"I'm actually amazed...you managed to play me for a goddamn fool!"

Mina jumped in fear as more of her things crashed to the floor, the hanging tears on her face dropping to the floor as her body jostled in fear. Katsuki blasted the room while his anger spiked to dangerous levels, a monster raging in the moonlit room in the night. He was heaving through his teeth, giving his face a good wipe before realizing that he'd explode momentarily.

"I gotta get out of here...I gotta get the hell out of here…!"

"Bakug—!"

Ashido squeaked after being startled once more, trembling. An Armor-Piercing blast crashed through the polished floorboard inches away from her feet, and as the girl raised her head, she'd gaze into eyes she never wanted to be acquainted with ever again.

"You take one more step Mina...and I don't know what I'll do..."

Blood red orbs with strains of rage glared her into nothing.

*Later that night...*

Such pristine teeth bore into full lips. One would think Ashido would draw blood. Her fingers clawed into her head, pacing the dark room with an ocean of tears already poured from her eyes.

"...Stupid...you're so fucking stupid!" She tapped her head over and over, a painful huff fell from her mouth as she continued to cry.

He was gone. Katsuki was gone, and all that lingered was the awful smell of burning polished wood…

*The heaviest sigh blew past full lips.*

Opening her eyes was no easy task, but Mina managed.

Her head hurt.

But what else was new?

Stirring in her blankets while running her fingers through her locks, Ashido awoke in a bit of a daze. It'd felt like so long ago, but she was haunted by that day still.

She had class, she remembered.

"Mmph…!" Her palms bore into her mattress as she rose. How could she forget? U.A was…

"You guys heard?"

"Tsk, who hasn't?" Denki Kaminari assured that the rumors indeed favored his ear. "Dude, she looks like a zombie…"

"Fuck off."

A heavy hand tapped the shocker's shoulder, though it wasn't much of a shocker in itself, that'd be of the last things Kirishima would want to hear.

"Hey Jiro! Hagakure and I were going to get lunch at the cafe if you'd like to join us."

"Sorry Momo, I'd love to. But I'm actually gonna hang with Mina for a bit before band practice."

"Oh...I see." The jacker winced at the reception, Yaoyorozu delivering a smile and saying she understood— though, it certainly didn't feel that way. But she understood all the same, closing up her locker and watching her friend walk off to lunch.

How long had it been? A month? Two? Jiro wasn't of those who'd been counting.

In fact, Kyoka was among the few in her class that wished things would just go back to normal. There was such a divide, tension so thick you'd need a butcher knife just to get through the day. This felt a bit like before, except this wasn't just high school drama, with girls fawning over boys.

There was no sense of time, and things just felt so routine-like; A post-apocalyptic world where the students in Class 1-A were robots.

While some groups sucked up the gossip of Shoto's 'scandalous adventures' like a new-issued manga, those a bit closer to Yaoyorozu could feel the rift between their developing relationship, and of course Momo would want to point fingers. She'd resent the one who positions herself so goddamn close to the young man in the first place, trying to pry into her romantic affairs.

She'd resent Mina.

But who was she kidding? YaoMomo would be a fool if she didn't think some of the rumors were true.

"N-no way…!" Jiro exclaimed, her eyes drooping as she dove deeper into her post-practice high.

"I can't make this stuff up dude, I'm tellin' ya!" Kaminari coughed a bit, waving the smoke away as he passed around the blunt. "Apparently Todoroki's been fooling around with Utsushimi since that whole 'extra class' thing him and Bakugo got sucked into."

"And what? Bakugo just spilled the beans? Like he's into gossip and drama?"

"Tsk! The guy told Mina, like, way beforehand to save his own ass— you know that girl is a fox. Man, what I would do for a chance at Camie Utsushimi~" Emphatic giggles escaped the boy as he cursed Shoto's name, Jiro rolling her eyes all the same at her close friend's womanizing.

But he was a good source, Denki. Knew his shit when it came to these things.

Just too bad he couldn't translate that to his academia…

"Okay, think I...finished…"

How long had she been daydreaming? Blinking back to existence, Kyoka looked up to watch black and gold eyes scan the last of her work problems, before sliding over her book to check things over with Jiro.

