'Ow...my head…' Uraraka bit back a groan as her eyes opened to fluorescent lights shining down on her. She instantly flinched and turned away, slowly squinting at her blurry surroundings— multiple beds with curtains, an abandoned stethoscope next to her arm and squeaky clean floors. She soon came across a pair of red eyes that glowered beside her, to which she raspily uttered, "What happened? Where is everyone?"

"They went to get some stuff for you or some shit." Her vision sharpened to identify Bakugo, still wearing his running clothes, who clicked his tongue in disapproval. "You pushed yourself too hard again. Idiot."

Uraraka raised an eyebrow. "Huh? Doing what?"

"Did you get a concussion?" Bakugo leaned over from his chair and tapped the small space between Uraraka's eyebrows with his index finger. "The race! We ran a useless race you thought of, remember?"

Flashbacks of the event filled Uraraka's mind, the last image being that of her, Bakugo and Kajiwara sprinting for the finish line. "That's right!" she gasped and sat up on the stiff bed. "The race! What happened there? How did it- Did I…?"

Bakugo grabbed her flailing hands and pulled them down to her lap. "You fuckin' fainted."

Uraraka's lips stilled as her head ached to register this information. To think she had done the exact same thing that prematurely ended her fight with Bakugo in the Sports Festival, which could only mean… "I lost, didn't I?" she muttered with her head hung dejectedly low. Her gaze stayed on their hands, his tightening around hers as frustration warmed her cheeks. "Again...it's always like this… I'm so hopeless." She rubbed her eyes. "So much for getting in some last-minute training for the final."

"Gee, ya think?"

"...Sorry."

"Listen," Bakugo grunted, turning a sharp glare at her, "You're taking me out to Wacdonald's for hero-sized burgers once we're done with finals."

Uraraka blinked listlessly at his impromptu demand. "What?"

"Lunch." Bakugo straightened back up. "That was the condition of the race, remember?"

"...But...I thought I-" Uraraka's hands shot up to her mouth. "You mean, I won?! I actually won?!"

"Tch, what's it to ya?" Bakugo grouched, glancing to the side.

He grudgingly recalled how she took him and the Kajiwara guy by surprise at the last sprint, her spirit unyielding as she reached for the finish line. When she crossed first, she actually screamed— out of joy, it seemed, before she broke into tears, hobbled back to him and managed a weak 'Bakugo, I-' before her knees gave way. Luckily, he caught her before the ground did, her body limp and weighty in his arms. He could hear the frightened cries of some of their classmates and worried outburst of the other race participants, but he kept calm, collected. He simply held her close that time, stroking damp strands of hair from her face and holding her torso up as she quietly slept. Someone angrily demanded that Recovery Girl be called to the field to ascertain the situation. He was sure it was Seiko's voice but that didn't matter. "Don't bother," he told them as he proceeded to tuck an arm under Uraraka's legs and carefully pick her up. It wasn't like the infirmary was that far anyway.

"You've got guts, Uraraka," he finally said, having left memory lane.

Blissfully beaming, Uraraka looked up at Bakugo, shoulders bouncing with each giggle. "Aw, shucks! It was nothing, really. I just remembered the things you taught me during the times we trained and, before I knew what was going on, my body just...moved on its own. Kyah! I'm so happy!" She watched him approach her with a hand extended to her face. She swallowed, expectations now hanging in the air. A hug? No, too affectionate. A kiss maybe? No way he would. "Eh?" What she didn't expect was for him to suddenly wring his arm around her neck and rub a hard knuckle along her noggin, ruffling her already unkempt hair.

"Idiot!" he snapped, "I'm not complimenting you! I'm scolding you, hear me?! What you did was reckless! What if no one was there, huh? You would have broken your head falling wherever you want like a dumbass! Do you have any idea how much of a commotion you made?!"

His words rang in Uraraka's ears like a majestic gong. 'So that's what this is all about.' Blushing, she smiled and embraced his arm that locked her in. "I get it," she whispered.

Bakugo jumped slightly. "Hah?! What are you-"

"Thank you, Bakugo." Uraraka angled her face towards him. "And I'm sorry...for having made you worry about me."

