Teenage Haze

Too Close

They were too close. Bakugo knew something was up with his best friend, he'd been acting...off, seeming a bit... distant the past couple weeks.

Nothing that's raise alarms for anyone else, but of course, they were just too close, and he could see it, bright as day, clear as crystal. And frankly, it irked him.

There was something bothering Kirishima, and he was determined to find whatever it was, and destroy it.

As he thought it over, the memory of that day at lunch stood forth.

Kirishima gazed up at him, ruby eyes glittering with afternoon light, and suddenly, as a breeze swayed the hilltop greenery, a stark red exploded across the red-head's cheeks, ears, and nose.

And he seemed, taken aback for a moment. Then, uttered Katsuki's nickname, as if testing it out for the first time.

It was strange, to say the least. And whatever was going on, didn't sit well with Bakugo.

Once more, he twirled a pen, dropping it noisily on his desk as the thoughts pondered about his mind.

One particular memory stood out. A few weeks ago, when they'd spent the night at Bakugo's house, when they were reading.

There'd been a moment, a second, when their eyes met, and he saw Kirishima for the first time in a while. Seeing him, rather than just glancing as if it were a part of every day, like a view you've seen a hundred times before, but occasionally catch a truly beautiful scene in. He glittering in the sun, smiling ever so slightly, before looking away, and Katsuki himself couldn't help a tugging smile.

Even to the memory, he smiled a bit. Huffing the grin away, he tapped the pen on his desk, mind wandering deeper into the figurative rabbit hole.

Eventually, though he reached a dead end. An empty circling of the same unanswerable questions

And he looked to Kirishima as if he would answer something. But he didn't, didn't even notice the gaze, peacefully doodling on what was supposed to be his English notes.

Dumbass.

Dropping the chain of query and quandary, he twirled his pen again, skimming over the pages of their first semester book, uncaring for the generically similar writing style that frequently became classics.

After school though, he simply needed a break; some time to go out and hang out with Kirishima, just like they had over the summer. Hoping, that maybe the reminiscent feeling would possibly lift his spirit.

"Oi, Kiri, we're going to get takoyaki and tea." He announced as the two shoved their school supplies back in their bags, the final Friday bell still sounding about.

"Can't." He said softly, after a pause.

"Why not?"

"Don't got cash."

"No. I pay."

"Dude, seriously, I can't pay you back."

"Damn it! What aren't you getting?! I pay for you and me!" Frustrated, he bonked a notebook on his friend's head to drive his point, knocking a few red spikes into his face. 

"Alright, alright," the red head laughed, putting his hands up in playful innocence. "I got it bro, thanks,"

"Damn!" He said exasperatedly, slinging his backpack over his shoulder and intentionally hitting the red head in friendly theatrics.

The classroom had emptied by the time the two made it out into the contrastedly bustling halls. Shoving through the crowd, they were finally spit out of the churning halls and on their way to a local takoyaki and bubble tea vendor.

Bakugo paid, as he'd promised, and the two perched on a stone wall to eat. And, for a moment, they ate in silence; not the comfortable kind they usually had, but an unrestful quiet, the kind where a conversation was brewing.

"Ei?" Katsuki lowered his food, considering, eyebrows tightly knit.

"Hm?"

"Are you... good? You... you seem kinda off."

"Off? It's probably, back to school... I guess," he lied, immediately feeling guilty over the dishonesty.

"No, Kirishima, c'mon," the blond hesitated, his voice softening. "I know you, that's not it, that's not the issue."

Eijiro opened his mouth to counter, but stayed silent, hesitating before sipping his drink.

"Eijiro?" Bakugo didn't care anymore to keep up his tough exterior facade.

The redhead pretended to ignore him, taking a small bite of takoyaki, gaze distant.

"Ei, we don't have to talk about it just, just know I'm here."

Kirishima finally spoke up, face flushing. "Thanks Kat,"

"We're having a sleepover."

"My rooms a mess Kat—"

"My room. Damn, let me treat you for a day," he smirked, playfully punching the redheads shoulder, glad to see him smile at affectionate gesture.

"You're feisty today, aren't ya?"

"Fuck off or I'll eat your takoyaki."

"Ha,"

The two finished their food and began the short walk back to campus, picking up a conversation along the way. Nothing special, but it was nice to talk about nothing.

When they made it back to the dorms, the usual chaos had ensued and after a few quick hellos, they headed upstairs for some peace and quiet.

Bakugo unlocked his dorm, dragging in their backpacks while Kirishima ducked next door to grab his pillow and change out of his uniform, returning a moment later.

The evening was quiet, they spent the time playing video games and watching videos, each making the other smile. Dinner was mapo tofu and egg drop soup, which was very hearty and warming, making everyone sleepy after the meal, especially with the storm pittering against the windows outside.

As usual the class dispersed once clean up was finished, and the two retreated back to Katsuki's room, for a movie.

But, by ten, both were worn out and decided to turn in for the night, shutting off the computer, pulling the thin comforter over the both of them, both mumbled a good night before Kirishima rolled over and shut off the light.

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