"...yeah! Awesome!" At least Mina could keep up with her studies, Jiro nodding in approval. "I gotta hand it to ya' Mina, you're definitely improving faster than I did. This stuff killed me on the last test…!"

"Yeah, I've been staying after class when I can. The extra help really does, well, help." A little chuckled followed suit.

But it didn't have that 'Mina Ashido' spark or pazazze.

"But hey, maybe we can get lunch tomorrow after your band practice? I'm just feelin' a bit tired today, think I'm gonna check out."

Sad eyes glanced at Ashido as she stretched. Mina, checking out this early? In your dreams. This girl was the epitome of 'The night's still young!'. But this was the fourth day of the week that she was checking in early.

Normal...how long until things went back to normal?

When any conglomerate of her friends could sit together and have a grandiose time.

When the lobby wasn't in such a divide, or at times even empty.

When Girl's Night would be in full effect, and they'd chase Mineta or Kaminari (in some instances even both of them) down the halls as the letchers listened in on their gossip.

Kyoka looked just a bit deeper, watching Ashido gaze out her patio window for a moment.

How long would it be until she heard Mina and Bakugo's loving bickering in the lobby while they did their homework?

How long until Katsuki would steal his girlfriend away from her friends bridal-style, barking on and on about how they'd had their fun with her, and now it was his turn?

And how long did everyone have to wait until the couple started the craziest pillow fights the dorms had ever seen, only for Class 1-A to get in knee-deep trouble with Mr. Aizawa?

"Yo, Earphones!"

Jiro's fingers drifted away from the strings of her guitar, a gloomy expression left on her face.

Band practice. When did she even...?

"W-we can wrap it up today guys. I'm just a bit under the weather…" Class 1-A's band concluded for the day, but a day Kyoka's passion for music went left was an omen if anything else.

"You know, if you need a pick-me-up, Kirishima got this awesome bottle of sake from the third years~" Kaminari being Kaminari (who was nudged in the arm by Tokoyami for condoning such behaviors). At least some things didn't change, the boy managing to place a smile on her face.

"'Ha ha'— nah, I'm good for today. I'll be on my A-game tomorrow, trust me."

While everyone packed up and headed back to the dorms, all that was left was Kyoka, and a certain blonde who was usually the first out the door.

"You keep playin' like that, and you'll be a solo act."

The jacker snorted, packing up a few more instruments.

"It was that bad, huh?"

"Huh? No. It was…" Yuck. Compliments. "...it was actually pretty good. These nerds could hardly keep up."

That was a surprise. To be honest, Jiro hardly remembered much of today's session. But she looked up at Bakugo, who wouldn't share her gaze, but acknowledged her.

"Something's on your mind, I could feel it through your music. At least today anyway..."

He got a sigh out of her, and noticed she wasn't packing up anymore. Hopefully it wasn't a motherload of problems (maybe he should've just kept his mouth shut).

'I could feel it through your music.'

She wished other people could share that kind of passion with her, what a nice thing to hear.

"I dunno', I guess things just kinda feel…'off' right now. In the class, I mean..." It wasn't like that was all she could think about while playing today. "I'm just adjusting to it."

Katsuki looked down to his own drums, feeling guilty.

"Sorry." He muttered, continuing to pack up his things. He tried everyday to convince himself that his relationship problems hadn't drained the life out of his classmates, but nowadays he wasn't so sure. And Kyoka was one of the few he especially hoped didn't become affected.

"No, don't be! It's not like you did anything." Hopefully that didn't come off as her pointing fingers. It probably did.

Another sigh. She needed to start over.

"I was actually going to say, if you wanted to take some time off er' something, I totally get it."

"Don't be dumb."

Better. Katsuki's roughness was another thing that could make her feel better.

"I'm still me Earphones, quit worrying." And she appreciated that more than he'd know.

"...thanks Bakugo." Her eyes trailed for a moment, scanning something that had fallen out of her bag that she'd been working on during her free time. Music was one of her few distractions these days. "Hey, check this out for a minute?" She walked closer, passing Katsuki a notebook of different notes and melodies she'd just love for him to work on.

