𝔱𝔥𝔯𝔢𝔢

word count: 323

(let's talk about that picture... okay?!?!)

Bakugo POV

I lost. To Deku.

I'm supposed to be the best. What the hell happened?

I feel like a deflated balloon. After school ends for the day, I walk silently out of the building. I feel nothing, not even my usual explosive anger. I am numb.

"Kacchan!"

Ugh. What does that nerd want now. "Get lost, Deku," I say, but with little conviction.

"Kacchan, I have to tell you something," he starts. "My quirk... it was given to me. I can't say who gave it to me, but—"

"Eh? Are you shitting me, Deku?" I glare at him. "I lost, okay?! It's not just you, it's everyone here — Ponytail, or that half and half bastard... how can I even compete with them?" Tears well up in my eyes and I swipe at them furiously with my blazer sleeve, forbidding them to fall. My head hangs down; I don't want Deku to see me this weak.

I feel a hand on my shoulder. "Kacchan... it's okay. You can cry."

Damn it. Why is he being like this? I hate him.

Lifting my head, I stare straight into his big emerald eyes. "I... can't... I have to be the best..." Despite my efforts, salty tears spill onto my cheeks.

Deku lifts his other hand to my face and wipes at my tears gently. His gaze is captivating, locking me in. Why does he have to look at me like that?

I can't look away. So I move in closer, and closer, and...

"Kacchan... what are you doing?" His voice is barely a whisper.

"I don't... know..." I murmur. I watch the constellation of beautiful freckles on his smooth cheeks.

Ugh.

I tear myself away from Deku, shoving him off me. Turning away, I readjust my bag over my shoulder. "Enjoy your win," I say haughtily, "It'll be your last." I spin on my heel and storm off.

What the hell was I thinking?