| Zero Hour | 172732014

Unwanted Attention feat. Minoru Mineta | Scary Dog Privilege

Oftentimes a trip to UA consisted of the usual hallmarks of entry - identification at the large gates, verification from a present student from Heights Alliance, and then the long walk through the campus grounds. Each time had always been the same, here and there, depending on the invitation of which student happened to hail you from the entrance. This time around Katsuki Bakugou allowed you the privilege of entering the school grounds, more so due to an unexpected turn of events while on supervised patrol during work study that left him a little aggravated. Unfortunately you had the sheer coincidence to be involved, and he wanted to discuss matters outside of Endeavour's agency.

The school day was nearing to a close while you wandered the pathways to find yourself by the shoe lockers of the Hero students. Your school finished much earlier due to a protocol breach, but nothing too severe that hindered the rest of the students there. It was the greatest opportunity to arrive at UA as early as possible. You made your way to the front hall where the lockers laid in rows, empty of life while the school bell tolled across the campus. You would soon have to meet Bakugou about whatever was keeping him irritated enough that his own text messages sounded like he was yelling across the screen.

A few students caught your eye, none that you recognized while you still waited by the doorways, tapping on your toes and ensuring your backpack was secure. You've learnt your lesson many times regarding the weights you carried, but felt proud that after some time it almost became lighter to some extent. Still, you swore never to let Kaminari pick up any of your things, backpack or not, for a long while.

"You new around here?" Asked a strange voice beside you, turning your gaze below and finding a short boy loitering by the wall with sleepy eyes and an unnerving smirk. You tried to answer but choked on the giggle that almost burst from your throat, masking it in a small cough instead.

"Couldn't help but notice you standing here on your lonesome," he continued, unaware of your giggling fit. "I could give you a tour."

"Sorry, I'm waiting for somebody," you quickly piped with a smile, more so laughing at the boy's attempts rather than being charmed by them.

"Or maybe you could invite them with us. I'm really good when it comes to group activities."

Wherever your laughter went, it slowly withered away after that statement. You could see that he was doing his best, but it was laced with some unappealing intentions buy the tone of his voice. Still a laughable sight, but one you didn't want to point out in public.

"Thanks, but I've been here before. I know my way around," you reassured, in hopes that it would veer the conversation someplace else.

"Even better!"

Well, that backfired.

"Say, I bet no one's ever invited you to the more exclusive spots around here," he continued, edging closer with his eyes staring up at you with an unsavoury grin. "I could invite you back to Height Alliance, show you my crib back in 2-A."

2-A. The infamous-

"You're a Hero student?" You queried, staring down at the purple-haired boy whose eyes light up upon the recognition.

"Absolutely. You're looking at a future top-grade Hero right here."

You could have sworn he puffed out his chest while he leaned in closer, his height still laughable. You couldn't help but chuckle at his attempts, but the thought crossed your mind while your lips widened with a smile.

"I guess you know a friend of mine then," you motioned, staring down at him. "I haven't met everyone from his class, so it's great to meet you I guess." For a moment, not a word was said, which was odd given in the past few moments with him all he did was talk. However, while waiting for any reply, you noticed his posture tense. He glanced at you, and yet his eyes trailed just shy past your gaze every now and then.

"Oh... who's your friend?" He asked with hesitation, and an odd waver in his voice.

"He's the one I've been waiting for actually. I guess he's not hard to miss. Baku—"

"Oh cool!" He interrupted with a squeak. "It's nice to meet you! I have to take a rain check but have a good day!"

Those words ran through his mouth before he quickly disappeared out of sight, leaving a trail of dust in his wake. Honestly, you didn't quite catch everything he said, but the way he flew spoke volumes. There was something intense in the air, as if an energy radiated from behind you. It wasn't any different from being looked at in your internship back at the Endeavour agency, but something about this feeling felt like it boiled the very air around you. Nonchalantly, you turned to discover where this heat was pouring from, only to find the boy you were waiting for, standing with an irate and deep scowl.

Ironically, that deathly heat dissipated.

Katsuki Bakugou stared at you with an angry pout, but that didn't deter you from his ever present scowl he carried everywhere he went. If anything, you only had one query in mind.

"How long have you been standing there?" You asked, inquisitive of Bakugou's presence.

"Long enough," he growled. "Stay away from that guy, got it?"

"He seemed pretty nice," you attempted to reason.

"No," he spat.

"A little weird but nice."

"No."

Bakugou turned to leave before you followed after, turning your gaze back on where that short student had run off. You figured you dodged a bullet from whoever that was in his class. Given Bakugou's reaction, you made a note to avoid someone of that stature and size for a while.