Chapter Text
Katsuki stares out of the cabin window, music blaring loudly in his ears. Sunshine beams down onto dark concrete, not a single cloud in the sky. His hag and pops sit one row behind him, and Katsuki already knows his birth-giver is frothing at the mouth to sprint off this plane and throw herself headfirst into the Pacific Ocean. Pops will merely smile and watch her act the fool as he lounges under an umbrella with a good book.
While Katsuki, well… he isn’t entirely sure what he’s gonna do. He didn’t even wanna fucking come to Hawaii. It’s summer break of his second year in university. There are a plethora of other things he’d rather do. Study. Catch up on sleep in his own bed. Go to the gym with Izuku, whom he hasn’t been able to hang out with since New Year’s. Enjoy a bit of silence.
Needless to say, being surprised last minute with a trip to America was not on his bingo card, his hag freaking him the fuck out when she tried secretly placing a lei around his neck before dawn while he was sleeping like some psychotic, tropical Grim Reaper.
A sharp tap on the shoulder signals it’s time to get up and moving. Everyone rising around him confirms this, prompting Katsuki to place his headphones around his neck, noise of the busy, outside world once again bombarding him. There’s excited chatter from the other passengers. An announcement drones over an intercom. His parents are practically buzzing behind him, his hag animatedly tugging on his sleeve and yapping about something he doesn’t even process.
And to think he’d been so close to some peace and quiet.
So close.
Katsuki patiently waits until it’s his turn to file into the aisle, following along until he pinpoints bright light ahead that causes his eyes to squint. He can already feel the sweltering heat. When he’s preparing to disembark and finally adjusts to the gleam, Katsuki’s surprised at the first thing he sees. There, below, is a girl running toward an elderly woman who seems to have dropped her suitcase. She bends to gather it swiftly and hands it over with a gentle touch that’s followed by a bow. Now smiling from ear to ear, the old woman’s face crinkles more deeply as she nods in gratitude.
That was really nice.
Glancing around while he takes the stairs one by one, his parents practically on his heels, it’s easy to see that most people have their face stuck to a screen or are so absorbed in conversation that they didn’t notice what happened right in front of them, rushing by without a care in the world.
She isn’t carrying a phone or any luggage. Maybe she’s an employee.
That idea is demolished when she turns around, jogging closer to gather what must be the bags she dropped in her chase. Apparently, she’s arriving from Japan too.
His eyes grow wide.
She’s cute.
The simple sundress fits her perfectly. Bobbed, brown hair with a reddish sheen frames her face. Round, pink cheeks make it ridiculously hard to pry his eyes away and keep walking.
She looks happy. Genuinely happy, not the kind that’s faked for the benefit of friends or family. The kind that bares teeth and inspires a spring in your step. Katsuki’s so enamored that he almost trips on the last step, barely righting himself before he eats pavement.
Maybe he’ll be lucky enough to see her again and this vacation won’t be complete shit.
_________________________
Grumbling as he stalks around the resort in search of the “full gym and movement studio” advertised on the resort’s website, Katsuki hopes with every cell in his body that it isn’t crowded with extras. Back home, he and Izuku wouldn’t have to worry about sharing the space since the latter’s step-father owns a gym. They can simply go before business hours or after it's closed for the night which is fucking great. There’s no line for weights or machines and they spar using all the available space.
Something tells him that won’t be the case at a popular resort on a tropical island but it’s worth checking. Anything beats listening to his hag talk for hours at the pool.
Water bottle in hand, Katsuki follows the directions he’d searched on his phone, turning down a well-lit hallway. He’s busy mentally constructing his exercise routine when elevator doors to his left slide open, a blur catching his attention.
It’s the girl from yesterday, quite literally falling towards him. Reacting on instinct, he drops his water bottle to steady her with both hands so that adorable face of hers doesn’t flatten against the floor. People rush out of the elevator behind her like a stampede, and in that moment, he realizes one of them pushed or tripped her in an effort to be first out of the doorway.
Shitty assholes.
She glances up at him with huge chestnut eyes before directing her gaze toward a tall man wearing earbuds. The bastard appears to be carrying on a rather animated conversation with someone wirelessly, fleeing the scene without sparing her a second glance. He must’ve been the one who sent Round Face flying.
“I-I’m so sorry!” she apologizes, skin growing more pink after releasing her grip on his shirt. “Please excuse me-”
“It’s ok,” Katsuki interrupts, ensuring she’s steady prior to addressing the waste of space who obviously lacks any form of manners. “Oi! Watch where the hell you’re going!” Frustration alights in his veins when the dickhead disappearing out of sight doesn’t even hear him.
“I really am so sorry!” she echoes, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. He barely represses a snort when she attempts to brush what must be imaginary wrinkles out of his clothing. She smells nice, a mix of something sweet and rich that reminds him of vanilla and coconut.
