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Todoroki isn't sure if this is what Natsu-nii meant by "gaining the college experience." But, when he loses a bet between his friends and is asked to wear different "ugly" Christmas sweaters every day until the holiday arrives, he can't really complain. It could be worse. He's currently dressed in a dark grey turtleneck with a black trench coat and dark jeans; his school crossbody bag rubs against his side as he walks downtown near the university he's currently studying aeronautics at. It isn't the warmest thing to wear in winter, but it will do for now.
It's dark outside, but it helps that there are street lamps posted every few meters and stores are still open on the strip Todoroki's walking on. There are cafes, boutiques, thrift shops, and even a flower shop. Nothing containing what he's on the hunt for tonight. He's getting exhausted running around trying to find something nearby for tomorrow. He would purposely enter stores just to escape the cold but then would feel bad not purchasing anything and ended up ordering warm tea or other meaningless items. Todoroki pauses his journey, huffing as he looks forward and sees an endless road, and then behind him to see all the stores he just walked past. Shopping is awful.
Todoroki then glances at the store beside him. He's standing in front of glass double doors on the street; there's a big sign mounted above that reads "Dynamight Designs," with mannequins dressed in warm clothes against the winter chills on display. He probably could have gone elsewhere, but he hasn't really done anything like this before. Plus, he's walked past so many stores already, and he's starting to get desperate. Fuyumi used to always buy his clothes when he was a kid. Gradually, as he got bigger and grew up, he ended up wearing whatever hand-me-downs Natsu-nii grew out of. He remembers the fabrics always being nice quality, so he assumes that cheap fabrics will make his skin itchy and irritated. Not that he has tried to find out if that's true or not.
"Oi."
Todoroki freezes in place, drawn out of his thoughts when a warm breeze, in contrast to the biting wind, slaps him in the face. He registers that the door of the store in front of him has been opened, and he makes eye contact with a man. The man's face is wrinkled, his perfect brows are furrowed, and the corners of his lips are downturned. His pale blonde hair is fluffy and in spikes, but it frames his face nicely and complements his vibrant, piercing crimson eyes. There's worry and concern from the stranger and a hint of wariness. The man is holding his door open, leaning forward to peek his body out of the door, and he waits.
"Are you going to just stand there and freeze your balls to death or come in and actually take a look around at the products? Idiot," The man asks, rather rudely, but it seems rhetorical based on the insult, and Todoroki should take it as a social cue to enter the building. They still stand there, though, exposed to the cold, and Todoroki is still in place, being hypnotized by the blonde. He wonders briefly if the man is the same age as him.
"Ah, sorry."
This only makes the blonde raise a brow and withdraw back into the building, no longer giving Todoroki attention. Scrambling, Todoroki pulls open the closing door and trails behind the mysterious foul-mouthed man inside the warmth. There are clothes surrounding them, hung up on clothing racks, and some different articles are on mannequins. The store looks well kept together, and it has a classy aesthetic with dark walls that are lit with some lights that bring spotlights to handbags. There aren't very many people in the store, some customers browsing and other employees helping tidy the space to look occupied.
Todoroki takes this moment to look at what the blonde was wearing. He's wearing a black vest over a white button-up; some of the buttons of his undershirt are undone though and expose his nice collarbone. He has matching black slacks and dark brown, shiny dress shoes, and Todoroki can see a silver wristwatch peeking out from under his sleeve when he swings his arm walking. He's dressed similarly to the other employees, besides missing a tie and sense of formalness. He also doesn't have a name tag compared to others in the store. From what Todoroki has gathered so far, the man seems to be a rebellious hard worker who takes his job very seriously. Now that he's closer, the man is about a head shorter than him. The perfect height (even if he were taller, Todoroki would still think it would be perfect).
"You're supposed to be browsing the things you can fucking buy here. Not following me around."
Todoroki opens his mouth and wants to ask if he could browse the man instead, but decides against it. When no sound escapes his mouth, the blonde turns his head around to glare at Todoroki as he blindly takes a misplaced dress off a clothing rack. Then proceeds to move to a different area of the store where the dress should be correctly placed; Todoroki follows two steps behind the entire time. He turns to face Todoroki again, noticing the lingering observations and silent space that draw them closer together.
"Stop staring, halfie. What do you want?" The man growls at Todoroki under his breath. He's crossing his arms and accentuating his well-earned pecs and defining his tiny waist when his vest button stretches. Todoroki sees a scowl on his lips and pink-dusted cheeks. Ah, he must've noticed his staring. Cute.
"An ugly Christmas sweater," the answer is straightforward and comes out a little too fast for Todoroki to process what he said.
"Hah?!" The man hollers with wide eyes and shock before uncrossing his arms and sticking a finger out to poke Todoroki's chest harshly, "Listen here, stupid Japanese flag, this is a fucking designer store! There's nothing remotely ugly in here. If you wanted something like that, you should've gone to the damn mall."
