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It’s been a week since Katsuki’s friends barged into his apartment unannounced and met Izuku for the first time. It was not the ideal way to meet your boyfriend’s friends but it actually went pretty well. They didn’t mind Izuku’s shyness and were too busy screaming and asking questions to notice how awkward he was.
Izuku had had the time to grow fond of them. He especially liked Mina. She was so bright and joyful and knew how to make him feel like he belonged with them. It was so nice to have friends, he no longer had to eat alone on the roof and most importantly he did not have to lie to his mom about his social life.
However he had asked Katsuki if they could keep their relationship private when they were in public.
He was hanging out at Katsuki’s apartment when he brought up the issue.
“Hey Kacchan, I wanted to talk to you about something.”
Katsuki looked up from his book:
“Sure what’s up?”
“Could we not tell people that we are dating? At school I mean.”
“Yes, whatever makes you comfortable. Can I still ask why?”
“It’s just that you make me so happy and I would like to keep this to ourselves, just a little bit.”
Katsuki smiled softly.
“Okay, I don’t mind keeping you to myself either.”
Izuku did not lie per say but he also did not tell the whole truth. It’s not that he was ashamed of his boyfriend, far from it. But he knew him and Katsuki played in two different leagues and he feared that other people might make fun of his boyfriend for dating him. He was aware of how silly it sounded but his anxiety pushed him to believe it was true.
That’s how Izuku found himself sitting in a lecture hall, listening to people talking about his boyfriend, without being able to say anything.
“Have you guys noticed that Bakugou seemed less scary these days?” asked a girl sitting right behind Izuku.
“Yes I have! He’s always been super attractive but he almost looks cute now. That is a deadly combo if you ask me.” Her friend said, with an obnoxious smile.
Izuku tried to tune their conversation out but he was brought back to reality by the feeling of someone’s hand on his shoulder.
“Hey you!” asked the same girl who thought his boyfriend was cute. “I’ve seen you hanging out with Bakugou and his friends. Are you guys close?”
Izuku blushed at the question. He didn’t know what to answer but he couldn’t deny that he knew Bakugou now that people had seen them eat lunch together.
“Hum, well I don’t know if we’re close but we do hang out sometimes.”
“Huh.” The girl said, crossing her arms in front of her chest, “So you guys are friends? I thought you might just be his tutor or something.”
Her friend came closer, “I mean no offense but you don’t look like the kind of person Bakugou would be friends with.”
Izuku gasped at their bluntness. He knew they were right but that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt to hear it. He was about to turn around in his seat but apparently they were not done with him.
“Anyway, that is actually better if you know him like that. Could you maybe talk to him about me? Or even give him my number?” The girl asked while her friends giggled .
“Ah, I don’t know. I mean I can try but I can’t promise you he will do anything about it.” Better take her number to be left alone, he thought.
“Thank you …”
“Midoriya.”
“Yes whatever just tell me once you gave it to him okay?” She threw a piece of paper at him and walked back to her seat.
Izuku let out a sigh and put the paper in his pocket.
This was just the beginning of Izuku’s torment. People would come up to him and ask questions about his boyfriend, probably because Izuku looked more approachable than the rest of Katsuki’s friends. At first it was just a little annoying but he was okay with just brushing them off. Now it has become downright exhausting. Izuku was nowhere near the jealous type, but hearing people crush over your own boyfriend for days on end would be hard for any sane person.
Adding to that, he hadn’t seen said boyfriend in a whole week because of their packed schedules, explained the fact that Izuku was not okay. As if on cue, he felt his phone buzz in his pocket.
Kacchan Hey nerd, are you free tonight?
Me: Yes why?
Kacchan: Why do you think, dumbass! Let’s hang out. I’ll be home by 6.
Izuku couldn’t help smiling as he stared at his phone. He started to keep on walking when he heard someone call after him.
“Hey Bakugou’s friend!”
Oh no, Izuku recognized that annoying voice.
