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Also, I... don't know when this is going to end? While this chapter was supposed to be the end, it grew too long. There will be at least one more chapter. Hope you enjoy!

The hours following such a pivotal confession – a confession, a kiss that made Eijirou feel like his whole world had been turned upside-down... it was strange how normal everything felt. Nothing too terribly special had happened since the kiss, the day had continued almost as normal. He and Bakugou had worked out, studied, watched videos on YouTube, and on the surface it was all very mundane. But every now and then there were these little snippets, brief moments shared between them that made Eijirou's heart flutter wildly in his chest, brought a smile to his face and the thought to his head, I am so in love.

One of these moments happened that afternoon, as the two of them studied. For the most part, it resembled any other day, but his and Bakugou's hands would occasionally brush against each, and neither of them would flinch or pull away. They would just let their hands linger, finding comfort in the contact. Sometimes, they would link their pinkies, then maybe all of their fingers, intertwining them, connecting them. But once, in a moment of boldness, Eijirou had brought Bakugou's hand to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on his knuckles, and the blond had turned away, covering his blushing face with his free hand, mumbling under his breath, "you're such a fucking sappy, oh my god."

And look on Bakugou's face, like he was embarrassed and flustered and so very smitten all at the same time, and the fact that, even when he felt like that, Bakugou still hadn't take his hand away… Eijirou wanted to pinch himself to make sure he was awake because honestly, how is this even real?

That evening was pretty usual, too, microwave chicken curry and Netflix, but their hands were clasped together, heads leaning on shoulders. And then, they finished off the night in the best way Eijirou could imagine - with a goodnight kiss, or two, or three, or thirty, and each one made Eijirou feel so soft he was sure he would melt away. There were affectionate whispers voiced shyly into the night, intimate words that were only meant for each other's ears, and moments like this made Eijirou certain that he had never been more open, or honest, or more himself around anyone else than he was when he was like this with Bakugou. It was these gentle murmurs that finally lulled the two to sleep, cozy in each other's arms, without a hint of a nightmare to disturb them.

But even with all of these lovey-dovey moments, the heart of their relationship somehow felt... unaffected. It was as if a strong foundation had been laid underneath them, a solid bond that could last anything that was thrown at them. There was this unspoken confidence within themselves and with each other – as if they both realized that, no matter how they may label their relationship in the future, at their core they were still friends. Bakugou was still his best friend, that would never change no matter what they went through, and Eijirou found a lot of comfort in that thought.

This is what Eijirou mulled over instead of working on his polynomial worksheet that Sunday early afternoon. What he shared with Bakugou felt special. It made him unexplainably happy - how could he even think about working on homework? But if Bakugou noticed his pencil not moving, he didn't say anything. Sometimes, they didn't even need to talk. The sound of pencil on paper, of breathing, the slight touch of shoulders, the knowledge that Bakugou was right beside him, was all Eijirou needed to bring a smile to his lips.

"What are you looking at?"

At the voice, Eijirou blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. Bakugou had turned to him, red eyes piercing, a slight frown on his face. Eijirou shrugged. "Uh. You, I guess?" Whoops, he hadn't even realized he had been staring. "Sorry, sorry, you're just… really handsome."

Bakugou tch-ed and spun away, maybe to hide a blush, and imagining Bakugou flustered like that was really freaking adorable.

"Jesus Christ, you can't just fucking say stuff like that."

At that, Eijirou laughed, "Sorry, sorry, you just caught me off guard and I couldn't think of anything else to say! And, it is true, so…"

"Fucking whatever," the blond mumbled again, slowly bringing his gaze back to his worksheet. "You're getting distracted. Better not ask to copy my homework later."

"Yeah, yeah, I hear ya," Eijirou rested his head on Bakugou's shoulder, "I'm not too terrible at this math stuff anyways, I've just been thinking I guess."

"What about?"

Eijirou shrugged, a smile tugging at his lips. "I dunno, different things." Slowly, he reached out his hand to take Bakugou's, who opened his fist, allowing their fingers to intertwine. "A lot has happened, after all. Gotta let it sink in." Eijirou gave a gentle squeeze.

