On the next day as they woke up both a bit earlier, Jirou went to walk Kiki for a bit, while Kirishima stayed, made breakfast for both of them and prepared the rest of the stuff with her for the get-together at the club at 12. They put all the food in trays and got ready just before 11AM to leave a bit earlier to leave Kiki at Jirou's house. Kirishima did hide all the money from Bakugou in his backpack and brought that with him.
As they were both nearing into the club, they were both approached by a familiar voice.
"Hey you two lovebirds, good to see you!"
"Oh shut up Ashido Mina." Jirou huffed.
This gave a good chuckle out of Kirishima as he greeted her, knowing that she was just joking. Mina was also another popular performer at their club just like him. Her popularity not only stems from her lovely appearance, but also her cheerful and easy-going personality. Kirishima hangs out with her a lot, especially when they both want to go shopping for some new clothes. Ashido possesses a strong fashion sense, which is why Kirishima always loved having her around and getting a second opinion on his clothing choices. Jirou wasn't as much of a shopping person, since her sense of style was completely different.
As they all arrived at the club, they were greeted by Shinso, him looking as tired as ever, but a friendly welcome from him nonetheless. Soon everybody else arrived and all about fifteen gathered around one of the main halls' big tables to enjoy all the food that everybody brought. They all chatted and laughed, discussing the schedule for next week on who would be performing when, whoever needs some time off before Ojiro would post everything on their website in the evening. Kirishima always loved these get-togethers, he was always more of an extrovert that loved to hang out with others. Which is also why sometimes being by himself was quite a lonely experience.
While they were all enjoying all their food, Kirishima excused himself for a second to go to the bathroom. Just as he was washing his hands, he was thinking about Bakugou. Would he be happy to see Kirishima or just scoff at him? How would he react wanting him to return the money? Since yesterday's conversation with Jirou, he couldn't help but think of what could be different outcomes of their conversations, how he could approach them. Even then, he wasn't even sure he would meet him again. Despite a few distractions in the last few days after their meeting, he couldn't get Bakugou out of his mind. He will see the hour of truth once he comes to the Peninsula after he leaves the club.
Just before he walked the small hallways to return to the main hall, he was immediately approached by a running Jirou, hurrying to see him for some reason. She seemed in panic and her hands were a bit shaking.
"What's wrong, Jirou? You ok?"- showing concern on his face.
"Eiji, it's him…."
"Huh, who?"
As they were hurrying back to the main hall, the atmosphere turned from a friendly light-hearted one to an uncomfortable one. Shinso turned from his usual tired but good-hearted appearance to a scary one, talking to somebody in a very serious manner.
"Sir, we are closed and you should not be here. If you do not leave now, I will call the police on you."
An intruder? Who could it be? Just before he could see the other man facing Shinso, he could hear one familiar voice.
"I am not trying to disturb you, all I am asking for is to talk to Kirishima and I am gone."
Hearing that voice made Kirishima's heart squeeze. That can't be Bakugou, can it? As he approached even closer, there he really was. Standing right in front of Shinso, this time wearing a full mahogany colored suit with a dark green-collared shirt underneath and the same sunglasses he has worn on Thursday, looking as classy as ever. He was accompanied by a beautiful woman by his side, perfectly made make-up and hair, looking all elegant in her dark blue suit. She was very apologetic towards Ojiro with a nervous voice, repeating "I am so sorry for intruding on your meal, please excuse us, it wasn't our intention." Ojiro kept wanting to tell her that it's ok and she doesn't have to apologize, making a complete mess of the arguing and opposing personalities between them.
"Hubs, they are disturbing us and they should leave. Don't pander to their talk." Shinso talked to Ojiro.
"I know hun, I don't want them here either, but maybe just wait until Kirishima comes back and settle things?" Ojiro asked and tried to reason a bit.
Bakugou kept looking at their rings around their fingers.
"You two are husbands?"
That question made Shinso give Bakugou a very deathly glare, so much that the woman accompanying him hid behind him, holding onto Bakugou's arm.
"You got something against it, punk?"
Bakugou was completely unfazed by Shinso's stare. Shinso was very allergic to such questions, due to some issues with his parents. Ojiro told Kirishima once that Shinso came from a very strict family that wanted him to become a successful business owner, marry, and have children. Shinso however has been going out with Ojiro since high school, they were inseparable. Sadly, at one point, Shinso had to decide either for his family or Ojiro. Shinso chose the latter, considering Ojiro his new family. This was a very touchy subject for Shinso, so Kirishima doesn't know much really except the few things he was told.
