Archive of Our Own

🐇🐺

“Oh god, Aizawa-san is gonna kill me.” Izuku worriedly rambled on as he clumsily shoved the newly edited manuscripts into his yellow backpack. The ‘ All Might ’ designed wall clock was glaring at him, indicating Izuku that he was running late on his meeting with his department’s Chief Editor.

Izuku Midoriya was a simple shounen manga editor. The manga he’s currently handling was one of the popular manga in the market. It’s so popular that they release a new chapter every week because of the vast audience. 

Izuku quickly shoved a piece of toasted bread into his mouth, chewing it as fast as he can before he slipped on his trademark worn-out red sneakers. He prepared and grabbed his stuffed backpack, fully charged phone, and most importantly, his apartment keycard before he sprinted out of his unit.

7:57 AM , his watch pointed out, and a string of curses came out of his mouth. He’s never a big fan of cursing, but today was just not his day.

He hastily ran to the condominium’s elevators, hearing its familiar chime, which signaled that the elevator had arrived on his floor. 

“Wait!” Izuku shouted in mid panic, hoping that the person inside the elevator had heard him. “Please wait!”

A weary sigh escaped from his nose as Izuku entered the elevator and slumped his already tired body to its wall before the doors slid to a close. He's completely aware that he looked like a mess. Beads of sweat trickled down his neck, creating patches on his newly washed and ironed white polo, and he was even wearing his old and beaten black suit. 

He took a deep breath, wiped his sweaty forehead, and straightened his black-rimmed glasses. Then he heard a faint cough from his right, reminding him that he’s not entirely alone .

Izuku peeked at the corner of his eye, and he saw a pair of daunting crimson red eyes glaring back at him. It’s glaringly obvious that the man across him was scrutinizing his every movement. He swallowed the lump stuck on his throat and unwillingly shuddered, making his fight or flight lizard-brain starting to act up.

The man had slicked blonde hair, which helped to see his face better and more noticeable, a chiseled jawline, and straight thin lips. He’s wearing a crisp black suit, maroon red polo, and a black briefcase on his side. He exuded an intimidating aura and glared at Izuku like he already ruined his day.

“I’m sorry,” Izuku suddenly blurted out, his already flushed face turned even redder due to embarrassment. The hot blonde Adonis raised an eyebrow at him, and Izuku wanted the elevator floor to swallow him open and to escape the awkwardness. The elevator eventually chimed, and the doors finally slid open. 

Without sparing another glance at the frustratingly handsome blonde, Izuku hurriedly stepped out of the elevator. Izuku tried hard to concentrate throughout his whole day, but the blonde’s glorious features remained inside his head. It completely distracted him throughout the day. His best friend and co-worker, Todoroki Shouto, pointed it out to him during one of their breaks, making Izuku retold his friend about what happened that morning. 

Shouto, the nerve of him, doubled over with laughter and held on to the vending machine for support. Which was weird because Izuku had never seen him this amused before. Tears sprung out of his mismatched eyes and his broad shoulders a shaking mess, making the tip of Izuku’s ears red and his freckled face an even shade darker. 

“Sh-Shut up, Shou, it’s not funny.” Izuku protested.

“But it is, and it’s obvious you got starstruck because of your hot neighbor,” Shouto teased him. “You didn’t get his name, did you?” 

Izuku emitted another protest under his mouth. “No. You would never let me hear the end of this, wouldn’t you?”

“Nope.”

“Some best friend you are!”

“The very best.”

And that’s how his self-proclaimed tiny crush on his hot blonde neighbor started.

🐇🐺

The next time Izuku saw his blonde Adonis of a neighbor was when he was jadedly staring into the beaming city lights of Tokyo. A butt of a cigarette dangling on his cupid bow-shaped lips. He found himself stuck in a sombre mood, his cheek leaning onto his palm, his weary body leaned towards the balcony to relieve the stress seething inside of him. 

He’s so tired and so done with everything, as it was that season where editor’s like himself felt undeniably restless. He’s barely catching sleep, dark circles already forming underneath his eyes. In short, Izuku looked miserable.

If his mother were still alive, there’s no doubt she would fuss over him. She’d scold him for not taking care of himself better. For smoking so much and eating unhealthy takeaways instead of cooking at home. But most probably, for behaving like a child despite being a 26 year old.

He puffed out a few more clouds of smoke and stared blankly into the picturesque Tokyo nightscape. But his short musings were interrupted by the harsh sound of sliding doors, indecipherable grunts, and a dog’s playful bark. 

He turned a curious eye to where the sound was coming from, making his head move towards his right, and lo behold, it was the hot blonde Adonis guy he saw a few weeks ago. And Izuku felt rooted to his spot, mouth agape and feeling starstruck, again . 

The greenette immediately removed and put out the butt of his cigar to the ashtray. Izuku tried to appear casual and not looked like a stalker or, even worse, a creep, which he was not.

[Zuku]: SHOOOUUUTTOOO

[Zuku]: Code red! CODE RED! 

[Zuku]: I saw him, again! Are our stars really aligned together?

[nasty soba]: What?!

[nasty soba]: wth, are you talking about?

Izuku ranted or more likely screamed (with all caps) at Shouto while trying to look occupied on his phone. His eyes, meanwhile, were sneakily darting glances at his hot neighbor. He even strained his ears to catch the blonde Adonis’ seductive velvety voice(which was a total killer). He tried not to pry too much on the conversation and focused solely on the blonde’s deep raspy voice, but he’s just a mere human being.

“Shitty Hair, I told you not to touch my case files. Do you fucking wanna die?” The blonde roared aloud, his voice booming like thunder that made Izuku shivered. He was wearing gray sweatpants and a tight-fitting black top that showed his well-built body, and Izuku discovered his burning desire to lean on the blonde’s meaty chest. Some people are honestly born special and lucky, making Izuku internally shed a tear.

The blonde Adonis was watering his potted plants, and Izuku thought it was kind of weird as it was nighttime but decided to shrug on it. He considered it a good thing that his neighbor's back faced him. It was a satisfying sight. 

Izuku raked his eyes all over the blonde's insane body proportions, using this opportunity to etch and transmit into the deep corners of his memory. 

But his ogling was instantly cut off by a pair of sweet brown eyes staring back at him, and the blonde’s fluffy-looking Pomeranian caught him red-handed. Izuku brought his pointed finger to his lips, gesturing a shush motion to the sweet-looking dog. But it seems the world had decided to conspire against him. The dog let out a loud series of bark, garnering the attention of his blonde owner.

“Wait, Shitty Hair, I can’t hear you. King’s being mischievous again!” The blonde scowled. He turned on his heel, and Izuku found himself gazing with blazing ruby red eyes. The blonde squinted and then looked away, fixing his attention back to the Pomeranian, and tried to calm it down.

Izuku’s heart started to beat like crazy as he felt that those minuscule seconds felt like a whole minute for him. In haste, he clumsily grabbed his phone and acted like he’s talking to a person on the other end.

“Oh my god, Shou, have you watched the new All Might film? The All Might’s Golden Age costume is so perfectly detailed, and have you heard that the producers are planning to have an All Might museum. That’s so insane!” Izuku comically blurted out like he wasn't redhanded a few minutes ago. He hastily grabbed his ashtray and went back inside the comfort of his unit, locking the sliding glass door and closing it with his cream-colored curtains.

He never felt he had aged this ridiculously fast as he slumped his body towards his couch. Placing the ashtray on the coffee table and reminded himself mentally to throw the ashes at the trash. Shouto was right; he was such a walking embarrassment. Izuku grabbed the extra blanket draped on the back of the couch and buried himself on it, completely ignoring his mountain of paperwork that he still needed to edit.

Izuku woke up the next day with an aching back and sore neck and reminded himself to buy some fluffy throw pillows for the couch. 

🐇🐺

The next time he saw the hot Adonis blonde was three months after the last time he saw him on the balcony. He learned that the blonde loves to open his balcony and stay around the area, watering his plants.  It became Izuku’s mission to hide his presence and be discrete as much as possible. 

He was glad that the blonde went out early during Saturdays, which was his laundry day. The whole setup was a challenge for Izuku, but he could still get a discreet peek at the blonde from time to time. It even went so far he was able to memorize his neighbor’s schedule.

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the blonde went home around 7:00 pm, while Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday were around 5:00 pm. There were some Fridays that his hot neighbor went home very late, which pertained he’s out with his friends, as he sometimes saw the Adonis wearing leather jackets and looking fine as hell.

But on the day, he decided to collect his mail at the lobby where the tenant’s mailboxes resided. Izuku quickly hid against the wall when he saw the familiar ashen spiky hair and his neighbor’s well-known hulking back from afar. His actions made him look even more suspicious.

