Chapter Text
Izuku stared at the clock, each tick echoing in his mind like a countdown to freedom. Just two more hours until he could escape this place! Inside, he was performing an exuberant, happy dance, practically buzzing with anticipation of a long, hot shower followed by the comforting embrace of his makeshift nest. Though it wasn’t much—a lumpy mattress piled with blankets—it was his getaway, where he could finally slip away from the chaos of this grueling month.
He believed he had found the perfect mate in a guy named Shindo. With a physique that seemed sculpted by a master artist, keen intellect, a stunningly handsome face, a sharp wit, and magnetic charisma, Shindo embodied everything Izuku had ever dreamed of in a partner. But when it came to intimacy, Shindo fell short—it felt like being with a limp fish. Izuku didn’t mind putting in most of the effort, but he couldn't help but wonder if it was too much to ask for reciprocal passion. He was willing to overlook this shortcoming because Shindo had many other incredible qualities.
All seemed ideal until Shindo suddenly dumped him, cryptically stating, "I don't see myself with someone like you long-term." Confused, Izuku couldn’t decipher what that meant until one fateful evening. As he walked home, he spotted Shindo laughing with a stunning female omega, an image that cut through him like a knife. Did he mention that this betrayal happened just a few days before his birthday?
Izuku was painfully aware of the stigma surrounding male omegas. People often held intense opinions—they were either adored or scorned, with little in between. Some, like Shindo, weren't ashamed to hook up with them but recoiled at the thought of a serious relationship. He should have recognized the warning signs; Shindo had never taken him out publicly or allowed him to share their relationship on social media.
Now, as he reminisced, Izuku regretted not staying in his small town. There, he might have found someone willing to build a life and perhaps even start a family one day. However, driven by ambition, he had dreamed of moving to the city to make a name for himself as a writer. Two years had passed since that decision, and all he had to show for it was a job at a diner and a half-finished book, along with mounting debt.
His job at The Diner was inspired by the nostalgic charm of classic diners of the 1950s. Despite its retro allure, Izuku felt fortunate to have a steady job, even if the hours weren't the best—working in a 24-hour diner meant early mornings and late nights. The schedule was tough, but the tips were considerable, making it slightly more bearable as he navigated this unpredictable chapter of his life.
After meticulously cleaning the table and neatly stacking the dishes away, Izuku glanced at the clock and was surprised to see that only thirty minutes had passed. Settling onto one of the polished barstools, he pulled out his well-worn notebook, eager to immerse himself in writing his book. With each page filled, he nurtured the dream of completing it by the end of the year and one day seeing it published. This creative journey had been his companion since he left his home almost two years ago. Lost in his thoughts and the rhythm of his pen, he didn’t notice Kiruka settle into the seat beside him.
“Still working on that thing?” she asked, her voice warm and curious as she leaned over to glimpse at his notes.
“Yup,” he replied, punctuating his answer with a playful emphasis on the "p."
“When do you think you'll finish it? You've been at it since you started here,” she inquired, a teasing sparkle in her eyes.
“I hope to wrap it up by the end of this year, but even if I finish it, there's no guarantee it will actually get published,” he confessed, the weight of his aspirations evident in his tone. Izuku's heart yearned to craft the next great romance novel, though he often wondered if his life could also use a bit of romance.
“From what I’ve read over your shoulder this past year, it really is quite good,” she said, offering him a sincere smile before rising from her seat. The melodic chime of the bell echoed through the diner, signaling the arrival of customers. Kiruka, at forty-three, was a dedicated mother of two, working here to supplement her family’s income. Her presence was always warm and inviting to Izuku, and despite being in her forties, she radiated a youthful glow. She carried herself with a confidence that made her seem vibrant and magnetic.
"Doll, you have people sitting in your area!" Kiruka called out, his voice breaking through the low hum of chatter in the diner.
He glanced at the clock quickly, a sigh escaping his lips as he realized there was only an hour left before closing. He silently hoped the patrons would eat quickly. With a decisive motion, he closed his book and leaned across the polished bar to tuck it into the cubbyhole behind him. Straightening up, he smoothed down his uniform, the crisp fabric clinging to him in all the right ways. Izuku, however, still radiated joy. Masaki had allowed him to wear the women's uniform, which hugged his omega curves and showcased his figure like a classic 50s diner outfit. It was a hit, and he was raking in excellent tips.
Izuku turned to survey the room, and his gaze landed on two men who stood out instantly as alphas. One was tall and burly, with fiery red hair that curled slightly above his collar, though dark roots hinted at the fact that he might be hiding a little secret. The other was equally tall, with a muscular yet lean physique, striking a balance between strength and elegance. He wore a perpetual scowl that only accentuated his striking features, his ash-blonde hair cropped into a sharp undercut. There was something undeniably attractive about the ash-blonde one, even if he wasn't usually Izuku's type; a little eye candy never hurt.
With a confident sway in his hips, Izuku put on his best flirty walk as he approached the pair. He knew he needed the tip money—his rent day loomed just around the corner. As he reached them, he smiled warmly and said, "Hello, Izuku. How can I help you two tonight?"
