Chapter Text
Bakugou and Kirishima are best friends. Everyone knew that, and some people outside of class A even began rumours that they were ‘super gay for each other.’ Bakugou always chose to ignore the teasing and the rumours, because why the fuck was it anyone else's business anyways?
Kirishima wasn’t his boyfriend anyways. Kirishima was just... Kirishima.
He was a ray of sunshine, overflowing to the brim with positivity. Normally, Bakugou found those kind of people insufferable to be around, but there was just.. something about Kirishima.
He was unique in the way he treated Bakugou - He didn't see Bakugou as a wild animal that needed to be tamed, or someone that should even be treated differently than the others. He saw Bakugou as a genuine person, albeit a little aggressive and over the top at times.
Bakugou was strong, and he knew exactly what he wanted in life. Kirishima had sometimes found himself envious of Bakugou's fiery passion towards his goals. The boy would stop at nothing to achieve what he believed in, and that was an incredibly admirable trait in Kirishima's eyes.
Kirishima had always respected Bakugou deeply as an equal. Although Bakugou has always been terrible at expressing his feelings, he reciprocated that same respect towards Kirishima.
In his own way, at least. Even if he wasn't outwardly as affectionate and friendly as that damn red-head, he still cared about him.
And Kirishima. His demeanor was so incredibly kind, caring, and selfless. He had everything that made up an incredible hero. Katsuki wouldn’t admit it out loud, but he could really afford to take some pointers from that idiot when it comes to acting like one.
Bakugou's own demeanor was nearly the opposite. He was aggressive, harsh, and he couldn’t seem to stop making kids cry with even just a glance in their direction. Deep down inside him that fact squeezed gradually at his chest. It's not like he wanted people to dislike him, or feel uncomfortable around him. It just.. happens. It's just who he is. The world would need to learn how to deal with Katsuki Bakugou, because he sure as hell wasn't going to change himself for the world.
But, Bakugou was well aware that his aggressive nature would make it hard to become the number one hero. Katsuki had always been very smart; he was aware that the symbol of peace needs to be kind and selfless, and with how he is he knew there would eventually be roadblocks ahead of him.
But that. That’s why Kirishima was perfect for him. Perfect best friend material, anyways.
He balanced out Bakugou's aggression with his levelheadedness, and before Bakugou even knew it he was allowing Kirishima to balance him. He listened to his friend, because he genuinely saw the guy as an equal to himself. Or.. sometimes even more than an equal, but that’s something that Bakugou wouldn’t ever admit out loud either.
Maybe there was someone that was better than him in at least one way. But again, Bakugou's monster of an ego would never allow him to admit it.
The last three years at UA high have been intense to say the least. Bakugou worked so incredibly hard throughout his time here in order to make it to the top. To get noticed. And hell, his efforts did pay off.
He was scouted by many agencies for when he graduates soon, but he didn’t want that. Fuck no. He'd be damned if he'd end up some busted side-kick to a pro hero. Yeah, sure, being under a pro hero's wing could open a lot of doors, but Bakugou wanted to start his own agency. He and Kirishima had both planned to start their own, and even started planning it around the middle of their second year at UA.
They had it all mapped out. Well, mostly.
A name for their shared agency was something they were struggling on, but that could come later. Bakugou wasn't exactly the best at coming up with names on the spot. He needed time, and Kirishima was perfectly receptive to that and expressed patience with him.
Between strenuous training, villain attacks, kidnappings, late night study sessions, and Kaminari throwing shitty secret parties at the dorm and being busted by Aizawa due to the noise, UA had been an eventful experience for everyone.
Even the shitty times were worth it to Bakugou, because that was only life experience under his belt. And in the end, everything always turned out okay throughout all of the hardships. It was honestly shocking that their whole class was completely okay, after everything that took place throughout their three years here.
Everyone from class A was alive and well, and at the point in their lives where they needed to make incredibly important decisions on what path they wanted to take after graduation.
The only important decision on Bakugou's mind right now though was that he needed a drink after all this damn studying. His mind wandered to the box of coke he bought earlier today that he'd put in the fridge downstairs for later.
He pushed away from his desk, rolling backwards on his chair with a tired sigh. His room was dim, the only light source being the dim glow from his digital clock.
It was 9:30. That was honestly pretty late for Bakugou, he'd usually be in bed by 9 at the latest. His early mornings and long days always had him tired so damn early into the night.
Kirishima and Kaminari had always teased him relentlessly for that. Calling him an old man for wanting a decent sleep schedule.
He got up and stretched his arms over his head, grimacing at the loud popping sounds that rippled through his lower spine. He'd been sitting and reading for hours now, taking notes on techniques, hero history, and rescue tactics. A lot of written exams were approaching, probably the hardest ones yet as they were the last tests he'd be doing at UA.