The blonde makes a fuss with steam blowing out of his ears, extremely upset, and Todoroki frowns when he pulls away and walks off again. It seems to have been a personal offense, especially with the new creative nicknames directed towards his hair. The man wanders off muttering insults under his breath, most likely about Todoroki, and his hands are in fists, swinging violently as he walks in perfect posture. Todoroki hopes he can clear up the misunderstanding and remedy the situation. The blonde doesn't give him an opportunity, creating more distance between the both of them.
"Wait," Todoroki calls out, but the smaller man doesn't obey, and he ends up trailing behind the worker. The only other employee left now takes a glance at them, pausing their sweeping, but doesn't dare to intercept. Instead, they turned their back and hastily cleaned up.
"Fuck off!"
They walk to the back of the store where there aren't people, business slowing down as the night progresses. The blonde stomps and turns around again with agitation to glower in Todoroki's face, trembling in bundled irritation and ready to snap again. But instead, he's silent like he's waiting this time. For an explanation. Or apology. Maybe both.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to insult your store. I lost a bet, and my punishment is to wear...festive sweaters until the holidays arrive. Do you have any sweaters?" Todoroki apologizes and then explains, deflating from being worn out from the search earlier in the night.
The man's expression softens, and he takes a good look at Todoroki, processing the answer, and his posture relaxes. The answer seems to satisfy the man. Todoroki counts this as a success.
"Yeah, whatever. If you buy a sweater, will you stop following me around like a lost duck tonight?" The man huffs, but there isn't any aggression in his tone, and Todoroki is starting to understand this man. He bites back a chuckle from how quickly the blonde gives honest answers.
He hums as he follows the blonde again, "Maybe, if you give me your name too?"
The man freezes, causing Todoroki to bump into his back; they stumble a bit forward, and Todoroki grabs him by the elbow. Now, he's a little worried he might not get to buy a sweater here anymore by provoking an employee. But, when the man looks up at him with flushed cheeks and wide eyes, Todoroki realizes he doesn't have much to be concerned about.
"Y-You're so shameless! Let me go, and hurry the fuck up. The store is going to close soon." He blushes and walks towards a rack of neutral-colored sweaters with different patterns on them. He goes to pick one up from the other hangers, giving Todoroki a glance, before looking back at what he's pulled out. It's a navy sweater with snowflakes embroidered, and there's white zigzag trimming on the collar and sleeves. Then he pushes it up against Todoroki's chest to measure it loosely.
"Oh, this is nice." The fabric is soft and wouldn't itch his skin. Todoroki wonders briefly if Fuyumi ever purchased clothes here. Probably not.
The man rolls his eyes. "Of fucking course it is. If you say it's not ugly, I'll kick your ass out."
This time, Todoroki lets out a real chuckle, holding onto the sweater when the man lets the piece go in his arms.
They walk towards the counter, and Todoroki notices how quiet it is in the store now. There's nobody left but those two. He takes a glance at his phone to check the time; it's a little past nine o'clock. He's been out shopping for nearly two hours. The store must normally be closed by now. He has some decency to feel guilty for taking the beautiful man's time and apologizes as he is rung up for his new purchase.
"It's fine. I'm closing for the rest of the week anyways."
Todoroki nods in acknowledgement, not knowing what else to do, as he pays. Todoroki secretly hopes nobody else gets the privilege to be in this man's company alone as his sweater is bagged up and he is handed his receipt. Their hands touch; the man's hands are warm and a little calloused by the fingertips. Todoroki feels a little bad that his own hands are cold when the man flinches. But it's worth seeing the man's cheeks flushed red with heat from their brief contact.
They walk to the front of the store in silence. Now that he's got a Christmas sweater (he isn't sure if it not being "ugly" breaks the rules of the bet), Todoroki thinks about how it's a school night. There are tests that are coming up as winter exams near. He's not going to have time to study a bit before heading to bed. At least this was a good distraction from the chaos he'll have to deal with back when he enters the university dorms.
Todoroki exits the store, and the cold, dry air gives him whiplash. He grunts and clutches onto his schoolbag in hopes of stability.
"Oi..."
Todoroki hears a mutter and turns towards the only person who could've spoken. They make eye contact, and the man laughs as Todoroki shivers in the winter breeze. It's a loud and explosive sound, rumbling through his entire chest, and his eyes are closed gleefully when one hand goes to his own stomach. Todoroki wants to give a harsh look, but he can't bring himself to when he hears what's basically music to his ears. He could fall asleep to the sound of this man's laughter.
The laughter dies down, and the man goes to wipe a tear of joy from his eye and grins, "The name's Bakugou. Hope to see you around, halfie."
Oh.
Oh.
Is this what love at first sight feels like?
Bakugou is a lovely name. It suits him well.
"Bakugou," He calls out frantically, straightening his back, and the name spills out of his lips. It feels like velvet on his tongue, and he gives a small bow when he feels his cheeks heat up despite the freezing weather. He holds onto the strap of his bag a little tighter, the other hand holding his purchase, and his knuckles turn white, but he's unbothered. Not in the presence of such an interesting person. He hopes Bakugou doesn't notice his blush. "I'm Todoroki. Todoroki Shouto. Thank you for your time."
Bakugou snorts and his eyes soften. "You're lucky you're handsome. Goodnight."