“Tch, nothing to be sorry about. You can’t help that someone ran into you.”
Giggles ring through the air. “Well, if that’s the case, thanks for catching me, Mr. Hero!” Her smile is so big and bright and beautiful that he could swear it lights up the entire hallway. It takes him an embarrassing amount of time to realize she picked up his All Might water bottle and is attempting to return it.
Katsuki curses his innate lack of friendliness because what do you mean there are no words materializing in his brain right now? He’s…he’s gotta say something. But she’s even more adorable up close! In an attempt to buy time, he settles for accepting the bottle with a nod.
After a few seconds of silence pass – fucking awkward – Round Face waves goodbye and spins on her heel, her dress fanning out like a work of art. “See you around!”
He wants to punch himself in the nose. What the fuck is his problem? He finally forces his lips to move, managing a gruff, “See you.”
_________________________
By some wild stroke of luck, the gym is almost deserted, only a few people scattered about. Most resort guests have claimed exercise bikes or a treadmill, blessing him with a weight training session free of interruption. Instead of completing a cardio circuit inside, Katsuki decides to run on the beach, the sinking sand presenting a nice challenge both endurance and strength-wise.
It’s fucking hot, though. Only a few minutes in, Katsuki’s short of breath and pouring sweat, the taste of salt burning his tongue. He’s about two seconds away from diving into the ocean when he spots an intense game of beach volleyball unfolding in the distance. Players are sprinting, diving, doing the absolute most to dig balls and prevent the other team from scoring.
It’s his type of competition, no question.
He’s considering jogging over when a rogue serve bounces his way. Sensing an opening, Katsuki picks it up and returns it via overhand serve toward the closest team, pleased with the force and direction it travels. He’s played his fair share of recreational games over the years so he knows his way around the court. The hit was evidently impressive enough to draw one of the players Katsuki’s way with a fist bump. Thank fuck he took English as a second language, because he actually understands the guy when he’s presented with an invitation for a few matches.
After kicking ass and taking names, Katsuki’s interest is piqued when the same guy – he thinks his name is Jacob – from earlier asks, “Wanna join our team for the tournament tomorrow? We could really use a fourth.”
“Tournament?”
“Yea! You haven’t heard? It’s being advertised everywhere. It’s 4v4 and sponsored by the resort. Prize is a free day at the spa for the winning team. Unlimited perks, dude. I’m talking massage, sauna, cold plunge, you name it!”
Damn, that sounds good. His shoulders have been carrying extra tension lately. A sauna would be perfect for muscle recovery. Plus, truth be told, he just likes to win. It’s definitely better than his parents being stuck up his ass all day. He can always move his study session to tomorrow night.
“I’ll play.”
“Hell yea! First match begins at eight. Meet us here tomorrow morning at seven. It’s early, but at least we can start warm-ups before it’s unbearably hot.”
That’s logic Katsuki can get behind. “Got it.”
“You said your name’s Bakugou? Did I say that right? You’ll have to tell me how to spell it for the roster.”
“I can write it down.”
_________________________
Katsuki arrives early, clad in black and orange swim trunks, mentally focused and ready to crush the competition… only to find he’s not alone. Several others beat him to the venue. They’re already stretching, bumping the volleyball between teammates, and warming up their serves.
Sizing up the competition while waiting for his own team to arrive, he's shocked to see a familiar round face sprinkled in. Her hair is pulled into a small ponytail and she’s chatting with another girl that’s considerably taller. She must be here to watch a friend or family member play. Katsuki tries to ignore the fact that her modest one-piece bathing suit and exercise shorts fit her body like a glove.
A distant, “Hey, Bakugou!” catches his ear. Turning his neck, he looks down the beach to see someone waving in his direction, moving fast. “It’s me, Jacob! The others are right behind me. Ready to warm up?”
Katsuki gives himself a mental high five for actually remembering the dude’s name.
Rolling his shoulders, Katsuki grabs a volleyball from a nearby basket. He woke up this morning prepared to win. Now that Round Face is here? That desire has easily tripled because he wants to impress her.
A few drills later, the tournament bracket is revealed, TEAM DYNAMIGHT written in bold lettering. Eight teams are vying for the top spot, meaning he’ll need to win three games in a row as the competition is single elimination.
No problem. They won’t know what hit ‘em.
Initially, he's disappointed to learn they aren’t participating in the first match. That sentiment swiftly changes when Round Face waltzes onto the court. She’s playing? But she’s so tiny – small enough the other players turn their chin down to look at her properly. What if one of these meatheads spikes the ball directly into her head? What if she falls and someone steps on her? He literally stopped her from becoming best friends with hard tile yesterday.
