stars || bakugo x reader (gender neutral)

3. encounters

Morning came quickly for (y/n) even though they didn't sleep well. Did they stay up? Did they lose track of time? They weren't sure. They just know that their body is heavy. They can't bring themselves to stand up even though they know they have to.

(y/n) slowly sat up with a groan, holding their phone immediately. Bakugo replied with one word only.. But he didn't block them or anything. It hurt. They knew Bakugo was a man of silence now.. So seeing a short and concise message that ended everything was enough to have them shrink in their seat.

They were about to reply when their phone chimed with a new notification, this time coming from Kirishima.

"(y/n) !! we're going to train now, are u up? Come on !! it's time to be a man !! though ik you're not a man but you get my point"

We... (y/n) stared at the message, reading it over and over again with a frown on their features. We. Bakugo was coming. What should they do? Wouldn't it be odd for Kirishima if they didn't come along? What was Bakugo going to say? What was he going to do? How was he going to react if he saw (y/n)?

(y/n) bit on their lower lip and typed out a short reply.

"I'm up. OMW."

They put down their phone and began to get dressed. It was just a quick change of clothes so that they could do their morning jogging and training. As soon as they were finished, they took their phone with them and left their room.

Bakugo was also walking out of his room with his things, almost bumping into (y/n) in the hallway. Both individuals paused and stared at each other for a moment.. (y/n) with slight fear, and Bakugo with surprise.

The explosive blond's eyes eventually relaxed, and he turned away without a word. It hurt him to walk away without minding his friend but.. The events from last night were a bit too painful for him to accept right now.

They had a partner.

It doesn't matter how much Bakugo loved his friend. It doesn't matter that their confession made him realise just how much they meant to him. It doesn't matter that he sometimes had thoughts of marrying his friend.. It doesn't matter. None of it matters. The moment he accepts those feelings– his and his friend's– he will turn out as a villain.

He relates cheating to villainy sometimes. It might be a childish thought, but he couldn't grasp his head around why someone would even think of doing something so stupid when they could just leave the situation– the relationship. Cheating on an exam? He hasn't done it. Ever. But he can understand why some extras do so.

But a relationship? Why?

Why would his friend fall in love with him? If they love him, does that mean they're going to leave their partner soon? Why does the thought.. Excite Bakugo? He knows it's wrong, yet he hopes it will be true.

"Good morning.." (y/n)'s voice trailed off while they watched Bakugo walk away. He stopped in his tracks, shot a glance towards (y/n), shrugged as a greeting.. And walked away again. Normally.. He'd say something along the lines of "Mornin', idiot." before continuing on with his day..

But he was cold this time.

But in reality, he wasn't trying to be cold. He was trying to control the situation. Contain it. He knows that after (y/n)'s improper declaration of love, things will never be the same between them. Even if he, too, loves them. In fact, it is precisely because he loves them that things will never be the same. What if he slips up? What if he lets them know he loves them too? What if they fall apart?

What if they're left alone together, with their hearts beating for each other, and lips close?

I can't handle that. Bakugo thought to himself as he continued his steps. He knew (y/n) was walking in the same direction, and he knew that they wouldn't be starting a conversation with him any time soon. They knew better than to press his buttons during the morning, and especially after what happened.

(y/n)'s phone rang, and they checked the caller. It was (p/n).

They gulped and answered.

"Oh.. hey baby, good morning." They managed to fake a smile while greeting their partner. Truth be told, they still loved their partner but.. Their love for Bakugo was much stronger.

Bakugo's steps slowed a little, and his heart pounded. He's heard their calls many times already and he's aware of how much they've been sweet talking to each other but.. Hearing it now while knowing that they secretly love each other... It breaks his heart.

After his steps slowed for a few moments, he quickened his pace and got to the bathroom. (y/n) was left in the hall, talking to their partner. They apologised for not being able to reply to them, and for not calling them.. They didn't mention that it was because they admitted they loved Bakugo and they were thoroughly rejected, but they did lie that they were just very tired and busy.

Kirishima eventually saw them and grinned, walking up to them with a wave. "Yo! You're up! Is Bakugo ready?" He flung an arm around his friend while they glanced at the direction Bakugo went. "He's uh.. Just in the bathroom. He'll be out in a bit."

And he was out. He looked refreshed and ready for the day. He glanced at (y/n) for a moment and then looked away, walking past them. "Let's go. I still have to cook breakfast." He grunted out, already ahead of the two. Kirishima ran after him with ease. "(y/n), come on! You have to catch up!"

(y/n) stared at Bakugo's form moving away from them, their heart beating fast and chest in pain. They eventually began to walk as well, following the person they loved.. While the other one they claimed to love was in their own dorm..

Wondering why their partner had become so distant in the blink of an eye.