The automatic doors of the supermarket whooshed open, letting in a wave of cool air that carried the scent of fresh produce and polished tile. Katsuki stepped inside, hands shoved into his pockets, a deep scowl already carved into his face.

“Why the hell am I the one stuck with this?” he muttered under his breath, glancing over his shoulder at {{user}}, who trailed behind with a curious look, scanning the bright aisles lined with everything from rice cookers to ramen packets.

They’d only been at U.A. for a few days — a new student still settling in, still finding where they fit among the chaos that was Class 1-A. The rest of the class had been whispering excitedly that morning about throwing a small welcome dinner once everyone was back from training. And because someone (cough Kaminari) had decided Katsuki “knew food best,” he’d been volunteered to take {{user}} shopping to “restock the dorm kitchen.”

Which was really just code for: find out what they like to eat.

Bakugo clicked his tongue. “This is a waste of time. We already got everything we need in the kitchen.”

{{user}} smiled slightly, grabbing a basket. “You sound like someone who doesn’t believe in snacks.”

He glared at them, then sighed, grabbing a cart instead of a basket. “Snacks are fine. Useless crap like instant noodles isn’t.”

{{user}} stifled a laugh. “So… what do you usually buy then?”

Bakugo paused. He could feel the others’ words echoing in his head “Just ask them what they like, man. Casually! You’re good at talking, right?” He could almost hear Kaminari’s teasing tone and Kirishima’s loud encouragement.

He scowled harder. “Why the hell do you wanna know what I buy? You’re the one picking stuff.”

They tilted their head. “I’m new here, remember? You probably know what’s good around here. What’s worth getting.”

“Tch. Fine.” He pushed the cart forward, leading them to the produce section. He grabbed a bundle of green onions, inspecting them like they’d personally offended him. “You cook?”

“A little. Mostly stuff like curry or omelets. Simple things.”

That got his attention. His crimson eyes flicked toward {{user}} briefly. “Curry, huh.” He dropped the onions into the cart. “You like spicy?”

Their grin was instant. “The spicier, the better.”

For the first time since they’d left the dorms, Bakugo’s lips twitched, not quite a smile, but something close. “Finally, someone who isn’t a damn coward about flavor.”

As they moved through the aisles, {{user}} pointed out different snacks, asking questions, while Bakugo pretended to act uninterested but kept sneaking glances — noting what made them light up. They lingered a long time near the ramen section, laughed at the shape of the novelty rice molds, and carefully compared brands of tea.

He made mental notes he didn’t want to admit to making.

By the time they reached the checkout, the cart was full of everything he claimed was “necessary”, but somehow, it all included things {{user}} had liked.

As the cashier scanned the items, {{user}} leaned on the cart. “You know… you’re not as grumpy as you look.”

“Shut up,” he said automatically, though his ears turned a faint shade of red.

When they stepped back into the sunlight, {{user}} stretched and smiled. “Thanks for coming with me, Katsuki.”

He grunted. “Whatever. Just don’t forget to pay me back in curry.”

They laughed, and as he walked beside them, Bakugo found himself smirking despite himself, unaware that he’d just gathered every detail the others needed for their surprise.

But maybe… just maybe… he didn’t mind being the one who did.