He doesn’t worry long, though. As the game progresses, it becomes more and more difficult to keep his mouth from gaping open. Round Face is incredible. What she lacks in height is made up for in speed and coverage of the court. How on earth she manages to jump that high with those short legs boggles his brain. It defies gravity. She’s easily one of the best setters he’s ever laid eyes on too, her fingertips miraculously able to slow the volleyball’s rotation. The placement is consistently perfect. Shit, the hitters on her team are damn lucky to have these gorgeous set ups.
Katsuki's captivated.
Match after match, when he isn’t playing himself, he watches her command the court like she owns it. She looks cute as hell doing it, too.
When Team Dynamight makes it to the finals, he's looking forward to facing such a formidable opponent.
Katsuki’s caught off guard when she waves at him only minutes before their match, jogging over with a sunny smile.
“I thought that was you, Mr. Hero! Your team has had some impressive wins! Don’t think I’m gonna go easy on you, though,” she teases with a wink. “I want that spa day.”
Talking shit? This he can do. “Tch, don’t think I’m gonna show you any mercy either, Round Face. I’m here to win.”
“R-Round Face?” She bursts into laughter, causing his pulse to quicken. “Is that what you just called me?”
“It’s round like the moon, ain’t it? Would you rather I call you clumsy? If I didn’t catch you yesterday, you probably woulda twisted your ankle or busted your nose. You wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for me.”
He’s never found someone rolling their eyes to be adorable. Yet here he is, unable to look away.
“How about you use my name? It’s Uraraka Ochako.”
“Uraraka, eh?” he repeats, tasting it on his tongue and burning it into his brain. “You can call me Bakugou.”
Her cheeks practically glow. “Deal.”
“Bakugou! Quit flirting with the competition!” one of his teammates calls through cupped hands, wiggling his eyebrows.
“We need your A-game!” Jacob reinforces. “Don’t get distracted by her womanly assets!”
Katsuki bestows them with a rigid middle finger, his ears burning red. Uraraka giggles and he unsuccessfully tries to ignore the feeling it stirs in his stomach. “Tch, mind your own business! I’ve been carrying your asses all day!”
“You really have,” she whispers with a pat to his arm. “Good luck!”
“Don’t need it.”
Turns out, that was a bald-faced lie. Katsuki needs all the luck in the world. Skill-wise, the opposing team is a force of nature, particularly Uraraka and some guy with dreads who spikes the ball hard enough it leaves angry, red welts along Katsuki’s forearms. They run neck and neck for a few minutes, yet his team simply doesn’t possess the stamina or ability to keep up with Team Uravity. If things don’t turn around fast, there’s no way in hell they’re winning this tournament.
Hyperfocused, Katsuki begins barking out orders with new fervor. He lays out for saves and moves around the court as though he’s two people. However, it’s all for naught, his teammates exhausted, pouring sweat, and visibly out of breath.
Uravity only needs one more point to win and it’s Uraraka’s turn to serve.
Forcing a deep breath into his lungs, Katsuki reminds himself to stay light on his feet despite his body trying to sink into sand. Crimson irises lock in on Uraraka, examining her every move while she tosses the ball upward and aims for the left-hand corner – his corner. Her torque is perfect, the snap of her wrist timed just right, and the volleyball slices through air like a bullet. Bodies shift around the court in a rush. Forced to take a knee, Katsuki digs the ball, sand flying upward. There’s enough rotation that it flies off his wrists at an awkward angle – one that couldn’t possibly be set up for a third hit – leading a teammate to return it over the net early. Too bad it goes straight to Dreads who practically drives it into the earth’s crust. Shouts of victory erupt from Team Uravity, pouring salt into the fresh wound.
Katsuki sighs, palms resting on his hips. As much as he hates to admit it, they were outclassed. Team Dynamight might’ve lost but at least it was a respectable battle.
Walking under the net, Katsuki gives each of the champions a fist bump, pausing when he stares down at Uraraka who appears entirely too pleased with herself. For some reason, he’s incapable of beating away the compulsion to talk to her despite his typical aversion to conversation.
“That was…impressive,” he admits, nudging against her playfully, begging himself not to be awkward as hell. “Never woulda thought you had this kinda coordination.”
“Big talk for someone who came in second place.”
“Damn,” he actually laughs, running a hand through his wild, sandy hair. “Take it easy on me. My pride can only take so much beating in a day.”
That pulls a full-bodied chuckle from her, warmth that has nothing to do with the blazing sun spreading through his chest. “Ok, ok,” Uraraka relents, presenting her hands in surrender. “It’s honestly not your fault. You played well. Very well. I just played better – was in volleyball club for practically forever.”
“That’s taking it easy? And here I thought you seemed nice.”
She winks. “You’ll recover. I’ll make sure to tell you all about how lovely my spa day is.” Uraraka partially spins on her heel to join the other members of her team, then pauses. “I’m gonna go for a swim after I secure my spoils. Wanna join me?”
