True to his words, Bakugo wasn't as loud as he used to be. Todoroki was content, and he had more respect of Bakugo.

"Hey Todoroki. Come to the coffee shop again today would you. But don't pick a seat, just wait in the front." Bakugo approached him to his seat, and quickly left with just a sentence.

What's up with him?


Todoroki waited for Bakugo infront of the café. After a few minutes Bakugo showed up with the school uniform.

"So what's up. You're not working today?"

Bakugo looked hesitant to say something.

"The other day I got my last pay. I'm going to pick the ring right now. So can you help me?"

Todoroki was surprised. Bakugo wanted him to pick a ring for a girl he liked?

"I don't know why you'd trust my taste but sure, let's go."

He remembered that he had picked one for his mother when he was seven or something.

"Actually, I have a recommendation of a certain jewelry store. Do you want to go there?"

Bakugo nodded in agreement. Excitement was written all over his face, which wasn't... favorable to Todoroki.

Bakugo and Todoroki stepped in to the jewelry store. Bakugo stared in awe as he was overwhelemed by the over-luxurious interior and the simmering jewelries inside the counters. Well, this was not too fancy for a gift right?

"Just to make sure, but are you sure that you have all the money covered for a gold ring? It's quite expensive."

"You bet I have. I've worked my ass off just for this!"

Well he sure looks fired up. Good for him, I guess...

Todoroki and Bakugo were approached by one of the shopkeeper and Bakugo told him he was going to buy a gold ring. The man was doubting them, he even asked where their parents were and rudely claimed that they may have stepped into a wrong store, which ticked Todoroki off so much. Why the hell did they come here in uniforms again?

"Listen here old man—" Bakugo was just about to snap at the rude man.

"If you doubt us just because we're kids in uniforms then I think you should quit your job, because from what I know shopkeepers are supposed to respect their customers, regardless of what they look like." Oh he just couldn't keep his mouth to himself.

"Forgive my rudeness. Please, follow me." The man looked offended at Todoroki's sudden outburst but regardless led them to a different section of the store which had its own seperate room. This kind of brought Todoroki back, since this was a memory from his childhood.

"Look at you, rambling all those insults to that guy. You're so hilarious sometimes huh?" Bakugo laughed quietly behind the man's back.

Todoroki lazily averted his gaze sideways, letting the blone teasing him.

After arriving, the man who escorted them left with an audible click of his tongue.

"Did you hear that? He just went 'tch'! He's totally pissed off at you!" Bakugo whispered while holding his laughter.

"Come on I came here on your favor and I even defended you. Appreciate me for once..."

"Well thank you Mister King-of-insults." Bakugo teasingly smirked at the annoyed Todoroki.

"Oh shut it, you're—"

"How may I help you?" He inwardly thanked the shopkeeper for cutting in, he didn't really want to drag the coversation any longer.

"Oh yeah. I'm looking for a ring for a girl. She's bright and cheerful, so which is the best for her?" Bakugo cut straight right to the point, which again... oddly pricking Todoroki's heart.

The shopkeeper recommended ring after ring but none seemed to be in Bakugo's taste. Todoroki didn't like any of it too so should he recommend a new store?

"Hey... That's..." Todoroki looked over to a ring with a tiny white jewel on top of it. It's looking so brilliant and shiny, it's just too beautiful.

"You like that?" Bakugo surprisingly didn't seem to be impressed.

"It's really beautiful, Bakugo. Do you not like it?"

Bakugo look doubtful but told the shopkeeper to show him the ring. He took a very good look at it, and there was a wide grin in his face.

"Perfect! So fucking beautiful! How much?"

Todoroki was surprised at the price the shopkeeper mentioned. Would Bakugo really buy that? For someone who's not even his lover?

"I'll take that." Bakugo looked excited than he ever was. Bakugo paid for the ring, and they exited the store with the ring safely in Bakugo's hand.

"So you must be happy right now. When do you plan to give it to her?"

"Next week. This time, I'll seriously confess to her and make her mine. Then that nerd will fuck off, and it will be just me and her."

Todoroki felt strange. He already felt this way many times, but it's sickening. He didn't know what this was and why would he feel like this way but he didn't like this. He wanted this to be over quickly. This wasn't jealousy, he was not sad, maybe his stomach was playing tricks on him, he told himself may times.

