Three Choices: Katsuki, Shoto, Rody

7. Morning Run & Shirtless Bakugo

The birds chirp and sunlight filters in through my window. I yawn, stretching my arms and rising from bed. It is early in the morning. I get dressed in my running clothes and pull my hair up into a ponytail. I start all my mornings with a 5 mile run.

Coming into the kitchen, I have a sip of water and then head out the door. I am only 5 minutes into my jog when I see another figure running. Our paths cross, and I stop suddenly, surprised to see Bakugo. His hair is somehow messier than normal, his face grimacing, and sweat pouring down his body. Oh, and he is running shirtless.

I blush and avert my eyes away from his muscular chest. "B-bakugo, what are you doing up this early?"

"What does it look like, dummy. I'm on a run!" He lowers his voice. "Are you on a run too?"

"Yeah... I always run at least 5 miles every morning."

Bakugo nods approvingly. "I'll join you."

"Are you sure? I don't want to mess up your routine? I'm probably not as fast as you."

"Just go at whatever speed you want. I'll be fine."

Oh dear. How am I supposed to focus when Bakugo is shirtless right next to me?

"I don't really know the area. I was just planning to run aimlessly, unless you have a preferred path?"

"Nope. Let's just start running. I don't care."

"Okay.." I start my mile tracker on my watch and take off, Bakugo runs beside me.

My heart races faster than normal. I occasionally glance over at Bakugo, noticing the tightness of his muscles and the sweat sliding down his ripped body. It is the longest and hardest 5 miles of my life. At last, we make it back to the dorms. I lean over onto my knees, breathing roughly.

"I thought you said you ran 5 miles everyday?"

"I... gasp... do."

"Why are you so out of breath then?" He looks at me with genuine concern.

"I... gasp... was... gasp... distracted."

"By what?" he looks at me, oblivious to the effect he has on me.

I exhale suddenly, looking at him with disbelief. "You, duh!"

"Huh?"

My head down and hands still on my knees, I wave one hand, motioning at his body. I am too exhausted to come up with an excuse, carelessly notifying him of my acute awareness of his muscular body.

The run might not have made him red, but my comment sure does heat his face.

He stammers. "Don't Americans run without shirts too?"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever, Bakugo." I start to walk off, but Bakugo grabs my hand and pulls me around towards him.

"B-bakugo?"

"Don't walk away from me."

"I-I d-didn't mean too.."

He stares intensely at me. I can't tell what he's thinking, but my heart beats more than I can handle. I lightly push away from him, giving him a weak smirk. "You're getting your sweat all over me!"

Bakugo lets go of my arm. "Hey, I sweat nitroglycerin. It's sweet sweat!"

I laugh, "Well just make sure you don't explode near me! You're hot enough that something's bound to ignite your sweat any minute!"

"Oh, you think I'm hot, eh?" he smirks confidently at me.

"Yeah. You just got done running 5 miles! I'm hot too haha."

"You're damn right you are."

I gasp at his reply, my eyes wide and heart racing. Before I can respond, Todoroki walks outside, spots us, and waves at me.

"Hey, did you guys go on a run together?" I nod. "Oh. Next time make sure to invite me."

"No one wants you here, Icy Hot."

I glare at Bakugo. "Don't listen to him. I'd be delighted to run with you next time."

Bakugo lets out a grumpy groan and rolls his eyes. "Icy Hot, you have a way of interrupting things."

Todoroki raises his eyebrow. "What was I interrupting?"

"NOTHING, IDIOT." Bakugo storms off angrily.

I shrug my shoulders. "Who knows with that guy." I definitely don't know what's going through his mind. "I'm about to go shower, but I'll be running tomorrow morning again if you want to join."

Todoroki nods. "Want to eat breakfast together when you're finished?"

"Sounds great! See you in about 20 minutes then?"

Todoroki smiles, "Looking forward to it."