“Yes?” He said, with a small smile.
“Did you give him my number?”
Izuku did not in fact give his boyfriend a random girl’s number. But she did not have to know that.
“Yes I did, guess he just wasn’t interested.”
“Listen.” The girl looked annoyed “I don’t know what kind of game you think you’re playing but that won’t work on me!”
“What?” Now he was confused.
“I know for a fact you did not give him my number. I asked you one thing, was that so hard to do?”
“No, it’s just that … I… “
“Oh my god! Do you have a crush on him? Is that what this is about?” The girl almost screamed with a manic glint in her eyes. “You think you stand a chance against me, or any other person at this school? Have you looked at yourself? There is no way a guy like Bakugou would even think about being with someone like you!”
She stomped off and left a stunned Izuku standing in the hallway. After recovering from his shock, he ran towards his dorm, not worrying about missing his last class. Once the door closed behind him, he let all of his anger and frustration out. He started sobbing , sitting on the floor. How could he think for even a second that dating Katsuki would be a good idea. He knew this would happen, that’s why he asked for their relationship to stay private, but apparently even this was not enough. There was only one solution left, and he had to do it fast or else it would hurt even more. Breaking up with the man he loved was the last thing he wanted, but he couldn’t risk having people bully Katsuki because of him. He took a deep breath and looked at the time, 5:30 pm, he should probably leave soon.
*
Katsuki was waiting for Izuku to come over. They hadn't seen each other in almost a week so he was getting a little restless. He was still making sure everything was spotless when he heard a soft knock on his door. He rushed towards the sound and opened the door to be met with the sight of his beautiful boyfriend (dating Izuku had made him sappy, sue him).
“Hey.” he said, opening the door wider to let Izuku in.
“Hi Kacchan.” Izuku said, a beautiful blush adorning his cheeks.
Katsuki cupped Izuku’s jaw and planted a gentle kiss against his lips. He then took him by the hand to guide him towards the couch.
As soon as they sat down, he took him in his arms and squeezed him tight.
“Gosh I missed you.”
“I missed you too.”
They stayed quiet for a while, enjoying each other’s presence. Katsuki did not mind the silence but something felt off. Usually Izuku would be talking his ears off about everything he did that week without missing any detail. But what really threw him off was the lack of comment about the last episode of the hero series he was so obsessed with.
“Hey Zuku? Are you okay?”
Izuku lifted his head to look at him.
“Yes! Yes I’m fine, why wouldn’t I be fine!”
Izuku was good at a lot of things but lying was not one of them.
“Hey. Look at me. What’s wrong?” Katsuki asked gently.
A few tears started to form in Izuku’s eyes and Katsuki’s eyebrows furrowed with worry.
“I… I don’t know how to say it.”
Katsuki was gently rubbing the top of Izuku’s head: “You know you can tell me anything right? I’m here for you.”
“I know.”
“Just take your time okay?”
They stayed like this, with Katsuki’s hand on Izuku’s head for a few minutes. That’s when Izuku said it.
“I think we should break up.”
Katsuki’s heart stopped.
What did he do? How did he manage to fuck up the best thing in his life. He detangled himself from Izuku so he could look him in the eyes.
“What? Why? What’s going on? Did I do something wrong?” He said, panic spreading inside him.
Izuku was crying , desperately trying to wipe the tears streaming down his face with his sleeve. “You did nothing wrong I swear! We… I just don’t think we should be together, I'm sorry.”
“Don’t you like me anymore?”, his voice came out as a whisper.
Izuku’s eyes widened with an emotion Katsuki could not decipher.
“I… I’m sorry Kacchan, this is just not working for me.”
Izuku did not leave him any time to respond and left.
Katsuki watched as his front door closed, and felt tears gathering up in his eyes.
What had he done to make the love of his life run away from him?