"The other day, when you were improvising, it flowed really well and I was wondering if you could explore that a bit. I-if not, I totally understa—"

"I'll look it over."

Katsuki rolled his eyes at the girl's excitement, her eyes lighting up. But Jiro was one of the few that didn't get under his skin. They shared a few things in common, and likewise, music was a distraction for him too. So he'd indulge in her notes later, give himself something to think about.

Jiro packed up the rest of her things, heading out of the band room and back to the dorms herself. But as she walked out, she could see Bakugo walking off into the distance with a certain brunette.

"You have fun today~?"

"Act like I'm a child going to kindergarten, and you'll regret it Pink Cheeks."

Ochako nearly spit out her drink in laughter, getting more comfortable in her booth seat. Her lovely face rested in her palm, adoring Katsuki's beady eyes towards his food, the young man practically starving.

"Oh, by the way—"

"D-don't talk with your mouth full!" Uraraka exclaimed.

"Don't think I won't repay you for this."

Honestly, she was just glad to see him enjoying himself again. Be it barking everyone in Class 1-A up a tree, or destroying the training facility in usual Bakugo fashion, it was all more soothing than anything else; ordinary. Where had all that energy gone?

"You don't have to, silly. Why don't you repay me by managing your school funds better next time?"

"Yeah yeah, whatever." He scarfed a good chunk of his food in a blink of an eye, Bakugo letting it settle for a bit by leaning back. "Go on. Ask." He grumbled while picking his teeth.

"Is that a love note from Kyoka~?"

"Keep it up Uraraka…!" This girl's joking knew no bounds, the blonde grinding his teeth before retreating to his happy place, and actually informing Uravity that this indeed was not a 'love note'. "They're musical improvisations, you moron. You wouldn't get it…"

"Ooh~, looks cool!" Snorting at the level-one observation, Bakugo sat closer, walking her through the...rather delicate work Jiro had put togeth— very interesting.

"Not bad Earphones...you got good taste."

"Seems like you guys got somethin' in common." That damn slurping, how was there anything left in her cup? "Oh! How does that saying go? 'You miss 100% of the shots you don't take'?"

"Quit foolin' around! She's just…" Another glance at these notes caused him to sway. But that's all. "Talented." It'd probably be best to leave it at that.

Ochako's smile was starting to wilt, and she was doing a rather great job up until this point at keeping it, as well as the positive energy. But she supposed all conversations would eventually lead to this.

"Still haven't budged, have you?"

"I ain't talkin' to her Uraraka."

"Bakugo."

"What!?"

Maybe last year she'd shudder under the pressure and fear in his voice. His presence; the flame in Bakugo's eyes was nearly impossible to snuff out. But now, Ochako only looked at him in friendly disappointment, as if he were a child, and she was expecting him to do better than this.

"Rr, don't look at me like that..."

"You know I'm right." Full lips inched closer to her twisty straw.

"You take another sip of that empty cup and I'm gonna explode…!"

"Just break the mold Katsuki! Come on!" She'd at least do away with the cup. But if it took until Day 1000 for the young man to at least hear her advice, then Ochako would be angel Katsuki's shoulder so desperately needed. "You still love her, right? And I know you've seen her lately…" Holding her face in dismay, Uraraka recalled Mina Ashido's expression this time around. "She doesn't cope well with sadness…"

"Welcome to life."

Even she didn't believe that.

"No one said you can't at least still be friends…" Though, that probably wasn't possible. Their relationship had kindled much more than her own with Katsuki had. "Okay— a-at least tell me how your extra classes are going."

"You mean when and how I'm gonna put that nerd in a body bag? At least be direct..."

It was bad enough that Shoto and his family were getting all this traction. It gave him yet another unfair advantage to the top. Would it kill half his goddamn class to earn their stripes for a change? Regardless, Ochako's expression did indeed mean that she wanted to know how his 'relationship' with Todoroki was…

He'd heard the story. It was Mina who delivered the kiss, and Shoto pushed her away almost immediately. Great. That doesn't explain why the hell he was alone with her in the first place. 'Maybe you guys should just go separate ways', the hell was that supposed to mean!? Rr, just thinking about it made his blood boil, and Bakugo had no idea where to direct his anger...

