Chapter One: "Sentence"
There stood Katsuki Bakugou, in the middle of the room, amongst the city's most trusted and intellectual panel of judges and heroes. Yet, he was not fazed as all eyes focused on him. Katsuki was growing impatient, listening to the loud chatters and whispers they attempted to keep to themselves. Although he was already 22 years old, these people were treating him like a child.
'We have to choose the right kind of sentence,' Bakugou mumbled to himself, mocking what the senior judge had said earlier, More like fucking discipline.
"Then it's settled," the senior spoke, his voice echoing in the court room, "We, the District Court panel of judges, hereby sentence Katsuki Bakugou to attend KH University for one semester to atone for your crimes in…"
Going to school?! What the fuck?! Bakugou felt like screaming, but even he knew better than to blow up on these superiors. He shook with anger while the judge continued to detail of his punishment.
"I thought this would be a better alternative for you than community service," Shota Aizawa, his former teacher, whispered over to him. He stood beside him in the courtroom for the whole session, sometimes speaking in his behalf, other times keeping him in check.
"I said I didn't need your help," Bakugou growled, "And sending me to a university? Waste of my time."
Aizawa shook his head, "Sending you to a university will benefit the community more than picking up trash and painting playgrounds."
Bakugou muttered a few cuss words under his breath, evidently dissatisfied with Aizawa's choice.
"… and will be relieved of your hero duties until your sentence is complete," hearing that gavel slam down made Katsuki's jaw clench. How badly did he want to give them all a piece of his mind, and yet, even he knew that he wasn't above the law.
"That's not so bad," Eijiro Kirishima said with a mouth full of chips, taking a seat next to his obviously disturbed friend. Although uninvited, Kirishima and Denki Kaminari were always there for bro-support in Bakugou's down times. They kept him company in his condominium living room; his frustration evident amongst his friends with his face buried in his hands.
"Not so bad? It's damn luck!" yelled Kaminari, who was also beside him, "Think of this: College girls."
College girls were no where on Bakugou's mind as he mouthed out the words through his gritted teeth, "One fucking semester…that's six months! That half-and-half bastard and Deku will be fucking pleased to know that I'm out of commission."
"Did I not say it loud enough? COLLEGE GIR-OOF!" Kaminari was interrupted by Kirishima's elbow jab to his stomach.
The spikey red-head whispered over to him, "You already know that those three have been fighting in the amateur hero ranks. Bakugou has kept his spot as number one for almost two months now. Can't you see how much being number one means to him?"
Denki nodded his head, seeming like he understood. He grasped on tightly to Bakugou's shoulder to offer him some comforting words, "Bakugou. I'm sure these six months will go by fast. Besides, you might only drop down to the top ten."
He flinched by the look of Bakugou's angry red eyes. Kaminari retreated to the other couch, feeling the heat emit from the raging blonde's body. He attempted to change the mood of the atmosphere by turning on Bakugou's 72-inch television, "H-How about some TV?"
"Where did they send you to anyway?" Kirishima asked curiously. Kaminari searched for a show that would catch his eye. He continued, "Some community college?"
"KH University," Katsuki answered, exhaling a heavy breath.
Denki almost dropped the remote, wide-eyed, "Holy shit! KH University is one of the most selective, top notch universities!"
"You really got some pull there," Kirishima smiled.
Bakugou only scoffed at his friends' fascination. His shoulders rolled back, attempting to release some tenseness in his muscles and sinking himself into his couch. He crossed his arms, further pondering on what was to come, Six fucking months in the university…What was Aizawa thinking?!
"Whoa! Speaking of hot girls!" Kaminari's body lunged forward on the couch in direction of the raven haired beauty on screen.
"No one was talking about hot girls," Kirishima stated, then diverted his attention to the TV, "Isn't that Todoroki?"
"Todoroki? Did you not see the perfection that is this woman?" Kaminari motioned his hands towards the slim female, her arm crossed into Todoroki's.
The mention of his name always bothered Bakugou. He peered his eyes at him, knowing that the bastard would probably outrank him in a few weeks.
"Wait a second, that's YaoMomo!" Kirishima pointed at the goddess in the glimmering red dress as she stood confidently next to the number two hero. Her hair was in curls and her make-up was flawless; something that her former classmates didn't see too often.
Kaminari whistled, "What a fine young lady she turned out to be."