Now it was Bakugo's turn to turn red in the face. He hadn't even yet realized that those were his actual feelings. All he knew was that he felt inexplicably angry when Uraraka didn't wake up right away after arriving at the infirmary. People gradually disappeared around him to move on with their day, assured and assuring him that she would be okay, but he stayed. Deku and the usual bunch offered to go out and bring something back for Uraraka for when she woke up and Recovery Girl had a quick errand to run a few minutes ago, but he damn well stayed.

Uraraka tilted her face again. "Are you still mad?" she pouted.

Bakugo's hold around her loosened and he settled the hand that was giving her a noogie atop her head. "You," he grumbled, "Who the hell would worry about a scatterbrain like you?"

"Heh," Uraraka giggled, "I'm tougher than I look so have more faith in me, Bakugo! You and I have been training together after all."

"You always need to have the last say, don't you…"

"I learned from the best!"

Bakugo glared harder at the petite girl in his arms, hoping she'd be a little more apologetic. But the longer he studied how her chocolatey doe eyes peered up at him, how her puffy lower lip folded under her small, pearly teeth as she smiled, the more he was suddenly overcome by some other power. It felt tingly...fuzzy...hot. "I'm going to have to teach you to quit talking so much then." Succumbing to these sensations, his palms cupped her flushed cheeks, connecting their gazes.

Uraraka traced her fingers along his knuckles. "Bakugo…" she whispered longingly. Based on their conditions, what she wanted and what she felt he also wanted at this very moment would be considered taboo. 'Wouldn't it?' the thought crossed her mind for assurance but, again, her body moved on its own, her fingers intertwining with his and sending flames down her arms and to her chest.

Bakugo leaned forward and slowly angled his face so that his lips hovered over hers, their breaths mingling in the small space between them. Deep wood-brown and draconian red clashed in a fierce but amorous staredown, the two drawing closer ever so deliberately until their owners' chests connected. Bakugo's hands traveled up Uraraka's slender waist, pausing at her ribs before slipping down to her hips. To show her approval, she bucked slightly into his hold and molded herself deeper into his chiseled physique, gingerly resting her arms on his shoulders to pull him closer. His eyelids fell as her soft lips grazed his, shyly begging to be caught and sucked to satisfaction.

"Bakugo..." Uraraka uttered again, "We-"

"Damn it, what did I just say?" Gently, Bakugo took her upper lip between his own lips and combed over the sensitive bump below her Cupid's bow with his lower teeth.

It took all of Uraraka's willpower to pull away from the initiation of their kiss in order to finish her thought, "We shouldn't be doing this kind of thing."

The tenderness in Bakugo's features became marred by confusion. "What's the prob- Tch." He stopped just as the answer came to him.

"We're not dating, remember?" Uraraka gave the harsh reminder anyway, "So if we're like this, then people will get the wrong idea. And you'll...just get upset."

Really? Was this how she thought of him? Not that it was completely untrue, but it certainly was not how Bakugo felt about them. About her. "Why the fuck would I get upset over wanting to hold you?" he muttered, looking away.

Uraraka's eyes widened. "Bakugo, what exactly do you want to do about us? I don't understand you anymore!"

"You're not making things any easier for me, either!" Bakugo fired back.

"I know I said I'd wait, but you can't keep playing with me like this." Uraraka grasped her own hand. "I might not show it but I'm hurting, you know! Whenever I think you found your answer and are about to do something, you pull away. It really hurts."

"Who's playing?!" Bakugo just about shouted, "Like I said, I'm serious about you so I don't want to do a half-assed job of being your boyfriend!"

Uraraka looked up at him with wide, glistening eyes. "What…?"

"I've already decided!" Bakugo took a deep breath but quickly coughed all of it out when the door handle shook.

"Kacchan!" Midoriya burst into the room with Iida, Mina and Asui tailing behind him. "Has Uraraka woken up ye- Whoa, Uraraka! You're awake!"

Bakugo distanced himself from the brunette and stuffed his hands into his pockets. He then shot a glare at Midoriya, curtly snapping, "If you already knew the answer, then why ask? Nerd." The next thing he knew, the alien girl was squealing at the top of her lungs and glasses kid was reciting some bombastic welcome to Uraraka.

"Are you feeling better now-ribbit?" a genuinely concerned Asui asked Uraraka with a tilt of her head.

Uraraka nodded back. "Much better! I actually can't wait to get some fresh air after this."

"You'll need my okay in order to do that, though," a soft voice drifted into the room.