The hot blonde Adonis was standing at the mailbox near to his. It fueled his intentions to hide even more as he waited for the blonde to finish his tasks. But the Adonis back figure was so distracting, as his black-sleeved polo perfectly hugged his muscular figure.

When the blonde started to move, mails residing on his large hands, he walked towards the wall where Izuku was hiding. Izuku swiftly turned to the other direction and waited until the blonde finally entered the elevator. When it did, Izuku strode his way to his mailbox. He decided to look up at the numbered unit above him. He found out his neighbor’s name, and it sounded so beautiful upon his lips, Bakugou Katsuki .

A victory smile curled up to his lips as finally , after grueling months, he had a name on this particular hot blonde neighbor.

🐇🐺

Izuku’s back was killing him as he waited for the elevator to arrive on his floor. Every day was a struggle as the manga he was editing had reached the climax of the whole series, raging war between the villains and the protagonists. A lot of family secrets were being revealed right in the middle of the chaos. The ding of the elevator broke Izuku from his reverie. He quickly took out his All Might designed card case where his keycard resided and marched his way down the corridor toward his apartment.

But a resounding echo of rough grunts and an angry blonde kicking the wooden door greeted him. Izuku got alarmed, and it’s already this late. His blonde neighbor was creating a commotion, but at the same time, he got worried and began to wonder what had caused the blonde in his current predicament.

The blonde looked like a feral wolf wreaking havoc in front of his apartment’s door as he let out a string of curses in frustration. Izuku wondered if he should call for their landlord’s contact number, but when he was scrolling down in his inbox. He remembered that Gran Torino had notified them that he would be out of the country for two weeks. He internally clicked his tongue and inhaled a large amount of air, gathering his courage to approach his blonde neighbor.

You can do this, ‘Zuku!

“Um, are-are you alright?” Izuku awkwardly asked, a wobbly smile present on his freckled face, his hand tightly clenched at the sleeve of his yellow backpack. The blonde averted his piercing crimson eyes onto Izuku's, making the greenette flinched like a startled bunny as the other watched his every movement.  

“Isn’t it fucking obvious that I am not?” His blonde neighbor growled. Izuku felt his hands twitching and turning clammy. He knew that the other was just frustrated and having a bad day for being locked out of their apartment.

“I-I’m sorry, it’s just,” He cried out, a familiar burn pricking from his eyes. Izuku balled his fists and tried to maintain his composure. “ I want to inform you that Gran Torino was out of the country in case you didn’t receive the notice.”

“WHAT!” His neighbor roared, making Izuku flinch again. “Fuck! Can’t this day get any worse!” The blonde groaned, angrily ruffling his spiky tufts of hair, making them more disarray.

“I’m sorry.” Izuku blurted and bowed down in apology.

The blonde let out a tired sigh and told Izuku that it was nothing. 

Stifling silence surrounded them as Izuku made his way in front of his door. But a part of him hesitated to open the door, his scarred hand holding the door’s handle. Izuku shut his eyes and counted from 1-10 and turned around facing the blonde, his lips parted, trying to get out the words from his mouth. 

“Do-Do you have anywhere to go?” Izuku worriedly asked, his hands still fidgeting. “You-you can stay-”

Only to be interrupted by the blonde’s ringtone, the latter roughly answered the call with an annoyed expression evident on his chiseled face.

“So, now you have chosen to contact me, Shitty Hair!” The blonde chillingly said and tightly gripped the edges of his phone. Izuku prayed for the person on the other end’s safety.

“-bro am sorry, it seems I lost your keycard.”

“WHAT! WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK, EI!” The blonde groaned and pinched his arched nose in frustration. “Have you thoroughly checked every nook and corner of your apartment?”

“Yes, yes, Kats, I did. But it’s nowhere to be found. Shit, this is not so manly at all. Bro, I am sorry for losing it. I-I’ll try to replace it. How much is the cost? I’ll compensate.”

The blonde let out another weary sigh. “Don’t even bother about that. I’ll fucking kill you if I saw a single yen transferred straight to my account, you fucking understand.”

“Anyways, where will you stay? You can crash here at mine and Mina’s place.”

“Hell no, no fucking thanks! Just make sure to not overfed my dog, Shitty Hair!”

“Roger, Kats! So, where will you stay for the night?”

Izuku suddenly found his neighbor looking at him, making him bobbed his Adam's apple, and he felt even more nervous.

“I’ll find a way,” The blonde said in a clipped tone and quickly ended the call despite his friend’s protests. “So, broccoli fucker, is the offer still open?”

Izuku tightly pressed his lips together in a straight line and nodded. His blonde neighbor grabbed his luggage and briefcase and dragged his things towards Izuku’s apartment. The blonde grunted a ‘ thanks’ , almost inaudible, but Izuku still heard them. They removed their shoes neatly at the genkan and walked towards the living room.

Izuku winced at the mess of paper cluttered above the coffee stable.

“I’m sorry for the mess. I-I wasn’t expecting any visitors.”

“It’s fine.” The blonde grumbled.

Izuku put down his yellow backpack on the corner of the couch. He attempted to organize the cluttered stack of papers above the coffee table while placing the rolled sheets on a trashcan. He could feel the hairs on his back rose and noticed the scrutinizing gaze of his blonde neighbor. Izuku gulped.

“Oh yeah, I forgot to introduce myself, silly me,” Izuku chuckled nervously and rubbed the back of his neck. “The name’s Midoriya, Midoriya Izuku.”

“Nah, you looked like a fucking Deku to me,” The blonde deadpanned. He leaned his back on the wall, arms folded across his chest, and a teasing smirk appeared on his handsome features. Baffled, Izuku looked at the blonde in shock and mouth wide open.

“Deku? Bu-But didn’t that mean useless ?” 

“Yeah, and the name’s Bakugo Katsuki,” Katsuki gruffly replied. 

“I-I know,” Izuku muttered. The blonde raised an eyebrow in confusion, and his red blood eyes scrutinized him like he’s judging him. Izuku stared at Katsuki in horror and winced, for he muttered out loud again. Shouto’s right. His brain-to-mouth filter would be his doom someday.

“I-I mean, I recognize your name from the mailbox underneath mine.” Izuku quickly rebutted, making Katsuki shrugged. The blonde went towards the couch and slumped himself on it, erupting a pleased groan from his straight thin lips. Izuku could relate well to Katsuki. A delighted smile crawled to his lips as he watched the blonde look comfortable on his couch.

“Shit, this couch feels like heaven. King would laze himself on this, that little fucker.” Katsuki smirked.

“King?” Izuku asked, confusion glinting in his eyes. An image of sweet brown eyes and a light brown coated pomeranian came to his mind.

“My little devil. He’s currently staying with Shitty Hair, and I might get him back on the weekend.” Katsuki explained, a devilish smirk was evident on his face. “Are you alright with having King stay over? I don’t want to fucking impose or anything.”

“Yeah, I’m fine with your dog staying over, Kacchan, and I’m glad you liked the couch!” Izuku giddily replied. Katsuki bobbed his head, making his spiky blonde hair look bouncy and fluffy, and Izuku’s dying to touch them. He wondered if they felt soft, just like how they appeared.

“The fuck did you just called me, nerd?” Katsuki squinted his eyes to him.

“Kacchan?" Izuku shyly chuckled, a flustered smile bloomed on his face. “And it suits you! I think calling you that is acceptable for you already hell-bent on calling me Deku.” 

“Fucking whatever, call me whatever, ya fucking want. I don’t give a shit! At least I could still fucking call you Deku and broccoli fucker. Then we're even!”

“Alright, Kacchan!” Izuku pitter-pattered towards the kitchen and scuffled inside his refrigerator looking for food to eat. There’s a cold lasagna and pizza, which he took out. “By the way, have you already taken dinner? Coffee or Tea?”

“I already did, and tea would be fine. So, broccoli, where the fuck would I sleep?” Katsuki asked, his raspy voice boomed around the apartment. 

“You can sleep in my room, which is the second door from the left,” Izuku replied as he set the timer of his microwave to three minutes. He washed his hands together and followed by the plate and fork that he would use. While waiting, Izuku prepared a green tea for him and Katsuki. He could hear the stomping of the blonde’s sock feet and the drag of Katsuki’s suitcase down the hall.

While waiting for his dinner to cook, Izuku took out his phone and pushed back his glasses. Feeling a burst of happiness, he sent a text to Shouto and told him what just happened.

[ZUKU]: SHOUTO!! You’re not gonna believe this but...he’s here!! IN MY APARTMENT!!!

[nasty soba]: Who’s who now?

[nasty soba]: Hold up, you mean, the Adonis neighbor you’ve been lusting, and might I add stalking is there at your apartment? 

[nasty soba]: How the hell did that happen? 