"Says they just got engaged," Kirishima read the words that were flying across the screen, "Makes sense: recommended students into UA, intelligent, good-looking, popular. I figured they'd get together sooner or later."
"Todoroki is lucky to find a trophy wife like YaoMomo. She's almost too perfect."
"But it kinda makes you wonder how a busy hero like him has time for a girl. She must be so patient and well… YaoMomo was always patient with us," Kirishima reminisced about their times at UA.
"That Todoroki really got the best of the best. She makes him look good," Kaminari sighed, somewhat jealous, "S'not like he already doesn't have everything in the world."
"I need to find me one like that," Kirishima added, digging into the bag of chips.
Bakugou put on a smug look at the thought of having a girlfriend. He never had any issues with getting a girl, but the thought of someone being his trophy humored him. If anything, he thought himself to be the real prize, and he wasn't going to be anyone's prize. Romance was for the weak. For him to succumb to emotional baggage like that was ridiculous.
So why did someone like Todoroki have a romantic life? Even Bakugou had to admit that Todoroki was a strong hero and for him to be that kind of a person made him somewhat curious. He looked at YaoMomo and thought about how Todoroki was considered to be the lucky one. What's so special about her?
The couple smiled at the crowd with elegance. He held onto his fiancé appropriately as she waved at the crowd with such grace. The way the two carried themselves was so formal, so proper, and yet…So fake.
"Tch, bunch of rich kids putting on a show," Bakugou hissed loudly, "Once I'm done with this school bullshit, I'm going to pass that Todoroki."
The first day…
Katsuki woke up more grumpy than usual. Aizawa took the consideration to go to his apartment two hours before his first class to show him around campus. Bakugou followed behind him with little enthusiasm. Once he was finished, Bakugou grunted a 'thanks', took his schedule from Aizawa, and went on his way to his first class. He didn't want to linger too long with Aizawa, who was acting like a father dropping his son off on the first day of school.
This is such a fucking waste of time. Instead of fighting to be the best hero in the world, he was going to spend his time attending these useless classes. The sun was piercing bright, the people were more chatty than normal, and the university grounds were too preppy for his tastes. He diverted his attention away from the burdens and peered his eyes at his schedule. He went off to his first class. Three classes today, then I'm fucking done.
When Bakugou entered the first class, all faces turned to him. They recognized him, but they didn't dare approach him: one of the most intimidating heroes. He sort of enjoyed the attention from these students, who have yet to establish a reputation like his. All talk turned into whispers. He knew they were talking about him. He felt happy with himself as he made his way to his seat.
The smile on his face started to disappear upon realizing how slow time has been crawling. He just wanted all of this to end soon.
"Welcome students," a middle-aged man with deer horns greeted everyone as he entered the room. He made his way towards the middle of the circular designed classroom, carrying a stack of papers in his hand and a suitcase in another, "This is 291: Hero Philosophy, please make sure you're in the right class."
He introduced himself as Dr. Carre and distributed papers. Dr. Carre spent some time talking about himself, the syllabus, his expectations of the class, and then sent his students on their way.
Bakugou looked at the time on his watch: 30 minutes have passed. His eyes focused on the time on his schedule. It was supposed to be an hour and 20 minute class. No one else seemed to be as confused as him, seeing that he was the only one still in his seat. Whatever. Just gives me time to eat.
His next class wasn't until an hour and half later, giving him plenty of time to eat. When he went to his second class, it was the same damn thing: professor talks, gives syllabus, ends class. He woke up and got his ass to the university for this?
"Waste of my fucking time!" he stated through his gritted teeth. Aizawa really knew where to hit him with this punishment.
He searched the library for a secluded place and put his head down to get some sleep. By the time he woke up, he was still early for his class. Feeling especially impatient, he decided to go his class despite how early he was. Last class, then I am done. FUCKING DONE.
By the time he reached the classroom, he was the only one there. It was smaller compared to the other two classrooms he went to, and instead of a circular structure, the room was square. It had rectangular desks that was meant to be shared with a partner.
Fuck that. He placed his backpack on the empty seat next to him so that he didn't have to share the desk.
With nothing else to do, Katsuki grabbed the headphones from his backpack and played his favorite playlist. He closed his eyes and leaned back, hoping for time to fly by faster.
