Hi, so it's been...like, forever. I apologise for that, but after posting the last part my life got very busy and now everything has literally just stalled right in the middle of it because of all this Coronavirus stuff. You know, someday like a year or so in the future, someone's gonna read this book and see this and think, "I remember that time, that was a hard time, I don't want to live in that time again." And I agree with you wholeheartedly, future reader. I wholeheartedly agree.

Several more days passed, and Kirishima fell back into his old, normal routine. He started talking to Bakugo again, and true to his word, there was absolutely no mention of the kiss, even if it was constantly on his mind. He wanted to wait until after the holidays were over to really think about it, so that way he could stop thinking about the issues with his dad and focus on Bakugo.

Speaking of his dad, the closer it got to Christmas time, the more anxious he became. He had still yet to tell Bakugo whether or not he wanted him to go with him, and it didn't help matters much that his dad kept texting him to ask if he was coming. And with Thanksgiving now only a few days away, he was more stressed about the whole thing than ever.

"Dude, are you okay?" Kirishima raised his head from the table in the breakroom at work to look up at Tetsutetsu, holding back a yawn. He'd hardly gotten any sleep the night before because his dad had been blowing up his phone until midnight. He nodded to Tetstutetsu nonetheless, lifting his arms over his head in one gigantic stretch.

"I'm fine," He said. "I just didn't get much sleep last night is all."

"Hey, if you need me to cover your shift I can." He offered.

"No, you don't have to do that. I told you, I'm fine. It's time for your break, isn't it? I'll get back to work." He moved to stand up and head back out, but Tetsutetsu walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I'll cover for you. Go home and sleep. Seriously, man, you look like a walking corpse."

Kirishima frowned and started to protest, but Tetsutetsu wasn't having it. He patted his shoulder and reached over to grab his clothes and toss them into his lap. "Go. Home." He repeated, enunciating each individual syllable of the word.

"Fine," He sighed. "I'll cover your next shift to make up for--"

"No, you won't." Tetsutetsu turned to leave the break room, pointing to the exit door with a small smirk. "Now get changed and leave."

"I'm starting to think you don't want me around." Kirishima mumbled under his breath, but Tetsutetsu ignored him. With another heavy sigh, he carried his clothes into the bathroom to change out of his uniform. When that was done, he hung up his uniform and grabbed his wallet and keys before making his way out of the store. Tetsutetsu gave him one last wave before he was gone.

He sighed, in no hurry to get into his car and drive off. What was he supposed to do now? It was too early to go home and go to sleep, but he felt too tired to do anything out of the house. He was still trying to decide while slowly heading towards his car when his phone chimed. He dug it out of his back pocket to check it. It was a text from Bakugo. Curious as to why Bakugo would be texting him now while he was supposed to be working, he quickly opened up the message.

Shitty Hair, whenever you get off work, I need your help. Text me back.

"What could Bakugo of all people need help with?" Kirishima muttered to himself, but he was already typing his response as he made it to his car and leaned against the driver's side door.

I got off early today. What do you need help with?

He got inside the car and started it, turning on the heater. He had just been reaching for the gear shift to pull out of the parking lot when he heard his phone chimed again. Bakugo had replied.

Meet me at that grocery store that's closest to my apartment. I'll explain then.Alright then, guess I'll see you there.

He closed his messages and pulled up a search engine to find the store Bakugo was referring to. Once he was sure he'd found the right one, he set up the GPS app and pulled out of the parking lot. It was a short drive, and it didn't take long for him to spot Bakugo. He parked his car a few feet away and jogged over to join him in front of the store. "Hey, Bakugo. So what's this about?"

Bakugo's face remained impassive as he shoved his hands in his pockets and walked inside. "I have to do some shopping, and I didn't feel like coming alone."

"Ah, I see." Kirishima hurried after him, grabbing a cart and leaning over it as they walked. "Shopping for what?"

"Thanksgiving," he answered shortly.

Kirishima raised an eyebrow. "You celebrate Thanksgiving here in Japan?"

Bakugo nodded. "It's weird. This guy I've been friends with since we were kids...his mom celebrates it every year and I've always been invited. This year was no different. I always try to bring something that I make myself."

"That's...really cool, Bakugo." Kirishima smiled. He felt like he might have just fallen for Bakugo even more.

Wait...what?

"Tch," Bakugo tossed his head to the side, but Kirishima was pretty sure he'd seen blush. "Whatever, I'm only doing this shit so I don't have to hear my mom nagging at me for being rude. Now help me find the ingredients I need or get out, Shitty Hair."

"Yes, sir!" Kirishima laughed, giving him a big salute before they both began their search for ingredients. Bakugo would explain what all he needed and Kirishima would go looking for it until they had everything. By the time they were done, it was dark outside. Kirishima helped Bakugo carry his bags out to his car before they parted ways for the rest of the night.

"Well, goodnight Bakugo." Kirishima said once all the bags were safely out away in the backseat of Bakugo's car. "Good luck making...whatever you're making." He turned around to go to his own car, only to stop as Bakugo called out to him.

"Oi," He glanced back over his shoulder. Bakugo was staring at him with both hands shoved in his pockets. "That thing with your dad. Have you decided yet?"

"Er...decided what?" He asked, trying to laugh it off by awkwardly rubbing at his neck.

"If you're going. If I'm going with you."

"Ah...right. That." Kirishima sighed, lowering his hand. "I...I'm still not entirely sure. I promise I'll let you know as soon as I do, though."

He continued to stare for several moments until, just when it was about to get awkward, he e finally huffed and turned around. "Fine," He opened the driver's side door before glancing back at me over his shoulder. "I'll see you later."

"Ah...yeah, see ya!" Kirishima called, but he was already in the car. He moved to the side of the lot as Bakugo pulled out, only giving him a single wave to acknowledge him again as he left. Kirishima watched his car turn onto the main road with a sigh before heading back to his car. He wanted to get home as soon as possible and the second he made it there, he was going to go straight to bed. He had done far too much thinking for one day.

This endings fucking SUCKS but you know what it's fine it's 3AM, everybody's in quarantine and it sucks and I'm tired and hopefully I'll be able to get to Blue Blood after this. I should also probably finish another part for Luminescence. I have way too many things to work on and they haven't even sent out our school stuff yet. Fucking great. Anyways...hope you enjoyed, assholes, I'm going to bed now. Goodnight 3