"No, I don't. That Bakuhatsu: Ground Zero outside in front of your club is yours? You should get rid of it, the design is outdated and terrible."
That was the last straw for Shinso. Just as he was about to take out his phone, not trying to lose his cool, Kirishima got right in between them to stop them.
"Shinso, it's ok, let me talk to him." moving Shinso's arm with his phone away from his ear. Just as he said it and tried to calm Shinso down, he was met with a yell from Bakugou.
"YOU! I need to talk to you, immediately."
To not cause an even bigger ruckus and the silence from all the others on the table watching them, Kirishima dragged Bakugou to another room where they could talk one-on-one. That poor woman who was with Bakugou became scared at first, but before they left the main hall, both Shinso and Ojiro bowed in front of her apologizing for their behaviour, and so was she. Jirou took her by the hand and smiled, wanting her to sit down with the others, not making her feel left out. Before she could finish her nervous sentence "No, I don't want to interrupt your meal, I will wait outside." , she was already welcomed and seated with the others.
Finally they both got into one of the private lounges that only staff could get into. Kirishima closed the door behind him, only to be met with more talk from Bakugou.
"You, what the hell did you do to me?"
Kirishima was really confused and didn't know what he meant, tilting his head a bit sideways.
"I am sorry, I don't know what you mean?"
Bakugou looked like he wanted to say more, but then stopped himself. He only kind of frustratingly breathed in and out, not even looking at him. Kirishima couldn't help but think of their night on Thursday and immediately was met with warmth and a pleasant throb in his chest. He took Bakugou's hand, holding it with both of his, giving him a genuine smile.
"Aw, could it be that you missed me, cutie?"
It seemed like that question took Bakugou by surprise, given his cheeks flushing a bit, tearing away his hand from Kirishima's hold, stuttering a frustrated remark.
"N-no, absolutely not." It was obvious in his voice that he was lying. Kirishima honestly didn't mind, he was honestly happy to see him.
"A-anyway." He cleared his throat, this time talking in a serious tone.
"I want to offer you something. I am leaving on Wednesday morning for four weeks, taking care of important business in the United States. The first week I need to go to Honolulu, Hawaii, second and third week to Los Angeles and last week to San Francisco, both in California. I would like you to come with me. All expenses, accommodation, flights, food, everything would be paid for you, you don't need to worry about any. You would sometimes accompany me on a few meetings and eat out at some restaurants. On top of that, I will give you 20 million yen. And...I want more nights like on Thursday. A lot of them."
Hold on. One thing, Bakugou wants HIM to come, he wants to hang out with him more, that's a good thing, right? Though he wasn't sure if he was hearing it all. Travelling to the USA? For 4 weeks? Away from his home for so long? He has never travelled so long and he never travelled outside of Japan either, so this was something very overwhelming for him. What about his job at the club? He can't just leave so sudden. Since he did not give Bakugou an answer yet, Bakugou gave out another statement before Kirishima could say anything.
"If that is not enough for you, I can offer you more."
Finally Kirishima could say something, although it was hard for him to grasp the complete situation he is in. However, there was one thing he was sure of.
"You know...I don't want your money."
This really puzzled Bakugou. That confused expression soon turned into what seemed disappointment, or was it upset? Kirishima couldn't really tell.
"So that's a no?"
"I didn't say no. I just said that I don't want your money."
Bakugou looked even more confused by his words. He was getting impatient. Seems like this guy just wants direct answers and quick.
"Well, what am I supposed to do about that? I am a busy man, what is it going to be, yes or no?"
"I can't just outright tell you yes or no. I admit it's incredibly tempting and I'd say yes, but I never travelled abroad and considering it's a country with a completely different language, outside of my Japanese, I don't have anything to offer. Also, I have my job here, I am not sure I can take one month off just like that. I would need to discuss it with my higher-ups."
"Not even a little bit of English? That's none of your concern really, the USA is a developed country with a lot of Japanese citizens and communities. A lot of the meetings you would be going with me are mostly Japanese. Which also means, you don't have a passport, do you? I can take care of that for you easily."
"...by when do you need to know?"