The sound of heels clattering on the floor could be heard through his music. Irritated, Bakugou opened his eyes to glare at the source of his disturbance. A raven-haired girl on the opposite side of the classroom made her way to a seat at the front, her onyx eyes focused on a novel.
Ponytail? Bakugou recognized Momo Yaoyorozu, even if he hasn't seen her in person for years. Her eyes haven't left her book and she didn't notice him.
What do guys see in this girl? Sure, she was better looking than most girls, even model material, but Bakugou wondered what made people – especially Todoroki - like her so much. He observed her, trying to find any qualities that stood out. Even when she was turning the pages of her book, she did it ever so gracefully; her posture upright whilst her cheek rested on her slim fingers. One by one students came in and went to their seats, but Katsuki's eyes didn't leave YaoMomo, his music coincidentally rhythmic with her movements.
She finally closed her book and turned back to put it in her bag. Has her rack always been this huge?
"Welcome to 671: Hero Etiquette," a deep voice muffled through his headphones and startled Bakugou. His professor, a lion man, was at the front of the classroom. He had already typed his name into the electronic whiteboard: Dr. Palo. Bakugou saw that the class was already full, not realizing how much time has passed. He felt a little embarrassed to be taken off guard so easily. Have I been staring at her for this long?
He took off his headphones, listening to the professor detailing about his course. Dr. Palo distributed his syllabus to the students, projecting the key points of the class on the screen in front. Bakugou could already sense that this class was going to be more challenging than the other two. Dr. Palo was the type to use his time wisely. Surprisingly, whatever questions he had in his head, Yaoyorozu already asked, as if she was reading his mind.
"Thank you Ms. Yaoyorozu, those were excellent questions," Dr. Palo adjusted his glasses on his snout, "Now, class, let's begin our pre-assessment. I have a left recorder in each of your desks. You will converse with your seat partner for five minutes. You may converse about anything you want. However, keep in mind that this is an academic establishment and inappropriate language is frowned upon. These recordings will be analyzed by your classmates."
Oh, you've got to be fucking kidding me, Bakugou rolled his eyes, believing this assignment to be silly.
"Ah, Ms. Yaoyorozu, you don't have a partner," Dr. Palo pointed it out. Katsuki found this to be strange, being the popular person she was. The lion man searched amongst the students with his predator eyes and was quick to lay them on Bakugou. He gestured over to him, "Young man, I hope you don't mind taking a seat with Ms. Yaoyorozu, since you also don't have one."
YaoMomo turned her head back and - judging the way she looked at him - was surprised to see Bakugou in the class. He didn't bother to greet her.
"C'mon now, don't be shy," Dr. Palo called again and came closer to him, wanting to see his face.
"Oh, Katsuki Bakugou, I thought I recognized you. I didn't know they assigned you to this class," Dr. Palo adjusted his glasses again, trying to refocus his sight on him.
Bakugou shrugged his shoulders, "Yeah, well, here I am."
"Alright then, Mr. Bakugou. Please come and take a seat with sweet Ms. Yaoyorozu here."
Momo smiled innocently at him. Bakugou sighed and collected his things. When he sat down, she mouthed a tiny 'hi' and returned her attention back to Dr. Palo.
"Tch," Bakugou sneered at her greeting. She wasn't someone worthy to him. He still couldn't see why she was so special.
"Very good. Now, when I start the timer, you may begin. The timer will ring when time is up," Dr. Palo explained, "The microphone will automatically record when the timer starts."
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Momo turn her seat towards him. He turned his head to see what she was she was up to.
"It would be more efficient this way," she explained at the sight of his curiousness.
"I'm fine this way," Bakugou leaned back in his seat, and crossed his arms.
She simply told him, "If you insist."
Dr. Palo counted down until the timer started and said, "And you may begin."
"I heard about the news, but I didn't expect to have you as my classmate," Yaoyorozu spoke, beginning their conversation for their pre-assessment.
"Neither did I, Ponytail," Bakugou sighed. He was bored of all this.
She let out a small giggle, "After four years in high school together, you still call me that."
"Oh, I'm sorry. Neither did I, sweet Ms. Yaoyorozu," he responded mockingly.
"Bakugou," she shook her head, but still smiled as she spoke, "You haven't changed at all."
"Why would I? I'm fucking amazing."
"Oh, Bakugou. Did you forget that we're being recorded?"
"No, I just don't give a fuck 'bout it."
"I always did admire that about you."