Katsuki blinks stupidly, requiring a few seconds to register the fact she invited him to swim with her. He’s sweaty and disgusting and hot as shit, but that’s not why he agrees. “Definitely need it. I’ll go on out.”
He appreciates how her nose slightly crinkles when she grins. “Sounds like a plan.”
Bailing before he says something idiotic or any of his former teammates try to rope him into something, Katsuki heads straight for the waves, sighing when water touches his toes. Wading in, he digs his feet into the sand and ducks beneath the water to rid himself of sweat and grime. It’s refreshing.
Uraraka bounds his way within minutes, her expression seemingly bright and excited. Whether it’s to jump into the ocean or see him, Katsuki isn’t sure. A naive part of him hopes it's the latter.
She slips out of her shorts, then gathers her things together on the beach, glancing at what appears to be a watch. His eyeballs threaten to pop out of their sockets at the sight of her ass. Those cheeks and thighs are a thing of his dreams.
“Hey!” she calls, bringing him back to reality when she joins him, wet hair now sticking against her forehead and the sides of her pretty face. “Feels nice, right?”
“Obviously. It’s hot as shit.”
The laugh he receives in response is infectious. Katsuki’s relieved she seems to find his honesty entertaining. Small talk has never been one of his skills.
“Well, we are in Hawaii,” she points out, splashing some water his way. “Which is still surreal to me.”
“Why is that surreal?” he inquires with a raised brow, returning the favor, soaking her hair further.
“I’ve never been on a fancy vacation like this before. My dad actually won the trip off a radio show.”
“No way.”
“I promise!”
“How?” Katsuki asks with genuine curiosity.
“Dad has a construction business, so he’s always listening to something while the crew works. He called in one morning, answered a question, and was awarded this trip. You’d have thought he won the lottery – immediately called me up at university to brag that I was gonna have the best summer break ever.”
Uraraka loves her father. He can tell from this single conversation alone. “Bet that was a surprise.”
“You’re telling me! Mom and I almost fainted. A whole two weeks at a resort in paradise? In America? A dream come true!”
The thankfulness she radiates makes him feel terrible. The Bakugou family takes a vacation every year. Sometimes more than one. He didn’t even want to travel to Hawaii, and here Uraraka is incredibly grateful for the experience. It… certainly puts things into perspective.
She floats on her back, staring up at the clear sky. “Did you come with your family or friends?”
The truth tastes bitter. “My family forced me to come, actually.”
“Forced you?”
“We arrived a couple of days ago. I’d already planned my time off from university and this threw a wrench into that. But this hasn’t been so bad.” Red eyes cut toward her and flit away before she notices. “There’s been some perks.”
A sweet, pink-cheeked perk, to be specific.
“I’ve only been here a few days too! We’ve still got a lot of vacation left ahead of us, Bakugou. I’m sure you’ll be happy you came!”
He’s already glad. “Maybe.”
“So, tell me,” Uraraka prods, “how’d you get so good at volleyball?”
“I’m good at everything.”
He smirks when she scoffs, kicking water in his direction. “Answer the question.”
Katsuki’s arm snaps out to latch onto her leg, pulling until she’s close enough he can hover over her. “Alright, alright. Quit splashing and I’ll tell ya.”
To Katsuki’s surprise, he and Uraraka talk for several hours. They swim, lounge on the beach, and even grab a meal – or, well, he eats a meal while she enjoys sweets.
Not only is she beautiful and kind, but she’s interesting, and for some odd reason, finds him funny as opposed to off-putting. Uraraka never asks anything too personal which is nice. They mostly discuss things they’d like to do while visiting Hawaii and surface-level interests.
Yet he wants to know more. What are her goals? Where in Japan does she live? Does she have a boyfriend?
Like hell he’s gonna ask all that right away, though. He doesn’t wanna freak her out or risk his delivery being absolute garbage. The fact he’s managed to converse this long is nothing short of miraculous.
“As much as I hate to say it, I have to go,” Uraraka explains after the last sip of her tea. “I have plans with my parents.”
“Mmm,” he acknowledges, stuffing his fists into his pockets. “I better get back before my hag comes looking.”
“You did not just call your mother a hag,” she scolds through a poorly concealed smile.
“Get back before my Ma comes looking,” he amends with a half-hearted shrug. “Better?”
“Much, though I doubt it’ll stick.”
Katsuki fails to reign in a snort.
“This was fun, Bakugou! Thanks for hanging out with me. I hope to see you around again soon.”
Today, he manages to find words before she walks away. “I’ll be back on the beach tomorrow morning. Near the volleyball court.”
“Is that so?”
“That’s what I said, isn’t it?”
A lock of hair is twirled around her finger. “See you there.”