He of course, was planning on passing them with flying colors like he damn well did everything else.
Bakugou left his dorm and made his way down to the common room, his throat scratchy and mouth dry with thirst. He probably should be aiming for water, but his craving for soda was overruling his desire to be healthy.
The moment the elevator doors slid open on the main room floor, the sound of laughter from Bakugou's fellow students could be heard. He grimaced, hoping he could slip into the kitchen, grab his drink and escape before he's roped into whatever dumb conversation that was usually going on between his classmates.
He stepped down the hallway and into the kitchen, and pulled open the fridge.
Except, where he'd left his box of coke was now an empty space on one of the fridges shelves. Instantly, the all too familiar feeling of irritation began bubbling up inside of his chest as crimson eyes rapidly glanced at the rest of the contents of the fridge.
"God damnit." He muttered sharply under his breath, not holding back on slamming the fridge door closed. The laughing in the common room stopped.
Bakugou noticed the brightly colored cardboard box sitting on the counter then, and he grabbed it. Empty. Some asshole took all of his coke.
Even the damn sticky note that read 'BAKUGOU'S. DON'T TOUCH OR I'LL KILL YOU' was still crudely stuck to the side of the empty box. Whoever ignored this damn note was about to die.
Without hesitation, Bakugou was storming over to the living room area of the main floor, empty soda box in hand. He was craving a goddamn coke. A box of goddamn coke that he bought for himself, and himself alone.
"Who the FUCK drank all my coke?!" He interrupted the hushed conversation going on in the living room.
Kaminari, Sero, Deku, Todoroki, Mina, and Kirishima were lounging on the couches, eyes wide as they all stared at Bakugou.
"Uh..." Sero started, glancing down to the half drank can of coke that he was holding.
Bakugou was about to storm over to the damn tape-bastard before he noticed everyone there holding a damn coke. And, a crushed up can on the coffee table between the couches.
"What the fuck?!" He was fuming as he glanced around at each of his classmates with accusing and fiery eyes. He bought these for himself, and yet he didn't even get one.
"Bakugou! I'm sorry, man. I didn't know these were yours!" Kirishima's overly friendly voice usually had a slight calming effect on the hot headed blonde, but not right now. After an entire day of studying his damn ass off and craving something he can't have now, he was enraged.
"I put a goddamn note on the box, idiot." He growled, pulling his arm back and throwing the empty coke box hard at Kirishima, who dodged it with a soft laugh.
"Hey, I'm not the one who offered them to everyone... Look at Kaminari." Kirishima held up his hands in defense, crimson eyes glancing over at Kaminari, who froze up when Bakugou's piercing red eyes landed on him.
"Heh... I thought you were asleep, since you usually go to bed by now... I was planning on replacing these before lunch tomorrow.. I swear! I thought you wouldn't even notice!" Kaminari sheepishly explained.
Bakugou was having none of this bullshit. He didn't want a damn coke tomorrow, he wanted one now. He advanced towards Kaminari, but of course Kirishima was up faster than a flash and holding him back.
"Hey, calm down Bakugou. Wanna walk to the convenience store down the road? I'll buy you some more."
Bakugou grit his teeth hard, but he allowed Kirishima to hold him back. He stood still for a moment, sharp eyes meeting Kirishima's.
"Fine." He growled, pulling aggressively away from Kirishima's hold on his arm. Of course, the red-head wasn't phased by his aggression one bit. He never really was.
"Sorry, Kacchan... I wouldn't have drank any if I knew it was yours." Deku piped up, and his voice alone was enough to make Bakugou quiver slightly with rage.
"Whatever." Bakugou grit his teeth together hard, not even shooting a glance in Midoriya's direction. He then stuffed his hands into the pockets of his sweats and pushed past Kirishima towards the exit of the dorms. While he was slowly getting better with controlling his anger over the years they've attended UA, sometimes it still got the better of him.
"We'll be back soon! No one tell Aizawa we were out past 9, alright?" Kirishima says, and gave a quick wave as he followed his friend outside.
"Okay!" A few of his classmates called out in staggered unison, waving the two off.
The summer night air was warm against Bakugou's skin as he stepped out of the dorm building. He and Kirishima were both wearing T-shirts and sweatpants. It was night, and they were making a quick konbini run, so there was no need to get dressed into more presentable clothes.
"Hey, are you mad at me?" Kirishima said through a sharky grin. He gave Bakugou a playful little nudge with his elbow as they walked down the empty street that was illuminated by fluorescent streetlights up above.
"No, shitty hair. It's not like you knew they were mine."
He couldn't bring himself to be genuinely mad at that damn idiot. Especially not after he offered to take him out to buy him some more. Bakugou probably wouldn't let Kirishima spend his own money on it anyways. After all, it was sparkplug's fault, not his.