[nasty soba]: Did you somehow save the world from your past life?

[ZUKU]: I dunno! My hands were still shaking right now. Well, he got locked out from his apartment, and the landlord who had the spare keycard was out of the country and wouldn’t be back after two weeks. So being the kind neighbor I am, I made him crash into my apartment for two weeks.

[nasty soba]: more like trying to get inside his pants. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[nasty soba]: I can’t believe it, ‘Zuku’s already grown up. I feel so old. (ಥ﹏ಥ)

“What the fuck?” Katsuki suddenly yelled from the corridor, taking Izuku out of his bubble and being reminded that he’s not utterly alone. Just in time, his microwave ding, and he took out his heated pizza and lasagna.

[ZUKU]: Stop being so dramatic, Shou! Brb, Kacchan’s yelling.

“You alright there, Kacchan?” Izuku questioned and placed his plate and two teacups of green tea on the dining table. He spared a nimble glance at Shouto’s messages before turning off his phone and walked towards the corridor.

[nasty soba]: Kacchan? 

[nasty soba]: What? You already have nicknames for him. Damn, who are you, and where’s my panicking green-haired friend?

Izuku saw the blonde gaping and rooted on his spot outside one of the doors. Izuku peered over, and when he realized what room it is, he ran like his life depended on it and immediately closed the door. Like nothing happened.

The room was Izuku’s office slash his very own All Might museum. It's filled with All Might’s limited posters, figurines, manga volumes, and blu-ray edition of All Might’s series and movies. Not only that, it had some of his self-indulgent mangas and sketches.

But it’s still pretty embarrassing, and there's no doubt that Katsuki would find him weird and a big fat nerd. 

Izuku, you seriously self-sabotage yourself of having a chance with Kacchan.

“Yo-You’re not supposed to-”

“Where the fuck did you get that Limited Edition All Might Golden Age figurine? Did you know how fucking rare that is!” Katsuki scowled, but his red eyes are looking at him with sheer ferocity and focus, like a blazing fire that’s about to consume him later on.

“Wait...What?” Izuku asked in confusion like a deer caught in headlights. His mind was still reeling that Katsuki knew about All Might and apprehended how rare that specific figurine was. He could vividly remember the sheer joy and satisfaction he felt when his mom gifted him that on his fifteenth birthday. 

God, he missed her so much.

Izuku shook himself out of his reverie and cleared his throat. “Your room is on that door, Kacchan, and that figurine was a gift. So I couldn’t answer you properly. Sorry.” The greenette answered him in a clipped manner, avoiding Katsuki’s intense gaze. A lungful of air escaped from his mouth. Katsuki noticed his discomfort and advanced towards the said room together with his suitcase.

“So where would you sleep then, Deku? I noticed there’s no spare mattress in that room?” Katsuki asked him when he noticed there’s only one queen-sized bed covered in maroon red sheets and duvet. The room had Izuku’s cabinet, a bedside table and lampshade, a queen-sized bed, and a bathroom connected to the room.

“On the couch?” Izuku blurted like it’s a fact. He suddenly felt Katsuki’s burning gaze again, which made him nibbled on his lower lip like a nervous tick. “I’m used to sleeping on it. Honestly, I slept there more frequently than in this room. For I usually spent the night editing there and being too lazy to walk towards my room.”

“Fucking fine.” Katsuki scowled. He looked a little bit frustrated like he wanted to open his mouth and say something, but an unknown force stopped him from doing it. 

“Is there anything you want to say, Kacchan?”

“Nothing,”

“Alright, have a good night’s rest, Kacchan!” Izuku smiled and moved his feet towards the door, but before he fully closed it, he heard Katsuki's message.

“Thanks, Deku,” Katsuki whispered as the words offended him somehow. A happy and grateful smile crawled to Izuku’s lips as he closed the door and left Katsuki inside the room.

“Anytime, Kacchan.”

Izuku happily ate his already cold pizza and lasagna, but his insides still felt warm. He couldn’t wait for the things that would transpire in two weeks. Hopefully, he and Katsuki become closer and be friends, but if he’s lucky enough, he hopes to ask the blonde out on a date.

Izuku slept peacefully on the couch and with a content smile on his face that night.

🐇🐺

The following morning, Izuku woke up to the mouthwatering smell of breakfast. He blearily opened his eyes and saw the glaring luster of the sun passing through on his white curtains. An annoyed groan resonated from him as he turned around and felt the familiar pain throbbing on his back and neck from sleeping on the couch. Even though he said last night that he’s pretty used to it, but the numbing pain still hurts like a bitch.

Izuku groaned again and covered his face with his forearm to shield his eyes from the blinding sunlight.

“You should have let me take the couch last night.” A raspy voice awakened him from his sleepy state.

“Wh-What?” Izuku hoarsely replied. His voice, a deep lower than usual, making it more evident that he just woke up. He rose to a sitting position, making his navy blue fleece blanket pool on his lap. Izuku stretched out his arms above his head and groaned as he felt his bones pop out. 

He rubbed his eyelids and let his blurred eyes flutter open, and Izuku almost got a heart attack at the scene greeted him. Katsuki, his blonde Adonis neighbor, was cooking in his kitchen and preparing him breakfast. He’s even wearing a crisp white suit and gray slacks that highlighted his well-proportioned and muscular figure underneath Izuku's All Might apron. 

Izuku closed his eyes and shook his head profusely, for he’s still trying to process the image he recently saw. He couldn’t believe that the blonde was even here, inside his apartment. Honestly, everything still felt like a fever dream to him.

Izuku reopened his eyes and let himself have some fun by staring at Katsuki’s broad shoulders, trimmed waist, and as he trailed his eyes a level lower, he realized that the blonde had a fine ass . He swallowed the growing lump on his throat and hoped that he wouldn’t pop a boner, or else that would be so embarrassing.

“Good, you’re awake, shitty Deku.” Katsuki greeted him. He swiftly removed the apron and hung them back in their proper place. “And you fucking slept like a log and disgustingly drooled. I almost thought of waking you up by the sounds of pots and pans blaring in your ears. ”

Katsuki snickered. He placed the breakfast he made on the table together with the plates, two pairs of fork and chopsticks, and a cup of warm coffee.

An embarrassing shade of pink appeared on Izuku’s freckled face and bloomed through his neck. He quickly wiped the corners of his mouth and found the traces of said drool. 

“Th-that's a bit mean, Kacchan.” Izuku pouted and sauntered his way to the dining table, dragging the navy blue fleece blanket with him. He noticed that the foods prepared before him looked new and fresh. If he's not mistaken, he remembered that there's no such thing liked frozen bacon and eggs stored in his refrigerator. “Did-Did you buy all of this?”

“Yeah, cause your refrigerator was so bare, Deku. Your cupboards only consisted of shitty instant noodles, and there’s no fucking way I’m going to eat those junk.” Katsuki grunted, his brows furrowed in disgust and irritation like those things personally offended him.

“Oh my god, how much do I owe you?” Izuku said, immediately opening an application on his phone. “Kacchan, quick, tell me your banking address.”

“There’s no way in hell I’m going to accept your shitty money, broccoli. Besides, I earned more than you, anyway,” The blonde smirked and drank his coffee with poise and grace. Izuku clenched his metal chopsticks tightly, pout evident on his lips, his pride and dignity got hurt by the truth from Katsuki’s words. He knew already from the start that he wouldn’t earn a lot in his chosen field despite the number of hours and overtime he spent on his work as an editor.

“You had a way with words, Kacchan. God, this pancake and bacon taste so good!”

“Well, it’s fucking part of the job description.” Katsuki shrugged and stood up from his seat, gathering his used cup and leaving them on the sink. The blonde grabbed his grey coat and wore them, making him appear dashing and intimidating at the same time. He began to move his way towards the door and wore his pair of Oxford black shoes.

Izuku's eyes followed after Katsuki watching him when he suddenly remembered that he still hasn't given the blonde his spare keycard. 

“Kacchan, wait! Your keycard.” Izuku yelled and scrambled his yellow bag, searching for the particular card completely hidden inside his All Might cardholder case. “Here!”

Katsuki looked over his shoulder and reached toward Izuku’s outstretched hand where the keycard lies. Their fingers brushed together, and the simple action made the butterflies residing inside of Izuku into complete disarray. The blonde looked over the keycard’s case, and his amused laugh took Izuku out of his reverie.

“Such a fucking nerd!” His crimson red eyes had a teasing glint shining in them, and his lips curled into an upward smirk. Katsuki nodded at him, turned his heel, and went straight out of the door.