Bakugou squeezed he grunted, maybe in agreement.

Just then, Eijirou's phone buzzed. "Ah, let me get that..." Reluctantly, he took his hand away, grabbing for the phone and opening the incoming text. Immediately, he perked up. "Oh, are you hungry? Kaminari and Sero and Mina are about to go to the cafeteria for lunch, we could join them."

"Now?"

"Yup!"

Bakugou nodded, "Alright." And just like that, he set aside his work on his bed and started climbing out. Eijirou following suit.

Eijirou touched up his hair in the bathroom mirror quickly while Bakugou changed from his lounge sweats into some shorts. They had already gotten ready earlier that morning, so it was only a minute or two before they were both in shoes and at the door, ready to go. Eijirou reached for the doorknob and… paused, for just a moment.

They hadn't really left either of their dorms the day before. And as he stood there, facing the outside world, his reality sank in. This would be the first time since the confession that they would be out in public. It was nerve-wracking to say the least, but Eijirou couldn't exactly place why.

"Something wrong?"

"No, just..." He cleared his throat. "Are you okay with people knowing about us?"

"I'm—" Bakugou paused for a second. This must have been something that he hadn't considered until now, either. He looked to the side, his eyebrows scrunched in thought. He let out a huff. "Fuck, it's not like being with you makes me embarrassed or anything. But… I don't think I'd be comfortable with just, fucking proclaiming it to the entire world, you know? So, maybe…"

"…We don't try to keep it a secret, but people find out when they find out?"

"I guess that works for now, if you're okay with it too."

Eijirou honestly didn't mind that plan either. It took away the stress of a secret relationship, while also alleviating the pressure of actually having to tell people. He smiled. "That works for me, too."

With that, he opened the door, and the two made their way to the cafeteria. As they walked down the corridor, their arms kept brushing against each other, and in the staircase, Bakugou even let them hold hands, for just a few seconds. Then they were in the common area, in the line of sight of a few of their classmates, and Bakugou's grasp went slack.

Eijirou looked over to him. He looked… nervous. Actually, legitimately nervous. Maybe holding hands was too much for him? And that was kinda cute. Eijirou took his hand away, giving Bakugou some space. Maybe this was something they could slowly work up to.

They arrived in the cafeteria and waited in line for their food before locating their friends and setting down their trays.

As soon as the two of them sat down, Mina let out a content sigh. "Oh man, it's so good to see you two hanging out again. I was starting to get worried!"

"No kidding," Sero nodded as he shoveled rice into his mouth, "Friendship drama is always the worst."

"Yeah, well…"

Eijirou looked over to Bakugou, who was picking at his food with his chopsticks and trying to feigning disinterest in the conversation. He reached under the table, letting the side of his pinkie rest against Bakugou's. He tensed up, and for just a second, Eijirou wondered if it was too bold of a move. But it wasn't like anyone could see through the table, so it should be fine, right?

Bakugou must have realized that too, so he let the contact persist.

Eijirou's heart was racing, and he beamed to his other friends, "There was a dumb miscommunication or something? So we talked it out and everything's okay now."

Still out of sight, Eijirou inched his pinky closer to Bakugou's, hoping to link them together. Bakugou complied.

The others at the table remained oblivious, the chatter around them picking up again without a second thought of their close proximity.

Eijirou figured he couldn't eat very well left-handedly, but he didn't want to take his hand away from Bakugou's, either, so now he was facing quite the dilemma. He stared down at his utensils, hoping he wouldn't draw attention by making a fool of himself.

But it turned out he didn't have to face this dilemma for too long, because Bakugou tore his hand away again. Eijirou looked to him, startled –- had nerves gotten the better of him again? Or maybe there was something else bothering him? But when he studied Bakugou's face, he was focused, like something had caught his eye. Eijirou followed his gaze, until his own eyes landed on Kaminari.

