Chapter Text
You were talking. Again.
Bakugo let out a barely audible scoff as your voice carried over to his desk. Almost subconsciously, he glanced over to you with a scowl. You were talking animatedly to Kirishima, making some type of stupid joke. Bakugo scoffed again. He couldn’t understand why anyone gave you the time of day in the first place. You were too talkative; too goddamn cheerful.
The bell finally rang. He breathed deeply, a sound that could be considered relief. Everyone moved to exit the classroom, anxiously ready to leave the school.
As he stood, grumbling about the sudden line, you slammed into his back.
He whirled around, pure anger and frustration clear in his voice. “Watch where your going, dumbass!”
“Ah, sorry.” You immediately said, casting him an apologetic smile.
His scowl seemed to deepen in response. “Maybe if you weren’t so busy talking you’d be able to pay attention.”
You simply smiled a little, moving past him to leave the classroom. It’s not like you were going to start an argument.
He watched you, almost dumbfounded. The hell? You didn’t cower, get pissed off, or even give him a real response. He blinked at your retreating figure. Against his better judgment, he was..intrigued.
He was calling out before he could even really think about what he was doing. Before you could get farther down the hall, he yelled. “Oi!”
You pause, turning to see him catch up to you in a few strides. “You can’t just walk away when I’m talking to you. You know who I am, don’t you?”
“Weren’t we done?” You tilted your head, genuinely confused. Your innocent expression made his eye twitch.
“Shut up.” He stopped briefly, anger radiating off of him in waves. “Why the hell aren’t you scared of me?”
You paused. Scared of him?
You had just transferred to UA a week ago. Being the new student, Class 1-A practically flocked to you, warning you about Bakugo and his fiery attitude. But to you, rumors weren’t a fair assessment of character. You wanted to make your own assumptions about everyone, him included. Sure, he was always yelling in class, and was generally annoyed by everyone, but that was hardly enough to make you tremble at the sight of him, or even avoid him.
You decided to tell him as much. “I have no reason to be scared.”
“No?” His eyes darkened as he stared down at you. Did he.. want you to be scared? This whole conversation was getting confusing. This was probably the first time you’ve talked, and he was trying to intimidate you.
“Should I be?” You said with a slight giggle.
The sound made him bristle. There was some type of emotion that flickered across his face, too fast to decipher. You were always laughing; the sound wasn’t new.
“Tch.” He clicked his tongue, stepping past you and continuing down the hall.
You watched as he left, hopelessly confused.
Kirishima bounded up to you, a friendly smile on his face. “Hey! Were you talking to Bakugo just then?”
“I guess.” You responded, shoulders dropping.
“What did he say?” Kirishima asked, curiosity clear in his voice.
“He was wondering why I wasn’t scared of him.” You replied, starting to walk. Kirishima walked beside you, chuckling.
“You’re probably one of the only people here other than his friends who doesn’t avoid him. It must be shocking to him.”
“Yeah, but, is it really that shocking?” You frowned.
“You’d be surprised. Most people just don’t get him. He’s secretly a big softie.” Kirishima chuckled, gently nudging you. “Don’t look so concerned.”
“Hm.” You hummed in response.
“Let’s get to the dorms. It’s movie night, right?”
You nod, trying to shake off the conversation in your mind. But you kept going back to Bakugo’s face when you asked if you should be scared. There was something in his eyes; something different. It wasn’t like you were trying to analyze his every micro expression. But you couldn’t seem to stop replaying the conversation in your head.
And since when did you even care?
Maybe it was just nice to be noticed by the brooding, angry student. It felt special, like you were different. You knew better than to get all delusional off of one conversation. You had to physically bite your tongue to focus back on Kirishima as he rambled about the movie you were all going to watch.
That evening, a good portion of the class gathered in the common area to watch a movie Kaminari had chosen. You settled between Midoirya and Kirishima, Uraraka generously tossing you a blanket.
The main doors to the dorms opened and promptly closed. You turned, spotting Bakugo.
He was sweaty, clearly coming back from training. Kirishima stood up from the couch, walking over and starting up a conversation.
Your eyes seemed to be glued to them, trying to overhear their discussion. Bakugo seemed.. less annoyed. He actually nodded briefly to whatever Kirishima had said. It was clear that they were friends just by watching them.
This was the hint of the “soft side” Kirishima mentioned; the side that Bakugo really only shared with those worthy of being his friends.
As Bakugo spoke, he glanced over to the common area, eyes landing on you.
You wanted to turn, to stop looking. It was embarrassing being caught. But he didn’t seem to look away either, his glance turning more into a glare. He finished what he was saying to Kirishima, eyes still trained on you.
Before your mind could spiral, Midoriya’s voice pulled you out of your trance.
“H-hey, L/N.”
You immediately turned to face him. “Hm?”
“I was asking if you wanted anything. I was about to go to the kitchen to get some snacks.”
“Aw, thanks. I’m good.” You managed to say.
He nodded, a kind smile on his lips as he stood up.
You let out an almost frustrated breath. Why was this getting so confusing? You refused to turn to check on Bakugo when Kirishima came back, sitting next to you.