The walk to the convenience store wasn't long. Of course Kirishima talked Bakugou's ear off the entire way, but he was fine with it. He liked Kirishima's voice. It was deep but not too deep. Raspy at times, but in a weirdly endearing way.
He just liked listening to Kirishima talk. Yet, he'd usually be the first one to tell him to shut up when he was talking a little too much. Bakugou was weird that way, flip-flopping between what he genuinely felt inside and how he acted outwardly. Maybe it was some form of defense mechanism, a reaction that occurred whenever he felt as if he had to hide something about himself.
A little bell rang as the two walked into the small store. Kirishima of course was greeting the cashier the second they walked in. Bakugou kept his gaze ahead, walking right over to the drinks section of the store.
He was eyeing a shelf that had different boxes of sodas line along it, looking for a replacement for his box of coke.
"Hey, Bakugou." That strangely endearing voice suddenly addressed him. He glanced over to see Kirishima holding a big bag of Flamin' Hot Cheetos, his lips pressed into an excited little smile. "Wanna share?"
"Of course I fuckin' do." Bakugou answered bluntly, grabbing a box of Coke from the shelf after he'd spotted it. Kirishima gave him a gentle smile, before the two headed over to the cashier to pay for their items.
Kirishima started fishing for his wallet in the pocket of his grey sweats, but Bakugou already had his card in hand.
"I told you it's my treat!" Kirishima offered again, but Bakugou had already tapped his debit card against the machine. It beeped the moment it accepted the card, and Bakugou slid it back into his wallet seamlessly.
"Nah, It's fine. You don't need to pay for my shit. C'mon, let's get back."
Kirishima moved in to take the two bags off the counter, and the two were back out into the warm night air.
"You never let me treat you to anything, huh?" Kirishima was chuckling as the two walked side by side on the edge of the dimly lit road. The hum of the fluorescent lights above them was oddly loud in the quiet of the night.
"I can cover myself. I don't need anyone paying for my stuff." Bakugou retorted in his usual gruff tone. The tone he always carried when he wasn't screaming was somehow soft, yet it retained it's usual rasp. Maybe his voice was so damn hoarse because of all the vocal frying he was inflicting on himself from yelling so much.
"But I'm your best friend right? You treat me to stuff sometimes, so lemme repay the favor! Seriously, Bakugou. It isn't a big deal."
"You don't need to repay anything. I'm doing it because I want to."
"Yeah, and I want to too! So how about we grab some food sometime? I'll pay for the both of us." Kirishima smirked over at Bakugou in such a sweet way. "Lemme spoil you, Bakugou!"
Bakugou felt his heart ache. He hated that feeling. But yet... He liked it a bit too. He didn't want to be treated. Bakugou hated owing people favors. He could pay for himself, but Kirishima's insistence would get annoying if he didn't agree.
"Whatever." He says in a dismissive tone. It was at least enough to get Kirishima off his back.
There was a little bridge that crossed over a clean, bubbling river on the way back to the dorms. Kirishima stopped walking once they reached the middle of the bridge, and leaned against the railing a bit, peering up at the night sky above.
Bakugou didn't snap at him for stopping, or tell him to hurry up. Instead, he walked up beside his best friend and leaned forwards against the rail a bit, crimson eyes staring up at the sky.
Bright stars peppered the deep blue sky, and the nearly full moon illuminated the earth brightly below. The sound of endless amounts of crickets chirping away and the gentle sounds of the river below lapping against smooth cobblestones echoed sweetly throughout the calm atmosphere.
It was such a beautiful night. Bakugou had always enjoyed summer nights. There was something so nice about them. They were warm, but not too hot. Cool, but not too cold.
The sound of Kirishima opening up the bag of Hot Cheetos had Bakugou glancing over to him. The moonlight shone off of his vibrant red hair, making it even brighter than normal. He'd just dyed it recently too, and Bakugou knows because he helped him do it.
"Want some?" He held the open bag of Cheetos over to Bakugou. Of course he obliged, sticking his hand in roughly and grabbing a handful of them. He couldn't pass up on some spicy snacks.
They snacked on them in silence for a bit, just enjoying each others company. The thing is, Kirishima and Bakugou didn't need to be talking or interacting with each other directly all the time. Sometimes, all they did was just exist in the same room or do their own things in silence next to each other. And that was enough sometimes, for the both of them.
Bakugou just really liked Kirishima's presence. It was calming to have someone like him around, even if he didn't like to outright admit that. Kirishima's companionship was like chicken soup for his soul.
"So..." The sweet silence was finally broken by Kirishima.
"So?" Bakugou echoed him gently, keeping his eyes forward as he watched the river move below them, calm but firmly bubbling along over shiny, wet stones.
"I got another internship." Kirishima said before popping another Cheeto into his mouth. Bakugou's brow furrowed and he looked over to the redhead with confusion written across his sharp features.