“Bye, Kacchan!” Izuku uttered a smile formed on his face. He retreated to the table to finish the breakfast Katsuki prepared for him. The pancake and the scrambled egg looked fluffy and well-cooked. It was delicious and could almost rival his mom’s cooking. He took a sip of the coffee that Katsuki had prepared and felt fully awoken by its bitterness. Izuku immediately put in a teaspoon of sugar and milk. 

It was only around lunch break that Izuku realized that he didn't save Katsuki's contact number and had forgotten to ask for it.

“Why do you look like you just ate a cucumber?” Shouto nonchalantly greeted him, an iced matcha frappe held on his hand. The guy had slicked back his two-toned hair making his features more visible, and it suited him just fine.

Izuku rolled his eyes at Shouto’s indifferent greeting, but then he realized that he'd been sulking all day. 

"Go away, Shou."

“That wounded me deeply, 'Zuku. I already prepared myself for your beaming sunshine smile for the whole day. Because according to what you said last night, you had your crush staying over at your apartment. And yet, here you are looking sad and gloomy. What, did you realize he wasn’t that awesome, unlike what you expected?” Shouto stated in his usual cool manner. His two-toned friend suddenly leaned down on his ears and whispered, “Or you’re sad cause you weren’t able to ride that cock you’ve been lusting for?” 

Izuku’s face turned bright red and pushed his friend away in mortification. “What the hell, Shou?!”

Shouto laughed at Izuku’s reaction and leaned his back on the wall to hold himself and regain back his composure. “So what is it then?”

Izuku settled a look at his friend, “Promise me you better not laugh.”

“No promises.”

“Shou!”

“Alright, I won’t laugh.” Shouto shrugged. Izuku squinted his eyes, sending a glare at his friend before going back to his sad and gloomy expression.

“I didn’t have his number.”

Shouto fixed him a deadpanned look that resulted in them having a staring contest. Several seconds passed until Shouto let out a weary sigh and a look that he’s disappointed at Izuku.

“What?”

Shouto shook his head and patted Izuku’s shoulders, “Better get it then, and by the way, Yagi-sensei’s looking for you regarding Chapter 289. He wants to know about your opinion about something important and climatic.”

Izuku nodded and realized that his break was already over.

Better get back to work.

Izuku left the office around 8:00 PM, and he’s pretty much dead bone tired. He raked a hand through his unkempt forest hair and shivered at the sudden cold air. He immediately shielded his cold hands to the deepest corners of his jean pocket and continued walking down the road.

His mind brought him back to the person who had been occupying the whole day. After several months of observing (he firmly believed that it wasn’t stalking, no matter what Shouto said) -his blonde neighbor. Izuku had already memorized the other’s schedule like the back of his hand. It was a Tuesday which meant that the blonde was probably at home, and it made a smile crept to his face.

And pretty much for the first time, he couldn’t wait to go home. 

His train ride went smoothly, and he eventually found himself outside the door of his apartment. Izuku placed his keycard and heard the usual sound of the door unlocking as he entered in.

“I’m home,” Izuku uttered and removed his worn-out red sneakers. He tucked back his keycard, but then he heard the noise of keyboard tapping coming from the living room as he strode in. But what caught his attention was how clean and look habitable the living room was. No stray papers are left scattered on the floor. There's no mountain of papers placed above the coffee table. Izuku's blanket folded decently, totally different from what he had done earlier.

“Did-Did you perhaps clean up the place?” Shock and embarrassment evident in his voice. The blonde kept on typing on his laptop, never sparing a glance in Izuku's direction.

“And what if I did? You got a problem with that?”

“N-No, not at all. I wanna say thank you and sorry for the trouble.”

Katsuki shrugged, “There’s dinner on the table if you still haven’t eaten. As for your things, don’t worry I didn’t mean to pry on it. I just fucking cleaned the area for the cloud of dust, and the mess made my hands itch. How did you even live in this kind of pigsty?”

“I-I’m sorry?”

“Stop fucking apologizing,” Katsuki grunted and ignored him as he went back to his work. Izuku entered his room, took out a graphic tee, sweatpants, and his favorite All Might designed boxer shorts before he sauntered his way towards the bathroom.

After his ritual night shower, Izuku retreated to the living room with a white towel hanging on his shoulders.

“Oi, shitnerd, fucking dry your hair and don’t leave puddles on your wake.” Katsuki fixed him a stern glare, and that’s when Izuku fully realized that the blonde was wearing grey spectacles. The image alone had taken his breath away and his mouth agape.

It looked too good on him.

“The fuck are you looking at?”

“N-Nothing,” Izuku immediately looked away. He took a seat on a chair and dried the curly tips of his disheveled hair. He noticed the ceramic bowl of food that the blonde had left for him and found out that it was a Japanese Rice Soup. It’s still warm, and the delicious scent of it enticed him to eat it with eagerness.

“Thank you for the food!” The greenette placed his hands together and began eating. He kept on emitting sounds of pleasure and satisfaction as he devoured everything on the bowl, not leaving a speck of grain and vegetable on it. 

Kacchan’s cooking is so delicious! 

“This ish sho yummy, Kacchan!” Izuku mumbled as he kept on gobbling the food served to him. The blonde shrugged and continued doing his work, but a satisfied grin resided on his lips, albeit small. 

Izuku began humming a tune while eating when he suddenly remembered an important detail that led him into sulking about earlier. He swallowed the food he’s been eating and sipped on his glass of water. He cleared his throat, hoping to garner the blonde’s attention which he succeeded.

“What?” Katsuki grunted and leaned his back to the couch. Izuku found his fingers fumbling with the chopsticks and the back of his neck warming up.

“Can I have your number?” Izuku said with all seriousness. He paused. “You know, for emergency purposes. Like what if I wouldn’t be able to come home or I found myself in a dangerous situation and get myself cooped in the hospital, those kinds of scenarios.” He rambled out, creating countless reasons plainly to have Katsuki’s number saved on his phone.

The blonde let out a snicker and tried to hide it with a cough. Katsuki raked a hand to his blonde tresses and fixed a daunting stare at Izuku’s direction. “Give me your phone.”

“Huh?”

“Phone, Deku.”

“Oh...right, my phone,” Izuku mumbled like he’s stuck in a daze. He opened his phone and gave it to Katsuki’s outstretched hand with his trembling fingers. Katsuki grabbed it and started typing on the screen, and after a few minutes, they heard a vibrating sound coming from the blonde’s phone. 

“There you have it,” Katsuki told him. “I’ll be taking the couch tonight. Go and sleep on your shitty bed, Deku.”

“My bed’s not ‘ shitty ’ Kacchan. It’s soft and has memory foam.”

“Whatever, I’m taking the couch tonight.”

Izuku pushed back his glasses and cleaned up the dishes he used. When he retreated, he said a small good night to the blonde and slumped himself to the bed and draped the duvet above his tired body. Izuku hugged a pillow towards his chest and took an embarrassing sniff of it. He could smell a trace of Katsuki's musky cologne that was mix with caramel and cinnamon from it.

A giddy smile appeared on his face as no one had seen the thing he did. The greenette was able to sleep peacefully that night with no back and neck pains.

The following days the two of them got used to each other’s presence and habits in just a short time. Izuku happily ate the homemade dishes that Katsuki made and thrived with it. He also learned how the blonde was a complete clean freak and more preferred hand washing his clothes than using the washing machine. They also settled on an unspoken agreement about alternating in sleeping on Izuku’s bed.

Izuku learned that Katsuki was also an All Might fan like him that also had his collection. But the blonde kept on emphasizing that Izuku is more of a nerd than him. They also learned of each other’s occupations. Katsuki was working on one of the biggest law firms in the city. Izuku, on the other hand, was an editor of one of the distinguished shonen manga publishers in their time.

Katsuki was even a fan of it and kept on track with the series when he learned that the author was the same person who had created All Might. The story was about two childhood friends that had a rough history with each other. But their similar desire to be the best and number one hero kept them fired up and drove them towards their goals. 

The two even shared theories and observations on what could happen in the story later on. Izuku tried to keep mum about it as Yagi-sensei, the mangaka, had already shared with him his plans for the story. Katsuki ordered him not to spoil a single thing to him, or else he would let him eat the spiciness of his curry, which was level 10.

But an inevitable thing happened that Friday. Izuku was sleeping on the couch, for it was his turn to sleep on it, but he was awakened rudely by the noise coming from the balcony. The greenette sat up, quickly removed the blanket from his lap, and marched his way to the balcony. The sight in front of him made him startled awake.

Katsuki was topless, making his muscled body and well-defined chest on full display. A sheen of sweat trickled down from his collarbones that went straight away to his chest, followed by his torso. Izuku could feel his mouth gape wide open. His breath hitched at the astonishing display in front of him in the early morning.

How could this man be real?

Izuku questioned himself as he got even more captivated by Kacchan's striking features. He just hoped he didn’t pop a boner right there and then.