"Recovery Girl!" Iida exclaimed as the miniature old woman walked in, "How is Uraraka's condition? Will she be alright?"

"She's not hurt, is she?" Midoriya included his inquiry.

"Tell us she's okay!" Mina pleaded, "We've been so worried about her!"

Recovery Girl gently parted the students as she approached Uraraka's bedside, picking up the stethoscope that laid next to her. "Stay still now, dearie," she calmed the gravity manipulator, "I'm just going to check you over one more time to be sure you're in tip-top condition." She heard a low grumble escape Bakugo's throat and smiled up at him. "And I promise you, Bakugo, I won't hurt a single hair on her."

Now everyone's attention was on the sole blonde boy whose face turned back to a ripe tomato shade. "Wha-" he choked, "What the hell are you telling me that for?! Tch! Do what you want!" He turned his back to them and stomped towards the door. He remained in place just before reaching it, raising the curious brows of his classmates at his lack of intention to leave.

Uraraka craned her neck while Recovery Girl ran the cold stethoscope over her chest. She inhaled and exhaled in sync with the medic heroine's instructions and repeated the process when the stethoscope grazed her back next.

"Well?" Mina and Midoriya leaned closer with their fists held to their chins.

Recovery Girl withdrew the stethoscope, jotted down some notes on her clipboard and affirmed, "Miss Uraraka is now A-Ok! She may leave anytime she wants. Just make sure you stay hydrated and get plenty of rest tonight, you follow?" She directed the question at Uraraka who eagerly nodded back and held up a thumb as confirmation.

"Thank goodness," Midoriya finally breathed with relief.

With his and Iida's help, Uraraka stepped back onto the ground. "Thanks for all of your support," she bowed to her friends.

"Aw, no need to thank us," Mina clapped the smaller girl on the back.

"Yeah," Asui nodded and glanced at Bakugo who flinched the other direction. "If there's anyone you should thank, it's Bakugo— he absolutely refused to leave you by yourself-ribbit."

"Keep your lousy comments to yourself, amphibian!" Bakugo refuted.

Undeterred, Mina winked at him and chirped, "That's so true! He even carried you here all by himself after you fainted. Everyone was surprised he was still able to run so fast after having just finished that race."

"Who knew Bakugo would turn out to be such a reliable partner?" Iida commented, "Last I worked with him, it was an atrocious match-up. But now, I almost envy you, Uraraka. I kind of wish Bakugo had been my partner instead."

"The sentiment isn't the same, four-eyes," Bakugo snarled, complimented by a twisted grimace. He looked at Uraraka whose eyelashes fluttered innocently back at him. "What?"

"N-nothing," she mumbled, "I...I just...had no idea it was like that."

Bakugo felt his blood pressure spike at Uraraka's vague reply. "What are you babbling on about now? Just spit it out!"

'Just spit it out, he says.' Uraraka grimaced. 'And so easily like this whole charade hasn't affected us all this time! How dare he?!' Upon what one could only call impulse, she shot a hand out at Bakugo and grabbed him by the collar. "Bakugo!"

"Shit!" He skipped back by reflex, retreating into a defensive stance in anticipation of some sort of offensive strike. 'What the fuck did I do?' his mind frantically searched for a revelation, 'Why is she suddenly attacking me? Is this part of our training that she wants to continue?' He raised his arms for a counter strike and was about to deliver until Uraraka loosened her grip and suddenly pressed her face against his chest. His heartbeat pounded loudly against her, its solemn hymn rendering him petrified.

The room was stunned into silence. No one had expected Uraraka to do what she did. Mina, Asui and Iida looked to Midoriya for an answer, but he could only offer them a weak shrug of his shoulders. He tried to ask Recovery Girl, but she was already seated at her desk reviewing various files and writing some things up from them.

"I have my limits, too," Bakugo heard Uraraka whisper just before she pulled away and stumbled back to her friends, grinning lopsidedly.

"What was that-ribbit?" Asui questioned.

"Whoops!" Uraraka squeaked, "I guess my balance is still kind of not there. My bad."

"Pffft, I'll say!" Mina shook with laughter, "You nearly gave Bakugo a heart attack. I've never seen him look so scared before!"

Bakugo fought the heat emitting from his palms and cheeks. 'What the hell does pudge face think she's doing?' he internally fumed, 'Making a fool out of me like that! After everything I've done for her, this is the thanks I get?!' His rage sought an outlet, to which his finger pointed to with smoke flowing from its tip. "No one asked you, ink face!" he barked at Mina.