"Hey, I was trying to get you guys'—"

Minutes after Midoriya and Bakugo got back to the dorms, Ochako walked through the lobby door as well. But what was with this energy in the night air? And why was Katsuki hiding his face, sullen eyes gazing at his feet? If he had too much to drink, that's one thing, but—

"Did I...do something wrong?" A lifeless voice whispered in the dark.

"I told you, stop saying that!"

"W-what's going on…?" The angel-faced young lady went to turn on the lights, but there was probably a reason for Deku and Bakugo to be sitting in the dark like this, with nothing but the moon's grace illuminating the lobby. Midoriya was reluctant to speak, which caused Uraraka to turn her attention to Katsuki. She crept closer, Bakugo turning away. She was just too damn bright, he'd just end up tainting her again.

But that wouldn't stop her. Taking a seat with the boys, Uraraka got a good look at Bakugo's face whether he liked it or not. He was drunk, that's for sure. But she knew him like the back of her hand, perhaps better than most. In fact, other than Izuku and Eijiro, the only person who knew Katsuki better than Ochako was…

...oh.

She'd paint the rest of the picture later, but Uraraka only mentally kicked herself for not realizing sooner.

"Oh, Katsuki…" A head full of blonde hair was pulled into a loving bosom, Ochako strumming her fingers through his locks, and placing a kiss upon his head with comfort. "I wish you wouldn't drink like this…" It was warm, he thought, but that's as far as his thoughts could go. Bakugo was lost, and nothing in this moment made any sense. It just all made him feel better, not being alone.

The three sat for a while before Izuku nudged his head towards the hallway, wanting Uraraka's ear for a moment...

"Oh no…" Leaving Katsuki for only a moment, Izuku sat back while Uraraka held her mouth in horror.

Ashido's room.

It was a mess. Like a war had taken place, right here.

"I was wondering if she was still here…" Izuku muttered under his breath. "But when I went to check on her, I found this…"

"But...I mean I just don't get it." Was that anger spilling out of her? Oh, of course it was. How could he forget? "She promised me she wouldn't hurt him like this…! And of all people….!"

But that was enough of wading in the foul waters of that memory. Uraraka was much more mature and composed than she was in that moment, and had long forgiven and stopped looking for scapegoats to blame. Things just...happened, for lack of a better way of putting it— she certainly had her fair share of moments of weaknesses.

But, as she walked alongside Bakugo back to the dorms that afternoon, taking a moment to glance at his blank face, she wished.

She wished things didn't 'just happen' to him.

"So, that was a yes to the ice cream tomorrow, right~?" Ochako clapped her hands together in plea while the pair walked through the lobby's doors, Katsuki rolling his eyes all the while.

"Fine already! As long as you shut the hell up about it...!" Though he had to admit, he adored watching Uraraka's face light up with glee.

After pledging his allegiance to Pink Cheek's precious ice cream date, Katsuki took refuge in his quarters. He threw his bag to some unknown corner of his room and plunged onto his bed.

Ugh, it still smelled like her. Every goddamn time they talked about that, his senses seemed to hone into her scent. What she was doing at this very moment. The way she made him feel all tingly inside (Bakugo tossed in his bed in disgust).

Another deep inhale.

How Katsuki longed to feel Mina's perfect figure in his arms again.

Every day, his phone would rumble from various messages. Kirishima and Dunce Face, Hado inviting him for more drinks with other third years. Hell, he was even beginning to indulge in Camie and Yoarashi's foolery, occasionally peeking into their group chat, and grabbing a bite or two after their additional classes. But of course, that meant being around Todoroki. And despite knowing the details of what happened, the son of the new number one hero would have to guess again if he thought Bakugo would forgive him so easily.

