#krbkweek2020
Day 1: Movie Theater

Eijirou works the concession counter at a movie theater and meets weekly customer Bakugou. Often accompanied by two different girls, or a green-haired boy. Maybe he can be lucky enough to get a date with the cute blonde too.

Please QRT comments or comment AFTER the [End] tweet.
Fluff
No-Quirks AU
Everyone is still in High School
Katsuki has good friends
Primarily based on American movie theaters

Eijirou is practically nose-blind to the smell of warm butter and hot dogs in the four months he's worked at the movie theater. Most days, he regrets moving from the ticket booth to concessions. He's sick of going home with crushed popcorn under his shoes and dried soda on his

shirt. But at least he only works here part time.

"Here you go!" He smiles at a pair of teenagers on the other side of the counter, who are too busy with their phones to smile back. "One large popcorn, two Wango Tango sodas and a bag of gummy worms."

One girl shoves her phone screen in his face before he can even give her the total. He scans the barcode to complete the payment, and thanks the girls again as they grab their items and walk away.

"Could at least say thank you," Eijirou grumbles. He takes a second to

wipe up spilled soda and put his 'customer service' smile back on.

There's another pair of /very/ attractive blond teenagers next in line. Eijirou can only assume they're a couple. Hot people usually stick together like that.

The girl has beautiful brown eyes and flawless hair

that looks like it would be soft to the touch. She's staring down at the candy options beneath the register while leaning her arm on the boy next to her.

Eijirou tries not to think too long about how big her boobs are, and forces himself to look at her date instead.

He's not sure who is more attractive, but the sight of broad shoulders and ruby red eyes has his heart doing a few backflips.

"Hey." The boy growls, eyes narrowing in Eijirou's direction. "Can you take our order already?"

"Calm down Bakubabe," the girl hip bumps him. "Poor guy

is probably super exhausted."

"I-I'm sorry!" Eijirou quickly cleans his hands and stands behind the register again. "What can I get you?"

"Um," the girl's lower lip juts out in a pout. "How many calories are in a - "

Bakubabe hip bumps her so hard she almost stumbles into the next line. "We'll have a medium popcorn, a large cherry blast, and a box of those chocolate-drop things." He points down to the candy display. Eijirou isn't even finished punching in the order before cash is being held

out in towards him.

The girl straightens herself next to Bakubabe and pouts again, crossing her arms. "You're so mean Katsuki."

"I came with you to see this stupid romance movie didn't I?"

/'Okay,'/ Eijirou thinks as he hands back the change. /'Maybe they aren't a couple.'/

"Let me get your order!" Eijirou scrambles to fill their drinks and popcorn. Nearly slipping on a stray ice cube on his way to do so.

He can feel Bakubabe (Katsuki?)'s eyes following him, but he keeps his gaze on the task at hand. From the corner of his eye, he sees the girl

lean into Bakubabe's ear, hiding her lips behind a manicured hand to whisper something. Eijirou meets her eyes, and he suddenly feels like he's intruding on a conversation he can't even hear.

"Shut the fuck up Camie!" Bakubabe shouts, scaring several people in the concession lines and causing Eijirou to spill half the soda on his own hand.

"Oh my god you're /so/ cute when you're embarrassed and dramatic." Camie giggles, meeting Eijirou's gaze again and winking.

He nearly slams down the box of candy and soda together, unable to hide his own embarrassment any longer.

"Here you go, sorry for the wait! Enjoy you're movie haveagreatday!"

Bakubabe - Katsuki - takes his drink, and the popcorn, meeting Eijirou's eyes one last time.

Eijirou swears he sees the blond look him up and down like a piece of meat. But he can't say that he dislikes it.

"Thanks. Don't work too hard, shitty hair."

Eijirou can't even make a retort, his brain replaying the almost soft expression on the other boy's face before he walks

He sighs, thought it probably sounds more dreamy than he intended it to.

"The cute ones are always straight."

Eijirou doesn't see Bakubabe - or /Katsuki/ - again for another week. It's more of a surprise that the teen is back so soon, than the fact that Eijirou recognizes him.

Today, Katsuki is with a different girl, which confirms Eijirou's suspicions that Camie isn't his girlfriend.

Though it simultaneously raises red flags over Katsuki being a potential two-timer. It's really not his place to assume, but he's seen his fair share of secret girlfriends starting an argument in a public place.

He puts on his most genuine smile when Katsuki gets to the front

of the line, making sure to smile at the petite brunette beside him. Katsuki looks less angry this time, but he and the new girl aren't as touchy with each other as he was with Camie.

"Hey there!" Eijirou greets. Trying not to say anything that might get Katsuki in trouble.