He glanced over. “Everything alright?”
You nodded quickly. Sweet Kirishima. “Yeah, of course. What were you two talking about?”
Kirishima grinned a little. “Just about this movie. I know it’s his favorite. He’s gonna shower and come back down.”
What? You almost looked at him in horror. Suddenly, a movie didn’t sound so fun. You almost stood up to escape.
It was like you were trying to avoid Bakugo; and you couldn’t even come up with a reason why.
Kirishima didn’t seem to notice your inner turmoil as he focused on Kaminari, who was trying to set up the movie. Other students chatted amongst themselves, some on the ground with pillows and others filling up the extra couches.
Midoriya returned with his own snacks, passing some to Iida and Uraraka as he made his way back to his spot next to you. He caught sight of your expression.
“Hey, you alright, L/N?”
“Oh, yes. Sorry.” You laugh a little, trying to cover up whatever expression he surely spotted. He fixed you with an unconvinced look, but sat next to you again without another word. It was clear he wasn’t trying to push it. You did only meet him last week, after all.
Five agonizing minutes passed of Kaminari trying to figure out the TV when an annoyed voice suddenly spoke up.
“Get up.”
You froze.
Midoriya glanced up at Bakugo. “H-huh? But, Kacchan-”
“Did I say sit there and look like a dumbass?” Bakugo shot back, his voice creeping to a yell.
Midoriya mumbled something before standing up.
“What was that, you goddamn loser?” Bakugo shouted this time.
“I said just ask nicely next time and I would have!” Midoriya answered a bit angrily.
“Why, you-”
They bickered for a bit before Kirishima calmed Bakugo down, saying something about how everyone was trying to enjoy the movie. Midoriya huffed, finding a spot next to Uraraka.
Bakugo sat next to you without a word, arms crossed as he leaned his back against the couch. He cast a glance to you. “Stop staring.”
You scoffed a little, but focused your attention back to Kaminari, who now had Kirishima up and helping him.
He didn’t even know why he was here. Was it really to please Kirishima like he tried to convince himself? He cast you another glance, watching your side profile.
“You like action movies?” He suddenly asked, his tone mocking.
You refused to turn to him, but annoyance flickered across your face. “Uh, yes? Is that so hard to believe?”
He almost perked up at the sight of your irritation, eyebrows barely raising in surprise at your tone. “Nah, just thought you’d be more into shitty romance movies.” His amusement grew as you scowled.
“I can like a variety.”
You were practically feeding him now. He leaned forward a bit, trying to catch your gaze.
“So you do like romance movies. Tch. Pathetic.”
“Romance is entertaining.” You defended.
“It’s disgusting and a waste of time.”
“The movies, or actual romance?” You questioned, sensing he was meaning more than he let on.
“Both. Why put so much time into someone else when you could be training to become number one? It’s a complete distraction.”
You rolled your eyes at his viewpoint, finally turning to look at him. He seemed to smirk, victorious, as he finally got your attention. You snapped, “That’s about what I’d expect from you.”
He simply shrugged, unaffected.
“The point is to have someone supporting you and to lift you up while going through life. To have someone who loves you.” You finally said.
You hated how upset you were getting. He was clearly just trying to get under your skin. You could tell by his smirk and his raised eyebrow, as if daring you to say more. He was getting some sick pleasure from pissing you off.
“Seems like something only weaklings would need.”
You scoffed, turning towards the TV.
Regardless of what he said and his schooled expression, you words did manage to get to him. Having someone’s support sounded… nicer than he thought it would.
It wasn’t like he’d ever admit that, or act as if what you were saying had some truth. He’d much rather deny and see that frustrated, almost cute expression you make-
He blinked, forcing his thoughts to a quick halt.
The actual fuck was he thinking?
He scoffed to himself, instantly annoyed.
He didn’t like the sudden lack of control he had over his thoughts. It was a slip up. A complete accident. He knew that. It was just the obvious fact that you were attractive. It wasn’t his fault.
He felt his grip on his crossed arms tighten slightly.
The movie finally started, his annoying classmates cheering once Kaminari figured it out. He was quiet, throwing his attention completely to the TV.
Throughout the movie, Kirishima would whisper a joke or two. You would chuckle quietly. The whole interaction pissed him off. It’s not like Kirishima was that funny. But there you were, being all cheerful and nice. A complete nuisance. And always. Fucking. Talking.
The movie finally ended, a few students asleep in their spots.
Bakugo immediately stood up. He left without a second glance.
You watched as he left. He was now comfortable enough to tease you. But the thought didn’t actually piss you off like you wanted it to. Maybe you were becoming friends. The idea made you a little too happy.
Meanwhile, Bakugo walked to his dorm room. He needed to clear his head. Why was he even trying with you? Walking up and purposefully sitting next to you? Trying to get a rise out of you? Whatever the hell it was, it needed to stop. He couldn’t believe he was acting like this.
For the first time in his life, other than with Deku, he felt confused. He was Katsuki Bakugo, future number 1 pro, the best in U.A., and yet, his own feelings were starting to annoy the hell out of him. If he couldn’t even be sure of his own actions, then what was he supposed to be sure about? The steady foundation he’d been creating with his rough persona and ambitions was starting to just barely crack. The thought made him scowl to himself in his room.