“Kacchan, what are you doing?” Izuku asked. He’s glad that he didn’t stutter and found his voice stable enough to raise the question. Noticing his presence, Katsuki raised an eyebrow at him and wiped the sweat gathering on his forehead.

“What does it fucking look like?” Katsuki grunted. An irritated glare threw towards Izuku’s direction. But then the blonde turned his back and started to walk near the end of Izuku’s balcony. Izuku’s eyes quickly shifted and scoured past over the direction of Katsuki’s balcony. He knew in his mind that the blonde was going to do something impossible and probably idiotic.

Izuku walked forward and wrapped his arm around Katsuki’s torso, and tried to pull him backward. He might not have a bulky stature, but Izuku’s damn proud of the strength of his thighs and legs.

“DEKU, what the hell?” Katsuki yelled and tried to remove Izuku’s tightened grip.

“KACCHAN, don’t be an idiot!”

“Release me, shitty nerd!”

“NO, I won’t!” Izuku insisted. His feet continued to move backward, and with a few more steps, they would be able to reach the boundary between the balcony and the living room. But Katsuki still strived to walk forward, and it became a game of push and pull between them. Katsuki turned sideways until their legs got tangled up to one another, and Izuku could feel his body hit the ground with the blonde’s heavy body above him.

Izuku groaned in pain, and as his eyes fluttered open, he found himself staring at fiery red orbs that could rival thousand’s of suns. Katsuki’s eyes consumed him like burning lava, and he could feel the raging fire and warmth emitting from them. The blonde’s breath tickled his lips, and Izuku suddenly forgot how to breathe.

The sun even played tricks with him as the sunlight streamed to Katsuki’s ash blonde hair, making it appear like a halo, and Izuku's honestly lost for words. But the moment stopped immediately as Katsuki immediately got up and stomped his way to Izuku’s room, locking it.

Izuku never heard the sound nor saw the door move the whole day. He even left a tray of food at the door, but it didn’t budge and the food. But he knew that the blonde was still there as he could hear the sound of the sheets rustling and the familiar tapping noise of the keyboard.

The greenette could feel the sudden rise of tension and awkwardness between them the next day as they got bumped into each other in the living room. Katsuki was wearing his crisp grey suit and briefcase while Izuku’s on his way to his room and to change into his work clothes.

The blonde only sent him a nod before he departed and left Izuku inside. When he got into work, he immediately drowned himself in his job and responsibilities. It's also fitting that because of the nearing deadline of this week’s publication, he stayed for two days in the office together with his co-workers and Yagi-sensei.

Even though things were awkward between them, Izuku decided to inform Katsuki and quickly sent him a text.

[Shitty Deku]: Kacchan, I might not return later and the day after that. Currently stuck at work and trying to beat the deadline. (╥_╥)

[Kacchan]: Fine. See you on Sunday then, shitty Deku.

The blonde’s message made him smile, for he wasn’t expecting him to reply. But Katsuki’s subsequent text made him laugh and shake his head. Izuku walked back to his desk with a skip on his step and pure determination.

[Kacchan]: Kazuki better be a badass in the next chapter, shitty Deku or no Katsudon for you when you returned.

🐇🐺

After two days of being coped inside the office almost made Izuku and his team gone insane. He could still feel the aftereffects of too much caffeine consumption in his system and the tiredness of his eyes. A firm hand settled on his shoulder that made Izuku perked up and saw Yagi-sensei’s friendly cool blue eyes.

“Yagi-sensei,” Izuku hastily stood up from his revolving and bowed ninety degrees in front of the infamous mangaka. “Is there anything you need, sensei?”

“None at all, Midoriya-shounen,” Yagi-sensei’s warm and baritone voice told him. “I’m always grateful for having you as my editor and helping me to articulate these beloved characters. Without your great help and insight about the story's progression, I would feel lost.” The middle-aged blonde heartily laughed.

“If there’s anything that I could do, I’ll be happy to do it. Just tell me!” The mangaka sent him a playful wink, and Izuku tried to calm his inner fanboy down. The greenette sent a sheepish smile to the older and tried to tell the mangaka that the other didn’t need to do anything to compensate. But Yagi-sensei kept on insisting.

Different kinds of ideas gather inside Izuku’s mind. Like All Might wearing his Golden Age costume illustration with Yagi-sensei’s signature or an image of him together with All Might. And that would be epic, and there’s no doubt he would frame it in his workroom.

Out of nowhere, an image of a blonde prosecutor popped inside his mind, and he knows that Katsuki’s also a big All Might fan like him. Izuku could already picture the blonde’s pleased smile and his shining red eyes when receiving the gift. Liking his idea, he immediately told the mangaka of his small request and plan. Listening to Izuku's brilliant idea, the older blonde happily agreed with it.

“That’s a thoughtful gift, my boy. There’s no doubt your friend would like it. I’ll give it to you once it’s finished. See you on Tuesday, Midoriya-shounen and PLUS ULTRA!” Yagi-sensei sent him a salute before he eventually departed.

Izuku began sorting out his things, placing his laptop and some papers he still needed to edit inside his yellow backpack. He wore the strap of it on his shoulders and removed his phone from its charger. Izuku opened his phone and noticed the date and was reminded about a specific detail that Katsuki told him in text.

King, Katsuki’s Pomeranian dog, will stay in his apartment starting today, and Izuku couldn’t wait to play with him. The greenette always had a small spot for animals. He even wanted to have a pet when he’s young. But due to unfortunate circumstances, he couldn’t have them, which fueled his desire to play with Katsuki's dog even more.

He departed from his office and sent a quick text to Shouto, informing his friend to enjoy and take any rest he needed after a stressful weekend. Shouto being a good friend he was, playfully told Izuku that he’s feeling jealous of Katsuki for how happy and excited Izuku was about going home.

[‘Zuku]: You’re so dramatic, Shou! Go and pester your mysterious boyfriend already. You’re still not off the hook, by the way. For not formally introducing your boyfriend. I’m still hurt about it.

[nasty soba] : You’ll meet him soon. We’re still enjoying the peace called exclusively , anyways hop off to your big bad wolf.

[‘Zuku]: Big bad wolf? You mean, Kacchan?

[nasty soba]: Duh, who else. Enjoy the day off, ‘Zuku!

Izuku glared at his phone and almost had the urge to throttle Shouto. But his sudden plan of bloody murder was interrupted by a notification of text from, Katsuki.

[Kacchan]: Oi, shitty Deku, what time would you return?

[Deku]: Now? I’m actually on my way. What kind of treats do you think King would like?

[Kacchan]: Go and buy whatever. That little devil would eat everything anyway.

[Deku]: Alright, Kacchan! See you later.

The greenette tucked his phone back inside of his pockets and walked inside the market. Izuku quickly made his way on the aisles related to pet care. He grabbed some bags of bacon strips, beef jerky, soft puppy bites, and healthy chicken-flavored dog treats. Hopefully, King would like it and become his friend.

Izuku immediately paid for the treats and departed from the store with a skip on his step. After several minutes, Izuku safely arrived and stood outside of his doorstep. He could hear sounds of paws scraping on the floor and a dog barking. An excited smile appeared on Izuku’s lips as he unlocked the door and was greeted by a fluffy-looking Pomeranian.

The greenette kneeled and stretched out his hand, letting the Pomeranian sniff and licked it. A cheerful giggle came out from Izuku as the fluffy dog launched himself unto him and gave him kisses and smiles.

“Of course, the little devil would like you. I’m not even surprised.” A raspy voice that he hadn’t heard for two days greeted him. Izuku looked and saw the blonde standing a few meters away, he’s wearing a fitted black shirt and grey sweatpants, and his arms folded on his chest. “ Fucking see that coming.”

“Hi, Kacchan!”

“Deku.” Katsuki sent him a short nod and departed to the kitchen, possibly preparing their dinner. King looked at Izuku in curiosity, and the greenette decided to play with the energetic pomeranian in the living room.

“King, sit,” The pomeranian watched Izuku and followed his instructions. “Paw,”

The dog stretched out his right paw.

“High five,” King gave Izuku a high five with his paw, his tail wagging happily.

“That’s right!” Izuku praised and gave King a treat which the dog happily ate and nibbled.

“Don’t overfeed him too much,” Katsuki scolded Izuku as he prepared and set the table. Izuku could already feel his stomach growling in hunger by the savory scent of Katsuki’s cooking. “He already gained a pudgy for staying over Shitty Hair’s and Pinky’s, those fucking idiots. I’m going to obliterate them.”

“Kacchan, it couldn’t be that bad, and King already looks cute and fluffy, look at him. Aren’t you the cutest thing?” Izuku gushed and brushed his fingers to the pomeranian’s fluffy light brown fur. King happily barked at the greenette and gave him kisses.