"What can I get you?"

"Medium pop -"

"/Large/ popcorn, please!" The brunette interrupts. Katsuki rolls his eyes, but continues.

"Large popcorn, a medium cherry blast and a -" he turns to the girl. "What was the name of that shitty soda you wanted? Wimpy watermelon?"

"Watermelon wave." The girl's cheeks puff out slightly as she glares at Katsuki. The smile returns when she looks at Eijirou. "A medium watermelon wave."

Katsuki grumbles again. "Who the hell comes up with these soda names?"

"No problem!" Eijirou enters the order. "Anything else?"

"Yeah, Katsuki wants your nu-" Katsuki slaps his palm over the girl's mouth, suddenly looking murderous.

"Just extra butter on the popcorn for the loudmouth here." Katsuki grits through his teeth.

"As if her cheeks can't get round enough."

"Eijirou looks between them, wondering if he should be concerned enough to call his manager, or perhaps security to help the poor girl. But Katsuki drops his hand from her mouth before Eijirou can decide.

"Uh, okay sure. That'll be - oh." Katsuki has cash ready, though he doesn't make eye contact with Eijirou while he holds it out. "I'll be right back with your items."

"I can't believe you licked me." Eijirou hears Katsuki say despite the hum of the popcorn maker.

"Shouldn't have put your hand over my mouth." The girl sounds oddly proud of herself.

"You're a nightmare. Why do I hang out with you?"

"Because I can beat you at arm wrestling." Eijirou tries not to laugh out loud at that comment. "And because I pick good action movies."

"I might have to rethink our relationship after today."

Eijirou doesn't know why his heart leaps at the sound of Katsuki's word. The brief fantasy of having a "relationship" with the blond teen feels creepy, even in his own mind. Katsuki might be dating this girl, or Camie,

or /both/. Eijirou shouldn't be interested in getting to know someone like that.

Yet, here he is. Pining over a hot stranger he's spoken to for a total of ten minutes.

"That's not the only relationship you should - " Eijirou turns around just in time to hear the brunette

squeak. Her face now squished between both of Katsuki's hands.

"Here lies Uraraka Ochako." Katsuki growls, leaning very close to the girl's face. The brunette laughs, even as Katsuki continues to squeeze her cheeks. "I'll think of the rest during the movie."

"Um," Eijirou awkwardly places the popcorn on the counter. "Your drinks will be done in just a second."

Katsuki finally releases Ochako, and she gently rubs her now-reddened cheeks.

"Hey," Uraraka gets Eijirou's attention. "What's your name? I love your hair." She grins at him,

and Eijirou swears she nudges Katsuki's arm with her hand.

"Oh, my name is Kirishima." He smiles and places their drinks down.

"Cool," Ochako grins, shooting Katsuki a very /obvious/ hint in her facial expressions. "Thanks, /Kirishima/. Keep up the good work!"

"thanks! Enjoy your movie!"

Katsuki lingers for half a second behind Ochako. Looking at Eijirou with the same expression as the first time they met. Eijirou isn't sure what to do, or say, but he does notice the pink tinge on the tips of Katsuki's ears.

"Thanks, shitty hair."

Eijirou stares after Katsuki long after the other boy has left his line of sight. At least there was no one else in line for Eijirou to help.

"I'm just... imagining things." Eijirou mutters to himself, trying to find hidden meaning in the strange interactions between Katsuki

and Uraraka. Or in the way Katsuki keeps /looking/ at him before he leaves to watch his movie.

"Just let it go." He shakes his head, as if to physically dislodge thoughts about Katsuki. "It isn't manly to daydream about a guy you've only met twice, and /probably/ has

a girlfriend."

Besides, it isn't as though he's going to see Katsuki again soon.

Right?

The following week, the theater is a /madhouse/. Eijirou hadn't realized he was working the same night as the All Might movie premier. When he walks in to start his shift, the lines are practically out the door, and his coworkers all look as though they are about to pass

out from exhaustion.

Nevertheless, Eijirou works twice as hard that night. Smiling at every customer until his face feels like it's going to fall off. He only has to make it until ten, and then this premier nightmare will be over.

With only two hours to go, Eijirou's focus is less on the person in front of him and more on just getting through his concession line as quickly as possible. His eyes are so glued to the register's screen, he doesn't look up until someone starts shouting his name.

"Kirishima!" A gruff voice calls until his head snaps up. "Did you become a zombie or something?" Familiar red eyes shine back at at him, and a playful smirk pulls at the corner of pink lips.

Eijirou's brain short circuits for a moment. The shock of seeing Katsuki in front of

him /and/ hearing the boy say his name has rendered him immobile.