Bakugou doesn't wait for Todoroki to respond and closes the door and locks it. He looks at Todoroki one last time through the glass doors before shaking his head and smirking, turning his back and walking deeper into the store. Todoroki sighs, and he feels dazed. He met the most beautiful man on earth, who called him handsome.
* * *
The next day arrives; Todoroki couldn't stop thinking about Bakugou in his classes and ended up getting distracted several times. His only conclusion is that he should visit the store again when his evening classes end; maybe Bakugou is working again today. Which led him to now.
"What...the ever-loving fuck?" Bakugou gapes, staring at Todoroki in horror. More specifically, his chest.
"What's wrong?" Todoroki ponders, tilting his head in confusion.
Bakugou proceeds to lift a shaking hand in disbelief and point at Todoroki. He looks down at himself. "Oh."
Todoroki is wearing a black sweater with bright red trim. There are random alternating white and green patterns in the shapes of diamonds and triangles forming stripes across the chest and arms. In the center of it all, though, is a large ninja gingerbread man holding a candy cane like a monk's staff. It's the most ridiculous thing he's worn in his entire life (so far). But, when Uraraka had presented it to him early in the day between classes, he couldn't refuse, knowing he should respect the rules of the bet. Apparently the Christmas sweater he bought last night doesn't suffice for being "ugly." He doesn't disagree, though; it was a nice sweater, and he'll wear it for a more appropriate occasion in the future.
"You look fucking ridiculous, half-and-half. You need to burn that shit and bury it," Bakugou states, his face cringing and dropping his hand.
Todoroki hums, and his eyes soften when he sees Bakugou's lip tremble, twitching in a sad attempt to not smile and laugh.
"I told you that I lost a bet. This is my punishment."
Bakugou rolls his eyes and turns to the side. He's rearranging purses and accessories, biting his bottom lip, and looking at Todoroki through his peripheral to give him a side glance. "What was the bet anyways? It must have been stupid if it has you dressing like this."
Todoroki watches Bakugou work, how nimble his hands are, and the diligence the man presents himself to be. Todoroki wonders if he's been working in retail for a while; Bakugou seems to be good at what he does.
"I bet that one of my friends asked out his crush for a date the other day. He didn't," Todoroki shrugs. "It was worth the punishment in an attempt to encourage him."
Bakugou snorts in amusement, "I was right. Sounds fucking stupid and cheesy."
Todoroki moves closer to Bakugou, leaning down and forward a little. Curiosity seems to have taken over Todoroki, and Bakugou jumps at the sudden proximity. Before the blonde can mouth off at Todoroki, Todoroki frowns in contemplation.
"Have you been asked out, Bakugou?"
Bakugou is flabbergasted, gushing red at the random question, "Hah?!!"
"Well?" Todoroki leans in closer, staring straight into Bakugou's eyes that he could drown in. Bakugou pulls back, putting a hand on Todoroki's chest, and they stop moving.
Someone clears their throat, and they pull away from each other; both turn to see an employee. Their mouth is covered by their fist, and their eyes are closed. There's a faint sign of heat in their cheeks, mostly from embarrassment, it seems. Todoroki remembers they're in a public space but isn't exactly good at thinking about spatial awareness when it comes to the man in front of him. "Is he bothering you, Bakugou-san?"
Bakugou-san? Todoroki looks at the blonde with a raised brow. In the back of his head, he registers the misinterpretation, but more questions linger about Bakugou's private life. Bakugou seems to be respected in this space and even well-known enough to do his own thing without anybody complaining. He saw when he first entered the store, Bakugou was ordering some other workers around. He was guiding them to look busy and informing them to know more about specific product lines. How long has Bakugou been in this field to know about the different types of stitches and percentages of material fabrics woven in each item? Is Bakugou popular outside of work too? Todoroki imagines Bakugou attracting a lot of people due to his charisma and niche charm.
"A pain in the ass is what he is. We're fine here; proceed with restocking the new releases," Bakugou responds clearly, looking Todoroki dead in the eye with a smirk. Todoroki's heart skips a beat. The worker scrambles off with a polite nod and apology for intruding. Bakugou gives his attention to Todoroki, who pouts, and Bakugou rolls his eyes.
"You didn't answer my question."
Bakugou scoffs, amused, busying his hand with touching carefully woven bags, "Wouldn't you like to know? Besides, I'm sure you've been asked out plenty for the both of us combined."
"What does that mean?" Todoroki tilts his head in confusion.
Bakugou makes a vague gesture at Todoroki with his hand, looking at Todoroki like he's lost his head. "Do I really have to explain it? Don't you have girls lined up waiting to confess to you?"
"I'm not interested in women." Todoroki says immediately, straightening up, and there's seriousness in his face.
Bakugou sputters, shocked at the direct confession, and stands there unsure of what to say next. Todoroki decides for the both of them.
"Are you interested in women?" Todoroki asks, his face dawning with shock and accusations. There's an immediate conclusion. He didn't even think of Bakugou's preferences. He gasps at the thought of Bakugou having a girlfriend waiting for him after work.