"Oh, it's ink face now?" Mina argued back, "I have a name, you know. It's Ashido for you! A-shi-do!"

"Like I give a shit!"

"Come, Uraraka," Iida ignored the two and began guiding Uraraka towards the door, "You should head back and refresh yourself in your room. It's ideal for restoring the health of mind and body."

"Err...okay!" Uraraka nodded in agreement.

"You should also come down to the common room later this evening if you're feeling up to it," Midoriya offered, "Everyone's going to have a little get-together before finals hit."

"For boosting morale before everyone gets depressed about their grades," Asui explained further.

Mina, having instantly forgotten her debate battle with Bakugo at the mention of the gathering, bounced up to the four and urged, "Oh, yeah! There's that happening, too! You should come, Ochako! It'll be so fun!"

Uraraka smiled at her friends. "Sure! I'd love to join." She took one last look at Bakugo from over her shoulder, her chest squeezing at the frown he gave her. "How about you, Bakugo?"

"Fuck yeah," Bakugo didn't hesitate to reply, surprising everyone including Uraraka. She had expected him to flatly refuse or even just ignore them and go sulk in his room like he usually did.

"Wh-what…?" she stammered.

Bakugo marched past them, brushing his shoulder visibly against Uraraka's. "You bet your asses I'm going," he clarified with a scowl, "After all." He further contorted his face at the gravity manipulator. "I've got unfinished business there."

Uraraka quickly recovered from her bewilderment and returned his glare. "What a coincidence— so do I," she muttered and exited the infirmary after him. Bakugo trudged down his own direction and Uraraka hers with her friends following suit.

.

.

.

.

The common room boasted a jolly atmosphere of snacks and finger foods laid at the bar area, a punch bowl dominating the entertainment center's table and barbecue grilling in the kitchen, courtesy of the evening's part-time chef Todoroki. "Make sure to keep the air filter steady," he instructed Yaoyorozu who stood beside him, keeping still a rather noisy contraption that she made to suck in the indoor grill smoke. "Otherwise, the sprinklers will go off and cause a lot of trouble for everyone."

"I have it on full blast so you'll be fine," she assured him, "Just make sure nothing gets burned."

"Anyone in the mood for some tiramisu?" Sato piped up from in front of the oven, "Or strawberry shortcake? Maybe sugar cookies are better. I can make fudge muffins, too."

"I'm getting a toothache just listening to you," Sero chuckled, "But, no lie, all of that sounds pretty awesome right now. I'm starving! Besides, the meat is taking way too long to cook."

An irritated Todoroki held up a bloody chicken leg. "Would you rather do the honors then?"

Sero shrank behind the counter. "I-It's okay. You're doing a great job as it is."

"I vote for fudge muffins!" Mineta eagerly raised his hand from behind the entertainment center's couch.

"Strawberry shortcake is better," Toru snuffed him.

"Fudge!"

"Strawberries!"

"You know, as heroes in training, we really shouldn't be indulging in too many sweets…" Ojiro interceded the two only to be pushed off the couch, landing him on top of an unsuspecting Koda.

Over by the punch bowl, Kaminari took a long sip of his drink, making sure to take in the last drop before slamming his plastic cup on the table and whining, "No good! This stuff is too bland, Tokoyami!"

The bird hybrid looked up from his dripping ladle, caught midway of serving Jiro her cup. "What do you mean?" he asked.

Kaminari pointed at his bright red mouth. "Your punch isn't even that sweet so this shade is very deceiving. It depresses me."

"Hmm…" Tokoyami pondered deeply, "I was certain I followed the recipe by the book. It instructed I only mix in two cups of sugar, but if you insist I change it-"

"Don't listen to him," Jiro chided, "Kaminari just has an incurable sweet tooth. The punch tastes fine."

Kaminari's eye twitched. "I know what I like, Jiro, and this isn't it. Punch should have...a-a...it's this sort of thing that… It should hit you like-"

"A punch," Jiro deadpanned.

"Yeah!" Kaminari's face glowed with excitement. "Like a punch! Heh-heh, oh. That's pretty...punny, isn't it? Gahaha- Ow! Ow! Hey!"

