Bakugou's not one to hesitate, not when he's given a simple challenge from his coworkers. Or, 'friends,' as Kaminari keeps saying. They were never friends in the beginning, Bakugou has no idea what hell he's talking about. He's dealt with dares and bets throughout the course of his high school life and job as a Pro Hero.

He'll take a gut punch and break your fingers from it.

Bakugou's tough as hell, but as of now, he actually can't believe himself. Here he is, staring at a text message he's received from Kirishima, fingers hovering above the screen as he hesitates to type. The mere look of it pisses him off, but his mind remains at a standstill as he reads it over and over again like some illiterate child.

Hey man me Mina and Tokoyami are going to see that new movie this weekend, wanna come?

Bird Brain and Raccoon Eyes. The mention of her brings him back to how she and that redhead boyfriend of hers abandoned him with some chick he hasn't even seen since the puppy mill raid three months ago. They must think it's real funny, toying with him like this. Camie (that is her name, right?) didn't seem to mind, lucky for him.

She really didn't seem to mind. In fact, she looked glad to see him again after so long. To his dismay, Bakugou was slightly touched to see her grin at him so sincerely. Even after all the shit he's given her, she's still the same as ever.

Bakugou types one letter to decline the offer, but stops, seeing a speech bubble appear on the other side of the screen. Kirishima types out:

We'll bring Camie too

…

Speak of the damn devil.

Bakugou scowls, tons of pressure suddenly on his shoulders. He could decline. He's going to decline, just give him a second. Gradually the sentence forms.

no

Most of his life, he's never hesitated this long. A weird, grungy, itching feeling crawls upon him, his thumb just above the 'send' option. All he has to do is send the message. Then he won't have to deal with Kirishima and his girlfriend holding hands and sharing the same drink and treat him like the biggest third wheel in history. With Tokoyami there, for some reason.

Again, at the last second, Kirishima provides him with:

She'll keep you company lol

Lol.

In that exact moment Bakugou sends his message.

no

All said and done. He doesn't care about some dumbass movie. They'll be fine without him. Plus, why the hell would he care if Camie's coming along, anyway? Was that detail really necessary? Not that he'd appreciate her keeping him company. He already knows that isn't true. Why would any girl appreciate him?

…Coming from personal experiences.

…

…

And yet…

Yet, but fucking yet…

Groaning, Bakugou stares at his apartment's ceiling, Camie's name appearing in his head, followed by her face, and then, a memory playing like a projector in his mind. Camie, at the park, in front of All Might's statue. Her words flow like water.

"No matter what other people say about you… like, the media, and stuff… I like you for who you are."

…She looked so sincere.

"I genuinely enjoyed hanging out with you today. A lot."

So honest. She held her hands behind her back as she looked him dead in the eyes. She really meant it. The same way Ojiro said they really did look like a… couple…

God damn it…!

Bakugou snatches his phone and scrawls his message as quickly as possible.

actually

fuck it I'll go

what time

But fucking yet, the grungy feeling stagnates, only becoming shallow as soon as he sends it and throws his phone across the couch. Even he remains confused as he processes his thoughts. A movie with Camie.

…

Her smile stains his head.

After all…

Bakugou turns on his side, staring in thought.

After all… she really meant those words… and she's the first.

"If you want to… maybe we could, like, hang out again?"

Yeah…

He wants to.

After all, she's the first girl to ever say those words straight to his face. Even when the media criminalizes him, talk shows discussing his questionable actions as a hero, when random hecklers waste their time on him…

She's the first girl to say it straight from her heart. Honestly, genuinely, sincerely.

Yeah. He'll hang out with her at the Summer Festival. Bakugou lies still, even as Kirishima sends the time and date of the movie.

…It's just a thought, but Bakugou might consider talking to Camie more often.