“I beg to differ,” Katsuki grunted and called them over for dinner. King happily trudged back to his owner and threw himself on Katsuki’s lap. It was an adorable scene. Izuku walked over and sat on the seat across Katsuki as his Veridian eyes scanned the meal prepared by the blonde, and he found himself tongue-tied. For Katsuki cooked him his favorite, Katsudon .

It's been years since the last time he had it.

Unconsciously, tears began to pool in the corner of Izuku’s eyes as he ate a serving. He was bombarded by the past, where his mom was still alive, could cook for him and be there on his side. The greenette continued eating a spoonful, wiping away some trace of the tears, totally ignoring the snot forming on the bridge of his mouth.

“This is so yummy - sniff -, Kacchan,” Izuku praised, but his voice cracked like there's a lump stuck on his throat. Katsuki gave him a glass, and Izuku could feel the soft nudge of King on his leg. Possibly, giving him the comfort he needed.

“I’m okay,” Izuku said, a tightlipped smile evident on his lips as he looked at the dog’s warm and sweet brown eyes and tried to encourage himself. “Sorry for being emotional it’s just-”

“It’s fine, rough weekend?” Katsuki interjected while he kept on eating the meal and gave Izuku another bowl of rice.

“Well, you could say that,” Izuku replied. His mind, running a mile ahead of him as he contemplated if he should explain to Katsuki why he cried all of a sudden because of the familiar taste of Katsudon. 

“Stop beating yourself up, Deku, and don’t worry I won’t try to cook Katsudon again,” Katsuki told him. His red eyes looked deadly serious, and his voice held firm and steady like he’s capable of following it. But Izuku didn’t want that. He wanted Katsuki to keep on cooking his favorite meal, especially Katsudon . 

“NO,” Izuku quickly interrupted Katsuki and stared back at the blonde. His eyes unwavering, making his stare increased tenfold. “I-I still want you to cook Katsudon, and it’s always been my favorite. It's just- it’s been a long time since someone had cooked that meal for me.”

“I see,” Katsuki said, his tone and expression unreadable, and silence took over between them. It’s tense and nerve-wracking as only the sounds of chopsticks hitting the porcelain resounded inside the room. But the tense silence was broken when the sound of the chair scraping the floor as Katsuki stood up from his seat.

“Well then, shitty nerd, count yourself fucking lucky!” Katsuki smirked at him, a playful glint apparent on his lips. The blonde walked back to the kitchen and placed the empty dishes on the sink. 

“Oh yeah, this week’s fucking chapter was so lit, and the reveal of Kazuki’s hero name, fucking epic! I still wonder how your big mouth managed to remain tightlipped with that information.”

“Kacchan, you don’t know how much stress and self-control I tried to accumulate so that I wouldn't reveal it!” Izuku moaned in exasperation while Katsuki let out a deep booming laugh. It gave Izuku a warm tingle to dwell inside of him. He still couldn’t get over his head that it’s already been a week since the blonde crashed into his apartment, and it never felt this warm before.

Izuku let his eyes scanned over the room until it fell to the calendar perched on the corner of the wall. He was painfully reminded that there’s only a week more left before the landlord came back from his trip. 

He sometimes wished that time wouldn’t pass this too soon .

🐇🐺

As the number of days dwindled, Katsuki and Izuku became even more closer as they spent more time together, and Katsuki started to join in eating breakfast with him. The blonde even urged Izuku to join him and King on their daily morning run. That usually happened around the early wakes of the morning. Izuku found himself agreeing to the invitation, for it’s been a long time since the moment he had his last run. Another reason was that he wanted to grab any opportunity to be with Katsuki.

That morning Izuku wore a matching black tracksuit and jogging pants. His hair was still unkempt, though he had tried all his best to fix it with his fingers. Katsuki, on the other hand, wore a blank tank top and black sweatpants. He looked remarkably fresh and handsome as ever, even though he had just woken up.  The blonde placed an orange leash on King, and the little pomeranian was so excited to go out as he kept on running and barking at them to hurry up.

“This little devil. Can’t even wait a fucking minute,” Katsuki scowled. His brows furrowed as he talked with King and told him to behave, but there’s a shimmer of fondness visible in his crimson red eyes. Izuku held back his laughter, for King looked like he’d preferably go out than listen to whatever Katsuki had been saying.

“Shut up, Deku,” Katsuki scowled at him and threw a glare in his direction. Izuku weakly nodded as he opened the door, and King quickly dashed outside. Katsuki shook his head and sent Izuku a betrayed look as they got out of the apartment and began their morning jog.

Around evening Izuku invited Katsuki to watch a rerun of an All Might movie which the blonde agreed as he had no things to do that night. Katsuki prepared a bowl of caramel and a spicy barbeque popcorn as their snacks and two cans of diet coke. Izuku let himself settle and lean comfortably on the couch, with King conveniently laying on his lap. And his navy blue fleece blanket cloaked on his shoulders. 

“Kacchan, hurry up! The movie’s about to start!” Izuku called over, his hands brushed over King’s light brown fur, and a well-pleased whine came out of the Pomeranian. Heavy footsteps answered him as Katsuki plopped his large body on the couch and placed the two bowls of popcorn and diet coke on the coffee table.

Noticing his owner, King went over Katsuki’s lap and placed his head on it, asking for rubs. Izuku grabbed his bowl of popcorn and grabbed handfuls from it. The two discussed things such as the details, theories related to the movie. Izuku fanboyed with all his energy whenever All Might entered the scene.

There's a beaming and bright smile curved in Izuku’s lips as his body was buzzing with sheer excitement as they continued watching more. Entirely unaware of Katsuki’s focused gaze directed at him. After two movies down, Izuku began to doze off and fell asleep on Katsuki’s strong shoulders. The greenette was out like a light and began to produce a series of little snores.

In the later morning, Izuku woke up and found himself sleeping on his bed and King resting peacefully near his feet. 

🐇🐺

“You’ve been staring obsessively on your calendar, ‘Zuku,” Shouto told him casually, breaking Izuku out of his reverie and making him look up to his friend. Shouto placed a cup of iced latte on Izuku’s table, he grabbed the nearest chair in the vicinity and sat on it. The greenette mumbled a small ‘ thanks ’ under his breath and took a sip of the beverage.

Izuku’s eyes drifted back onto his desk calendar, which reminded him that his days with Katsuki were numbered. He knew that he was running out of time and only had three days left before Gran Torino returned from his trip. Yet he still hasn't asked Katsuki out. These past few days, he had many instances to ask the blonde out. But Izuku’s number one enemy was himself. For he always ended up chickening out. 

An exasperated sigh escaped his lips and placed his chin above the table.

Out of frustration, he ruffled his already untameable hair, making it look even more ruffled and like a bird’s nest. Shouto watched Izuku grumble in agony and produced a worn-out sigh. He dragged his revolving chair closer to Izuku and slapped the latter’s hand away from his hair to avoid getting it bald.

“What’s wrong?” Shouto calmly asked.

“I still haven’t asked Kacchan out.” Izuku jutted his lower lip and pouted like a whiny child that wasn’t able to get his favorite candy and the newest All Might figurine. “Help me out, Shou~!”

Izuku made his eyes look brighter and gave Shouto the cutest pleading look he could muster. Funnily, the greenette remembered a particular scene when he saw King giving Katsuki puppy eyes, and the blonde grumblingly gave in to his whims. 

His peppermint-looking friend looked flustered and caught off guard on how shameless Izuku acted and was about to combust on his seat.

“Now I understand why he kept on calling you a Deku . You truly are useless in these kinds of situations.” Shouto frustratingly told him and shield his mismatched eyes in Izuku’s direction. “Fine, I’ll help you out!”

“You will?”

Shouto nodded as if he had no other choice. Izuku launched himself at his friend almost, toppling them over. His eyes were brimming in tears of gratitude, and keep on saying how cool and what a true friend the other was. Shouto rolled his mismatched eyes and pushed Izuku away softly, creating a distance between them.

“On one condition,”

“Anything!” Izuku said enthusiastically.

“Treat me to a two-week supply of soba.”

Izuku bobbed his head and pliantly accepted Shouto’s conditions. 

“Deal!”

“You’re terribly excited about this. Alright, here’s the plan,” Shouto told Izuku the plan he had thought of, and it’s downright simple, they would make Katsuki jealous. The greenette stared at his peppermint-haired friend disbelievingly. He leaned his back to the chair and mulled over the plan inside his head. The two-toned editor watched him for a while and rolled his eyes at how silent the other was acting. 

He calmly stood up from his seat as lunchtime was over.

“Are you sure this would work?” Izuku asked with a tinge of doubt evident in his voice. His hands fiddled together as he tried to calm his nerves.