"You broke your friend, Kaachan." Someone laughs outside of Eijirou's field of vision.

"Shut up," Katsuki scoffs. "Hey, do I need to get one of your shitty coworkers?" He waves a hand in front of Eijirou's face,

and finally the redhead blinks back to reality.

"N-No! I'm sorry!" Eijirou leans around the register to see Katsuki's companion.

It's another boy this time. One with hair that matches his stunning green eyes, and constellations of freckles across his nose and cheeks.

Everything about him somehow screams 'friendliness', and Eijirou can't help but feel a little calmer just looking at him.

The movement of Katsuki crossing his arms drags Eijirou's gaze away from the green-haired boy. But Katsuki looks as if he just swallowed a lemon.

"This is /Deku/." Katsuki grunts.

"It's actually Midoriya," Deku corrects with a laugh, "but you can call me Deku if you want." He smiles wider. "It's nice to meet you Kirishima.

"H-how...?" Eijirou looks between them. "Um, nice to meet you too. I-I'm sorry I was so out of it.

Busy day, ya know?" He tries to smile, but it feels forced through the exhaustion.

"So, um," he looks directly into Katsuki's eyes, "your usual medium popcorn and cherry blast drink?"

"Yeah." Katsuki starts to pull money out from his pocket, "and whatever the nerd wants too."

Eijirou's gaze is suddenly drawn to Katsuki's torso, and the redhead realizes that both boys are sporting All Might t-shirts.

"You guys are fans of All Might?" He asks, standing a little straighter and suddenly more awake. "Is that the movie you're watching tonight?"

He didn't think Katsuki was the type to be interested in superhero movies. The attractiveness meter just jumped one hundred points.

"Yeah!" Midoriya bounces on his toes in excitement. "Kaachan and I got tickets as soon as the premier date was announced. What about you?

"Oh man, I - "

"HEY!" Someone shouts from the long line behind them. 'YOU'RE WORKING! TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS LATER AND GET A MOVE ON!"

Katsuki scowls, hands clenched into fists, looking ready to fight. But Midoriya wraps a hand around his bicep, preventing Katsuki from moving.

"I'm sorry." Eijirou says, a wave of shame washing away any excitement that had built up. "What can I get you, Midoriya?"

He takes their order, but doesn't try to continue any conversation once Katsuki finishes paying.

Standing at the popcorn machine, Eijirou can try to calm

himself down while he's facing away from the crowd. Not the greatest impression he could have made in front of Katsuki. Not a professional impression at least.

The chatter in the theater lobby is loud, but Eijirou can still hear bits of Midoriya and Katsuki's conversation.

"I should punch that guy."

"We're here for a movie, not to start a fight."

"Oh, a movie huh? You sure you're not here to flirt with the employees?"

"I wasn't flirting! I was making conversation!"

"Well you certainly got his attention."

"There's no need to be jealous, Kaachan. You know it's not like that. Besides, /I'm/ not the one with a 'usual order'."

Eijirou just wants to run and hide in the stock room, because apparently he's been reading Katsuki /all wrong/. He's not dating Camie or Uraraka.

Katsuki is dating /Midoriya/. Gods. The signs were all there, and now this super hot blond thinks Eijirou is flirting with his boyfriend.

Eijirou is such a fucking idiot.

He brings the pair their popcorn, not even trying to smile anymore, and prays the soda fountain pours a little faster for the next ten seconds.

"Ask him." Midoriya whispers loudly.

"No. Shut the fuck up."

"Ask him!"

"No!"

"Are you guys okay?" Eijirou pushes the drinks

towards them. Wondering if he's intruding on another private conversation.

Katsuki opens his mouth. "No it's - "

"What time does your shift end?" Midoriya asks abruptly.

Eijirou glances between them again, looking for signs of a prank or hints as to where this question is leading. But Midoriya is the only one making eye contact with him.

"Uh... t-ten."

"Perfect!" Midoriya takes his drink. "Our movie should be done shortly after. Meet us by the

arcade, okay?"

"Um, sure?" Eijirou shrugs, too slow to ask any further questions before Midoriya nearly sprints toward the theater hallway.

Katsuki meets his eyes too, at least. A deep blush coloring his features until Eijirou can no longer see him through the crowd.

He didn't even call him 'shitty hair' this time.

(Gonna have to finish tomorrow. Sorry. It's 2AM and I can't keep my eyes open any longer. RT + QRT with comments. I love seeing ya'll's reactions and stuff to my fics. )

Eijirou almost doesn't wait for Katsuki and Midoriya. Dead on his feet, wanting to go home and wash the popcorn smell off his body. His first interaction with Katsuki outside of work should be when he's awake, and smells fresh! Hopefully the blond doesn't think less of him

in this state.