Jiro was now whipping him with her ear jacks, more in a playful manner than harmful, her full cup of punch left forgotten on the table. "Your jokes are beyond cheesy, you know that?!" she scolded, "It's embarrassing! I can't believe you're my partner!"

Kaminari took hold of her ear jacks, stopping them in midair as he looked up and smiled sheepishly at her. "I can't believe you're mine either." It wasn't until he finished the sentence that he realized what he had just said, bringing a mortified look to his and Jiro's face. "Ah! Hold on, that wasn't-"

Without uttering back a word, Jiro's lengthy jacks retreated to her ears and she promptly left the area.

"Jiro?" Kaminari called but was not granted the attention he sought. Heaving a sigh, he leaned against the table and frowned at the cup of punch Jiro left behind.

Tokoyami finished stirring a fresh cup and offered it to the blonde. "I've added an extra spoon of sugar in this one," he said, "Let me know if this appeals more to your taste, Kaminari."

Kaminari pondered over the two cups before letting out a furtive grin. "Thanks, Tokoyami," he replied and took the cup Jiro left behind. "But I think this one is starting to grow on me already." He held up the drink for cheers and proceeded to gulp it down.

...

"Ahhh..." Jiro groaned as she took her seat next to Uraraka, Asui and Mina at the counter. Her trigger fingers circled her temples. No one really had to take the effort soliciting an answer from her because she ranted with, "Kaminari, that electric-brained dummy! Getting me all flustered like that… I couldn't even say anything back because I was so shocked!"

The three girls curiously peeked over at their friend. "What's gotten you so worked up, Jiro?" Mina asked first.

"Like, how can someone be so dense?!" Jiro asked back with such emotion that it made the others flinch. "He just says and does whatever he wants without caring how the other person might feel! Now that I think about it, I doubt he even notices in the first place. But still!"

Uraraka took a tentative sip of her punch and mumbled, "Sounds like a certain someone I know and work with."

Asui noticed Jiro's occasional glancing at a certain area of the room and followed it to see Kaminari and Tokoyami at the other end of her gaze. Though as the two chatted, Kaminari's eyes darted occasionally back to where Jiro sat, his cheeks dusted a slight pink. The frog girl's eyes widened a tad. "Kaminari did something." Not a question, but a statement. An accusation.

Jiro's head nearly exploded. "What?!"

Uraraka nudged Asui in the elbow. "Tsu!"

"Ribbit?" Asui tapped a thoughtful finger against her chin. "Am I mistaken? I'm often told I'm good at reading people, though."

Before Jiro could answer, Mina slid her a cup of punch. "Aw, that Kaminari," she chuckled, "He's always up to weird things, isn't he? And if what Tsu said is true, then you shouldn't let it get to you, Jiro! Actually, as his partner, you should be used to it by now. Just shove him off like you normally do!"

"Ye-yeah…" Jiro laughed nervously. "I'll just do that then."

Uraraka looked on as their musician friend drank down her punch and cradled her pinking cheeks. The brunette knew this look all too well. 'Does Jiro…?'

…

The door swung open and slammed straight into Shoji who barely managed to catch his small plate of snacks with the help of an extra arm.

Just beside him, Aoyama jumped back in surprise, unlucky enough to drop his modest saucer of cheese cubes. "Mon fromage!" he cried.

"Who the-" Shoji turned to confront the offender but calmed down after discovering who it was. "It'd be nice if you didn't slam things on other people."

Bakugo's hand left the door handle and went straight into his pocket. Huffing a haughty breath, he glared at Shoji and hissed, "Sorry you losers were standing in a shitty spot."

Shoji felt his annoyance return. "Must you always be like this?" he demanded.

"Not my fault snowflakes like you can't take the heat," Bakugo shrugged. He scanned the common room, the wrinkles between his eyebrows scrunching deeper and deeper with each person that passed by.

"Uraraka's at the bar area," Shoji pointed out.

Bakugo's shoulders stiffened. "And just what makes you think I'm looking for her?"

"Well, I just assumed that since you two are always together nowadays," Shoji answered with confidence.

"Like glue and paper!" Aoyama sprinkled in his comment. "Or baguette and latte? Whichever one you find more flattering, monsieur."

"That's dumb logic!" Bakugo's voice nearly cracked, "I'm here for...for…"

Luckily, Kirishima happened to pass in front of them on his way to the kitchen and waved at them. "Hey there, Bakugo!" he happily greeted, "You made it!"

