Unlikely As It May Seem (An Izumina Fanfiction)

Ch. 27: The Depth of Feelings

Katsuki Bakugo was hanging out a local cafe with Eijiro Kirishima. This wasn't entirely unusual, as Kirishima had been one of the few people to really attempt hanging out with Bakugo since they started UA. Of course, Bakugo becoming a better person after what happened almost three months ago had endeared him to others. He could even be seen hanging out with the likes of Ojiro and Iida.

Aside from Izuku, though, Kirishima was pretty much Bakugo's best friend, so they more or less hung out more often. Today, aside from just hanging out, they were discussing some serious matters, not the least of which was the upcoming mission with Sir Nighteye. They had been informed of what had happened the previous day, and how that had accelerated their plans. As such, all of the agencies involved had decided to give their Interns the day off to relax, so they weren't overly wound up come mission time.

This worked for most, but everyone had noticed the rather dark cloud around Izuku. The only person he had really talked to so far today had been Mina. The thought of which brought something Bakugo had been wondering.

"Hey, Kirishima," he said, causing the red-head to look up from his drink. "How do you feel about Deku dating Ashido?" Kirishima looked at him curiously, before looking like he gave it some thought and smiling.

"I think they're really good for each other," he replied. "And he's making my horn buddy happy. Can't really complain about it. I'm happy for them." Bakugo thought on this a moment. Did he misread something? He was sure...

"So, you're not jealous?" This had really gotten Kirishima's curiosity. "Don't get me wrong, I'm not gonna try to split them up, even for you...."

"Why would I be jealous?" Kirishima asked, before a look of realization struck him. "Oh. You think Mina and I....Oh, no, bro, you got it all wrong. I've never thought of her that way. I mean, yea, we're buds, but, nah, nothing like that." There was more he wasn't saying, and Bakugo could tell. Kirishima was nervous about something.

"What aren't you telling me?" Bakugo finally asked. "You were pretty much the only person willing to deal with my shitty attitude since we got here. I think that means that I should be able to help you, right?"

"It's...not that simple," Kirishima replied. "I'm...not sure what my feelings are. Well, that's not entirely true. I'm pretty sure I know what my feelings are, I just don't know what to do with them. I don't think people would understand."

"Alright, dude, what are you going on abou-"

"I think I like you!" Kirishima finally said in an outburst. "Like, physically attracted to you. I know some people will think it's weird, or unmanly, or unacceptable to society, but it's how I feel. And I get it if you don't want anything to do with me anymore." Kirishima bowed his head. Bakugo blinked for a few seconds, processing what his friend had just said. After a moment, he spoke.

"I...don't really know what to say," he began. "I'm...flattered for one." This caused Kirishima to look up, and stare at awe at Bakugo. "But, if I'm being honest. I don't really know how I feel." This deflated Kirishima some until Bakugo continued.

"It's not because I'm appalled or put off by what you said. I've just been so focused on becoming a Hero, things like romance never really registered for me. I've never really considered exploring my...sexuality. Does that make sense?" Kirishima, mouth slightly agape, nodded. He understood. It wasn't that Bakugo rejected him. He just never thought about things like that.

"I've had a one-track mind since my Quirk developed," Bakugo was saying. "Honestly, everyone's praising of it didn't help my ego. And why I became such a shit. Makes me wonder what you even saw in me when you wanted to be my friend at the start of school." Kirishima shrugged it off, telling him he thought he was a cool dude with an awesome Quirk. Things settled down after that.