The faux redhead, emanating an air of command, leaned slightly forward and asked, "Where is Amy? She always works Saturday nights."
Izuku felt a twinge of concern, as Amy had been the reliable face of their Saturday service for quite some time. "Oh, um, she no longer works here," he explained, his voice steady despite the slight tremor of nerves. "She moved to America to be with her family about two weeks ago. Sir, I can get you someone else if you'd like," he offered, his mind racing with the hope that they wouldn't request a switch. Given their confident attire, he sensed a generous tip was on the horizon.
"No, sweetheart, it's perfectly fine. I’ll have a Coke and a cheeseburger," the ash-haired guy said, his tone laced with an attitude that was more assertive than mean. There was a weight in his gaze, a sense of seriousness that drew Izuku in. The moment he met the ash-haired guy’s eyes, Izuku thought, "Oh boy, here we go!" Those eyes were the deepest shade of red he had ever encountered—almost otherworldly. They were almost like rubies.
"I’ll have the same," chimed in the fake redhead, a hint of camaraderie in his voice. Izuku smiled warmly at them and nodded before turning on his heel to place their orders. He could feel the heat rising to his cheeks, and he desperately wanted to splash some ice water on his face to cool off the sudden flush.
When the food was ready, he carried it over with a mix of excitement and trepidation. As he approached their table, he couldn’t help but catch fragments of their conversation. "Bro, we’re doing everything we can on this," the fake redhead said in a tone that bordered on defeat. So, Izuku realized he worked for the man with the captivating ruby eyes.
"I don't give a shit. I want eyes on that Fuck head! The first wrong move he makes. he is going to fucking die, and I'll do it myself." Mr. Ruby hissed, his intensity palpable. A shiver ran down Izuku’s spine as he noted the atmosphere thickening around them. He made a mental note to stay firmly on this man’s good side. He flinched slightly as a fist pounded on the table with a resounding thump.
"Here you go, guys," Izuku announced, placing their steaming plates in front of them. "Is there anything else I can get you?" He fought to mask his nervousness; it was one thing to serve patrons and another entirely to be in the presence of such charged tension.
"No, we’re fine, sweetheart," Mr. Ruby Eyes replied, his voice dripping with casual authority. Izuku started to walk away but stopped when Mr. Ruby Eyes called out, "Wait!" He turned back, feeling an odd mix of apprehension and curiosity.
"Yes, sir?" he asked, flashing a bright, charming smile, eager to earn a tip or keep on the good side of such influential figures.
"Don’t call me sir; that’s my father. The name’s Katsuki," he said, a grin breaking across his face that transformed his intensity into something more inviting. Izuku couldn’t help but think that those mesmerizing eyes could very well lead to his downfall. Was it really possible to be entranced to the point of folly by the beauty of someone’s gaze?
Izuku shook his head, trying to pull himself back into the moment. "Okay, how can I help you, Katsuki?"
Katsuki leaned casually against the chair, a hint of mischief in his ruby-red eyes as he smeared ketchup over his burger with carefree precision. "Are you new? I haven't seen you around before," he remarked, glancing up with an assessing gaze.
"Well, I usually work the day shift, but since Amy left, they moved me to the night shift," Izuku explained, keeping his hands firmly at his sides. A mixture of nerves and curiosity stirred within him.
"Pretty things like you shouldn't be working this late," Katsuki said, his voice low and slightly teasing. "There are dangerous people out there. You never know what’s lurking in the shadows." He met Izuku's gaze with an impish smirk that sent shivers down Izuku's spine; those eyes held a power that was both intimidating and alluring.
Before he could think better of it, Izuku found himself retorting, "Well, you're out late too. Does that mean you’re a dangerous guy?"
Katsuki raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge dancing across his features, but his manager called him into the office before he could respond. A wave of unexpected relief washed over Izuku at the interruption. He approached Masaki's office, sensing the tension in the air. What had he done this time?
"Hey, Masaki, is something wrong?" Izuku ventured, peeking into the office.
"Kind of, Izuku. Saguri just called; she has to leave town for two weeks for something with her family. I know you want more hours, so would you take over her shifts?" Masaki said, his expression serious.
"That means I’ll have to work doubles some days, right?" Izuku replied, feeling a familiar weight settle onto his shoulders. It wasn’t the first time he’d faced of doing double shifts, and he loathed them. Still, the allure of extra money tugged at him. He gave a reluctant nod. "Fine, but tell her she owes me big time for this, Masaki." As he turned to leave, he heard Masaki exhale in relief.
Heading back, Izuku scanned the room for a glimpse of Katsuki and the fake redhead companion, but they had vanished. A flicker of disappointment passed through him as he approached their table to clean it. He longed to lock eyes with that captivating gaze once more.
As he reached the table, his heart skipped a beat. There laid a crisp hundred-dollar bill alongside the check he had handed them just moments ago. Reaching out to grasp the bill, he noticed a note tucked beneath it.
"I never got to answer your question, sweetheart. I'm only dangerous to the people who deserve it. - Kat"
Izuku carefully tucked the note and the crisp bills into his pocket, a warm smile spreading across his face that lingered throughout the night. He couldn’t shake the hopeful anticipation that Katsuki would return soon.