Customer Service

Chapter 9

"—shima."

"Mm, five more minutes—"

There was some shuffling Kirishima could make out in the background before he felt gentle hands brush hair out of his face. He hummed contently, leaning into the touch.

It felt nice, this person's fingers over his skin. Tender and delicate movements, as if any sudden motion would break him—as if the redhead were that fragile of a person.

"Kirishima. You should—"

The voice was oddly familiar, but he couldn't place it. He curled more into himself, in an attempt to invite sleep back. The carpet was warm, and the blanket around him was soft and comforting—smelling distinctly like caramel—

He remembered where he was and jolted awake instantly.

Bakugou was staring at him patiently, the usual scowl muted over with a look of peace. The blonde's hands were extended towards him and Kirishima startled, pulling back. He frantically looked around the dark living room, noting the faint light from the laptop in front of them.

"Oh my god, Bakugou—did I fall asleep—I'm so sorry, I—"

Kirishima squinted at the time displayed on the screen and nearly fell over himself in an attempt to stand.

"Shoot—It's already past midnight, I wasn't even keeping track—I'll need to call a taxi, I really didn't mean to stay this—"

The rest of the day came to him in a blur—finishing the season of that baking show, watching one of Kirishima's favorite action movies, and then eating dinner (curry leftovers) in the kitchen while going over other movies Bakugou would like. In the end, they'd watched a movie with plenty of explosions and then the sequel, the unfortunate prequel, and then—

"Stay here tonight," Bakugou's gruff voice cut through Kirishima's panic.

"What?"

"It's pointless paying for a taxi this late. Do you need to get anything from home?"

"No, but—"

"Then, stay. You'd waste time going."

Kirishima stiffened, fighting a blush from his cheeks. He didn't think Bakugou could see, but he could never be too sure. "Nah, man, that's asking too much of you! I was going to get going after that sequel, but I guess I was more tired than I thought—"

Plus, being next to the explosive Bakugou was dangerously relaxing.

Go figure.

"It's whatever, go wash up, you have drool coming from your mouth," Bakugou pressed, closing his laptop and moving to get up himself.

Kirishima slapped a hand over his lips and nearly groaned in embarrassment. How unmanly, ugh. Slowly, he lowered his hands, looking sheepishly at Bakugou.

"Is it really okay?"

"Fuckin'—I said it's fine, didn't I?" Bakugou shoved past him to head towards the rooms. "I'll set up the bed. You have work tomorrow, right?"

"Y-yeah," Kirishima said with a smile, watching him go. "Thanks, man!"

All he got in response was a grunt which was pretty good for Bakugou, if Kirishima was being honest.

While the blonde was occupied, Kirishima slipped into the bathroom briefly, taking in his reflection in the mirror.

He looked absolutely ridiculous. Half his hair was styled up as he had done in the morning but the other half was jutting out in all directions, a few stray strands falling over his forehead.