/'Hopefully he doesn't punch me for accidentally flirting with his boyfriend.'/ Eijirou rubs the heel of his hand over his heart. He really needs to get over this crush-at-first sight. It's going to get him in trouble.

A large crowd of people start leaving the hallway from the theater rooms. Attendees of various ages are wearing All Might merchandise, so it's safe to assume Katsuki and Midoriya will be arriving soon.

He sees the flash of blond within a few seconds, bobbing next to an even

bouncier head of green hair. Midoriya looks like he just met the All Might actor in person, awe and excitement obvious in his eyes. Eijirou can see a smile pulling at Katsuki's lips, as though trying to look cool will hide his own excitement.

Eijirou waves his hand when Katsuki

meets his eyes, trying not to look too eager to see him again.

"Hey," he greets when Midoriya and Katsuki approach. "So, how was it?"

"Amazing!" Midoriya's arms flail. "Probably the best All Might Movie ever!"

Katsuki rolls his eyes, but does seem at all annoyed. "You say that

about every All Might movie."

"Well it's /true/ for every movie." Midoriya's expression turns playful and sly as he leans a little closer to Eijirou. "You know, Kaachan is just as big of a fan boy as me. He's got posters and figurines and - "

Katsuki yanks Midoriya back by the shirt collar. "Hey, ya nerd! Quit trying to embarrass me! I'm not the one who cried during the All Might musical adaptation!"

Eijirou can't help but laugh. The way these two interact makes them seem more like brothers than boyfriends.

Maybe that's a sign of a healthy relationship.

The chime of a muffled ringtone plays between them, and Midoriya is scrambling to pull his phone out of his pocket as Katsuki releases his shirt.

"Oh, it's my mom! Sorry, I'll be right back!"

Katsuki and Eijirou watch him walk to the front of the theater, but Eijirou quickly jumps at the chance to talk to Katsuki one-on-one.

"I'm a huge fanboy too," Eijirou declares, still smiling. "All Might is amazing, but I'm more in the Crimson Riot series than anything.

"I have all the comics, a few collector's figurines." He shrugs. "Ya know."

Katsuki at least looks impressed. "Oh yeah? You gonna see the Crimson Riot movie next month?"

Eijirou's eyes light up. "I want to! Oh man, /so/ badly!" His shoulders drop, though he tries to hide

his disappointment by looking at the ground by Katsuki's shoes. "But it's hard to ask for time off around a premier. I'm still waiting to get approved for the day off. Even if I am, tickets might be sold out by then."

There's a hand on his shoulder, and when he looks up, Katsuki

is a few inches closer to him. A softness in those fiery eyes he would have never noticed from across a concession counter.

"It'll work out for you." He says with a pat.

"Yeah," Eijirou chuckles once. "Wouldn't be manly of me to give up so easily."

There's a pause between them. When Katsuki's hand leaves his shoulder, Eijirou finds himself missing it's warmth immediately.

"I hope that asshole didn't give you trouble when he got to the front of your line." Katsuki growls, hands balling by his sides.

"Oh, no way man." Eijirou puts his hands up nonchalantly. "Everything was fine. People tend to have even less patience on premiere nights. I'm used to it."

"Hm," Katsuki looks away for a moment. "He still deserves to get punched."

He gets a weird, warm feeling, knowing that

Katsuki wants to defend him like that. Not that Eijirou /wants/ someone to get punched. But it's the thought that counts. Maybe.

"Hey um," Eijirou clears his throat. "I realized, I don't know your last name." He blushes, feeling awkward. "I-I've been calling you

Katsuki in my head, but we aren't close like that but I didn't want to call you 'Bakubabe' cus that seemed like a nickname from that girl you - "

"Bakugou." Katsuki grunts. The tip of his nose and ears start to darken with a pink hue. "My name is Bakugou."

"Bakugou." Eijirou repeats, feeling the way the name rolls off his tongue. "Well, it's nice to formally meet you, /Bakugou/."

"Y-yeah. Same. Shitty hair - uh... /Kirishima/."

Eijirou's heart and stomach fill with butterflies. /Loving/ the way Bakugou says his name.

The spell between them breaks when Midoriya finally returns, jogging up to stand beside Bakugou. It's like a bucket of ice water over Eijirou's head. Being reminded that whatever he's feeling is one sided.

"Hey, sorry about that!" Midoriya says, looking between them.

"It's fine." Eijirou smiles.

"We should go." Bakugou says, motioning toward the door with his head.

"Oh! Yeah." Midoriya smiles and waves at Eijirou. "Nice to meet you Kirishima."

