I'm sorry."
Bakugou turned to his direction. "For?"
Todoroki paused, seemingly hesitant. He took a deep breath before opening his mouth. "Maybe you are thinking that I am using you to get over Inasa."
Bakugou reached for his forehead, lightly slapping it. "You won't do that. Even if you do, I don't mind."
Todoroki blinked as he rubbed his forehead. "Katsuki…"
Bakugou heaved a sigh. "Oi, Halfie. I already told you before, right on the day you told me to stop pursuing you because you have a boyfriend that I am willing to wait for you." Bakugou seemed embarrassed by the manner he diverted his gaze to the side and scratched his head. "As long as there is no ring around your finger, I am here."
Upon hearing those heartfelt words, Todoroki could not help the request threatening to spill from his lips.
"Katsuki."
"What again?"
For once, Todoroki wanted to try.
For once, he wanted to indulge.
For once, he wanted to be selfish.
"Can I hold your hand?"
Even a mere touch, even just for a night, was all Todoroki thirsted for.
Bakugou could not heal him, but even just his hand could give him the comfort he needed.
"You sure that it is all you need?"
With Bakugou giving him such an open invitation, Todoroki could not refuse.
He found himself scooting closer to Bakugou. He threw his own blanket on top of Bakugou's, went under the sheets and draped the warm half of his body on top of him. He rested his face on Bakugou's chest and clung on his top to reassure himself that he was there.
"It's fucking summer. Tch." Bakugou reached for Todoroki's phone, switching the torch off. He combed his fingers through the silky strands, pulled Todoroki closer and nuzzled the top of his head.
For once, Bakugou wanted to try.
For once, he wanted to indulge.
For once, he wanted to be selfish.
"Sleep. You had a long day."
"Yes. We have a long day tomorrow."