"Hey! What are you doing staring off to the distance like that? Get your shit together! I feel like I'm talking to a wall." Bakugo dabbed Todoroki's back.

"If we're done, can I go home? I think I'm not feeling too well."

"Oh, really? You can, by yourself? But there's nothing wrong with you a second ago."

"Sorry, but I really have to go."

"Wait, before you leave..." Bakugo pulled out a small paper bag from his bag and handed it to Todoroki.

"It's just like... uh... a token of my appreciation. I may not look like it, but I respect you. You like ground coffee right?"

Todoroki didn't know why, but he couldn't do anything but stare at the unexpected gift from the blonde.

"It's the one you ordered from our shop. It's the best one. So take it."

Todoroki was lost in his own thoughts. The weird feelings were gnawing even more in his gut. He hated this. Why did he have to felt like this?

"Fuck, Todoroki! The hell's wrong with you. Are you really feeling sick?" Bakugo shook Todoroki's shoulder and lifted his face up. He could see the convuluted face Todoroki made.

"What's wrong with y—" Bakugo suddenly winced at the invincible force pricking him, realeasing the grip off of Todoroki's shoulders.

Seconds later, he suddenly glared at Todoroki in an aghasted expression, like he was realizing something. Not long after, his expression returned to normal as he panted slightly.

"What the hell? I felt so strange just now."

Todoroki fell silent. He knew what Bakugo was having just now. It was obviously a sense of familiarity. He had experienced it before, and their reaction was fairly similar, so there's no mistaking it. Was this the right time to ask him?

"Bakugo, can I ask you something?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you sure we haven't met before?"

There was silence for a moment, and Bakugo looked like he was thinking for an answer.

"Positive. Why do you ask?"

Todoroki sighed. Maybe it really was just some random, strange occurance.

"Never mind then. Thank you for the gift anyway, I really love the ground coffee from your store. See you later." He took the bag that was in Bakugo's hand and left.


What was that... He felt it too... It's definitely not just a coincidence. This weird feelings I'm having, does it have something to do with it? It's so strange, it's so sickening whenever he mentions Uraraka this, Uraraka that... If it's not sadness then what? But what am I even sad for?

Todoroki started contemplating on the complete mess of his feelings, trying to sort things out and think rationally.

Uraraka wasn't even his girlfriend, and the thought of much effort he'd done just for her, and fully realizing how much he loved her... Todoroki couldn't stand the sickening feeling. It was really strange, anyway. Why, again, would he feel like this? He knew he felt jealous and sad, but why? Did he desire for someone to love him? Was he craving affection? He asked himself several times, yet he already knew the answer to that was very clear from the beginning.

No.

Todoroki never gave a damn of having relationship, nor did he ever wanted to. He wasn't craving for love or affection from just anyone; he was craving for the blonde. He was doubting it at first, but no, he knew from the start that person came to his house. When he first grazed his skin, it came to him; 'I've loved him since so long ago.' but it was so momentarily that he wasn't able to recognize his feelings. Now he knew for sure, he felt for him, and there's no mistaking it. He had to settle all of the lingering feelings that's eating on his being. It may be just him that's feeling this, but he couldn't just leave this be. Not when he realized that he had such strong sentiments toward the blonde.

The week almost passed by, and Todoroki noticed an odd changes. Uraraka and Midoriya... their behavior somewhat changed. They gave off a different vibe too. It's like they were even closer than before. When Bakugo's not around, they would stick around together. He also noticed that Uraraka was somewhat avoiding Bakugo these past few days. It's a good thing for Todoroki, but this would surely upset the blonde. He thought that, if he told Bakugo this maybe he would change his mind of asking her out, so he decided to confront Bakugo about it.

I'm such a bad friend. I supported his idea, and now I'm suddenly against it...? Hilarious.

Todoroki looked over to the wfindow and saw Bakugo sitting by himself on the bench outside. Maybe eating lunch with him wouldn't be so bad, he thought.

Todoroki approached Bakugo who was munching on a pizza bread. Todoroki took the vacant seat beside him and started eating his packed meal. There was a long, comfy silence between the two of them. It wasn't awkward like last time.

"So this week almost passed by. You ready?"

"Ready as hell. I think I'll tell her tomorrow."

He was debating inwardly whether to say the words on his mind, but in the end he felt like he needed to.

"You know Bakugo, I really think you shouldn't."

