Kirishima gestured dramatically in the motions of a supposed transformation before falling back behind a prop, his disappearance covered with the appearance of a large dragon costume.

"This is where the pyrotechnics come in", Bakugou explained.

"No", Aizawa deadpanned.

"I think it's a fine idea", All Might countered. "I think we can trust our students in that respect. People working in the theatre use their quirks all the time to enhance the production."

"The dragon gets one fire blast. One. Use it wisely", Aizawa conceded.

The class was showing a few scenes from their play to some of the teachers. They sat in the front rows of the auditorium. All Might beamed with pride. He couldn't wait for the festival when he could see the whole thing. He'd need to remember to bring his camera. And although Aizawa's expression didn't change, he felt the same twinge of pride.

He hadn't expected much when they changed productions last minute and the fact that it was an original story didn't help matters. But it was really coming together nicely.

"You should all feel good about what you've done so far", Midnight said, clapping her hands.

And everyone on stage and in the back all felt more confident now that their play was looking more solid than ever. Especially with their two leads. Their romance was incredibly believable now. It helped that it was real, most of their classmates thought.

There was a small percentage of them that knew the truth and wished for more. Such as Midoriya, who had sent a message to his friends, excluding Todoroki, asking to meet up after rehearsal that day to talk. And so Uraraka, Iida, and Shinsou gathered under his request. Most surprisingly, especially to himself, Bakugou also appeared at the diner they were meeting at.

"I'm glad you all came here today", Midoriya started. "I wanted to talk to you about something."

"I can't believe Bakugou actually came", Uraraka mentioned. Not only did he take being ordered around badly, but it had come from Midoriya of all people. Midoriya was shocked as well when his childhood friend/bully had come without fighting.

"Shut up", was his eloquent response to that. If Midoriya had called them all out for something, Bakugou felt like it could only be about one thing.

"I've been lying to you", Midoriya said. "And to everyone else. Todoroki-kun and I aren't really dating. I suggested we pretend to get used to our roles and he agreed."

"What? No waaaay", Shinsou and Uraraka said in unison.

Iida was making strange gestures. "That was dishonest of you Midoriya-kun. Although I can understand wanting to give your all for the play, you shouldn't stoop to such lows."

"I knew that shit already", Bakugou said.

All four looked to him in shock. And for once neither Uraraka nor Shinsou's disbelief was faked.

"You knew?!"

"For how long?!"

"Does anyone else know?!"

Bakugou just glared at them all. "So you were faking it, so what?", he shot at Midoriya. "Don't tell me that's all you had to say."

Midoriya shook his head. "The truth is, I'm lying to Todoroki-kun just as much. I have a crush on him and I don't think I can take pretending for much longer."

"Then don't", Bakugou said simply. "Tell him outright. He's an idiot like you, so he won't get it if you don't say it."

"Bakugou-kun is right", Iida agreed. "You should be forthright. Todoroki-kun is not cruel. Even if he may not share your feelings, he will not ridicule you for them."

"I suppose you're right", Midoriya said, head hanging. It was hard to gather up the nerve to do such a thing, but Midoriya couldn't run from this any longer. It was time to face the music.

"We'll be here for you", Uraraka reminded, him, grabbing his hand.

"Bye", Bakugou abruptly stood up and left the diner just as Midoriya was thanking them for being his friends and helping him through all of this.

He stuck his hands into his pockets and stalked off, having another appointment to get to. Apparently Kirishima need him for something as well that afternoon. He was waiting for Bakugou outside the park.

"What are these extras doing here?", Bakugou asked when he saw that Todoroki and Yaoyorozu were standing nearby.

"You're late", Todoroki said.

Bakugou grabbed the front of Kirishima's shirt. "Explain."

"I'll explain, since I'm the one who asked you all to come", Todoroki answered for Kirishima and led them inside the park.

They found seating at one of the picnic tables. Some kinds ran around and a few adults strolled or jogged but there was no one immediately close who would be able to hear them.

"Yaoyorozu, you're here because I trust your judgement. Bakugou, you're here because you're Midoriya's childhood friend and this concerns him."

"Why's he here", Bakugou pointed a finger at Kirishima.

"Cause they knew you wouldn't come if they asked", Kirishima smiled, just happy to be there even if it was just as a professional Bakugou wrangler.

"So what is it that you wanted to discuss?", Yaoyorozu asked.

Todoroki took a deep breath. "Midoriya and I have been pretending to date in order to make our acting more believable. Midoriya suggested it, but I went along with it because I'm in love with him."

"Oh my..."

"That's kinda romantic, dude."

"What the fuck?"

Todoroki kept talking but all Bakugou would focus on was how he really was surrounded by a bunch of dumbasses. It would be funny if it wasn't so annoying. And if they didn't insist on involving him. He ended up telling Todoroki the same bit of advice he gave to Midoriya and leaving just as quickly as Todoroki tried to thank him. Kirishima bid his two classmates goodbye as he got up and followed Bakugou.

"That was a nice thing you said back there", Kirishima pointed out as they walked out of the park.

"I'm not gonna hold their hands while they figure it out. I'm not a saint." The rest would be up to them. Hopefully they'd hurry it up and get it over with so that they could finish preparations for the play. Bakugou didn't want anything messing it up.

Dragon Knight: I am not only a sword and shield for my master but a steed as well!

Witch: He's changing!

Dragon Knight: [transforms into a real dragon] [breathes fire]

Dragon King: Behold his might and cower!