Infinite static

chapter 7: Tuning in

But as they discussed musical ideas, Kirishima's attention shifted back to Bakugo, a mischievous glint in his eye. "So, about last night..." he began, a teasing tone creeping into his voice. "Care to share any juicy details about your hook-up?"

Denki felt his stomach drop at the mention of Bakugo's encounter, tension prickling at the back of his neck. He averted his gaze, focusing intently on the ice in his cup as if it held all the answers. The image of Bakugo with that woman flashed back into his mind, and a wave of discomfort washed over him.

Bakugo, however, remained smug and nonchalant, his lips curling into a smirk. "What's there to share? It was just a one-night thing. Nothing to write home about," he replied casually, leaning back against the couch, arms crossed. His demeanor suggested he was unfazed by the teasing, but Denki couldn't shake the feeling that there was a deeper layer to the conversation.

Kirishima pushed further, clearly enjoying the banter. "C'mon, there's got to be something interesting! Did she have a wild side? Did you even get her number?"

Denki felt the heat rising in his cheeks, and he shifted uncomfortably, the playful teasing making it hard to breathe. He couldn't handle this conversation, not when his feelings for Bakugo were still so fresh and confusing. To escape the mounting tension, he blurted out, "I think I'm going to call Mina and see if she wants to come over to brainstorm some ideas with us."

Without waiting for a response, Denki stood up, eager to put space between himself and the conversation. He headed to the kitchen, the cool tile beneath his feet grounding him as he tried to steady his racing heart.

As he moved away, he could feel Bakugo's gaze on him, sharp and observant. Denki tried to shake off the feeling, focusing instead on the task at hand. He grabbed his phone, hoping that calling Mina would distract him from the swirling thoughts about Bakugo and the prickling jealousy that had surfaced. In the kitchen, he took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to pull him under.

╰┈➤

Denki leaned against the cool countertop in the kitchen, phone cradled between his shoulder and ear as he dialed Mina's number. After a few rings, she picked up, her voice bright and cheerful. "Hey, Denki! What's up?"

"Hey, Mina! I was wondering if you could come over to brainstorm some ideas for the album," he said, trying to sound enthusiastic despite the turmoil in his mind.

"Absolutely! I've been itching to get started on this," she replied, her excitement palpable even through the phone. "Just give me a bit to get ready, and I'll be there!"

"Sounds good! See you soon!" Denki hung up, running a hand through his messy hair, trying to collect his thoughts. The conversation with Mina had been a welcome distraction, but as the phone call ended, a wave of uncertainty swept over him again. He felt the weight of his feelings for Bakugo pressing down on him, clouding his mind.

Just then, Bakugo strolled into the kitchen, leaning casually against the counter opposite Denki. His posture was relaxed, but there was a glint of concern in his eyes as he studied Denki. "You good?" he asked, his tone carrying the usual nonchalance, but the edge of care was unmistakable.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Denki replied a bit too quickly, perhaps too quickly. He avoided Bakugo's gaze, focusing instead on the countertop. He could feel Bakugo's penetrating stare on him, sensing the tension in the air.

Bakugo narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression shifting from casual to serious. "You've been a bit off with me lately. Did I do something to piss you off?" His voice was low, genuine concern threading through his words.

Denki's heart raced at the question, the implication of Bakugo's concern hitting him harder than he expected. "No, it's not you! I promise," he reassured, forcing a smile onto his face. "I've just been a bit hungover, that's all."

Bakugo seemed to consider this for a moment, his lips pressing together in thought. "Alright pikachu," he said slowly, nodding as if he accepted the explanation but still wasn't entirely convinced. In a rare moment of vulnerability, he reached across the counter, giving Denki a gentle pat on the back—a simple gesture that felt loaded with meaning.

"Just know you're my best friend, and if something's up, you can tell me," Bakugo added, his voice steady but softer than usual. There was an unspoken bond in those words, a reassurance that cut through Denki's confusion.

Denki felt a flutter in his chest, warmth spreading through him at Bakugo's sincerity. "Thanks, katsuki," he replied quietly, feeling a mix of gratitude and frustration at the situation.

With a final nod, Bakugo turned and walked back toward the living room, leaving Denki alone in the kitchen. The moment hung in the air, Denki's mind racing with thoughts. He felt a swell of emotions—

As Denki stood in the kitchen, the warmth from Bakugo's gentle pat lingered on his back, but so did a pang of hurt. The idea of being "just friends" stung more than he anticipated, and he felt a rush of frustration at himself for crushing on his best friend. Why did it have to be Bakugo? He hated that his heart raced at the thought of their dynamic shifting, and the possibility of crossing a line terrified him. The weight of his feelings settled heavily in his chest, a mix of longing and confusion that left him feeling vulnerable and exposed. He wanted to be more than just a friend in Bakugo's eyes, but the fear of losing what they already had kept him quiet.