"What?" Bakugo stopped munching at his food and shifted his eyes to Todoroki.

"There's really something going on between the two of them. Don't you see it?"

"Well yeah, but all the more reason for me to confess. When I give her the ring, she will definitely make up her mind and choose me."

Then there it was again, the inexplicably sickening feeling. He was so sick of this, he needed to make this stop.

"I still think it's a bad idea. Don't you think you have to think this over...?"

"The fuck's wrong with you, Todoroki? You were so supportive before. I already bought the ring, so you say it's better to make all my hard work all these few months to go to waste?!"

Why would you always get riled up whenever it's about Uraraka? I don't like it...

"I just had the feeling that you'd get rejected, that's all."

"What..."

"Think about it. You're quick to your temper, you have a foul language, and you'd always resort to violence. In the end, I don't think that she'd choose you over Midoriya, speaking reastically."

Todoroki touched his lips and gasped at what he had said. He didn't even realize the words coming out of his mouth. He couldn't believe that he had said something so despicable, so sensitive. It was then he knew that he messed up.

Big time.

"Fuck you. I thought you were my friend."

Bakugo clicked his tongue, unable to retaliate. He was probably feeling defeated by Todoroki's harsh words. He abruptly threw the half-eaten bread, and left just like that.

Now what. Todoroki was only feeling remorse and regret. Now he'd done it, and Bakugo probably wouldn't ever trust him again. It was his mistake. He would probably lose the chance of ever hanging out with Bakugo again, and he absolutely didn't want that. But what could he do? Every word he's trying to say would only sound gibberish to Bakugo. What was it again? Ah, yeah, bullshit. He felt like such a jerk right now.

He knew the thing with Midoriya and Uraraka was just an excuse for him to stop Bakugo of asking her out. He just didn't want them to really end up together, because it would surely mess Todoroki so bad. But he never meant to say something so rude...

Todoroki could only stare at Bakugo's back, his figure slowly shrinking as he went farther and farther to the distance.

Slightly but surely, Todoroki could see his shoulders trembling in frustration.

He hates me now.


"Uraraka, come with me right now." Bakugo approached the brunette and pulled her by the wrist.

"What's wrong Bakugo-kun? Sorry, but I got things to do—"

"It'll only take a sec."

Uraraka decided to follow Bakugo, not that she had a choice, before glancing an eye at Midoriya, signaling him to trail along.

Todoroki which saw the scene couldn't help but wanting to witness the confession. He walked outside of the classroom and spotted Bakugo with Uraraka, and Midoriya who was hiding behind a tree from the window on the first floor. He decided to eavesdrop as he peered through the glass of the window.

"So I want to tell you something which you and all of the class already knows."

"Yeah? What is it?" She asked innocently, like she didn't know what it was.

"I love you, Uraraka. I always do, this whole time. I might be a hothead and a foulmouth compared to that nerd, and I might have never shown you my kindness. But I want you to know that my feelings are hella real for you."

Bakugo took out a tiny red box from his pocket which he opened, showing the dazzling ring to the brunette.

"This might not be enough, but Uraraka, I want you to be my girl."

Uraraka looked surprised and couldn't form words. She closed her eyes, swallowed her saliva, and changed her expression to that of a determined one.

"Bakugo-kun... I really appreciate your feelings, I do."

Uraraka closed the tiny box with both of her palms softly, holding Bakugo's hands and splitting them to the side.

"But I'm sorry." She nodded to Midoriya's direction, signaling him to get out of his hiding.

"I'm already with Deku-kun right now." She smiled tenderly, pulling Midoriya to her side.

"I never meant to play you, I really did have interest on you, you have to know that! But I knew that my heart settles with Deku-kun."

"Sorry for not telling you, Kacchan... But this is the right time to say, that from now on, please don't go after her again."

"You should give that pretty ring to someone who really loves and cares for you. I'm not worthy of that."

"I'm sorry. And thank you for loving me."

Seeing that there's absolutely no response from the blonde, they both left awkwardly.

It was too sad for Todoroki to watch. Bakugo stood still, hanging his head upward, staring blankly at the dark sky.

As if the Gods were not on his side, rain had started pouring down on him, drenching his figure, so fragile and broken.

The red box which contained the ring was dropped in the wet grass. The formerly precious ring that he had worked so much to get to for his beloved, was now worth nothing but a piece of junk.