"Nice to meet you too, Midoriya." He looks over at Bakugou. "I'll uh... see you around?"

Bakugou gazes at him like he's looking into Eijirou's soul. It would be intimidating, if Eijirou didn't want to get lost in Bakugou's eyes.

"Fuck yeah. I'll definitely be around."

Eijirou sees Bakugou at least once every week after the All Might premier, as though the other boy memorized his work schedule. No matter the length of the concession line, Bakugou will stand in front of Eijirou's register and order his snacks.

Usually in the company of Midoriya, Uraraka or Camie. All three of them have been equally eager to chat with Kirishima and tease Bakugou to the point of mild, shouting threats.

It surprises Eijirou most when Bakugou shows up alone on the slowest day of the week.

"Hey," Bakugou greets, almost leaning on the butter-coated glass counter top. He straightens himself as his nose wrinkles in disgust and shoves his hands in his pockets instead.

"Hey!" Eijirou smiles, setting a broom out of the way to give his full focus to Bakuogu.

"What are you doing here?"

Bakugou just gives him a blank stare.

"Oh," Eijirou laughs. "Right. Of course." He looks around the most empty theater lobby. "Who'd you bring today?"

"No one, it's just me. I can only handle so much of those extras every other day of the week."

Bakugou rolls his eyes. Eijirou thinks it's odd that someone could sick of being around their boyfriend.

"Well... some alone time is healthy too, right? Don't want to feel smothered in a relationship."

Bakugou's expression twists into a mix of confusion and annoyance.

"What the fuck are you talking about?"

Eijirou feels himself breakout in a small sweat, suddenly very unsure of himself and the filter between his brain and his mouth. "Uh, um... n-nothing. So...w-what movie are you watching today?"

‘𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵. 𝘚𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘌𝘪𝘫𝘪𝘳𝘰𝘶.’

"I dunno, I just picked something random. I needed to get out of the house. The old hag was driving me insane." Bakugou shifts his weight a few times, appearing deep in thought.

"I got here like... super fucking early. Can you take a break or something? We could talk somewhere that isn't covered in butter."

Eijirou can't keep his burst of excitement contained. "Yes!" He shouts, almost too quickly. "I-I mean, let me check with the shift supervisor."

He looks around quickly, locating a dark-haired teen not much older than him and sprints over. It's obvious that he startles the poor guy, but he's sprinting back to Bakugou as soon as he gets a frantic nod of approval.

"Amajiki said yes."

Eijirou unties his work apron and puts up a 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 sign in front of his register. He has half a mind to just leap over the counter top, but he knows he'll get in trouble by a higher manager. Opting instead to suffer the ten-second walk to the end of the concession counter

and follows Bakugou to an empty seating area in the lobby.

"So," Eijirou starts, resting his chin in his hand. "Come here often?"

It gets Bakugou to snort out a laugh, and he gives Eijirou a sarcastic, lopsided smile. "First time actually, but I heard the pretzels are

made fresh on site."

Eijirou snorts this time, rolling his eyes but smiling wide like a love struck idiot. "The pretzels wish they were made fresh in Japan."

"Gross." Bakugou's nose wrinkles.

"Yeah," Eijirou chuckles. "Definitely stick to the popcorn."

Eijirou really wants to compliment Bakugou's eyes, or run his hands through that blond hair to see if it needs just as much gel as his own spikes. He wants to know more about Bakugou, and have more than just a short interaction in a movie theater.

"I've never had a customer ask to chat with me like this."

Bakugou scoffs. "They should. You're actually pretty cool." He leans back in his chair, arms crossed. "Unless you think this is creepy or something. Shit! I didn't even think of that!"

"No! No, not at all!" Eijirou smiles. "You're really cool too, Bakugou. Talking to you is really nice." He can feel his face heat up, but he sees Bakugou sporting a similar blush, so he doesn't feel quite so foolish.

They fall into comfortable conversation. Talking about personal interests in school, video games and of course, movies. Eijirou worries that he's going to come off as boring to Bakugou. But the other boy is leaning towards him across the table. Fully interested in everything

Eijirou has to say.

He can't help but be jealous at the thought of Midoriya getting Bakugou's attention like this all the time.

Amajiki shuffles over to their table sometime later, standing a few feet away from Eijirou's chair in silence. It isn't until Bakugou

stops in the middle of his sentence that Eijirou realizes his manager is waiting.

"Oh!" Eijirou looks around uselessly for a clock. "My break is probably way over, isn't it?" He stands from his chair, unsure if he should apologize to Amajiki or Bakugou first.