“Of course,” Shouto shrugged and began to walk back to his cubicle. “I’ll see you tomorrow, ‘Zuku. 8:00 am sharp.”

Izuku placed a hand under his chin and nodded dumbfoundedly. He silently watched the back of his friend from afar. The greenette was still painfully lost of what he found himself agreeing to, but hopefully, it’ll be worth it. 

It’s his monthly paycheck we're talking about here anyway.

The following day eventually arrived, and Izuku was trying to calm his fidgeting hands. He had been doing the same task repeatedly as he waited for Shouto to arrive at the apartment. He could feel King’s eyes trailing at him as he kept on walking back and forth inside the room.

“I’m going crazy, aren’t I?” Izuku rambled and worriedly bit his lower lip. King watched him unfazed and answered him with a happy bark.

“You think so?” Izuku looked at the Pomeranian and slumped his body back to the bed. He let out a small groan and brushed his fingers on King’s warm coated fur. The dog nuzzled on his side, possibly giving him comfort and trying to ease his buzzing nerves.

“Thanks, King.” Izuku gave the dog a soft smile and patted his head, but his actions were put to a halt by the resounding chime of the doorbell. He could hear Katsuki’s heavy footsteps walking towards the door and opening it. Izuku found himself eavesdropping on the two and heightened his ear at their conversation.

“Who the fuck are you?” 

“Oh, didn’t Izuku tell you?”

“Tell me the fuck what?”

“We’re going to the company together. Is Izuku home?”

“No, he isn’t. Go the fuck away, half-’n’-half bastard.”

But then Izuku’s ringtone suddenly blared and echoed throughout the apartment, breaking the silence, making him jolted from his hiding place, and hurriedly scrambled for his phone. Izuku winced when he saw Shouto’s calling on his phone, he’s aware it’s part of the plan, and hopefully, it’ll work.

The call stopped as a message notification pinged him.

[nasty soba]: It’s working!

[nasty soba]: I know you’re hiding in your room, come out already, ‘Zuku.

[‘Zuku]: (⋟﹏⋞)

Izuku let out an exhale and balled his fists. He went out of the room and walked directly to the front door where he saw Katsuki had his brows furrowed, scowl danced over his lips, and arms folded over his chest. Even though it’s the blonde’s usual expression, something tells him that this one’s different. But Izuku didn’t want to assume, so he ignored it.

“Sorry for making you wait, Shou,” Izuku apologized and scratched the back of his neck. His friend suddenly sent him a tender smile that looked so out of place, and it made him baffled and stopped in his tracks.

“It’s alright, ‘Zuku. I just arrived anyway.”

I never knew he’s this good as an actor.

Izuku subconsciously thought. He quickly wore his sneakers, tying his shoelace and sending Katsuki a beaming smile.

“I’m heading off, Kacchan.” He said. But before Izuku ran out of the door, Katsuki grabbed his wrists, halting his movements and making him look over his shoulder. It was rough but not painful. Izuku stared at Katsuki inquisitively. He couldn’t read the blonde’s expression very well, but one thing that stood out for him, Katsuki’s hesitating.

“Kacchan?” Izuku questioned, tilting his head sideways. The blonde looked back and forth at him and to his wrist before he ultimately removed his hold as he got burned. Katsuki looked pointedly at Shouto one last time like he’s going to murder him before he turned around and walked back inside.

Izuku softly shut the door and was greeted by Shouto’s smug grin giving him an urge to punch his friend’s shoulders, which he automatically did.

“I told you it would work.” Shouto shrugged and patted his shoulder comfortingly as they rode the elevator together. Izuku gawked at him like he was probably insane and shook his head like he’s still in doubt that Katsuki could also feel the same way towards him in just a short amount of time.

“I still don’t believe you.”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night.” Shouto sighed. The two of them walked out of the elevator and arrived at the office in time. When Izuku arrived at his cubicle, he saw a slim brown manila folder with a yellow post-it above his desk. He read over the details of the note, and a bright smile danced on his lips.

He couldn’t wait to give it to Katsuki.

🐇🐺

That night Izuku arrived back at the apartment with a skip on his step, and his eyes were brimming with extreme happiness. Izuku hummed a happy tune under his breath and noticed that the area's covered in dim light. Puzzled, he walked further inside and got welcomed by the relaxing yet familiar scent of Katsudon wafting in the air.

Izuku followed its source and saw Katsuki’s familiar back inside the kitchen and couldn’t take his eyes off from the blonde. He wouldn’t get tired of watching the blonde cook and stuck in his element.

“Stop being a creep, Deku,” Katsuki grumbled and spared him a look from the corner of his eyes. There was a tint of red in the tips of Katsuki’s ears, and Izuku found it charming.

“I’m home, Kacchan!”

“Don’t be fucking loud. The little devil just fell asleep.” Katsuki scolded and beckoned him away. The blonde competently prepared their dinner and brought the dishes to the table. Meanwhile, Izuku followed suit, carrying their platters, utensils, cups, and a pitcher of cold water. Izuku took his seat, muttering ‘ Itadakimasu’, and began eating the meal in front of him.

But then he noticed that Katsuki still hadn't eaten his food, and there’s a pensive expression clouding his face.

“Kacchan?” Izuku questioned the blonde who’s been acting strangely.

Katsuki closed his eyes, opened them again, and looked away, totally avoiding Izuku’s inquisitive emerald eyes. His brows furrowed and a permanent scowl curled on his thin cupid bow lips. A couple of seconds passed over them until Katsuki broke it with the click of his tongue and turned his gaze back to Izuku in full intensity.

“That guy from earlier, who is he?”

Izuku jolted at Katsuki’s sudden question and stared at him.“Do you mean Shouto? He’s my best friend. Why do you ask?”

Katsuki shrugged in reply and went back on being silent.

“Shouto already had a boyfriend.” Izuku, all of a sudden, blurted out like he needed to say that slight detail to Katsuki. The blonde fixed him a burning gaze making Izuku get lost in Katsuki’s red ruby eyes. He suddenly felt hot all over his body and aware of his state. He unconsciously wiped the corner of his lips for any traces of food in them.

Izuku dropped his eyes and felt the burn spreading on his cheeks and neck.

“Deku,”

“Hm?” Izuku perked up.

“Go out with me,” Katsuki told him with seriousness and sincerity written in his piercing eyes. It made Izuku more caught off guard and stared at the blonde across him like a deer in headlights.

“Huh?” Izuku shockingly asked and felt his mouth move on its own as he whispered, “What?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Are you-are you asking me on a date, Kacchan?” The greenette unbelievingly asked. He could feel his pupils shaking in bewilderment. Katsuki had his permanent scowl danced over his lips, leaning his back to the wooden brown chair and arms folded across his chest.

“What does it fucking looked like, shitnerd!” The blonde shoots him an annoyed glance and an irritated frown. Izuku swallowed a shaky breath and tried to calm down his nerves as he shut his eyes. He heard a jostle across him and the sound of the chair scraping the floor. Izuku fluttered his eyes open and blurted out the words stuck in his throat.

“Yes, of course! I’ll go out with you!”

They looked at each other in surprise and embarrassment. Izuku could feel the burning sensation spreading on his cheeks, making his freckles pop out under its rosy shade. Katsuki stuttered a laugh and walked in his direction. He placed a hand atop of Izuku’s crown and tousled his forest green curls.

“Better fucking wear something nice then, Deku,” Katsuki smirked before he turned around and went to the direction of Izuku’s room. It’s his turn to sleep there tonight.

When he’s finally alone, Izuku scrambled for his phone out of his pockets. He sent a quick text to Shouto telling his friend that his outrageous plan eventually worked after all.

[‘Zuku]: Guess who just had scored a date!! @.@

[nasty soba]: I told you it would work. 

[nasty soba]: Happy for you, green bean.

[nasty soba]: I’ll be expecting a large bowl of cold soba tomorrow.

[‘Zuku]: Deal!

Izuku happily finished his bowl of Katsudon with a bright smile curled on his lips, and he couldn’t wait for the date to finally come.

I’ll give it to him tomorrow.

Izuku thought when he spotted a specific brown envelope tucked between the papers he still needed to proofread.

The next day, Izuku hastily finished his work and clocked out in time. Shouto gave him a smug grin when he passed by and slipped something in his pocket. He already had an idea of what it was, but he never bothered to look at it.

Izuku felt the vibration of his phone, and a bright smile crept on his face as he looked at the contents of Katsuki’s message.

[Kacchan]: I’m here.

[Deku]: On my way! 

“Is that loverboy?” Shouto asked and peeked over Izuku’s shoulder while the greenette immediately shut his phone off. 

“Shou!”