He had reasons behind practically everything he did. He knew his reasons for even being at this damn school. Yet, here he was. Unsure.
He finally laid down, staring at his ceiling. Maybe it was just nice to be treated like normal, like someone capable of conversation, and not be immediately written off as a heartless monster who was too big of a dick to even try with. That had to be it.
No. This wasn’t the first time someone treated him fairly. Kirishima and that damn idiot Deku came to mind again. So why did it feel so damn different?
He let out a sigh.
The next day, he was sitting at his desk. His usual air of annoyance circled him, scaring off the usual classmates. Then, you entered the classroom.
Unwillingly, his eyes tracked your movements as you made your way to your desk. He watched you sit down. The mere sight of you was bringing up those stifling emotions he felt about being so unsure. He was starting to get pissed again, and you hadn’t even glanced at him. He hated how much you were getting under his skin.
He clenched his jaw.
Class started, and he was determined to be laser focused. Throughout the whole day he ignored you. He was doing a damn good job at it, too. He smirked to himself as the final bell rang, a near heavenly sound that indicated his struggle was almost over. He sauntered into the hallway. Now, he just had to keep doing this until he was completely sure you were a useless nobody who didn’t have the potential to fuck up his entire plan—
Kirishima came up to him, clapping him on the back. “Just the man I was looking for!”
“What now?” Bakugo sighed with displeasure, though his words had no real bite.
Kirishima chuckled, a bit nervous. “Well, you see…”
Bakugo clicked his teeth impatiently.
“Y/N was complaining to me about close combat today. They need a teacher.” Kirishima finished.
Bakugo nearly let off an explosion right in Kirishima’s face at the mere idea of what he was insinuating. His head slowly turned to his friend, almost threatening. “And that’s my problem how?”
“Well, they just kept mentioning how amazing you are at it. They simply refuse to ask you, though. Can’t imagine why.” Kirishima teased good-naturedly.
Bakugo’s grimace of disgust was almost laughable, though Kirishima didn’t dare smile. “I still don’t see how this has anything to do with me. Beat it.”
“Come on, Bakugo! You should’ve heard the way they were talking about you-”
Before more traitorous thoughts could fill his head, Bakugo held up a dismissive hand. “I don’t give a damn what was said. I’ve got way better things to do than to teach a weak ass loser.”
Kirishima frowned a little. “You’ve gotta reconsider, man. They’re almost desperate.”
“If they’re that desperate they can beg. I’m busy, Shitty Hair.”
Kirishima let out a low whistle. “Alright, alright. Catch you later.”
Bakugo grumbled to himself, walking through the halls and out to the gym for his own training. He took a readied stance in front of the punching bag.
The idea kept gnawing at the back of his mind, insistent and unwelcomed. Kirishima was an absolute idiot for even asking. He should’ve known he would say no.
Why did he even ask? Did he seriously think he would say yes?
His thoughts became a whirlwind again. Did that imply Kirishima thought you were different to him? That he would say yes because it was you? Was he slipping?!?
He let out a few more punches on the punching bag before pausing, taking a moment to catch his breath. He was overthinking this. Bakugo wasn’t one to dwell on things. The simple revelation that he was gave him a headache.
After he was done training, he walked back to the dorms. The sun had set, and he mumbled a curse. He had spent too much time letting off steam.
He walked into the dorm building, passively surprised to see the common area emptied. He’d never complain about peace and quiet.
He glanced over to a nearby table, spotting a figure slumped over.
You were there, asleep on top of a textbook.
He watched you for a few moments, almost frozen in place. He forced himself forward. He felt his jaw tighten as he kept walking to his dorm room.
You were such a dumbass.
He heard you just barely stir behind him. He paused in the hallway, briefly looking over his shoulder. He went rigid as you mumbled something in your sleep.
Bakugo narrowed his eyes before walking back over to you. This whole situation was already pissing him off.
“Mm. Safe.” You grumbled.
He paused at your words. The hell were you dreaming about? He let out a sigh, watching your almost peaceful expression. Usually, you were so damn annoying, always smiling and teasing. But here you were, mostly quiet and relaxed.
“Tch.” Without a second thought, he grabbed your shoulder, roughly shaking you awake.
You groaned a little, eyes fluttering open, then jolted upright at the sight of him.
He turned, not bothering to talk to you. He just had to wake you up. You looked too content asleep. It was so fucking wrong.
You fumbled for words, watching his retreating figure. “Hey! Wait a second!”
He didn’t say anything. There was nothing to say.
“Bakugo! I know you can hear me!”
He kept walking.
You were desperate for his acknowledgement of what just happened. “S-so you were just watching me sleep?” You hated the sound of your stutter. Unsure and nervous.
He stopped in his tracks. He didn’t bother to turn to look at you, fists clenching at his side. “Don’t flatter yourself. You’re an absolute disappointment of a person. Like I’d let you rest.”
“Uh, okay. Damn.” You paused for a moment. “You always so hostile?”
He continued to his dorm, mumbling again before disappearing down the hall.