"Actually, I was going to let you go home for the day." Amajiki says with a calm expression. "We've been so slow, I actually forgot you'd gone on break. It's been about ninety minutes." He glances over to the windows at the entrance of the theater. "Didn't you notice?"

Eijirou looks to the windows as well, seeing that the sun has shifted significantly since the last time he looked. He feels himself go stiff with embarrassment. An ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑓 had passed talking to Bakugou, and he hadn't even remembered to return to work!

"Amajiki, I'm 𝑠𝑜 sorry!" Eijirou begs. Moving closer to his manager as if to grovel. "It won't happen again! You can take the extra time out of my pay, or I can work extra right now -"

Amajiki's looks panicked, taking a step back with his hands up in a 'calm down' gesture.

"That's really not necessary. I was going to let you off your shift early anyway, but you looked like you were enjoying yourself."

Eijirou sees Amajiki's eyes flicker over his shoulder toward Bakugou, but it only lasts a second.

"You're not in trouble, okay?" He pats Eijirou

on the shoulder and smiles. "Have a good night, Kirishima."

"Um, okay t-thank you!" Eijirou shouts after Amajjiki. The tension melts from his shoulders, though he still feels guilty for letting so much time -

"Your movie!" Eijirou whips around, startling Bakugou.

"I made you miss your movie! Oh man, I'm so sorry!" He starts patting his pockets for his wallet. "L-let me pay you back for your ticket."

"Kirishima." Bakugou puts both his hands on Eijirou's shoulders, getting the red head to still his movements.

"Stop fucking apologizing. Do I look mad?"

Eijirou stares into Bakugou's eyes, trying not to think about how close they are and answering the question instead.

"I mean, you always look a 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 mad." Eijirou laughs nervously.

Bakugou flicks the middle of Eijirou's forehead. "Smart ass. You know that's not what I meant."

Eijirou chuckles again. "No, you don't look mad."

"Exactly. I don't even know what movie I paid for. What I do know is, I'd much rather sit here talking with you than see some shitty

film. Got that?"

Eijirou's heart skips several beats, and he wonders a person can pass out from happiness. "T-thanks man." He says sincerely. "I like talking with you too. But you gotta let me make it up to you."

Bakugou rolls his eyes. "Okay, fine um..."

"Did you find out of you got your day off for the Crimson Riot movie?"

Eijirou isn't sure what this has to do with their topic. "I find out tomorrow, actually. That's the day the general manager is here."

Bakugou nods and bites his lip for a second. "Lemme see your phone."

"What?"

"Your phone, dummy. Hand it over."

Eijirou does what he's told, albeit with great confusion. Bakugou taps the screen and types something Eijirou can't see. A text chime rings from Bakugou's pocket before Eijirou gets his phone back.

"There. Now we can text, and you can tell me tomorrow if you got the day off, okay? After that, I'll tell you how you can 'make it up to me' , or whatever."

'𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑠𝑜 𝑠𝑚𝑜𝑜𝑡ℎ.' Eijirou thinks, looking at the text Bakugou sent himself on the phone.

"Yeah! Absolutely! You'll be the first to know."

Bakugou smirks. "I better be. I gotta head home, shitty hair."

"Oh, right. I need to take the station to get home. I could walk with you until then." He hopes he's not overstepping Bakugou's comfort zone.

But the blond only stares into his eyes for a few seconds before nodding, and his lips pull back into a smile.

"Yeah, we can do that."

Eijirou runs straight for the schedule board in the break room the next day. Nearly sick with anticipation over getting approved for the day off. He hasn’t even checked ticket availability for the Crimson Riot movie yet. Too afraid to get his hopes up if he has to work that day.

He practically tramples Amajiki as he runs through the break room, shouting an apology and skidding to a stop in front of his destination.

Eijirou’s eyes scan the paper for his name, and trace the rows and columns for the day and time he desperately needs answers for.

“YES!!” He shouts, startling several other employees nearby. “I got the day off!”

His first thought is to hurry and buy his ticket for the Crimson Riot movie. He already knows his own theater is sold out. He doesn’t want to waste anymore time. As long as he can secure a ticket

for any theater, all this stress will have been worth it.

Eijirou’s hands are practically shaking with anticipation as he loads the ticket website on his phone. Even with the best internet speeds, he feels as though he’s waiting for hours just to get to the purchasing page

for the correct movie.

[𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐎𝐔𝐓]

His heart drops at the sight of those two words in bold red across the first listed theater. He scrolls down the list quickly, excitement quickly vaporizing into dread and disappointment.

[𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐎𝐔𝐓]
[𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐎𝐔𝐓]
[𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐎𝐔𝐓]
[𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐎𝐔𝐓]

Every theater in the city offering Crimson Riot tickets is sold out. Eijirou has officially missed his chance to attend the premier. To make matters worse, tickets for the entire following week are unavailable as well.