Bakugou took out his wallet and a ballpoint pen (which also looked expensive with it's golden lining) from inside his suit's pocket and took out a business card, where he scribbled a phone number on the back of it. He handed that to Kirishima.
"Tomorrow evening the latest. Getting a passport done requires one day the shortest, so I need you to tell me by then. Here is my personal phone number that not many people have, send me a message, I might be busy. Now excuse me, I really need to go."
Just as Bakugou was about to open the door and go back, Kirishima couldn't help but embrace him from behind, giving Bakugou a kiss on his cheek.
"I am glad you came back here. I was about to look for you later if you were still at the Peninsula."
Bakugou seemed not to react at first and after a small pause just gripped himself out of Kirishima's embrace, looking at Kirishima sternly, his cheeks rosy.
"God, why are you like this?"
"I don't know what you are talking about. I thought we could continue right now."
"What, NO! I said I am busy!"
Kirishima couldn't help but smile sweetly at him, despite Bakugou's frustrations looking completely flustered by now.
"Aw, not even a handjob, sweetie?"
"Absolutely NOT." He hesitated for a bit, only to soften and quiet his voice down a bit. "...leave that for later."
"Later? Is that today?"
"...if you can. I am not sure when I am done today. You got my number, just send me a message."
"You got it. Do I at least get a goodbye kiss?"
That made Bakugou raise his voice immediately again, yell, go out of the lounge to the hallway, only to come back to Kirishima to give him a quick sloppy kiss.
"Happy? Now stop mocking me! I need to leave now!"
Just as Bakugou turned away, Kirishima pulled him back with another passionate kiss by putting his left hand on Bakugou's hip and his right hand cupping Bakugou's cheek.
"I am not mocking you. I just really like physical contact."
"Yeah, right."
Bakugou broke off his embrace and was returning to the main hall, Kirishima following him behind. The woman that accompanied Bakugou was engaging in conversations with the others, looking much more comfortable around them. Jirou sitting next to her couldn't get her eyes from her.
"Momo, we need to leave."
So that was her name, huh.
"Ah, I am sorry, thank you all for having me."
They all gave her goodbyes with the warmest smiles, except for Shinso, who was too busy eyeing Bakugou intensely.
Kirishima accompanied them both back to the main entrance, Jirou was following Momo behind, chatting with her a bit more.
Just before the entrance, Jirou stopped Momo for a minute, holding her hand, only to say something that seemed like she didn't have the courage to tell her, until now.
"Uhm, Yaoyorozu-san, you are very pretty. Can I see you again?"
That took Kirishima by surprise. Jirou was never one to have shown affection towards anybody, except now. Bakugou was just as baffled next to him. Momo was just standing there, only to realize moments after what Jirou meant. She went completely red in the face, a little bit embarrassed, but seemed very happy with Jirou's words nonetheless.
"Oh..I...thank you, y-you too, I mean…..yes sure! I am not sure when I can though..."
"Momo, give her your phone number." Bakugou immediately called out.
"Yes...YES, that's a good idea. Let me just take out my phone…"
Momo clumsily opened her purse, while accidentally making a bunch of papers fall on the floor from all her nervousness. She apologized immediately, embarrassed to make such a mess, but Jirou only chuckled a bit, didn't mind and helped her pick up all her papers.
Bakugou also covered his head with one hand in disbelief, Kirishima wanting to help her, only to be stopped by Bakugou, whispering: "Let them."
Jirou and Momo exchanged phone numbers, Jirou telling her that she will message her and wished her luck whatever business she had to take care of. Momo thanked her and she left together with Bakugou. Jirou was holding her phone with both of her hands on her chest, pleased with herself that she had the courage to ask Momo.
"Somebody has a crush? Never thought I'd see that." Kirishima teased her a bit.
"Oh shush you, did you even take a look at her?"
"Yeah, she is very pretty. I just didn't expect you to ask her."
"What about you? How did it go?"
Kirishima was happily waving Bakugou's business card in his hand.
"I got his card, although...there are a lot of things I need to tell you. I am not sure what to do."
"Huh, we can talk once we finish the meal with the others. So, did you ask his full name?"
Kirishima completely forgot. How could he be so stupid? Jirou grabbed the card from Kirishima's hand (oh right, of course his name is on the card), from which they both read:
Bakugou Katsuki
Chief executive officer
Bakuhatsu Motor Corporation
Both looked at each other in surprise.
"Let's not tell the others Eiji."
"Of course."