"Fuck no!" Bakugou blushes, shoulders tense, and he grunts while pinching the bridge of his nose, "I am not talking about this with you in the middle of work, halfie."
Todoroki sighs in relief, bringing a hand to his chest to feel his racing heart. Bakugou gives a sideways glance at Todoroki at how ridiculous this situation is. He turns to walk away, but Todoroki follows him regardless; it doesn't seem to faze Bakugou anymore. Todoroki is glad to know that Bakugou does not, in fact, have a girlfriend waiting for him after work. Bakugou is interested in men too. Maybe he has a chance to get to know him more.
"Why are you here again?"
"Ah," Todoroki's eyes lighten up when Bakugou asks and turns around so they're facing each other again. "I'm looking for a gift for my mother."
Bakugou stares at Todoroki for a little while before turning away and walking towards the scarves and coats. Todoroki trails and touches some of the scarves. His mother's hospital room was always a little too cold; he's hoping this will be a nice Christmas gift. This will be the first Christmas in a while that he will get to spend with her. He hopes she'll enjoy his company. They're making up for lost time now that he reconnected with her in high school, and he wants to finish his exams well to make her proud.
Bakugou asks about things like his mother's favorite color, if she is sensitive to specific fabrics, what she normally wears in her day-by-day life, and more. They settle on a gray wool scarf with off-white clouds surrounding a flying crane. Bakugou explains that cranes represent longevity and happiness. He shares about a time he folded a thousand paper cranes for his grandmother, who was really sick, and how it's believed to grant a wish for healing or peace.
Todoroki's eyes brighten as Bakugou explains the tales; the fabric of the scarf is warm and thick beneath his fingers. He smiles to himself as he reminisces about the times when he was a child and his mother read him stories before bed. Bakugou is truly amazing. This will be the perfect gift.
* * *
This is the third day in a row after classes that Todoroki has come to the same store to see Bakugou. At this point he's a regular, and the employees greet him politely and direct him to Bakugou. He's grateful and proceeds to find the man.
"Why the hell do you keep coming in here all the time? Wouldn't it just be easier if you bought a shit ton all at once?" Bakugou huffs, folding a sweater and placing it back where it belongs, not bothering to turn around, knowing Todoroki is still staring at him from a foot away.
"But then I wouldn't get to see you again, Bakugou." Todoroki states, tilting his head in confusion as if he were stating the most obvious thing in the world. Bakugou whips his head around with flushed cheeks and wide eyes.
"Holy shit, have some fucking shame! There is no way you're saying that shit while wearing that." Bakugou exclaimed.
Today, Todoroki is wearing a hideous vomit-green sweater with festive pickles and stars all over the sweater. Some of the sprinkled pickles wore Santa hats, and there were random blinking LED Christmas lights attached. He could feel the battery pack on the inside of the sweater that lets him turn the lights on and off or change the mode of the lights from blinking to flashing to steady. Just to annoy Bakugou, he's decided to make the lights flash and does jazz hands with a blank expression when he initially enters the premises. Bakugou stifled a laugh behind his hand. Todoroki really wishes Bakugou would drop the tough guy act, but he'll take what he can get.
"What are you here for today?"
Todoroki thinks for a moment, "I'd like to get something for my friend."
Bakugou snorts, crossing his arms, "You mean the one who got you wearing circus clothes?"
Todoroki nods with a shrug. He thinks back to Iida, a classmate and current friend, who tried to gather up courage to ask a girl named Mei out but failed miserably. "I want to encourage him. Maybe something small?"
Bakugou doesn't linger and leads them towards charms and accessories. Todoroki looks at the shelf, a little overwhelmed with the options. Then, he spots a black leather strap keychain with a silver hook and picks it up to watch it dangle in between his own eyes. Imprinted on the black leather are what look like explosions of varying sizes and a silver charm of the complete explosion design. Todoroki imagines that must be what the Dynamight Designs logo must look like. Iida has always been a practical person; he could use this for his keys.
Todoroki settles to purchase the wrist lanyard and watches Bakugou scans his purchase, and Bakugou inquires, "How is it that some like you can come in here and purchase an item every day? Got nothing better to do with your money?"
"It's on my father's credit card, so it doesn't bother me to use it. Plus, I get to see you. I don't think I would've been able to meet you otherwise."
Bakugou blushes with a glare, shoving the bagged item against Todoroki's chest; his knuckles brush against Todoroki's Christmas sweater. "Fuck. You're so damn blunt, half-and-half. Keep saying shit like that, and people might take it the wrong way."
"Huh?"
Bakugou doesn't bother to elaborate, instead turning his head to look at an approaching worker.
"Bakugou-san, it's time for your lunch. I can take over the counter." An employee states with a smile. Bakugou glances at his wristwatch and nods, moving away from the counter and closer to Todoroki.
Bakugou looks up at Todoroki expectantly, and they stare at each other. Todoroki gets lost in his crimson eyes and smiles when Bakugou breaks eye contact, clicking his tongue and crossing his arms. He pouts, and Todoroki wants to hold his cheeks; Bakugou has very nice skin. He must take very good care of himself. Bakugou is cute, waiting for Todoroki to ask him out instead of saying what he wants.
