Katsuki Bakguo…

A polarizing figure, it seems like you either love him or hate him. Exceedingly popular and eternally controversial, despite his renown, he was also notoriously elusive. Once in a blue moon you'd see him out and about, rarely could you approach him an it was even less likely that he would reciprocate conversation. However, if you had asked her in the last few weeks, Tsuyu Asui would only really have one word to describe him.

Inescapable.

No matter where she turned, what she did, how much she shut in, he was always somehow in her view. Not voluntarily have you, ever since he hit his stride in the hero business his face has been everywhere. Posters tabloids, talk shows, the works. All the while he gave an ever present aura of indifference that slowly molded into annoyance. He was dubbed the "bad boy" of heroics and was the most eligible bachelor in the reason. Though when most of his classmates of yesteryear seemed to be settling down, that wasn't a good sign.

It didn't help that they were drinking buddies.

Well, buddies was a strong word. And as a matter of fact Tsuyu wasn't much of a drinker to begin with. But they had on a near biweekly basis gone drinking together after a long day's work. Where it all started was beyond her but working in neighboring sectors of the same city made her aware of his proximity. She worked primarily at the docks, occasionally at sea. He worked in the heart of the city. So between those two locations, laid the train station smack dab in the middle of the two offices. She could only recall what their first drink together was like.

It was by happenstance that they met. Tsuyu had gone out for dinner with a work colleague who dubbed herself an apprentice. On one fateful night who else but him would show up, nonchalantly garner the attention of every young woman in the place. He left them bewitched as he waltzed over to a lone seat at the bar. His back faced to Tsuyu's side. Before either noticed each other she had just been talking to her "apprentice".

"Thanks for comin' out again Froppy. I still don't really know the town much yet." Slipjet, her penguin themed apprentice bowed slightly her bangs nearly dipping into her meal.

"It's no problem, I'm always here. In fact I should be thanking you for paying." Tsuyu smiled gesturing the girl to look up. Slipjet was from the northern most region of Japan, way out of town but found a home here for great opportunities. "And I've told you already, Fuyumi, call me Tsu. We're off the clock." Fuyumi's only response was a weak retort of secret identities and respect. I was a strange feeling as Tsuyu looked upon her with a certain warmth. Maybe it was just homesickness, but having someone who despite only being no more than three years younger than her treat her like this, made Tsuyu feel more sisterly to the penguin girl. Slipjet wavered about dodging eye contact when her face lit up.

"O-oh wow… Hey Frop… Tsu. Isn't that?" She was giving a pointing sign with her eyes, directing Tsuyu to a familiar head of dirty blonde. A man, though hunched over, would still tower over the both of them. His eyes were tired, his lips parted as his jaw hung slightly ajar. He trudged along and despite his dire expression, he still garnered adoration. He sighed deeply taking his seat, Slipjet excitedly turned back to Tsuyu, her mouth agape. "It's him." she pointed discreetly covering her mouth with her other hand.

"Ground Zero." She hushed her squeal.

Somehow the single younger pros got it into his head that Bakugo was a catch. Tall, handsome and mysterious, girls vied for his affections and Tsuyu had no idea why. She rolled her eyes, thinking about a way to redirect their conversation. Sadly there really wasn't much to discuss nowadays. It wasn't that she was in a rut, but as of recent months, all her days seem to just meld together. Wake up early, get ready for work, go on patrol or do some busy work, go home and if she was lucky see off her boyfriend, Tokoyami, who always worked at night. All that to say she hadn't really had much going on in life rather than the usual. She stared down at her food, suddenly wanting to just go home, her hand propping her head up as she tilted her head away.

"W-what can I get you, Sir" The waitress approached him nervously. She fiddled with a pencil and a small memo, obviously starstruck.

His voice came out gruff and breathy. "The Usual..." He trailed only giving her the side eye as he scratched at his head.

"Katsudon and a cold pint, alright!" the waitress quickly bowed scurrying away.

He let out another sigh, tapping against the counter listlessly.

"Didn't you two go to school together." Slipjet continued. Slipjet herself wasn't all that interested in Bakugo. In fact she was more mischievous, a gossip more than anything. When she got into her zone she was much more talkative. She playfully gestured that Tsuyu should talk to him.

"Yes we did. But right now I think it's better if we just left him to his own devices." Tsuyu said sensibly. If he was anything like he was in high school, it'd be better to give him space from time to time. Ignoring her sensible conclusion, Slipjet went to nudge at the tired man.

"Hey hey, Ground Zero. Do you recognize her?" She pointed at her superior, mouth wide, inviting him to answer. Tsuyu sighed, she was doubtful, ready to give an apology for her subordinate's tactlessness.

"Pro Hero, Froppy, Rank 97… And who the hell are you." Bakugo breathed out, his gaze less glare and more incredulous stare. Tsuyu was a bit shocked. What reason would Bakugo have to acknowledge her, what more with her rank.