Bakugo yanked Kirishima by the sleeve and pointed at him. "I'm here for this fucker, got that?" he specifically told Shoji, "He wouldn't shut up about me coming so here I am!"

"Wha…?" Kirishima frowned. "But I didn't-" Bakugo's fingers encircled the back of his neck and pressed hard, cutting off his reasoning with a pained, "Gah!"

Shoji slowly blinked, unconvinced. "Uh-huh."

"C'mon!" Bakugo dragged the flailing redhead away.

"Wa-wait, Bakugo!" Kirishima protested, "What the heck is going on?! What's gotten into you? Bakugo!"

...

"I mean, look at Uraraka," Mina went on, "She's got bomb-head Bakugo for a partner who, unlike Kaminari, goes beyond offensive with most things that he says and does. But she doesn't let any of that stuff get to her at all."

"Mina…" Uraraka tried to quiet the alien girl.

"She's got the spunk and guts to deal with him and now look!" Mina shook Uraraka by the shoulders. "She's caught the attention of one of our seniors! So who's it going to be now, Uraraka? Midoriya or the older guy?"

Uraraka was beyond red upon noticing that all eyes along the bar were on her at this point. "I-I don't-"

"Hey," Jiro came to the smaller girl's defense, "No one ever said any of this was in the romantic perspective. Why bring up those kinds of things, now?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Mina smirked.

"Noticing the other person is the first step towards liking them romantically-ribbit," Asui finished in a monotone voice that pierced both Uraraka and Jiro deeply.

"I-impossible!" Jiro coughed and covered her lips. "There's no way such a thing is possible! The very thought makes me itch!"

Mina embraced Uraraka and squealed, "If you ask me, you and Midoriya look the best together! You two were always meant to be! You know, I've always supported you since you realized your feelings for him back in-"

"Mina!" Uraraka cried but it was too late. The forbidden words were spoken and Midoriya and Iida had returned from the kitchen just in time to overhear the whole exchange.

Having realized what she had done, Mina slapped a hand over her mouth and guiltily mumbled, "I-I'm so sorry! I didn't know Midoriya was… Uraraka, I'm sorry!"

Midoriya had to shakily put his plate of barbecued chicken thighs on the counter. "Ah," he swallowed, "Th-there must be s-some mis-u-understanding about this…" He looked worriedly at Uraraka whose face was now white as a sheet. "Uraraka?"

"Deku, I uh…" she stammered, bringing a tight fist to her chest. This was just awful. The very precious secret she'd tried so hard to hide all this time was just carelessly revealed. Now Midoriya knew. Everyone knew.

"So it was like that, hm?" said Iida.

Jiro's heart flew with Uraraka's, quite aware that this once placid gathering had just escalated into an explosive mess. Misunderstanding after misunderstanding. She shook Uraraka by the shoulder and asked, "Hey, do you want another drink? I'll go with you."

"Yo-you're wrong!" Midoriya vehemently protested, surprising just about everyone present. "Uraraka's feelings...they aren't like that towards me. I-I'm, uh, we're just...r-really close…friends." He smiled back at Uraraka. "Isn't that right?"

Uraraka could hardly contain the joyous relief spreading over her face. "Ye-yeah...thanks, Deku."

Midoriya bit the side of his cheek, finding that he had placed an arm over her as a protective gesture. 'Instinct,' he supposed and brought the arm back to his side. "Besides," he continued, "Only she knows how she feels. For all we know, she could actually be in love with-"

"Bakugo," Uraraka whispered softly but was still loud enough for a majority of her friends to hear.

"Come again?!" Mina gaped.

Uraraka strained a smile in a certain direction. "Nice of you to join us," she said.

At the edge of the bar area, Bakugo and Kirishima stood waiting, one donning a scowl and the other a downcast expression.

"Kacchan!" Midoriya squeaked, "When did you get in?" His stomach churned. "A-and...how long were you standing there for…"

"Long enough," Kirishima muttered quietly, shaking his head.

"You know," Bakugo spoke with a calmness that contradicted the peevishness on his face, "Racoon-eyes is right, Uraraka. You and Deku do look like a match made in heaven. Hell, you're two peas in a fuckin' pod."

"Oh, is that how you really feel?" Uraraka gritted her teeth.