Had Kaminari noticed them? Is that why Bakugou had taken his hand away so quickly? Bakugou didn't look particularly flustered though. Rather, he looked deep in thought, like he had only just come to realize something. Meanwhile, Kaminari's face looked a little… dejected? And Eijirou was starting to suspect that he had missed some important exchange, but then Kaminari looked to him, his face breaking into a smirk, and he winked. He had definitely seen them, and now Eijirou was blushing, his smile once again refusing to go away.

The five of them continued eating their food, talking about this and that. In terms of socialization, Bakugou still had an awkward air about him, but he was strides away from where he had been only a month or two ago. And he felt this way practically every few hours, but this time Eijirou was sure he could not be any more proud of Bakugou. It burst through him, making his heart beat with satisfaction. And just like before, their friends were more than happy to include him in their conversation, and that really helped the atmosphere settle into something more comfortable. So far, no one had said anything else about their relationship, friendship or otherwise, and that probably helped Bakugou feel more comfortable.

But by the time everyone had finished the meal, Eijirou got this hunch that Bakugou was reaching his social limit. He had turned quiet, settling on watching the interactions around him with mild disinterest. Bakugou had never struck Eijirou as being a shy person – unfriendly, perhaps, not shy – but with how he was acting now… Maybe, without his rough exterior to hide behind, his discomfort in social situations made him withdrawn and reclusive, rather than aggressively antisocial. And that was a rather interesting thought.

Well, whatever the reason, it was probably about time for them to head back to the dormitory. So Eijirou gathered his dishes, standing up with a "Thanks for the invite, but I best get back to work!"

Mina pouted, "Oh, you're leaving already?"

"Yeah, gotta hit the books! Can't fall behind this term!" He nudged Bakugou, "You ready too, man?"

Bakugou nodded, standing up and gathering his own items.

"See you tomorrow!"

"Bye, Kirishima, Bakugou~"

Eijirou didn't miss the suggestive sing-song in Kaminari's voice. He rolled his eyes, trying to stifle a giggle because Bakugou clearly didn't find it very amusing, but that just made him want to laugh even more.

The two returned to the dormitory, quietly bypassed the common space and making their way to the 4th floor. Bakugou was still quiet -– maybe he had something heavy on his mind? –- but Eijirou tried not to let it worry him. They entered Bakugou's room and settled on his bed, shoulder to shoulder. In the privacy of a dorm, without the possible scrutiny of company, Bakugou crept his hand over to where Eijirou's lay on the bed, inch by inch, and Eijirou copied his movement. Then they were holding hands again, and a tightness in Eijirou's chest that he hadn't even realized was there suddenly released. His thumb traced lazily against Bakugou's. It was nice to be back in solitude, just the two of them, no prying eyes.

Finally, Bakugou broke the silence. "They think of me as a friend." It wasn't a question, but his voice sounded… bewildered.

"Yeah. Course they do." Eijirou looked over to him, watched him. When Bakugou looked up to meet his eyes, Eijirou smiled. "Do you think of them as your friends, too?"

"I…guess so." He took a deep breath, filling his lungs. His hand squeezed Eijirou's, tighter. "But, do you really think that they'll be okay with us? With me?"

And there was something there in his voice and on his face, something akin to insecurity, and Eijirou had a hunch that he was about to uncover whatever it was what had been bothering Bakugou all day. "What's this about all of a sudden?"

"I don't fucking know, it's stupid, I just…" He trailed off, and the look in his eyes was so… downcast. It didn't look like him.

"Hey…" Eijirou brought his forehead to rest against Bakugou's, hoping to encourage him to continue. "You know I'm here for you, right? You can talk to me about anything."

Bakugou's grip tightened. He nodded, and then he spoke. "I don't exactly have the reputation of being nice. But, I don't want people to think that I would be mean to you, or treat you badly."

And that hadn't been exactly what Eijirou had been expecting. Since when had Bakugou cared about how others thought of him? But, maybe this was different, he considered. Because this wasn't just the world's perception of Bakugou that hung in the balance. It was their relationship, the special thing that was shared between them. Maybe, Bakugou didn't want something like that tainted by other people's opinions of him.