"You've got your purchase of the day. So, fuck off."
Ah. He waited too long.
Todoroki hums and pulls Bakugou away from the front counter and towards the entrance of the store. "I haven't had lunch yet either. Would you like to share your lunchtime with me? There's a nice place I know that sells soba. Ah, unless you want something else?"
Bakugou allows himself to get dragged by the wrist, "F-Fine! But you're paying."
"I don't mind."
Bakugou clicks his tongue again and catches up to Todoroki's walking speed, as they walk side by side now. Todoroki enjoys Bakugou's company; he's glad Bakugou does too, even though the blonde won't admit it.
* * *
It's the next day, and Todoroki wasn't able to go meet Bakugou today. He unfortunately broke his streak in order to catch up on studying with his roommate, Midoriya. Todoroki sighs, his cheek squished against his fist as he leans on his elbow against the desk counter. The text is blurry under his gaze, and he can't focus. He's only thinking about how having lunch with Bakugou yesterday was nice; he got to know the man a little bit better. What he likes to eat, his hobbies, and a little bit of his dating life. He's single (Todoroki thanks the heavens) and a very busy man, so he doesn't make much of an effort to pursue anyone. Todoroki is lucky; maybe he could take this chance to court the man. Unfortunately, he never got his first name. It feels like a secret now, but Todoroki is glad to dwell in the presence of such a dynamic man.
He sighs again, sulking. He doesn't even get to show Bakugou the new ugly sweater he's wearing today.
"Ah, Todoroki-kun? Are you alright? That's the tenth time you've sighed. Should we take a break?"
Midoriya draws Todoroki's attention, who is laughing nervously by his side with closed eyes and waving his hands in an attempt to lessen worry. Todoroki straightens up and nods, glaring down at his notebook with scribbles. Who would've thought you needed to study so much when it comes to flying an airplane? He sighs once more.
"I'm sorry, Midoriya, I've been distracted lately. I met someone earlier in the week who seems to have all my attention."
"Oh! Is that why you've been gone after classes lately?" Midoriya concludes, brightening up, and Todoroki nods.
"I met a very beautiful man in the beginning of the week. We even had lunch together yesterday, and it was amazing. He's unlike anyone I've ever met," Todoroki explains, his eyes flutter dreamily as he thinks about the way Bakugou laughed yesterday when Todoroki took a bite of his spicy curry and choked, gulping down an entire cup of cold water.
Midoriya is flustered, stuttering, "O-Oh! That's awesome, Todoroki-kun! I'm glad your date went well."
Todoroki gasps, slapping his hands down on the table, causing Midoriya to jump. A date. Does that count as a date? He paid with his own money; he's not going to use his father's money on Bakugou. (Bakugou only deserves the best), and it was just the two of them. But it was only for an hour, and it was when Bakugou was working too. Bakugou seemed to enjoy himself, and Todoroki had a good time. Todoroki has never gone out on a date before, so he isn't sure what does and doesn't count. What if Bakugou thought it was a hangout? Are they even friends?
"I—It was a date, right?" Midoriya asks, as if he were carefully treading water, when he realizes that Todoroki had no idea, and the obliviousness seems to seep into his brain.
"I have no idea???" Todoroki panics, completely honest as he makes eye contact with his roommate. He goes to grab at his hair, a little stressed out.
"It's okay! Maybe you can ask him to come out this Saturday at the karaoke bar?! Some people from school wanted to hang out as stress relief before exam week. If that goes well, then maybe an actual date?" Midoriya suggests with his index finger pressed against his cheek in thought.
Todoroki's jaw drops, and he realizes he has the best roommate in the entire world. "Midoriya, you're a genius."
Midoriya laughs nervously again, internally sensing something absurd is going to happen. Also, a little unsure if he wants to be complimented by Todoroki of all people at that point in time (offense not taken; Todoroki knows his compliments need working on). Nevertheless, he cheers on Todoroki. Neither of them gets much studying done after that.
Todoroki is jittering, nervous and excited; he's lucky his hands are occupied as he enters the familiar store. He makes his way directly towards Bakugou, who has his back turned. When Bakugou senses him, he huffs, and Todoroki can see him roll his eyes. Todoroki waits for him to turn around before he pushes what is in his hands into Bakugou's face.
It's a potted poinsettia in a sleek white vase. The flowers are Christmas-y, and the color matches Bakugou's eyes: bright and vibrant vermillion with evergreen leaves the size of his own head. He bought it at the flower shop in the corner of the street, and it seemed like the perfect gift to ask Bakugou out. People give their partners flowers all the time; this shouldn't be any different. Todoroki is proud of himself as he gleams with a bright smile and satisfaction. Bakugou is absolutely blown away by his displays of affection, since he hasn't stopped looking at the courting gift with a dropped jaw and raised brows (Todoroki will later learn Bakugou was blown away for different reasons). Surely this will get him a date secured.
