that's just how it works [REWRITING]

Chapter Twenty one - Dinner Date Gone Somewhat Wrong

. . .

   'That's a really pretty view.'

   A small ghost of a smile rests on your face as you wait for Kirishima. Your eyes drift down to the shoreline, and you lean down to pick up a seashell. You palm it, looking at it in thought. You drift back to reality when you feel a hand on your shoulder. You look behind yourself to see Kirishima there, smiling at you. You smile back and stand, slipping the seashell in your pocket. 

   "Hey, Eiji-Kun." You greet him with a bright smile. His cheeks flush, and he averts his eyes, grinning sheepishly. "H-Hi, (Y/n)-Chan."

   You laugh slightly, taking his hand. "Are you nervous? Don't be. This doesn't have to be anything formal." He gulps, nodding slightly. "Ah, a-alright. Thanks..."

   "Oh, it's no problem, Eiji-Kun! Don't worry about a thing." You wave your hand slightly, brushing it off quickly. You glance down at your hand and intertwine your fingers with his. He gasps softly, eyes widening. His cheeks heated up rapidly, and you grin, meeting his eyes. "Let's go!"

   Kirishima quickly gains his composure and nods, rubbing the back of his head with his free hand. "A-Alright."

   You and him head to a simple hole-in-the-wall bakery. Your eyes skim over the menu, taking note of the many sweets listed, and then the many spicy things. You snicker, a silly thought crossing your mind. 'I bet Bakugou likes spicy things. It matches his personality.'

   In the end, you end up ordering a butter biscuit with a cup of hot chocolate and peach slices. You glance around the quaint shop as Kirishima orders his own food. It was small, so small you could probably have a conversation with someone on the opposite side of the room without shouting. Your lips form a thin smile at the cute little two-people tables scattered around, with a few booths in a corner. 'How adorable.'

   You turn back to Kirishima to see him pulling out the amount of money for both orders. You step forward, pushing his arm down and shaking your head. You nudge him aside and pull out your wallet, getting the amount of money needed. He puts his hand on yours, smiling. "(Y/n)-Chan, let me pay. Please?" 

   Your cheeks burst into flames, and you refuse to go down so easily. You shake your head quickly, "No, Eiji-Kun... I'll pay." He shakes his head, grinning. "No, really. Paying for the girl is the manly thing to do." You sigh, rolling your eyes playfully. "Let's just split the bill, and pay for ourselves then."

   The person behind the counter watched, an amused smile appearing. They chuckled to themselves, watching you and the red head try to decide. 'If they aren't dating, that'll be surprising.'

   You turn to your bag to put away the extra, and Kirishima slips the cashier all the money. You notice, and gasp, looking at him with raised eyebrows. "E-Eiji-Kun, I c-could have-" "(Y/n)-Chan, let me do this. You can pay next time." 'Next time...'

   Your cheeks redden, and you sigh, giving in. You stuff all your money back in your wallet, and Kirishima takes you by the arm to lead you to a booth in the corner. He sits you down and goes to get the food. You groan softly, resting your chin on the table with your arms sprawled out on it in front of you. 'Ugh, he's so nice. I'll get him back next time.'

   'Next time?'

   You sit up, blinking once-- twice-- as Kirishima's earlier words ring through your head. '(Y/n)-Chan, let me do this. Let me pay next time.' You gulp, blushing darkly at the meaning. 'He wants to do this again?' You shake your head, clearing the thought. "N-No, I'm just thinking too deeply into it..."

   "Thinking too deeply into what?"

   "E-Eh!" You turn and look at Kirishima with wide eyes. He snickers at your deer-in-the-headlights look, setting down the food on the table. You cover your cheeks, averting your eyes and stammering out, "H-How much d-did you h-h-hear..?"

   He sits down across from you, waving his hand slightly. "Just that you're thinking too deeply into something. I didn't hear what."

   You sigh, smiling slightly. "Thank goodness..." You pick up your hot chocolate and blow on it gently, sipping it carefully. It wasn't too hot, or too cold. You grin, letting out a content breath. "Ah..." 

   Kirishima watches you with an amused expression, and flushed cheeks. You blink, blushing brightly and setting down the cup. "S-Sorry, it's just really good..." You glance around the building again, smiling. "This is a cute place. Makes me wonder why I've never come here before. What's the name of it again?" You ask him sheepishly, averting your eyes.

   The red head chuckles, taking a bite of his strawberry tart. "Pretty sure it's called Caife Milis*."

   You nod, thoughtful. "Hmm, has a nice ring to it." You pick up your bowl of diced peaches and a spoon, starting to eat them. You close your eyes and revel in the sweet taste of the fruit. 

   You and him ate in mostly silence. It wasn't an awkward silence, more of a comfortable one, with you enjoying your time with him, especially after the training earlier that day. 'This is so lovely.' You bite into your biscuit, savoring the flavorful bread. You sip your hot chocolate, eyes wandering again. 'This place has such a peaceful atmosphere. Auntie would love it here.'

   "Oi! What the hell are you two nerds doing here?!"

   You flinch, coughing slightly on the drink in your mouth. You turn abruptly to whoever yelled at you and Kirishima, already knowing who it is.

   'Why the hell is Bakugou-Kun here?'

   The blonde stomped over to stand at the edge of your table, scowling at you and Kirishima. The red head stares up at Bakugou, nervously grinning. "Uh- H-Hey, bro!" You sigh, dropping your head down onto the table. 'And now everyone is staring at us. Thanks Bakugou...'

   Bakugou glares at Kirishima, growling lowly. "What the hell do you think you're doing, shit hair?" Kirishima put his hands up, leaning back, "We were just enjoying dinner! D-Don't get any i-ideas..."

   You look up at the boys, sighing. The blonde was shooting daggers at the nervous red head, pissed about whatever. You simply pick up the remainder of your biscuit and hurriedly finish it. The boys both look at you two as you down the rest of your drink and stand, slinging the strap of your bag over your head. "I'm finished. Thanks for dinner, Eiji-Kun. See you Monday at school." You smile at him, leaning down to kiss his forehead. You glance at Bakugou, before muttering as you walk away. "You too Bakugou-Kun. Have a good evening."

   They watch you leave, one with a flushed face, the other with a dark expression. Both felt a panging in their hearts at your retreating figure.

   Aside from the rude and loud interruption, you'd say it was a nice date.

. . .

To be continued

* Caife Milis is the Irish translation of "Sweet Cafe" or "Sweet Coffee"