"Correct! And why do you think I mentioned that?" The penguin girl continued, oblivious to the lack of interest in the man's entire being.

"Beats me, kid."

"It might have been long ago but she was your classmate." She stated matter-of-factly.

"A long time ago… How the hell old does she think we are?" His gaze turned toward Tsuyu, almost playfully questioning the girl.

"I'd like to know what she meant by that too, Bakugo. Anything to say for yourself, Fuyumi?" she caught on quick, shooting a questioning glare at the penguin girl. Slipjet quickly realized her rudeness, sputtering an out an apology and bowing profusely at both parties.

Something cracked in Bakugo as he let out a hoarse chuckle. Tsuyu herself cracked a smile.

Suddenly an alarm blared. Slipjet quickly pulled out her phone, face twisted in shock. "S-sorry Froppy! I lost track of time, my train's about to arrive. I've got to get going." She sprang up, slamming a couple of bills onto the table. "Give me back the change later. Bye!" She darted out the door, leaving nearly 5,000 yen more than was necessary. Tsuyu waved at the girl, almost ready to leave herself. Then her attention turned to Katsuki. She wasn't sure whether or not she would be right in leaving him be, but curiosity got the better of her as she plopped down next to him.

"Tell me Bakugo, why did you recognize me." She tilted her head, a finger tip on her cheek. A gesture she had long since stopped using came back to her unconciously.

"Simple. I keep up with the Hero Rankings." He answered. "You just cracked the top 100 this past month." He entertained the girl's thoughts. Unlike what she remembered of him, he was a lot more tired than anything. "What's it to you."

That odd fact of his life piqued Tsuyu's interest. "That's… Oddly very you." She responded confused, he huffed. "Then answer me this, mister 48. Who else from out class is on that list?" She questioned. Honestly she also on occasion looked at the hero ranking and breaking into the top 100 did boost her pride a bit.

"First of all, it's 43. And second its, Ingenium at 76, Creatie at 88, Shoto at 50 and… Deku at 49." The venom in his voice was subdued. Over the years his animosity for the green haired wonder had died down significantly. The two still held a rivalry, but if anything the two could be civil.

"Looks like you finally overtook him." She stroked his ego a bit as his food arrived. He took a quick swig of his drink breaking his chopsticks. He scoffed in annoyance.

"That means squat. That idiot just got married, of course his rank would drop." It was true, Midoriya's time had been taken away from his hero work. He used to be the #1 in terms of their graduating class, at rank 41. She had been at his wedding two weeks ago.

"Uraraka looked beautiful in her wedding dress."

"None of my business."

"Everyone was wondering why you no showed."

"Like I said. It's none of my business."

"It wouldn't have killed you." She wasn't exactly sure the words slipped out of her mouth so naturally. But she felt compelled to keep going.

"Why don't you get off my back." He gave out a powerless growl.

"My apologies, but I don't think I've ever had the chance to chat with you." She answered not phased by his threat. She turned back to her table, already cleaned, the change just laid neatly pinned under the sauce tray. "In fact, why don't you come sit with me. I can't imagine those stools are all that comfortable." She pointed at the empty seat in front of her. "I'll buy you a drink." She bribed him.

Taking the bait after a bit of deliberation, he took a seat.

"Fine, but you better have that wallet ready."

Three hours later and several drinks downed by both parties later, they chatted like they were reminiscing over a friendship they never had. They caught up on each other's lives since their schooling together. And somehow it ended up with her giving him her number, scrawled messily on a napkin. They saw each other off after riding the last train of the night.

Tsuyu arrived at her apartment, the one she supposedly shared with her nominal significant other. He had long since started his shift. The room was neatly kept, like no one had even been here. Maybe she really was homesick. Something about tonight made her nostalgic. Chatting with a man she had little to no history with made her feel warm. Though that may just be the alcohol taking over. She plopped down on the bed falling asleep. But one thing stayed in her mind. Something she had cast away to the confines of her mind lest she admit it to herself. Something that sadly was now undeniable.

She was stuck in a rut.

The next time they talked was a month later. She had continued to rise in the rankings, now at 93. He kept consistent. But one day while on patrol, she got a call to her personal cellphone. Katsuki called her to cut off an escaping criminal heading towards the docks. And though she stalled him, Katsuki made the capture, that night he bought her a drink at the restaurant both frequented. And slowly after that, they just started drinking together.

It was August, Tsuyu was on patrol as usual. The heat was annoying but the humidity wasn't the worst thing in the world. Though it was days like these that made her consider whether or not she wanted to make a summer time costume for herself. Her phone rang, it was Tokoyami. She was a little happy, it wasn't very often that he was awake at this hour. But the words he spoke didn't grant much confidence.

"We need to talk."