Prodigies - My Hero Academia

Connections

Lunch hour strikes, dismissing students to the cafeteria. On the first level, Bakugo heads for the escalator that leads to the second floor alone. To his left, Fukuda calls his name and jogs toward him. He stops, recognizing her voice without the need to turn and allowing her a couple seconds to catch up. Regardless of the hot weather, she hasn't retired the long sleeves uniform shirts. He observes Fukuda while she talks, noting that her hair is straightened again and tied back. No excess jewelry aside from her mother's ring. 

'What is she smiling at? Fuck, why did I wait? I didn't agree to hanging out in public. No one better say shit about this later.', he glances down at the uniform suit jacket draped over his forearm, then back up to her, 'It's hot as hell in here. How is she wearing long sleeves? Probably has work today.'

"You play drums, right? You know that move where you spin the drumstick with your fingers?", Fukuda mimics the motion with her right hand, "Do you think that could translate to combat with a staff?"

Focus returning to her words over her appearance, "Those are not the same weight and length at all. I guess if you have the right momentum, you could do something similar."

"Would you mind showing me?"

"You have a staff?"

"Is that a yes?"

"Tch, figure it out on your own."

"Video tutorials aren't the same as someone teaching you in person."

Huffing, "Fine."

Smiling, "You're the best."

In response, he rolls his eyes.

In a booth behind them, four first-year business students watch this interaction from afar.

"Why is he following Class Rep around?" The second asks first.

The first balls his hands into tight fists, "It was fine when she was just hanging with the pink girl, but what's so appealing about him? That guy is scary. Is he like her guard dog or something?"

"They've been hanging out a lot lately. Usually there's another one with them." The fourth responds.

"The big guy, red mohawk." The third describes.

Jaw dropping, "That one too!? What's her deal with attracting these guys?", the first questions. 

Turning his attention back to the interaction, "Oh, there he is.", the third leans forward in his seat, not hiding his interest. 

Kirishima catches up with his peers, greeting them both.

"God, he's trying to be a hero? He's gnarly lookin'.", the second squints, "Those teeth could make a baby cry."

 The third sets down his drink, "Yeah, I've seen them travel in a pack up to her apartment almost every weekend for like two months."

The second taps the tabletop with two fingers, "They're not even in the same class. How do they find time to see each other regularly?"

"Forget that, those two are in Class 1-A. Why doesn't she care about their reputation damaging her own?" The third asks rhetorically. 

"At least one of them has to be in love with her! There's no other explanation." The first accuses.

The fourth sighs out of disappointment, "I think just one is an understatement."

The first lays his right fist into his left palm, "Pro hero dating is always messy. It is the fastest way to get cancelled. Not to mention the constant threats from their fans. No one will be on her side if they go public! I gotta say something to her."