You and Katsuki had been dating for three months. Secret dates after curfew, stolen kisses in empty hallways, his hand finding yours under tables where no one could see. It wasn't shame that kept you quiet—it was survival. The Bakusquad would implode if they knew. Mina would scream, Denki would short-circuit, Kirishima would cry about "manly transparency," and Sero would never let either of you live it down.

So you kept it hidden. Laughed at his insults like everyone else. Pretended his touch didn't set your skin on fire.

It was easier that way.

Denki was your best friend, had been since first year. You matched his chaotic energy, pulled pranks together, made the same stupid jokes. People always said you were perfect for each other, but you'd never seen him that way. He was your partner in crime, nothing more.

Katsuki knew that. At least, you thought he did.

Lunch started normal enough. The usual chaos of the Bakusquad crammed around one table, talking over each other. Katsuki sat beside you like always, close enough that his knee pressed against yours. His hand found your thigh under the table, warm and possessive. You fought back a smile.

Then Mina ruined everything.

"Oh my gosh!" She pointed her chopsticks at you and Denki. "You two would be so cute together! Like, just date already!"

You laughed, tried to play it off. Katsuki's hand tightened on your thigh, fingers digging in slightly. A warning.

"Please stop, I'm really not interested—"

"No, seriously!" Mina bounced in her seat. "You're like perfect for each other! Same sense of humor, same energy, you're already basically together anyway—"

Katsuki's hand disappeared from your leg.

The absence felt like ice water down your spine.

"Right," he said, voice flat and sharp. "Why don't you just date already, huh?"

You turned to stare at him. His jaw was clenched, eyes fixed on his food like it personally offended him. Red flags went up in your mind. Oh no.

"Dude, are you encouraging this?" Denki laughed nervously. "I thought you hated when people tried to play matchmaker."

"Don't give a shit what you extras do." Katsuki stabbed at his rice. "Match made in heaven or whatever."

The table went quiet. Kirishima exchanged a confused look with Sero. Katsuki never talked like this—bitter and cold and hurt.

Because that's what this was. He was hurt.

Idiot, you thought. Jealous idiot.

Your chest tightened. You wanted to grab his hand, pull him close, tell everyone right there that he was yours and you were his. But the secret had rules. Rules you'd both agreed to.

"Bakugo, man, you good?" Kirishima asked carefully.

"Fine." Katsuki stood abruptly, grabbing his tray. "Lost my appetite."

He left without looking at you. Without the subtle brush of fingers he usually gave when no one was watching. Just gone.

Mina blinked. "What's his problem?"

You are, you wanted to say. I am. This whole stupid secret is.

Denki nudged you. "You okay? You look weird."

"Yeah." You stood too, forcing a smile. "Just gonna make sure he's alright. You know how he gets."

You found Katsuki in the stairwell, the one students rarely used. He had his back to you, shoulders tense, radiating anger and something softer underneath. Something vulnerable.

"Katsuki."

"Go back to your best friend." The words dripped with venom.

"Are you serious right now?" You climbed the stairs until you were right behind him. "You know Denki and I aren't like that."

"Yeah? Then why didn't you just tell Mina to fuck off?" He whirled around, eyes blazing. "Why'd you just sit there and take it?"