*
Katsuki woke up on Saturday morning with swollen eyes and no will to do anything. He had planned a whole day with Izuku to make up for all the time they hadn’t seen each other and the thought itself made his heart ache.
He was about to go back to sleep when he heard a knock on his door. Whoever it was he clearly was not in the mood to talk. He still got up to answer and saw Mina, standing with a big smile on her face.
He tried to act as normal as possible, no way in hell would he cry in front of her and he was not ready to talk about what had happened.
“Hey man! I was at a café nearby and thought I’d stop by to see you!”
Katsuki grunted in response and moved around so she could come in.
“Wow, you’re even grumpier than usual.”
“Whatever you say pinky.”
“I know! Is it because you have not seen your precious Izuku this week?” She said with an obnoxious wink.
Katsuki gave her a deadly glare before all his walls crumpled down. Tears that he did not know he had started to stream down his face and he was sure he looked awful.
Mina’s smile instantly disappeared and she took him in his arms.
“Oh my god Katsuki I’m so sorry. What happened?” She gently led him to his couch so they could sit side by side.
“I don’t know… Mina I don’t…”
“Shhh, it’s okay, take your time I’m here.” She whispered, gently rubbing his back.
“Fuck.” Katsuki rubbed his eyes as much as he could, “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize! Do you want to talk about it?”
“He broke up with me. Last night, he came here and broke up with me.”
Mina’s breath hitched as she heard him, “But I don’t understand, Izuku is gone for you! Did he tell you why?”
“No, he just said that what we had was not working for him anymore.”
“I don’t believe that. He looks at you like you hung up the moon Katsuki! I’m sure there is something more to it.” She said with a determined glint in her eyes.
Katsuki was growing more and more frustrated, “Well he broke up with me so unless it was a joke I really don’t think there is much more to understand!”
“So that’s it! You’re just gonna sit here without doing anything!”
“Mina! He told me we were over! Of course I still love him, of course I don’t want him to go! But that’s what he wants and I can’t do anything about it!”. His face was contorted with anger and pain and his vision was blurry with unshed tears. “Listen, I know you just want to help but I really don’t need you to remind me he left. Can we just talk about something else? Please?”
Mina let out a sigh, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have pushed you this far. Let me make it up to you. Why don’t we watch that documentary you kept talking about?”
“Thanks, I’d like that.”
*
A week after the break-up people had stopped bothering Izuku with questions about Katsuki which confirmed the fact that he made the right decision. As much as it hurt, he knew he would not have been able to take people’s comments any longer. And their relationship had not even been public so he did not want to know what would have happened if it had been.
Izuku had not been able to sleep the week following the break-up and he had resumed eating on the roof. He missed Katsuki a lot, but he also missed his friends. Mina, Denki and Kirishima were always so nice to him and now that he knew what it was like to have friends, he felt especially lonely. None of them had tried to reach out to him, which he was grateful for. He did not know if he would have been able to face them after breaking up with their best friend.
Izuku was sad and exhausted but he also felt immense guilt. Seeing Katsuki’s face after that night was so hard that he had to leave as soon as he could. But he knew that this was for the best and that katsuki would find someone that was truly made for him. Sure it would hurt to see him with someone else, but life had never been kind to Izuku and he was used to being hurt.
It was now Friday and Izuku finished school early in the afternoon, which meant he would be able to nap and catch up on all the sleep he lost. He was just entering his dorm when he felt his phone buzzing:
Mina: Hey Izuku! I have not seen you this week and I was wondering if you were okay?
Mina: I know you and Katsuki are not together anymore but I’m still your friend, you know that? I’m just a little worried for you. Would it be okay if I came over today?
Izuku stared at his phone. How could she be so nice to him after what he had done. And she said she was worried? He truly did not deserve her.
Me: Hey! I’m fine, don't worry about me. Of course you can come over, I’ll be in my dorm all afternoon.
Mina: Sweet! I’ll be here in 30! See you xx.
Izuku fell face first on his face and let out a sigh. Guess he could not avoid Mina and the others forever.
