The Proximation of Hello and Goodbye

28

It's no big deal. It's just like hanging out. We've done it hundreds of times. This is no different. The only reason you're worried about it is because you're calling it a date. Other than that, it's just like the first time and the last time and every time in between. It'll be okay. Just be yourself.

Katsuki comes to a halt outside of the ramen shop where he and Izuku decided to start their day out at. He looks up at the worn exterior of the store and can't help but smile at the thought of the first time he brought Izuku here. Granted, it was nothing like what he'd expected it would be, but it was technically the place where they started the journey to where they are now. He hopes that this will also be the beginning of an even greater story between them both, but only time will be able to tell that story. For now, all he needs to worry about is acting like there's nothing different at all. He needs to make sure he doesn't act like a fool in front of Izuku. He sighs, hoping against all odds, that he'll be able to act the same way he always does. One thing about the whole Masashi situation that he is grateful for is that he had the opportunity to fist be friends with Izuku. Now that it's worked out that way, he can't imagine getting to know Izuku in any other way and having it be just as wonderful as being his friend has been. There's been no pressure, no fear. It's been perfect. So, now it's only a matter of not letting that change, at least not too drastically.

Then again, all of that flies out the window as soon as he sees his date for the day approaching him. Izuku is dressed in a form-fitting white shirt and a pair of clay-colored pants. His belt is pulled tightly so that it cinches his waist perfectly. His hair is perfectly unruly as usual, curls dangling in front of his eyes and curls that rest at the base of his neck, softly moving with every shift of the breeze. He looks so perfect , especially with the slight blush on his cheeks indicating that he might actually be as nervous and excited as Katsuki is. He strides forward so that he can meet Izuku in the middle. "You look good. Well, not good. No, you don't look good, but you don't look bad. Shit . You look--"

Izuku presses a soft kiss to Katsuki's deeply reddened cheeks and smiles, "You look amazing too." He takes Katsuki's hand, running his thumbs over the scarred knuckles. "Don't freak yourself out, Kacchan. It's just like every other time, isn't it?"

He repeats the mantra from earlier to himself, trying to assure himself of it. It's no big deal. It's just like hanging out. We've done it hundreds of times. This is no different. The only reason you're worried about it is because you're calling it a date. Other than that, it's just like the first time and the last time, and every time in between. It'll be okay. Just be yourself. And again, it's no big deal. It's just like hanging out. We've done it hundreds of times. This is no different. The only reason you're worried about it is because you're calling it-- "No. I don't think it is," Katuski whispers. "It's a date. It's a date that I want to go well. Look, I was wanting to save this for later, but--"

"So, save it for later, Kacchan," Izuku answers. "It'll be okay. You're right. It is a date, and I want it to go well, too."

"Then, we'll make sure it does." He nods, "Come on, let's go get lunch so we can get the rest of our day going. How does that sound?"

"It sounds great."

The two walk into the ramen shop hand in hand and take their seat at the exact table they shared the first time. The atmosphere between them feels as uneasy as the first time they sat in these seats, but it feels different... in a good way. There is no discomfort or hostility, only a sense of not knowing what comes next, anticipation. Katsuki can't help but watch as Izuku's eyes skim over the menu with careful examination of what the place actually has to offer. And though he seems somewhat on edge, he's much more relaxed than he was last time. There's no looking over his shoulder or checking his phone every ten seconds or so. He's actually present with him. "What are you thinking about getting?" Katsuki asks.