Louder Than Words

The dorm kitchen was quiet except for the hum of the fridge. Most of Class 1-A had gone to bed after another grueling training day, but Kirishima was still rummaging through the cupboards, hunting for a late-night snack.

Bakugou walked in, hair even messier than usual, scowl firmly in place. "What the hell are you doing up?"

Kirishima grinned sheepishly, holding up a bag of chips. "Midnight cravings, man. Want some?"

Bakugou rolled his eyes but grabbed the bag anyway, tearing it open. They leaned against the counter together, sharing the chips in silence.

After a moment, Kirishima glanced sideways at him. "Hey... you were amazing in training today. That new move—seriously, it was so manly."

Bakugou snorted. "Don't butter me up, Shitty Hair. You kept up better than half the extras out there."

Kirishima's grin softened. "Thanks, bro. Means a lot coming from you."

The quiet stretched, heavier this time. Kirishima fiddled with the chip bag, then blurted out, "You know... I really like being around you. Not just 'cause you're strong. You're... you're a good guy, Bakugou."

Bakugou froze, eyes narrowing. "The hell are you saying?"

Kirishima's cheeks flushed, but he didn't back down. "I'm saying I like you. Like, like you."

For a long moment, Bakugou just stared. Then he clicked his tongue and looked away, ears burning red. "...Tch. Took you long enough to say it."

Kirishima blinked. "Wait—what?"

Bakugou shoved the chip bag into his chest, glaring at the floor. "I like you too, dumbass. Thought it was obvious."

Kirishima's grin broke wide and bright, the kind that could light up the whole dorm. "Man, that's awesome!"

"Don't make a big deal out of it!" Bakugou barked, but when Kirishima laughed and slung an arm around his shoulders, he didn't shake him off.

From the stairwell, Mina's voice suddenly rang out. "I KNEW IT! Pay up, guys, I told you they'd confess before finals!"

Half the class spilled into the kitchen, cheering, groaning, and laughing. Denki whooped, Sero clapped, and even Todoroki muttered, "That was fast."

Bakugou exploded—literally—sparks flying from his palms. "YOU DAMN EXTRAS, GET BACK TO BED!"

The crowd scattered, still laughing, leaving Kirishima doubled over with tears in his eyes.

When the noise finally died down, Bakugou muttered, "This is your fault."

Kirishima just grinned, leaning closer. "Yeah, but you like me anyway."

The Next Morning

The smell of toast and miso soup drifted through the dorm kitchen as Class 1-A gathered for breakfast. Mina was already perched at the counter, eyes sparkling.

"So..." she began, drawing out the word as Kirishima walked in, hair still damp from his shower. "How was your late-night snack, Kiri?"

Kirishima froze mid-step, then laughed nervously. "Uh... tasty?"

Denki nearly fell off his chair. "Tasty, huh? That what we're calling confessions these days?"

Sero leaned across the table, grinning. "Don't play dumb, man. We all heard it. You and Bakugou are official now."

Kirishima's cheeks went red, but before he could answer, Bakugou stormed in, tray in hand. "If any of you extras don't shut your damn mouths, I'll blast you into next week!"

The room erupted in laughter. Mina fanned herself dramatically. "Ooooh, so protective already!"

"Shut it, raccoon eyes!" Bakugou barked, slamming his tray down.

Kirishima slid into the seat beside him. "Morning, bro."

Bakugou muttered something that sounded suspiciously like "morning" back, though his face was buried in his food.

When Denki leaned over like he was about to sling an arm around Kirishima, Bakugou's hand sparked instantly. "Touch him and you're fried, Dunce Face."

The table went silent for a beat—then everyone burst out laughing again.

Kirishima's grin softened, his voice low enough for only Bakugou to hear. "Thanks, man."

Bakugou didn't look up, but his ears were bright red. "...Tch. Don't make me say it again."

That Evening

After training, the dorms were finally calm. Most of the class had retreated to their rooms, leaving the common room dim and quiet. Kirishima sat on the couch, scrolling through his phone, when Bakugou dropped down beside him with a heavy sigh.

"Still sulking?" Kirishima teased.

Bakugou glared. "I'm not sulking. I'm pissed. Those extras won't shut up."

Kirishima chuckled. "They'll get bored eventually. Besides, they're just happy for us."

Bakugou muttered, crossing his arms. "I don't care what they think. I just... don't want them acting like this is some joke."

Kirishima blinked, then softened. "Hey, I don't think it's a joke. Not even close."

For a moment, Bakugou didn't answer. Then, in a rare moment of vulnerability, he leaned just slightly against Kirishima's shoulder. "Good. 'Cause I meant what I said."

Kirishima's grin was softer than usual, but brighter somehow. "Me too."

They sat there in comfortable silence, the noise of the day finally fading. No teasing, no explosions—just the quiet certainty that whatever came next, they'd face it together.

And when Bakugou finally muttered, "Don't tell anyone I'm comfortable like this," Kirishima laughed and promised, "Your secret's safe with me, bro."