He's even wearing his favorite ugly sweater today for this moment. It's a cream-colored sweater; on it are cats playing with yarn balls that are uncurled to make Christmas string lights. There's random popcorn on the sweater made from yellow pompoms; he doesn't understand it much since his family never really celebrated the holiday. But regardless, there are cats, which makes this sweater instantly better than all the others.
"Bakugou," Todoroki calls out, hopeful, "Are you available Saturday night? Would you like to come hang out with me and some of my friends?"
Bakugou blushes as he takes the poinsettia into his own hands; the pot is a little heavy, so it causes Bakugou to have to readjust his hold. His eyes don't leave the flowers, eyes still wide and stunned, as he whispers to himself, "What the fuck."
Determined, Todoroki reiterates, "Please join me and my friends this Saturday."
Bakugou's lips make a weird shape, unsure if he should laugh or cry. He decides to look up at Todoroki with a growl but fails miserably when his face is the same color as his eyes and the potted plant. His eyebrow is twitching, trying to feign annoyance. Bakugou looks like he's trying to process what is being said to him, and Todoroki is a patient man. So he stands there, eyes bright and hopeful. He knows Bakugou understands the non-verbal messages when the blonde huffs and turns his gaze back to the pot he's cradling to his chest like a hug. Todoroki wishes he was the pot, being embraced close to Bakugou's chest in a hug.
"You're fucking shit at asking people out. Plus, I'm busy Saturday."
Todoroki deflates and frowns. He was unsuccessful. Is this why Iida didn't ask Mei out? Rejection is awful and not something he's ever had to face before. He didn't really take into account that Bakugou wouldn't be available. He didn't even have a backup plan.
Bakugou looks back up at Todoroki without moving his head; his lashes flutter as his eyes peek up to return Todoroki's gaze. His lips are a little pursed, and his cheeks are still red. Damn it. Bakugou is so cute that Todoroki's willing to get rejected again. He's going to have to try again later with the help of Midoriya's wisdom.
"What about Sunday? Just the two of us...somewhere."
Todoroki freezes when he tries to process what Bakugou offered. Sunday...just the two of them. Like an actual date? He gasps, and his own cheeks blaze. Bakugou pouts when Todoroki is silent for too long. Just as Bakugou goes to walk away, Todoroki grabs him by the shoulder to spin him around.
"A-Ah! Yes! Please, I would like that a lot. Just the two of us. Somewhere. Anywhere!" He stutters out words, spilling out of his lips in an attempt to recollect himself and not lose this chance.
Bakugou releases a small sound of amusement with a fond look on his face; his face softens. "Idiot. Let me go so I can put this down."
Todoroki nods and follows Bakugou up to where the counter is. Bakugou sets it under the table, where it can't be seen or taken, before standing back up and holding his palm up towards Todoroki. Todoroki's heart pounds out of his chest. Does Bakugou want to hold hands? Is that moving too fast? But how could he ever deny Bakugou? This is his chance.
Todoroki puts his hand on top of Bakugou's and wraps his fingers around Bakugou's. He has small hands, and they're a little sweaty from holding the vase. They fit perfectly in his own cold hands and lengthy fingers. The hold is awkward because they're facing each other with the cash register beside them and a table between them. This is nice.
"Holy fuck, you're a disaster. I was asking for your phone!" Bakugou raises his voice but doesn't bother to pull his hand away.
"Oh." Todoroki's face feels like it's on fire, and he pulls his hand away to reach into his pants pocket. He feels dumb and wants to sink into the ground. He quickly drops his phone into Bakugou's hands, who mashes his fingers against the screen and types in it aggressively before tossing it back to Todoroki.
Todoroki glances at the screen with narrowed eyes. It's Bakugou's LINE saved in his contacts, and there's a message sent to Bakugou from him that reads, "Hello, this is halfie with zero flirting abilities and not an ounce of shame in his bones." It's clearly written by Bakugou, who texted himself to also receive Todoroki's contact.
"Hey!" Todoroki flushes and looks up at Bakugou, who lets out a full belly laugh.
"I've got a business to run here. You've had enough of my time today, anyways," Bakugou smirked, crossing his arms smugly and leaning back a little bit. His chest puffs out a little, and Todoroki gets a little distracted, pouting.
He does remember getting away with spending a lot of Bakugou's time. Maybe Bakugou was waiting this entire time for him to make a move? Now that they have something to look forward to, away from the store and for longer than an hour, Todoroki supposes it wouldn't be good to distract the blonde anymore today. It seems like the end of the conversation today, plus he has Bakugou's LINE too. This means he can message him, right? That their new thing between them goes beyond these four walls. Just thinking about meeting Bakugou makes Todoroki giddy, and he smiles to himself. He nods and looks down at Bakugou, completely smitten by him. He can't wait until Sunday, only two days out.
"I'll message you the time and where to meet Sunday." "Todoroki says," but with a questioning tone, hoping to spark a new conversation. Bakugou only snorts and nods, shooing him off with one hand wave.
"Yeah, you better not half-ass it. I'll see you soon."
It sounds like a promise. Todoroki definitely is going to have to ask Midoriya for help tonight.