“Best wishes on your date then,” Shouto grinned and patted his shoulder in encouragement before he went back to his desk. Izuku closed down his pc and cleaned his desk before grabbing his coat and went outside the building.

He scanned around the area, looking for Katsuki’s unmistakable ash blonde hair in the crowd. He walked around more to the left until he finally spotted him beside a small black car a couple of blocks away.

Izuku ran over to Katsuki with a beaming smile and noticed that the blonde looked crisp and sharp on his black suit, making him realize that the blonde just came from his work.

“Kacchan!” Izuku greeted the blonde with a large beaming smile.

“ ‘Sup, nerd.” The blonde smirked and opened the passenger’s door for Izuku to enter. Izuku whispered a ‘ thank you ’ as he went inside, placing his yellow backpack on his lap and wore the seatbelt.

Katsuki quickly climbed over the driver seat and turned on the engine before driving away from Izuku’s workplace.

“I didn’t know you had a car?” Izuku questioned and looked over at Katsuki’s side profile. His Veridian eyes widened at how impeccably handsome the blonde looked while driving.

He still couldn’t believe that he’s out on a date with him.

“It’s the company’s car,” Katsuki explained. He looked from the corner of his eyes and smirked at the attention he’s receiving from Izuku. The greenette looked away and tried to hide the heat rising on his cheeks even though it's futile.

A soft jazzy song came between them as they talked about the shenanigans that went on in their office, creating a comfortable atmosphere amongst them. After 30 minutes, Katsuki parked the car in reverse in one of the parking spaces available in the area. 

Izuku went out first while Katsuki grabbed something behind the car. Izuku placed his cold, bitten hands inside his coat pockets and kicked the stray pebbles he found on the asphalt. 

“Oi Deku,” Katsuki called him out as he found a pair of black Oxford shoes across him, making him perked up. But what startled him is the small bouquet of pink and purple hydrangeas he found in Katsuki’s hands.

Izuku looked up and down between Katsuki and the little bouquet of hydrangeas, his mouth gaping up stupidly and entirely at a loss. When the greenette remained quiet, the tips of Katsuki’s ears began to look red, and his breathing turned shallow. 

In embarrassment, he thrust the bouquet to Izuku’s chest, taking the greenette out of his bubble. The greenette turned into many shades of red as he took the bouquet and softly touched its petals.

“Thank you, Kacchan! It’s pretty.” Izuku said. A soft smile danced on his lips, and his Veridian orbs sparkled like emeralds under the stray of street lights.

Katsuki shrugged and reached for Izuku’s other hand, holding it tightly within his grasp as they walked towards the ramen place the blonde had picked for their date.

Upon reaching their destination, the staff guided them to their seats and handed them an order sheet for their customized order. Izuku pretty much ordered his ramen mildly. When he looked over at Katsuki’s sheet, he held back his laughter when he saw that the latter had chosen the spicy level 10.

Katsuki frowned at him and kicked Izuku underneath the table.

“Stop it, you broccoli idiot.” The blonde scowled at him and handed over their order sheets to the staff. A tense and slightly awkward silence falls between them. Izuku fiddled with his fingers and tried to come up with any topic to talk about.

“I still couldn’t believe that you asked me first,” Izuku brought it up and tried to hide his embarrassment by avoiding Katsuki’s imploring eyes. ”When I’ve been trying to do the same for the past couple of days.”

“I noticed,” Katsuki admitted. “You fucking thought you’re a sly one, shitty nerd.”

The blonde chuckled in amusement at the horror painted on Izuku’s face when he realized what Katsuki’s been implying.

“Y-You mean, you already know from the very start and that I semi-stalked you like a creep long before you got locked out of your unit?” Izuku squeaked.

Katsuki smirked and nodded, totally enjoying the shift of emotions displaying on Izuku’s face.

“Oh god, this is so embarrassing.” Izuku wailed and hid his bright red face under his palms. “Totally embarrassing.”

“I think it’s fucking pretty cute,” Katsuki admitted. Leaning his face on the palm of his hand and stared at Izuku intensely with hunger written on his red eyes. “And it made me notice you more. These past two weeks made me realize that you’re more than that cute broccoli stalker I had labeled you before. But you’re still a fucking nerd and an All Might fanboy.”

Izuku found his throat run dry and unconsciously left his mouth hanging wide open. 

Katsuki shook his head at Izuku’s cuteness and moved his hand closer to Izuku’s above the table, and placed it over the back of the greenette’s hand. 

“I like you, Deku.”

Izuku was astounded at Katsuki’s confession, a little too much, and almost forgot to form a coherent response. “Huh?”

“I like you,” Katsuki repeated, taking Izuku’s hand and interlacing their fingers together. “be my fucking boyfriend.”

Izuku swallowed the lump stuck on his throat and whispered an almost inaudible, “Yes.”

“What? I didn’t hear you.”

“I said, yes, Kacchan. I’ll be your boyfriend.” Izuku answered. His freckled cheeks blossomed into a rosy flush that spread up to the back of his neck.  Suddenly, he was reminded of the brown envelope tucked inside his bag, a gift he intended to give to the person across him.

“I also had a gift prepared for you,” Izuku muttered and zipped open his backpack, and carefully took out the brown envelope. “Here.”

Izuku passed the envelope over the table. When Katsuki carefully opened it, he was stunned at the contents it held. 

It was a sketch of Katsuki himself wearing his very own hero costume and a proud battle-hungry eating smirk on his face. His costume consisted of a tight black sleeveless tank top with an orange X in the middle. He had a metallic brace on his shoulders, green gloves, baggy green cargo pants with metallic knee pads, and knee-high black combat boots with orange soles and eyelets.

He also noticed that King was beside him wearing a similar black jagged mask with an orange-rimmed flare on its sides around his eyes. All Might was standing beside him in all his glory and pearly white smile.

There’s also a short message dedicated to him made by the mangaka, Toshinori Yagi.

Katsuki concealed his expression by his permanent scowl, but Izuku could see the brightness emitting from his ruby-red eyes.

“You like it?”

“Fucking ‘course, it’s fucking epic!” Katsuki smirked and returned the sketch to its envelope to remain in its pristine condition. 

“I’m glad you liked it then, Kacchan!” Izuku beamingly grinned. In a few minutes, their dinner eventually came as they began to dig in and enjoyed the fantastic night together.

When they got home, everything turned a degree warmer as a blazing heat encompassed them. It spread all over their heated bodies.  Starting from the hammering and heavy beating of their hearts and down straight on their toes. Izuku felt his back leaned to the door, and a shiver crawled on his spine as he basked himself under Katsuki’s presence.

The moment they entered the room, Katsuki trapped him and pressed his lips to him hungrily like he meant it and that his whole life depended on it. Izuku clumsily returned the kiss with the same intensity, gripping tightly on the blonde’s crisp suit under his hand. 

He closed his eyes and inhaled lungful of Katsuki. Izuku gasped, letting Katsuki in, and moaned at the taste of the blonde. Katsuki curled an arm around Izuku’s waist, pressing their chest closer and steadying them both.

“Fuck, I’ve been dying to know how your lips fucking taste, Deku,” Katsuki whispered as he slightly moved away. A few seconds later, he leaned forward to touch their foreheads together. His breath fanned across Izuku’s spit swollen lips.

“Me too,” Izuku answered breathlessly, his eyes still closed. He wrapped his arms around Katsuki, tilting his head sideways, making their noses brushed together. He kissed the blonde softly, pouring all his unspoken feelings into it.

But they got interrupted by the succession of impatient knocks on the door. 

The couple chuckled at the sudden interruption, brushing away the creases on their clothes and tried to look presentable. Izuku opened the door and found himself face to face with the landlord, Gran Torino, who's still dressed in his yellow Hawaiian printed polo and brown shorts.

The old man peered past Izuku’s shoulder and exclaimed when he spotted Katsuki behind him.

“Bakugou, here’s your new set of keycards.” Gran Torino quickly handed over the said keycards before he went away.

Izuku softly shut the door and reluctantly looked up at Katsuki, nervously biting on the inside of his lower lip.

“Out with it, Deku.” Katsuki softly asked, holding Izuku’s chin and pulling his lips free by his thumb.

“Where will you stay tonight, Kacchan?” Izuku hesitantly asked and searched for Katsuki’s eyes.

“With you, Deku. Where the fucking else should I stay with other than my boyfriend?!”

Izuku turned red again when Katsuki shamelessly called him as his boyfriend, making the blonde laugh out loud.

“You’re gonna stay on the couch tonight, Kacchan!”

“No fucking way that’s going to happen, shitty Deku! We’ll sleep on the fucking bed together.”

Izuku shrieked in laughter when Katsuki managed to catch him and threw him on the bed where they slept together, tangled in each other’s arms.

🐇🐺