"Well… you do have this image of being aggressive, I can't deny that," Eijirou pulled away to look him in the eyes. He smiled, warmly, bringing a hand to rest at the nape of Bakugou's neck. "But I think it's like a mask. I think you're starting to show more of yourself, not only to me, but to others too. And I think that's a good thing. If you just keep it up, show people this side of you, then they'll have no reason to think those things, right?"

"But it's too late now, isn't it? It's not like I can just start over," Bakugou pulled even further back. The look in his eye was unlike anything Eijirou had ever seen. It was like he was feeling shame, real shame, for the first time in his life. "I have months of bad impressions and they aren't just going to fucking erase themselves overnight. It's not gonna take long for people to work out what's happening between us, and when word gets around about it, the first thing that people will wonder about us is if I treat you like shit."

"Is that why you kept taking your hand away today?"

Bakugou looked down. Took several deep breaths. Nodded.

"Bakugou…" Eijirou sighed, wrapping his arms around him, tugging him closer. "Katsuki, Katsuki, Katsuki…"

"What?" He mumbled into his shoulder.

"If I know that you won't treat me badly, and you know that you won't too, then that's all that really matters, right?" Eijirou felt Bakugou shrug, so he continued. "And anyways, not to make light of your concerns, but I think you might be over-thinking this. I'm genuinely, so very happy to be with you, and I think once other people see that, then it won't even be an issue. I think everyone will be happy for us."

"Even Kaminari?"

"Kaminari?" Eijirou lowered his arms and pulled back. "Why wouldn't he?"

"I don't… fucking know, I get this vibe from him."

"A vibe?"

"I don't know. It's probably nothing."

Bakugou turned silent at that, thinking, about what, Eijirou wasn't sure. He just gave Bakugou the silence he probably needed to work out whatever was going through his mind.

Suddenly, Bakugou turned and stood up out of bed. "I'll be right back," he mumbled as he headed toward the door.

"Hey, where are you going?"

"I—" Bakugou froze, his back to Eijirou, as if deciding what to say. He took a breath. "Look, there's something I feel like I need to do."

"Okaaay…?" Eijirou raised an eyebrow. This whole conversation had been a little weird, and he was sure he had missed a few things. He stood up, reaching a hand to Bakugou's shoulder, his voice filled with concern. "Hey… Are you sure everything's okay? You're kinda being a little… cryptic? If something else is bothering you, you can always talk to me."

"It's just, what you said just now," Bakugou turned to him. "I'm not about to go do something fucking reckless or whatever. There are just a few things I think I need to clear up with someone."

Eijirou lowered his hand. "Okay," is all he said, and then Bakugou was gone.

Katsuki took a deep breath. He knocked on the door.

"Coming, coming~" A voice sing-songed over some generic trash pop music. Then the speakers turned off, and then the door swung open.

"Bakugou?" Kaminari tilted his head to the side, his eyebrows arched high. "Hey! Uh. Can I help you?"

Katsuki shoved his hands into his pockets, avoided eye contact. "Can I come in?"

"Uh, sure thing," Kaminari moved aside, granting him entry. He moved to sit on his bed, motioning for Katsuki to take the chair. "What's brings you here?"

"I'm… um." Katsuki glanced around the room, taking in all the gaudy décor, trying his best to look unassuming. He shrugged. Getting the conversation started had been a lot easier in his head. He looked to his fidgeting hands. "I'm really shit about this sort of thing."

"Okay, now you're making me nervous," Kaminari chuckled a little, rubbing the back of his neck. "Is there something you want to talk about?"

"I don't fucking know—"

But, he did know. He knew exactly why he was there, exactly what words he needed to say. But he was shit when it came to expressing his emotions and his breath kept getting caught in his throat. What he had to say, it made him feel vulnerable, and he didn't like it. But if they didn't talk, right now, then Katsuki knew he would never allow himself the opportunity ever again. He had to do this.

Just say it. Just say it. Kirishima would want you to say it.

Katsuki nodded, to himself more than anything. He let out the breath he had been holding, swallowed the lump in his throat. "I wanted to thank you."

