Three Orchids

Chapter 6: Yaoyorozu

"Well, maybe that whole thing happened with Ochaco because Midoriya was in those situations. As hard as it's been on all of us, it's been the roughest for him. He was always the main target for Shigaraki," Kirishima replied thoughtfully.

Momo's eyes went wide and she turned towards Kirishima and grabbed his forearm. "Please, promise me you won't tell Bakugo!" She said with pleading eyes.

"Tell him what?"

"That I've.... cared for him a long time. I'm worried that might scare him off."

Kirishima laughed his rough cackle. "You're worried you might scare him off? That's hilarious."

"Come on Kirishima!" Momo pleaded.

"No worries! I won't tell him about it. Or our conversation."

"Okay good," Momo said relieved. Kirishima was still grinning, a laugh playing on his lips still.

"Bakugo's lucky to have you as a friend. You guys somehow hit it off from the very start. I can understand why he'd like to be your friend, but why do you like him, Kirishima? Especially that first year. He was pretty rough around the edges then." Momo asked with a light laugh. He slowed his pace a bit and his face dropped the revelry it was relishing in moments before. His face looked serious.

He stopped walking and looked at Momo. "Well, there was a time in the past I probably liked him for the same reasons that you do now." He then looked down at his feet and after several moments started walking again.

"I'm sorry Kirishima, I didn't mean....." Momo said in a small voice.

"Don't be sorry. This is like a confessional day or something. But no worries, I've hung up those feelings awhile back for Bakugo knowing they aren't realistic. And being a bestie is almost as good."

Now it was Kirishima's turn to look bewildered.

"Don't tell anyone what I just told you! About Bakugo and about, well, me. You're the only one at school that knows I'm gay. Shit... I just came out at school." Kirishima's face looked terrified. He looked at Momo. "I've almost told you so many times during our talks. Don't take this in a weird way but because of our talks after the battle with the League in our first year.... you are the person I've confided in the most at school. Bakugo's my bestie but he isn't one for deep conversations."

Momo reached out and took Kirishima's hand and gave it a squeeze, trying not to get emotional while she replied. "I think what we went through that first year and how we helped each other through it.... I feel closer to you than most. I am glad you feel the same." Kirishima squeezed her hand back. "And I promise I won't tell anyone what you shared with me. But maybe you should come out to everyone anyway. It can't be good for you hiding something like that."

Kirishima sighed. It wasn't from sadness or anxiety. It was almost like a sigh of relief. "Well my parents know and they are super cool about it. My 'other dad' Fat Gum knows and Tamaki Amajiki since he is at Fat Gum's agency and has sorta become like a big brother to me. And that's it. I don't know why I've never told Bakugo, I don't think he'd care, but again we don't discuss deep stuff. And... there is someone I've kinda been flirting with the last few weeks.... Not sure if that's going anywhere. Too terrified to ask him to the dance because what if I'm reading things wrong... ugh... like you said this stuff we're all hopeless with because we haven't had the typical high school experience."

"Well, like you said earlier, we only have 5 months. You should ask this guy to the formal. Or at least let him know how you feel," Momo replied.

"Yeah.... I should," They arrived at the Ramen shop. They ordered and then sat down at a table outside so they could enjoy the weather.

"Ya know, most people would have asked me who," Kirishima said leaning back in his chair looking at Momo.

She looked at him confused, "Oh, you mean about the person you want to ask to the formal," Momo stated. Kirishima nodded.

"You're not going to ask?" He said flashing his sharp grin.

"No, that's personal. I honestly feel I pressured you into revealing stuff you wouldn't have normally because I was spilling so much myself."

"Wow. You're really cool, Momo. I have so much regret."

Momo smiled at him. "Why?"

"For not coming out to you sooner. Would have been nice to have had someone to talk to all this time."

"Well, I'm here now so fire away."

Bakugo suddenly pulled a chair out in between Momo and Kirishima and sat down.

"Oh hey! So what'cha working on at the lab?" Kirishima said still leaning back in his chair.

Bakugo opened his backpack and pulled more blueprints out and handed them to Momo. "Stuff for Momo. These are the blueprints for my gauntlet. Took Hatsume awhile to find it in all the mess. She doesn't have a real filing system. Anyway, reservoir reinforcements. So you won't have the gauntlet fail."

"Sounds good. I should be able to keep the design simple but make those changes. Thanks," Momo smiled.

The trio had their lunch, discussed different fuels for the gauntlet (Kirishima just listened, a smile on his face most of the time), and Bakugo paid Kirishima back for lunch.

"Oh! What time is it?" Momo asked suddenly.

Bakugo glanced at his watch, "Almost 4."

Momo let out a breath of relief. "I was worried I missed the Class meeting, I'm running it so can't be late. I guess I just let time get away from me..."

Kirishima smiled, "That's so unlike you Momo! Shirking your duties. Guess we should get back."