Exactly 30 minutes later he heard a loud knock on his door.
“Come in!”
“Hey izu!!” Mina screamed as she jumped next to him on the bed.
Izuku sat up and gave her a small smile, “Hey Mina.”
“I’m so happy to see you! I was worried when I couldn’t find you at lunch or anywhere!”
“I know haha, sorry I just did not want to bother you guys. You know after what happened…”. Izuku sheepishly scratched the back of his neck.
“About that. What exactly happened?”
“Oh… well I guess Kachha… I mean Bakugou already told you.”
“Yes he did. He said you broke up with him.”
“I did. I don’t think there is much more to say.” he let out an awkward laugh.
“I think there is though. Izuku listen, I’ve seen you with him, I’ve seen the way you look at him, the way you talk about him. So you’ll excuse me if I have a hard time believing that you woke up one day and decided to just end things .”
Izuku was trying so hard to keep himself together but he could already feel his hands trembling. He took a deep breath and started sobbing.
“Oh Izuku.” Mina took him in her arms and squeezed him as hard as she could.
“What really happened? You know you can talk to me right?”
And so Izuku told her everything. His self-doubt, what the girl from his class said to him, the comments people were making. When he was done Mina took his hands into hers.
“I knew something was off when Katsuki told me what happened. Izuku I understand where you’re coming from but I really think you should talk to him about it.”
“No! I can’t! I don’t want people to make fun of him for being with me, plus I’m sure he hates me now.”
“Believe me he does not. He is just extremely confused, we all are to be honest. And you should know that Katsuki does not give a flying fuck about what other people think. Chances are he will hunt that girl down for what she said to you.”
Izuku let out a wet laugh at that.
“You really think he will forgive me? I feel kind of stupid now…”
“You are not stupid Izuku! You were scared and anxious. We kind of noticed you had confidence issues and I’m sure everyone will understand. We’re here for you. Always. Just talk to him okay? He’s really not doing well.”
Izuku swallowed a lump in his throat.
“I will.” He squeezed her hands one last time, “Thank you.”
*
It was Saturday night and Katsuki had managed to kick all of his friends out, assuring them it would be okay to leave him alone. It was still pretty early but he decided to go to bed anyway, as he had nothing else to do. He decided to check his phone and saw that he had one unread message from the one person he did not want to think about.
Izuku
It’s like the name was looking at him through the screen. He opened the message with shaking hands.
Izuku: Hey, I know you probably don’t want to talk to me right now but I have something to tell you. I talked with Mina yesterday and she helped me understand a few things. I would like to know if you would be open to meet? So we can talk? I’m free whenever you are. I wish you a good night Kacchan.
Katsuki felt his heart beat out of his chest. Izuku wanted to talk? It had to be a good sign right? It’s not like he could break up with him twice. Hope blossomed in his heart but he quickly pushed it down, not wanting to be hurt again. He took a deep breath and replied:
Me: Sure, I’m home right now. You already know the way.
Izuku: Ok, I’ll be there soon.
He stood up and started to pace around his room. What could he want to talk about? He said he spoke with Mina but about what? He couldn’t wait to hear what Izuku had to say.
After what felt like hours, Izuku knocked on his door. Katsuki ran towards the sound, not caring about looking too eager. He opened the door in one swift motion and walked to the side to let Izuku in, without saying a word.
Having Izuku standing in front of him made all of his sadness resurface. He didn’t think he could go through whatever conversation they were about to have without crying.
“Hi.” izuku said, sounding shy.
“Hey, let’s just sit on the couch.” Katsuki knew he sounded cold but he did not want to let too much emotion show. Not yet. “So what is it you wanted to talk about?”
Izuku squirmed in place, visibly uncomfortable.