* * *
It's crowded and a little unpleasant in the bar. A part of Todoroki wishes he just stayed in the dorms to study, but seeing Midoriya's pleading eyes made him cave in. Especially since he got rejected by Bakugou to hang out tonight, his roommate refused to let him wallow in rejection and daydream about the following day simultaneously. Todoroki doesn't go to the bar often, only when his friends go, so he doesn't mind getting dragged tonight. It'll be good to be in high spirits before exams this coming week.
Todoroki makes his way to the bar and orders yuzu sake for himself, enjoying the citrus and sweet beverage on these nights out. Once he gets his drink, he takes a sip and turns his head to face the rest of the bar. It's loud, the strobe lights don't help, and there's a blonde man with a strip of black hair singing horribly on the karaoke stand. He's singing the lyrics wrong, and he's off pitch, clearly drunk based on the red face he has. Or he's breathing really hard just trying to hit the key notes of the song. Todoroki isn't sure and doesn't really want to find out if the man might vomit next, continuing his observations. He sees some familiar faces from some of his classes; his own friends are in the mix. Another sip of his alcohol, Todoroki leans back and smiles when he sees Iida with a pink-haired girl on the dance floor. He's assuming that must be Mei, and they're kicking it off now. It only took three months of encouragement, embarrassment, and miscommunication, but he's glad for his friend (he thinks about the time Uraraka told him that Iida fell into the school's water fountain trying to sit beside her).
Then, his eye catches his roommate talking with his hands; there's a big grin on his face based on Midoriya's side profile. Todoroki can't see who he's talking to from this angle; people gathered in different inner circles. Midoriya has always been a people person, getting along with anyone and everyone. It's different from him, who only keeps a few people close and the rest he doesn't bother to give time. Especially since his father is a well-known businessman in all of Japan, most people talk to him to clout or ask him for favors. Todoroki typically shuts them down respectfully and moves on with his day in those times. But here, though, he's just another man, and Todoroki appreciates how his friends treat him like any other human.
The people shift, and Todoroki can catch a glimpse of spikey ash blonde hair when he finishes his glass of sake. Before he knows it, his foot is moving in front of the other, and he's quickly pacing towards Midoriya. Midoriya is talking to Bakugou. Bakugou has his arms crossed, leaning back a little bit in relaxation and grinning at whatever Midoriya is telling him enthusiastically. Something bubbles in Todoroki's chest as he approaches the two, and it feels sour and stings. In the corner of Midoriya's eye, he sees Todoroki and smiles and waves. Todoroki doesn't return the gesture, and it alarms his roommate, his face falling into concern and worry. Bakugou sees him next and looks at him shell-shocked.
"Halfie?"
Todoroki nods at Bakugou, his heart flutters at the familiar nickname, in acknowledgement. The nasty feeling builds in his chest, clouding the fluffy feeling Bakugou gives him, and he puckers his bottom lip, pouts, and turns to Midoriya.
"You didn't tell me you knew Bakugou."
Midoriya looks at him and then at Bakugou and back at Todoroki, flustered. "K-Kacchan is the beautiful man you always talk about?!"
Bakugou grunts and pinches the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes and trying to even his breathing. Todoroki can't tell with the colored lights if Bakugou's cheeks are red because of alcohol, body heat, or what Midoriya said. He's hoping it's the latter.
"Kacchan?" Todoroki echoes, his eyes never leaving Bakugou. He feels envious of Midoriya who seems to have known the shorter man for a long time. It makes him feel bitter and jealous, his face curls up and he doesn't bother to hide his distaste.
"A-Ah, Bakugou." Midoriya clarifies, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly, which makes Todoroki frown. Bakugou finally decides to look up at him; he supposes he's making a stupid face if Bakugou snorts.
"Katsuki. Bakugou Katsuki," the blonde introduces.
Katsuki...Bakugou Katsuki. Oh.
Bakugou Katsuki, a former model of Louis Vuitton who featured in the men's fashion shows for the past four years. He stepped down to pursue greater things, based on an article Todoroki glanced over. His father, Bakugou Masaru, is a famous fashion designer, founding Dynamight Designs. His pieces have been requested for the Met Gala by celebrities in North America, a part of a museum is dedicated to his earliest collections in Italy, and he's won golden awards from his innovations all over the world. His mother, Bakugou Mitsuki, is a model sought out in over eighty countries. She had a career in the fashion industry her entire life and loved it, growing up as a child model.
He feels so stupid. No wonder Bakugou never mentioned his given name. Why the employees were so polite and never spoke against him. He's working under his parents. That must mean Bakugou knew who he was from the beginning but didn't treat or see him differently. Unlike how he's looking at Bakugou now that he knows his real identity, Todoroki feels the nasty feeling brewing within him die instantly. A sense of guilt and shame overcomes him for seeing Bakugou slightly differently now.
"Kacchan and I grew up together, but we're in different degrees. Kacchan decided to pursue chemistry to be in pharmacy!" Midoriya explains, and Bakugou clicks his tongue.