That wasn't all he wanted to say, there was so much more, so many things that he needed to understand, to be certain of. But it was a start. At first, Kaminari only raised an eyebrow. His scrutiny made Katsuki feel a bit defensive, but he held his tongue.

Kaminari then blinked at him a few times. "You're… you're being serious." It wasn't a question. Katsuki didn't know how to feel about how fucking surprised he sounded, though. "Why? What for?"

"For the advice you gave me."

"I… You're welcome, I guess?"There was a beat of silence as Kaminari worked thought his confusion, but then he let out a big smile, teeth and laugh and all. "Wow, imagine that, I never expected you to thank me! Sorry, that was rude. But what brought this up?"

Katsuki kicked at the floor mindlessly a few times. Why did talking about things like this always leave him tongue-tied? It was frustrating. "I just, don't fucking understand why you helped me in the first place."

"Why wouldn't I help?"

"Well, because I'm… I'm me." And as Katsuki paused to find the words, there was a feeling that overcame him, like embarrassment. Shame. It's what he felt before, when he was speaking to Eijirou. He hated it. He hated how weak it made him feel. He cleared his throat, clinging desperately onto his will to keep talking. "You know how it is. I'm rude and pissy and sometimes I go fucking psycho, and it's like I can't even help it, it's just who I am, and it doesn't make sense why you would help someone like that."

As he finished, the room fell completely silent. Katsuki felt restless, this was an answer that he needed to know. He looked to Kaminari. Kaminari was just staring at him. The look on his face wasn't quite shock, wasn't quite pity, but it was intense. Katsuki wanted to look away, but he couldn't.

Kaminari finally glanced to the side. "I dunno, because…" he gave a little wobble of his shoulders. "I know this may be hard to believe, I don't even think he realized it, but Kirishima has had a crush on you for a really long time. I wanted to help him out."

The words washed over him, and Katsuki froze. His words were like sandpaper in his mouth. "That's bullshit."

"No, I'm being serious."

"How long of a time are we talking?"

"Well, I only asked him about it recently, but I've been wondering if he's had a crush on you ever since the sports festival maybe?" Kaminari tapped a finger against his chin, deep in thought. "He just put so much effort into being around you, getting to know you, opening up to you, hoping that you open up to him… I'm just surprised it took him so long to realize it. And when he finally did, he was just so… radiant. That's a dumb way of putting it, but it's true. I don't think I've ever seen him happier than he was when he was talking about how much he liked you."

It was all so much to take in, spurring so many emotions that he didn't know how to name, but it still wasn't clear enough. It still didn't make sense, it was so fucking frustrating. "But that doesn't fucking explain why you would help me. Even if Kirishima liked me, all the way back then, I still don't understand why you would help him be with someone who acts like—"

"—Because you aren't like that anymore."

At the interruption, Katsuki looked up, eyes wide. It was almost exactly what Kirishima had told him, time and time again. That he was changing, growing. And he hadn't known whether he believed it entirely. But now, another person had noticed it. Maybe… maybe he really was improving. Maybe everyone could see it. Maybe he was finally becoming a person he could be proud of.

Kaminari continued, "Over the past few weeks, you've changed. So much, it's like you're a different person. And I think that's at least partially because of Kirishima. He really does bring out the best in you, you know. And after our last conversation, I think I know why." It was here that he paused, collecting his thoughts. Giving Katsuki the chance to let it all sink in. Then, Kaminari leaned forward, resting his elbows on his thighs, removing just an inch of the vast space that was between them. "That day, you were so worried about him that you threw away your ego and actually asked for help. And then, the look in your eyes when you said 'please', like you were just as heartbroken as he was, like you never wanted to hurt him again… I thought this even then, but… You love him, don't you?"

And then there was a feeling in his heart, like it was trying to hammer its way out of his chest, and his cheeks felt hot. He knew the answer to the question, had known it for a long time, had thought it again and again, confirmed it with whispers into the night for Kirishima's ears and his ears alone. But it was becoming easier to think, easier to say. Katsuki he nodded.