“Well first I wanted to apologize. I shouldn’t have left that night. Or at least not without giving you a proper explanation.” He looked at Katsuki, as if to make sure he was listening, “Like I said, I had a talk with Mina yesterday. She helped me understand that I should have talked with you about what was going on instead of just running away. it was not fair to either of us and I understand it now. I like you Kacchan. A lot. And I never lied to you about my feelings, I want you to know that.”
“Then why? Why did you leave?”
“I felt insecure.”
Kastuki frowned, waiting for him to continue.
“You’re so amazing Kacchan! Everyone likes you and I’m just… me. That’s why I didn’t want people to know about us, I knew they were going to make comments. But even without knowing that we were dating, some of my classmates kept on asking me questions about you, and how to approach you. They also made comments about how it was weird that you were hanging out with me. It made me feel awful. I was already not that confident but those comments they…” Izuku was fighting back tears, “they just made me feel like I wasn’t enough for you. And I guess I just didn’t want you to settle for me when you could be with someone so much better. I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you about it sooner.”
Katsuki’s blood was boiling. Izuku had been dealing with all of this and he didn’t even know? He was about to kill everyone who made his beautiful Izuku feel that way. Without hesitating he launched himself at the other boy and took him in his arms.
“Izuku, you should have told me. I thought I lost you for good. Don’t ever do that again okay?”
“Yes, I promise. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize, just… Talk to me next time, yeah? I’m here for you, always.”
“So you still want me?” Izuku asked with a broken voice.
“Of course I do. I’ll always do.”
They stayed like that, holding each other for a while before Izuku spoke up.
“It’s getting late, I should probably go.”
“No! You’re not going anywhere. I’m not letting you leave. Just stay here tonight.” Katsuki said without leaving any room for argument.
“Okay.” Izuku chuckled.
They ate and spent the rest of the night doing nothing. They did not have to talk to show how much they cared for each other. They went to bed and were about to sleep when Katsuki decided to speak.
“You know about what you said earlier.”
“Yes?” Izuku rested his head on Katsuki’s chest.
“You know it’s not true right? You’re more than enough for me. I’d even say you’re too good for me.” He added with a laugh.
“What?” Izuku squeaked.
“Izuku. You are the nicest person I’ve ever met. You are so caring and selfless, you always know what to say and how to make people feel loved. You are also the smartest person I know. And it doesn’t hurt that you’re cute.” Katsuki smirked when he saw the blush that adorned his boyfriend's cheeks, “Don’t ever feel like you’re not good enough for me because it’s not true. I’m with you because I want to, so don’t ever feel like you don’t belong with me.”
Izuku gave him the widest smile as tears gathered in his eyes.
The sight made Kastuki talk without realizing it.
“I love you.”
Izuku was now sobbing.
“I love you too.”
“Stop crying, it’ll get you dehydrated, dumbass!”
Izuku laughed and the sound filled Katsuki's entire being.
*
Izuku had spent his entire weekend with Katsuki and they decided to not hide their relationship anymore. Seeing as it didn’t work the first time around. Katsuki had also assured him that he would help him handle the “other extras” as he put it. Izuku was extremely grateful but also a little scared for anyone who would be the recipient of his boyfriend’s wrath. It was Monday morning and Izuku walked out of his first class of the day but was surprised to see that a little crowd had formed in front of the door. He heard people whispering giggling.
“Oh my god!”
“What is he doing here?”
“Is he waiting for someone?”
“Should I go talk to him?”
That’s when he heard him, “Get away extras! I’m here to pick up my boyfriend!”
Izuku felt his face turn red and saw the crowd slowly moving to let Katsuki walk through. His boyfriend took him by the hand and stomped off towards the exit of the building.
“Did you really have to say it like that?” Izuku whined.
“Yes, now they know you’re mine and they will think twice before bothering you again. I'll make sure of it.”
“Kacchan! You can’t just threaten any person who approaches me!”
“Watch me, nerd.”
“You are ridiculous.” Izuku laughed brightly.
Katsuki looked at him fondly, “For you? Always.”