"Ah, that makes sense. I'd pay to see you too, but I don't want anyone else to look at you. So, thank you for not pursuing modeling long-term." Todoroki says looking down at his toes, and Bakugou slaps him on the shoulder with a deep blush.
"Shut the fuck up, shameless bastard!"
Midoriya laughs nervously, "I'll leave you two alone to, um, catch up."
Midoriya makes his escape through the bodies of people leaving Todoroki and Bakugou to stand near each other.
Todoroki turns to Bakugou, who straightens up his posture, glaring with unsure eyes, "What?"
Todoroki shrugs, "I didn't know you go to Yuuei."
"There's a lot you don't know about me, halfie." Bakugou replies, huffing defensively.
"I'd like to get to know you more." Todoroki countered, leaning forward towards Bakugou's face. He can feel Bakugou's breath and smell a faint caramel scent coming off of the man.
Bakugou smirks, "Buy me a drink then."
"I bought you flowers though." Todoroki pouts, and Bakugou huffs, with pink cheeks and amusement on his lips.
"You bought me a fucking potted plant from down the street. Idiot." Bakugou grins, and Todoroki pouts further in embarrassment and now shyness. He'd never turn down Bakugou.
They walk to the bar to order drinks, putting it on Todoroki's tab.
"I didn't want to follow my parents' footsteps, especially my old hag's. Decided, I wanted to be useful and help people, which is why I'm going into medicine. I'm working part-time at my old man's shop to make some extra money before I drown in debt. Yuuei has the best medical and science programs in Musutafu and the next cities over, so it was the most logical choice to pick." Bakugou states, swirling his glass of whiskey. Todoroki hums while staring at Bakugou, who glares down at his glass with flushed cheeks as if it committed a personal offense before side-eyeing Todoroki.
"Well...what about you?" Bakugou inquires.
"I want to be a pilot. My mother always loved traveling when I was younger. But she became unwell, which is why I have this scar." Todoroki gestures to his face. "It's not her fault, not entirely. I don't blame her for it. But I still think about her. I want the best for her. Even if that means I can fly her to all the places she's ever wanted to go, so she knows I don't blame her for anything."
Bakugou stares at the sincerity Todoroki has on his face and nods. He takes a sip from his glass and mutters, "I'm sure she's proud of you and knows that you love her."
Todoroki hums, looking down at his own alcoholic beverage, allowing Bakugou's words to sink in.
"You're wearing the sweater." Bakugou changes the topic, and Todoroki looks down at himself.
He's wearing the sweater he bought with Bakugou earlier in the week, when they first met. "It reminded me of you. Since I wasn't expecting us to be at the same event today, I wanted some good luck before tomorrow."
Bakugou grumbles, "Are you always so flirty?"
"No? I'm just being honest." Todoroki raises a brow, glancing at Bakugou, who hides behind his empty glass. There's only melting ice in it now.
"You're too honest for your own good."
Todoroki shrugs, "It's gotten me this far. I landed a date with you tomorrow, so I think it's a win. Right?"
Bakugou grins and moves to pinch Todoroki's cheek, "Cheeky bastard. You think you're cute, but you're not."
"No, I'm handsome. And you're unbelievably pretty." Todoroki sighs, dazed and getting lost in Bakugou's eyes, as he recalls their first encounter together.
Bakugou goes to rub the sore spot on Todoroki's cheek from where he pinched. Todoroki nuzzles his face into the touch. "I'm pretty, huh?"
He nods and closes his eyes, relishing the way Bakugou feels so warm against his skin.
"You're beautiful, Katsuki."
Bakugou removes his hand away from Todoroki, causing him to open his eyes and blink slowly. His eyes readjust to the lighting, and he watches Bakugou's facial features soften. There's not a wrinkle in sight on the blonde's face, and Todoroki can't help but admire him. They're so close, he feels like he could be in heaven on earth in the presence of an angel. A foul-mouthed, crude, beautiful angel. If he leans in a little, their lips could touch. The alcohol seems to be taking effect.
"Todoroki..." Bakugou calls out, and Todoroki's heart sings; his ears ring at the sound of his name coming out of this man's lips, "You're so fucking gone. At least take me out on a date first."
Todoroki goes to brush the back of his hand under Bakugou's eyes, catching a loose eyelash, and he moves to caress the man's cheek, cupping it and holding it like he is the most precious thing ever, because he is.
"I will. Tomorrow. When we're both sober, and I can tell you the same things I did tonight." He smiles, and Bakugou blinks slowly. His lips are slightly parted as he looks up at Todoroki with big doe eyes. Todoroki sighs, using his thumb to swipe and feel the curvature of Bakugou's face. His skin is nice. He can't wait to ask Bakugou to be his some day.
"You better not half-ass it or I'll kick you." Bakugou hums, but there's no heat to his words; the corners of his lips turn upward.
Todoroki returns the smile, pulling his hand away from Bakugou's face and crossing his arms. He sets his arms on the bar table and leans his head down on them, using his forearms as a pillow as he watches Bakugou's eyelashes flutter from slowly blinking. The alcohol must be getting to him too.
"I'll do my best." For you.
He is glad he lost the bet.