So, Bakugo would have taken days like these, where he actually took a breath or two with Ochako. He wouldn't openly admit it, but he was glad they could remain friends despite the intimate history they shared. So he indulged in the food after band practice or casually hanging out after classes (or ice cream on a whim of course)...

...and other things. But Bakugo quickly shook his head. He told himself not to get involved with anyone else, but it wasn't long after rekindling his friendship with Ochako, did they start occasionally fooling around again. He knew the girl didn't think of it. Just another 'activity' they shared together. But mindless screwing wasn't his style.

Though, he wouldn't deny the pleasure and nostalgia that came with sleeping with Uraraka.

And exhale…

"...stupid breathing techniques, she think's she so clever..." Referring to 'Pink-Cheek's' hounding him and managing his anger a bit better, Katsuki tossed a stress ball (or a defused grenade but it was all the same in his eyes) up in the air, only to catch it with dignity. And this went on until his head was back on straight, whenever that was.

He'd lost count of how many days ended just like this, with his mind in shambles.

"'Break the mold', huh?" The grenade slapped into his hand once more.

The next day was— as usual— usual. Class ended after Mr. Aizawa's debrief of the week, with Ashido being among the first to exit the classroom. Honestly, how could anyone keep up with her at that speed?

For Mina, that was the whole point. She held her things close to her, hooking a wisp of pink stray locks behind her ear and headed straight to the cafe for lunch.

She had no intention of changing things. Where her friends were adapting to the many shifts in the air, Ashido found it easier to crawl under a rock. It was easier, and it made things hurt a bit less.

If enjoying her lunch outside for a change, while taking refuge under a well-shaded tree, was how things had to be for Mina to pull herself up by her bootstraps, then so be it. Mina would gladly cross her legs, whip out her laptop, and continue to watch her favorite series with her headphones in. And of course, she'd gladly enjoy a bite of her granola bar as well.

"No, he didn't…!" Ashido gasped under her breath, more engaged in her show than any of her academics. The clock was ticking towards her next class, but that didn't stop her. "Mm...I've got time."

On the contrary, her next class had already started five minutes ago. But Mina only got more comfortable, soaking up the sun and enjoying her day for a—

"Ashido?"

Change. Something she longed for.

"Oh! Hey!" A fake smile greeted...ah, what was this guy's name again? Honestly, Ashido had grouped him in with the rest of the upperclassman who had a 'sudden affection' for her as of late. She felt like a fish in a pond of sharks with how little space some of these guys were giving her.

However, not all were so popular. Bakugo, on the other hand, simply couldn't relate. Maybe it was because he didn't put himself out there, and he certainly had no intention to do so. Things were quieter during the day, and he didn't have anywhere to be most of the time.

"Come on Bakugo, it's just Stats. You can afford to miss one class…!"

"Tch! You sure as hell can't Dunce Face."

Well, most of the time. He forgot about Denki's various antics when school was just a bit too much for him to handle (which was all the time). But he appreciated it, oddly enough. He was another anchor for Katsuki.

"Hey! Low blow man…!"

"Yeah? Well study harder and you wouldn't have your feelings hurt. Besides, I'm already skipping." Katsuki stood up with a stretch, scanning his many options for food. "If I have to sit through another monotone history lesson, I'm gonna puke. Anyway, I'll be back. Kirishima: he takes any of my food, you let me know."

"'Kay." Eijiro looked up from his phone to see Kaminari's sticky fingers inches away from crispy, tender nuggets. An arched brow followed suit.

"Snitch…"

Bakugo walked away from one of the food stalls in disappointment, grumbling under his breath but eating all the same.

"This is stupid, how the hell do you not have ramen today?" He strolled about with his granola bars, thinking to himself for a moment. He could still get his energy drink, although it was on the other side of campus. He'd lied to his friends earlier, no way he could skip class. But he was contemplating it, that was for sure, checking his phone once again.

"Mm, I've got time." Five minutes? He'd risk it, it was worth it. That drink was too good for a shitty day like today to go without.

Bakugo took in the fresh air as he walked to the other side of U.A's campus. He'd never admit it, but taking in the fresh air every once and a while really did wonders for the mind (maybe Ochako wasn't so full of shit). Seeing the grounds littered with these extras, however, did not. He did a quick scan, wondering just how many of U.A's prestigious students were lying on the grass instead of sitting in uncomfortable chairs.