"What?" he wanted to ensure he heard that right and took a good look at her; her face were as genuine as her words.
"You don't care about what other people think," she brushed away a piece of lint on her red pencil skirt, "I don't think I have the courage to do that."
Katsuki saw her attitude change. How tiresome it would be to act like someone you were not; constantly worrying about how you carry yourself. He wasn't a man to provide comfort, but he did have something to say about that, "It's real simple, Ponytail."
He leaned in towards her as if he was going to tell her a secret. Curious, she also leaned in, close enough for him to smell her perfume. Bakugou bluntly told her, "Stop fucking caring."
Momo chuckled at his words, giving off the impression that something like that would be ridiculous. It annoyed him. It was simple, but she had too much pride. And here she is, laughing at the thought of it. Attempting to brush it off, he used a harsher tone, "Yeah, you're right. A spoiled princess like you has to please everyone."
"Excuse me? Princess?" she sounded offended.
"Ya, you heard me," he liked that he got to her, "The way you wave at everyone: all smiling and shit. You're a fake."
Katsuki expected her to soften up by the sound of his tone, but what she said next was unexpected. Her words came out in a whisper, "How naïve of you, Bakugou."
Feeling insulted, he shot a glare at her. Her once soft eyes hardened in his gaze. Her personality switched.
"Maybe if you did care – even just a tiny bit in that black soul of yours – you wouldn't be here," she leaned back in her seat and crossed her arms, her smile turning devious. His brows furrowed at the sight of it: this innocent girl with such condescending eyes, "You have so much to learn…"
Hearing her speak to him in that manner made him grit his teeth. When she saw that, her smile got wider; she was pleased with herself. She made the impression that he was an idiot - that she knew more than him.
"Ya, you heard me," she mocked.
His blood was boiling inside of him. Katsuki tried so hard not to make a scene. He peered his eyes on her, but Yaoyorozu didn't look away. She wasn't as soft and he believed her to be.
Bakugou couldn't let Momo get away with this, and she wouldn't let up. He roughly turned his seat to her, propping his hands on his knees, ready to tell her off. Right when he opened his mouth, the timer rang. The loud rings irritated Bakugou even more.
"I'm not fucking done!" he yelled, making a few of his classmates gasp. Dr. Palo snapped his eyes in the direction of the vulgarity.
"Mr. Bakugou, this will be the first and last time I tell you to watch your language!" Dr. Palo roared. The sound of his thunderous voice made everyone, even Bakugou, unconsciously straighten their backs and face forward. Being a lion man definitely had its quirks.
His paw was huge, and when he placed it on his desk, it almost sounded like a slam. Dr. Palo spoke more calmly this time, "Do I make myself clear?"
His eye twitched from holding it all in. He had to pass this class in order be free of his sentence. And, if he wanted to pass this class, he had to compose himself. After all, it was Hero Etiquette. He managed to mumble out a "Y-yeah…"
Beside him, YaoMomo let out a giggle. He side-glared her, Talk about a fucking 360 on this bitch.
Dr. Palo cleared his throat before continuing to speak, "Now, students, before I let you analyze your conversations, we must first go over what is proper, socially acceptable, public etiquette…"
He continued to speak about etiquette for the rest of the class. All the while, Yaoyorozu maintained her sophisticated mannerism. And as much as he tried to ignore it, her presence pissed him off.
When class was finally over, he had an assignment to complete and a quiz to study for by the end of the week. It wasn't going to be an easy class, but it shouldn't be too hard for him either. His glare steadied on Yaoyorozu as got ready to leave. She didn't waver, but ignored him as she stood up.
"You better watch yourself, Ponytail," Bakugou warned, shoving the items in his bag.
Momo smiled and tilted her head at him, "I wouldn't have said all those things, if you kept yourself together."
"You should know a lot about that," he smugly responded.
She adjusted the strap of her bag and gave into his insults, "You're definitely right about that."
"And that you're a spoiled princess?"
"No," she shook her head, "But I guess I do try to please everybody."
He threw his bag over his shoulder, smirking, "What a sad life."
"It's not so bad," she insisted, then walked towards the exit, not looking back as she spoke, "Maybe one day, I could please you."
"W-WHAT?!" Bakugou was completely baffled, unsure of what he just heard was true. He tried to comprehend what she just said to him.
By the time his brain was functional, Momo Yaoyorozu was nowhere in sight.