"Huh? So close to our final exams?" He questioned, his tone carrying it's usual harshness.
"Yeah... Fatgum was running low on staff at his agency, so Amajiki and I were gonna head in for a week and help out."
"A week? Are you serious? Exams are coming up in less then two weeks now!" Bakugou was becoming irritated quickly. He was supposed to help Kirishima study so that he passed his final exams with flying colors. He was sick of him skating by with his grades. If he was going to start a damn agency with the guy, he should have good exam scores at least.
"I know, I know. But I'll be studying every second I can while I'm there! And when I get back we can study and train together." Kirishima offered the bag of Cheetos up to Bakugou again, but the blond only ignored it.
There was a glint of intensity in Bakugou's crimson eyes as he stared at Kirishima. That same intensity he had when his anger would spike. Normally, Kirishima would shrug or laugh it off, wait for it to pass. But right now, Kirishima looked a bit tense as he met those sharp eyes.
"When?"
"When do I leave?"
"Duh."
"Tomorrow morning..." Kirishima sounded as if he was bracing himself.
"You gotta be fuckin' kidding me. Yesterday you said we'd have this week to study and train together. Now you're suddenly gonna run off on me?" Bakugou's eyebrows were drawn together, narrow and cold.
"Bakugou..." Kirishima was slowly rolling closed the bag of snacks in his hands.
"We had plans, shitty hair. And you obviously need a damn tutor when it comes to pretty much every class." Bakugou growled, his red eyes locked on Kirishima's.
"I'm sorry, Bakugou.. Really. I was called in earlier today... I don't really understand what the issue is. I mean, heroes are supposed to help people. With the storm that hit Esuha city, the heroes there need some help." Kirishima's brows were drawn together into an uneasy expression, his voice firm but concerned.
"... Whatever, Kirishima. Seriously." Bakugou looked back ahead, breaking the tense eye contact between them.
He knew what Kirishima was saying was completely rational. He'd probably do the same thing himself if he was offered an internship somewhere after a natural disaster. He knew people needed help, and that Kirishima could do a lot, because he was strong and had the kindest damn heart in the world.
"Hey..." Kirishima's soft voice pulled Bakugou from his thoughts. He was closer now, almost arm to arm with the blonde as the two stood against the railing of the bridge. Bakugou could feel those sympathetic and concerned eyes on him, so he kept his own gaze forward, watching the river roll over the rocks below them.
"I promise you the second I get back, we can study for as long as you want. I wont even complain about taking snack breaks or anything." Bakugou could hear a slight smile in Kirishima's voice, but he refused to look at him.
He heaved a long sigh through his nose, before moving away from the railing of the bridge and walking back in the direction of the dorm. He instantly felt Kirishima jog up beside him and start matching his pace.
"I promise, Bakugou. I know it wasn't cool of me to blow off our study sessions like that, so I'm sorry. But I'll make it up to you!"
Kirishima was too damn kind. Too patient. Bakugou was pissed because maybe he was looking forward to a week of being with Kirishima, and maybe he was hurt that Kirishima blew that off last second without even telling him until now. Maybe Bakugou was hurt. Hell if he even knew what he was feeling though, his emotions usually just swirled together into one - anger.
"Whatever." He grit his teeth, barking his usual dismissive line.
He stuffed his hands into his pockets as the two walked along. Kirishima stayed silent after that. The only sound between them was the shrill singing of the crickets, the hum of the streetlights above them, the soft ruffle of the plastic bags Kirishima was carrying, and the offbeat footsteps as they walked along the quiet road.
Even though they were walking right next to each other, Bakugou was painfully aware at how big the space between them was feeling right now.
Bakugou didn't want to be mad at Kirishima. But, he couldn't seem to help it. When they got back to the dorms, he made sure to tell everyone that was still lingering around the living room that if any of them touch his coke, he'd personally kill them.
Without another word, he put the box in the fridge after grabbing a can for himself. He made sure to move it in behind a large cake that Sato had made in attempts to hide it, and went back up to his dorm room.
"Goodnight Bakugou!" Kirishima called after him before the elevator doors had closed.
Bakugou closed himself back into his dark room and flopped onto his soft bed with a frustrated huff. Thankfully, he didn't have much time to dwell in his thoughts due to his exhaustion from the day.
He drank his coke, thinking about his talk with Kirishima tonight. He was frustrated about it, even if he knew it wasn't exactly Kirishima's fault. Of course the idiot wouldn't pass up on an internship, who would?
But Bakugou wanted to be the best. He wanted to be Kirishima's number 1. It left a dull ache in his stomach as he dwelled on it.
He crushed up the empty can of Coke and tossed it perfectly into the trashcan across his room.
Bakugou then let his eyes slip closed after burying himself in his blankets, and fell into a deep sleep.