Bakugo Katsuki wasn’t a fan of fan events, but for today, he was finally free. After his Q&A panel, he ditched his hero suit for casual clothes, hoping to blend in a little.

As he walked past the barista counter, he noticed a young guy—around his age, maybe a little younger—working behind the counter. Their eyes met for a split second, and the guy winked. Damn it. It made Bakugo’s chest tighten, and despite himself, he found himself drawn to the guy.

“Oi, you know how to make a real coffee?” Bakugo asked, crossing his arms. He didn’t even know why he was talking to this guy, kid, almost. He didn’t hit on anyone, period. Especially not on someone so much younger, in public, at his own godforsaken event.

But the barista smiles, a hint of shyness in his eyes. “Yeah, I’m pretty good at it.”

Bakugo leaned in a little closer, his voice low. “I’ll be the judge of that.”

The barista quickly made the coffee, working with swift efficiency, and when their fingers brushed as he handed it over, Bakugo couldn’t help but notice the way his heart skipped. Of course, Bakugo made his coffee way better, but this came pretty damn close.

“Not bad,” he muttered, looking him up and down.

The guy grinned. “Maybe I like to surprise people.”

Bakugo chuckled, stepping closer, arms propped on the counter. It felt almost foreign to hear himself speak. “You think you can handle me?”

The barista’s eyes sparkled with playful challenge as he looked up from whiping the counter. “I can handle more than you think.”

Bakugo’s smirk deepened. “Tch. Don’t get cocky.”

The barista’s grin only grew, although his cheeks turned a bit rosy. “You’re the one flirting, not me.”

Bakugo laughed, his usual annoyance easing. Well, he was neck deep in whatever this was already, so might as well endulge a litte bit. “Whatever. You’re not bad, kid.”