"It's normal to fall in love with your best friend, I think," Kaminari smiled, but something about it was bittersweet. "It's just so easy to do, you get to know someone well enough and eventually they just become your entire world. And you know, he might be too oblivious to realize it, but I think Kirishima's fallen for you, too. I can see it in the way he talks about you and acts around you. And if he isn't in love with you yet, it won't take long."

Katsuki could feel his blush spreading from his cheeks to the tips of his ears. He hated it so much, hated how much control he had lost. Even his words fell out of his mouth before he could stop them. "He told me he does."

Feeling even more embarrassed at the realization of what he had said, he looked down.

"Wow, really?" The sparkle in Kaminari's eye told of his exasperated amusement. "I'm just glad that he figured it out on his own this time."

"You don't seem very upset."

"Why would I be upset?"

"Because you, ya know…" he gestured wildly to Kaminari, who only tilted his head to the side.

Katsuki had to pause at that. He had been so sure that he had figured it out, but the perplexed look on Kaminari's face made him think twice about his assumption. Had he read the atmosphere wrong?

But he remembered their last conversation, words that Kaminari had said that had flown right over his head, words that he had forgotten about until lunch that day, lunch where he had caught a glimpse of that look on Kaminari's face when he had seen him and Kirishima holding hands… Katsuki may be absolute shit at reading people and at emotions in general, but he knew he wasn't wrong about this.

"Because you like him."

At the words, Kaminari's confused expression was quickly replaced by a jarringly somber look, and the guy looked down to his lap. If Katsuki had had any lingering doubts before, he certainly didn't have them anymore, but now he had the overwhelming feeling that this was the wrong place and the wrong time to bring it up. But it was too late now.

"Does he know?"

The voice was so weak. Katsuki shook his head.

Kaminari swallowed a lump in his throat. His eyes glancing around the room nervously, unable to settle on just one thing. Finally, he let out a sigh. "Yeah. Yeah, I do like him. I have for… phew, not super long, a couple months maybe? I don't know, but it feels weird, my first time saying it out loud." He scratched at the back of his neck, something that Katsuki was beginning to realize was some sort of a nervous habit. "But, I'm pretty easy, if a person is attractive, or funny, or nice, then it's only a matter of time. And, well, you know how he is. But, I just like him. That's all it is. Really."

Yes, Katsuki did know how Kirishima is. Did know how amazing and kind-hearted he was, knew how easy it was to fall in love with him. And even though Kaminari insisted that it was just a crush, just the inkling of attraction, Katsuki couldn't tell who he was trying to convince more. And some small part of him, buried deep, wanted to feel bad for him. Just a week or two ago, Katsuki wasn't sure he would have felt that.

Kaminari chucked, but rather than a genuine laughter, it just sounded like an attempt to lighten the mood. "So, I promise you don't have to worry about me swooping in and stealing your man. We're chill. You and Kirishima are my friends, and I couldn't be happier for the two of you!"

Katsuki nodded. He still didn't really understand how someone could be selfless like that, he wasn't sure he could ever do it himself. But Kaminari had, for his friends, and... Katsuki figured he could learn from that, maybe a little bit.

"…Thank you again. For… everything," he finally let out.

"No problem, man."

There wasn't really much else to say. Katsuki stood up and started making his way to the door. Kaminari followed behind him.

"Hey, Bakugou?" he called out, grabbing onto the handle before Katsuki had a chance to shut it. "Um. Thank you for coming to talk to me, too. I… I feel a lot better. And Kirishima was right!" He smiled, beamed, like he had already bounced right back. "You're a pretty cool guy."

And that was something else that wouldn't have made him feel so much just a short while ago. Gratitude, the feeling like he had made someone's day a little better. It lifted the weight off of his shoulders, dispersed the tension from his lungs. He felt refreshed and relieved all at once, and it was a lot of emotions to try to sort through so Katsuki only managed a grunt in response.

"Guess I'll see you tomorrow," Kaminari waved.

The door closed. Katsuki felt the rush of air against his face. He let out a sigh.

He really had changed a lot, hadn't he?