"Huh…"

Apparently, he wasn't the only one skipping class. Katsuki's gaze was caught by Ashido's, who quickly returned to her company after getting distracted. She sat under a tree, cute and petite as she seemed to have been approached by another second or third year.

How often did he see these mutts hounding her like that? He'd lost count.

But Bakugo knew her body language. Her gestures. Her expressions.

"Yeah— to be honest, I'm kinda skippin' class myself, hahaha…!" Mina scratched her head like a fool while making conversation with the upperclassman from her class. He was sweet and down to earth, but she couldn't stand flirting from any guy that wasn't...him.

Katsuki.

He was all that she wanted, and he was walking off while she mingled with this kid who's name she hardly knew.

"Oh yeah? If that's the case, why don't you and I get a bite?"

"Oh I would love to, but…!" Mina's adorable face stalled for an answer, with sweat rolling in like thunder.

"Mina."

Astonishment took over the girl as a dashing knight in blonde hair stood behind the pair, hands cooly residing in his pockets. Without even an exchange of words, Katsuki nudged his head in the direction of the building, gesturing to the girl to grab her things and come with him.

"Sorry! I was actually gonna grab lunch with Bakugo, if that's ok?" Though, she wasn't exactly asking, packing her things swiftly like a bell was rung and class was ending.

"Hm? 'The hell you starin' at?" Katsuki grumbled, spooking the poor young man before turning and walking off beside the girl.

Swooping in and saving her like that. What a 'Bakugo thing' to do

Ashido couldn't help but crack a smile.

"T-thanks." Mina whispered, pulling back another stray strand, and keeping her head down in modesty.

This girl, who held her things so close to her chest, refusing to at least look him in the eye.

Had they really drifted so far apart?

"Here, I'm heading that way." Bakugo took the various granola wrappers from her hand to the trash— huh. This was what he was snacking on.

He wouldn't think about it.

"Oh...thanks." Who was he kidding? It was 12:30, he had history this period. And his class was the other way. He was gone as fast as he came, and the churning in her stomach returned. "At least say bye…" But maybe that was too much to ask.

Suddenly, Mina didn't feel like attending any of her classes today.

Ashido resided in her room at the end of the day, eating leftovers after her time with Jiro. She had time to finish her episode while Kyoka took a few minutes to go over things with Katsuki. Some new 'project' they were working on.

It was...cool.

Yeah. Mina was glad he was mingling, and expanding his palette. She noticed he was hanging out with Ochako again too. That was good. She seemed to always be able to defuse him...

...suddenly she wasn't so hungry anymore either.

"I should catch up on my readings." The pink girl muttered, actually springing into actions for a change. She put away her food and set up her homework at her desk, getting annoyed with how many times she'd had to brush her hair to the side lately.

About an hour or so had gone by, and other than collected dust and her homework progression, nothing in Mina's room had really changed. Another five minutes, and it wasn't until then had Ashido become aware of this fact. What was happening, she wondered. Why was everything so...boring lately? Or was it slow? Lifeless? Probably all of the above. Honestly, the only excitement there had been today was speaking to Katsuki again. Mina felt like herself for the few words she spoke to him.

Black and gold orbs stared at the paper in front of her. Her grip on her pencil loosened, and the music blaring into her ears faded to white noise. Every day led her back down the rabbit hole, her mind trailing back to Bakugo until she fell into slumber.

She was grateful, but Mina would be a liar if she hadn't made one more wish for him to be back at her side. Sitting next to her.

On the other side of that—

*knock knock*

...were they going to say who it was? Ashido took out an earphone to tune in, but who could possibly be at her door around this time? Probably Kaminari, desperate for the answers to tomorrow's math homework again. She'd done it fair and square, so why did he not have to budge a finger?

Regardless, he was at the door. In nothing but a skimpy tank top and compression shorts, Ashido paused her studies to answer the door…

...and dropped her pencil at the sight of Katsuki.