His heart feels like stone in the pit of his stomach, all the excitement he had built up over the last few weeks suddenly crushing and sour in his veins. He almost wants to go home and lie in bed to wallow in his disappointment, but his shift starts in less than ten minutes

and he knows it would be unacceptable to try and leave now.

Eijirou’s phone buzzes, but even the notification of a text from Bakugou isn’t enough to lift his spirits.

From: Bakugou [5:03PM]

>Well?

That’s all it says, but Kirishima knows what he’s referring to.

To: Bakugou [5:04PM]

>I got the day off, but it’s a no-go for Crimson Riot. All the tickets are sold out. </3

He hopes whatever Bakugou has planned for them will cheer him up. Kirishima wouldn’t want to spend time with the cute blond,

only to ruin the mood with his sadness over the Crimson Riot movie.

From: Bakugou [5:05PM]

>Just meet me here at 6pm, okay?

There’s a location attachment sent along with the text, and Kirishima opens it up to see the address for a different theater closer to downtown.

It honestly hurts him more. Does Bakugou not understand how important this was to him?

He starts typing a response, ready to decline the invitation by saying he’s not interested in being in a busy theater knowing people are seeing a movie premier he had his heart set on.

But...it would be unmanly to turn down this chance to hang out with Bakugou. He really wants to get to know the other boy better, even if it means digging himself deeper into this budding crush.

Maybe, just this once, he can suck it up and put on a happy face in front of his new friend.

To: Bakugou [5:08PM]

>Yeah man, sounds great! I’ll be there! Gotta start work. Text you later.

That should be satisfactory enough to not raise Bakugou’s suspicions. At least his true emotions will remain hidden through text message. He lets the message confirm its delivery and shuts off his phone to store in the employee-provided lockers for his shift.

Sighing, Eijirou tries to muster up his best “customer service” smile and bury the negatively burning a hole in his chest.

Amajiki stops him before he reaches the exit from the employee area, giving him a soft, encouraging smile.

“You got your day off.” It’s not a question of course, Amajiki is one of the managers who sets the work schedule.

“Yeah,” Eijirou’s lips twitch up into a smile. “Thanks.”

Amajiki’s panicked expression sets in almost immediately. “Something is wrong.”

Eijirou feels awful. Amajiki was nice enough to help get him his requested day off and now he probably looks super ungrateful.

“It’s not you,” Eijirou shakes his head, “I promise. T-thanks for the day off. It’s just -” another sigh, “the Crimson Riot tickets are sold out.”

“Oh.” Amajiki looks relieved as his shoulder drop from their tense position. “But… you still have a date, right?”

“Date?!” Eijirou’s eyes widen. “I don’t have a date!”

Amajiki looks ready to flee. “O-Oh, I thought… that blond boy he -”

Eijirou feels his face flush hotly. “Bakugou? N-no way he…. I’m pretty sure he’s going out with Mido - uh… someone else. We are hanging out on my day off though. But, I was really looking forward to the Riot movie, ya know?.”

He hates the pitying expression Amajiki gives him in return. Just another negative thought to add to the depressing aura he’s surrounded himself with. No super hero premier and no legitimate date with a cute boy.

It’s really hard for Eijirou to try and find a bright side to this whole day.

“I’m sorry to hear -”

“It’s fine.” Eijirou waves his hand in a dismissive manner, standing up straight and trying to give Amajiki a fake-cheerful smile. “I should get out there.

Thank you again for the day off.”

He doesn’t give the older boy a chance to reply. Gently pushing past him to exit to the theater lobby. Work won’t put him in a better mood, but at least he will have a solid distraction from his own emotions for the next few hours.

Eijirou stands nervously in front of the theater Bakugou deemed as their meeting spot watching lines of people shuffle inside. Many of them - most of them - are wearing various Crimson Riot apparel. Some have backpacks, sweatpants, shoes and sunglasses.

A handful of people have closet cosplayed and have wigs perfectly styled into the iconic Crimson Riot hair-horn.

Eijirou wants to run over, take pictures and fanboy over this movie premier but he can’t. He’s becoming less excited about seeing

Bakugou and edging toward outright anger.

Now he just wants to go home.

“Hey,” a gruff voice gets Eijirou turning quickly. “Didn’t expect you to be here ahead of time.”

Bakugou stands behind him, dressed in a black t-shirt with a white skull and blue jeans. It’s so casual, it reaffirms Eijirou’s assumption that this definitely isn’t a date, even if that thought only adds to his inner distress.

“O-oh yeah.” Eijirou forces a smile, “Being on time is the manly thing to do!”