A red glow ran from Midoriya's face down to his neck. "Wha-w-w-what are you guys saying?!" he stuttered.

"You'd win that bet," Bakugo spat, ignoring the curly-haired teen and directing his glare straight at Uraraka. "But it doesn't fuckin' matter! Because I'm...I-I…" Just like before, his tongue felt like a knot and his throat tightened.

"Are you alright?" Asui questioned, "Your face is starting to match Kirishima's hair-ribbit."

Bakugo's fists smoked. Various emotions rampaged within him as this felt like he had just reached his crossroads of destiny. On one hand, he could take the easy way out by dismissing everything that he just heard and walking away, ignoring everyone for the rest of the night, including Uraraka. Or he could take the more challenging road and confront his feelings for this handful of a girl once and for all, making sure to leave no room for any misunderstandings and convey to her and every flunkfuck present his resolve.

Kirishima tapped him on the shoulder. "Err...you still with us, dude?" he asked.

"I think he's timed out." Iida waved a hand over Bakugo's face. "Earth to Bakugo!"

"Oy," Jiro turned to Kirishima, "Do you have an 'ON' button for him somewhere? He's not saying anything!"

"He's not a computer!" Kirishima fussed, "I think he's just shocked or something."

"Kacchan?" Midoriya dared tilt his head questioningly at his childhood friend.

"Shut...up…all of you," Bakugo managed to growl back.

Uraraka pushed herself from the counter and hopped off her chair. She understood Bakugo's hesitation and would not push him any more than this. "If that's all," she sighed, "Then I guess I will get myself that extra drink after all. Enjoy the party, everyone!" She crossed towards the entertainment center, Tokoyami, Kaminari and the punch bowl just a few meters away. Unaware of what had just taken place, they waved her over to them and she swore that at that moment, they had never looked so blurry. Nor did her eyes feel so hot. 'No, no! Not now! Please…' She reached for her face only to have her hand yanked back, twirling her around to meet a glare that stilled her fleeing heart.

"Don't think so little of me!" Bakugo berated and squeezed her fingers.

"Bakugo, you're making a scene…" Uraraka tried to free herself but to no avail.

"Does it look like I fuckin' care?" Bakugo pulled her closer to him. "Listen, Uraraka, I'm not an idiot. In this regard, no one expects anything of me. They all believe I'll be a disappointment to you and that Deku would make you happier. Isn't that it?!"

Uraraka now shared his glare. "And since when did things that people say bother you?" she cried.

...

The commotion drew out Todoroki, Yaoyorozu and Sero, all of which looked as equally confused as everyone else in the common room. "A lovers' spat?" Sero asked.

"That's what it looks like," Todoroki affirmed, "I guess Bakugo finally snapped."

Yaoyorozu blushed and turned her wide onyx eyes to the hot-and-cold user. "You know something about all this, Todoroki?"

"Err…" Todoroki pursed his lips, pretending he hadn't heard her question.

…

"You think that I can't do anything about what others are thinking?!" Bakugo pressed on, "Or Deku or that creepy-ass older guy or...this stupid facade we've put up?"

Uraraka finally succeeded in taking her hand back but instead of walking away, stood her ground against the much taller blonde. "Why are you the one that's mad right now?" she huffed, "If anything, I should be saying those things to you since this was all your idea." She bowed her head. "If It were up to me, I'd be happy just learning all these new things with you. Experiencing them with you. Like I said before, you don't have to be typical genius Bakugo with me because going by every day and acting like nothing's happened between us… I don't like it."

The common room was heavy with silence now. Without even looking, Bakugo knew that all of Class 1-A was looking at them but, true to his word, he no longer cared. It was either show some vulnerability or lose Uraraka and he'd be damned if it was the latter. "Then let's just stop this," he said, "I'm tired of pretending, too."

Uraraka nodded into his shirt. She always knew the day to rip off the bandage would come and could only find solace in the weight Bakugo's words lifted from her chest. "Right," she sniffed, pulling away. "I guess this is goodbye then, Baku-"

Bakugo's left hand clutched her neck while his right hand caught the back of her head. Unable to help her inquisitiveness, Uraraka looked up to ask Bakugo what he was doing but instead met the silence that his lips carried to hers. He pressed deeper, the budding warmth permeating her senses and opening her eyes to what was really happening.

It was then the common room erupted with noise.