Bakugou snorts, tilting his head away to try and hide the smile that tugs at his lips. It’s honestly the first blip of happiness Eijirou has felt all week, knowing he caused that smile.

He glances back at the theater crowd, and his expression instantly sours. Bakugou must see it immediately.

“What’s got you so mad?”

Eijirou sighs, biting his lip for a second before turning toward Bakugou with a closed off expression.

“I can’t do this.”

“𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡?”

“I don’t want to be here, Bakugou!” Eijirou half-shouts, whirling on Bakugou so quickly the blond flinches back half a step. “My day off was supposed to include the Crimson Riot movie but the tickets were sold out and as much as I was excited to hang out with you -”

he gestures to the theater behind them, “this just feels like you’re mocking me!”

He’s sure his outburst has caught the attention of some passersby, but since Bakugou will probably leave, Eijirou won’t have to worry about lasting embarrassment in front of a few strangers.

Bakugou’s carmine eyes bore into his, as expressionless as they are beautiful. Eijirou can only stare back long enough to commit the sight to memory before he never sees Bakugou again.

The blond scoffs and breaks into peals of laughter, catching Eijirou very much off guard.

“Oh my god, I’ve got a crush on an 𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑜𝑡.”

Eijirou's jaw goes slack, suddenly dumbfounded. “What?”

“What the hell kind of guy do you take me for” Bakugou smirking at Eijirou with his arms crossed over his chest.

“Uh. Well, I guess I-"

“Do you really think I couldn’t tell badly you wanted to see the Crimson Riot movie? Of course I was going to get tickets for our first date."

He slides his phone out of his pocket and turns the screen toward Eijirou to show him a barcode. The theater name in colorful letters at the top, and a confirmation for two seats to a Crimson Riot premier showing less than half an hour from now.

Eijirou’s brain has effectively overloaded, as he stares, slack-jawed at the small device before him.

The rest of Bakugou’s words finally catch up to him a few seconds later.

“Wh - Date? 𝐶𝑟𝑢𝑠ℎ?!” His eyes widen, snapping up to Bakugou in time to see the other boy giving him a heavy eye roll.

“Have the popcorn fumes shriveled your brain?” Bakugou grunts, cheeks flushing a dusty pink. “Of course I have a crush on you I -”

He drops his gaze to the ground, looking shy and unsure. “I thought that was fucking obvious.”

Eijirou isn’t sure how many times his brain can reset, and he doesn’t want to keep making a fool of himself in front of Bakugou but -

“I thought… you were dating Midoriya.”

“What?!” Bakugou practically leaps into a fighting stance. “How could you - ?! Why would you -?!”

He makes several unintelligible, angry sounds. “Absolutely not!”

The gagging sounds he makes has Eijirou breaking out into his own laughter, all the negativity the redhead had been holding in his heart evaporating like mist.

“Okay, okay,” Eijirou chuckles, “I’m sorry. It just...that’s what it looked like to me. But, I guess I also thought you were dating those other girls you came to the theater with too.”

Bakugou rolls his eyes again, and Eijirou wonders if it’s unusual

that he just likes the way the expression looks so natural on the other boy.

“Not the best wingwoman I could ask for.” Bakugou shakes his head. “Kirishima, I’m not dating anyone, I’m trying to go on this date with you!

I got the tickets before I even asked you to meet me here, I had no fucking idea you would even say yes! But I could tell how happy this movie would make you.”

Bakugou shrugs, shoving his hands into his pockets and scowling at the ground. “But if you want to go home then -”

“No! Nooo nope!” Eijirou reaches out to touch the other boy, gently wrapping his fingers around Bakuogu’s elbow. “Why would I want to go home when the hottest guy I’ve ever met wants to take me on a date to the Crimson Riot premier?”

“Oi, no need to get so sappy!”

“You were sappy first!” Eijirou laughs, tugging Bakugou closer until he can wrap his arm around the blond’s waist. “I’m sorry for being so negative earlier, that was very unmanly of me. I want to go on this date with you! I’m super excited to be going on this date with you!

Honestly, I think this is the best day of my life!”

Bakugou’s smile returns, and he leans into Eijirou enough to give him a light shove, but not hard enough to push him away or dislodge the arm on his waist.

“Then let’s go, dummy. If we don’t get in there now we’ll run out of time for snacks.” He tugs Eijirou along until they join the rest of the crowd and shuffle into the lobby, maintaining just enough physical contact for it not too seem weird or desperate for a first date.

‘𝑌𝑒𝑎ℎ,’ Eijirou thinks, full of newfound excitement, ‘𝑏𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑜𝑓𝑓 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟.’

[end]