Archive of Our Own

Shinsou Hitoshi has a crush on his classmate. 

It has taken him three years and fourteen days to reach this conclusion, but now that he's aware of it, Hitoshi can do nothing else but be AWARE of him. 

Tokoyami Fumikage stands on the other side of the small courtyard, pulling on a cigarette and trying not to laugh as Jirou Kyouka talks to him about something Hitoshi can't hear. God, he wishes he could hear what their conversation is about, desperate to know what Jirou has said that has Tokoyami choking on his cigarette smoke.

It's not like the two of them are complete strangers, but he wouldn't say they're friends. They float in the same circles–even share a friend group–but Hitoshi and Tokoyami haven't really spoken to each other over their three years at college. A warm hello in passing every so often, an acknowledgement and short conversation as they're leaving the many shared lectures they have--Hitoshi is almost positive they're both psychology majors, but hasn't asked--and when Monoma and Kaminari can manage drag him out of his dorm to a party, he's bumped into the man there as well. 

“If you keep staring at him like that, you'll burn a hole in his head.” Monoma teases, not even looking up from his history textbook.

“How do you even know I'm staring? You aren't even paying attention.” Hitoshi shoots back and the blonde lifts his head, blue eyes dancing with a concealed mirth. 

“Because I know you, Toshi. And any time one Tokoyami Fumikage is in the vicinity, you're staring at him.” Monoma flicks his eyes towards the man in question and Hitoshi turns his head, watching as he and Jirou collect their things and head towards the parking lot. 

“Am I that obvious?” Hitoshi mumbles to himself.

“Painfully.” Monoma replies. 

Hitoshi whips his head back around and glares at his friend, but the blonde is already buried in his textbook again, a smile playing at the corner of his lips. 

“Just go talk to him.” Kaminari says a few days later as he sits across from Hitoshi at a booth inside the campus coffee shop. 

Hitoshi sighs and lifts his black to-go cup to his lips, sipping on the hot chocolate he'd ordered. “What do you want me to say? Oh hi, my name is Hitoshi and we're only acquaintances, but I really wanna kiss you?” 

“Yeah. That would work.” Kaminari says with a grin.

Hitoshi rolls his eyes as he sets his cup back on the old, peeling vinyl table top. “Denks, I appreciate the encouragement, but I will never go up to him and say that.”

“Hey, I get it.” He lifts his own cup off the table as he shrugs. “But it worked with Kyouka, so it's always an option.” 

Hitoshi pauses as Kaminari pops the lid off his to-go cup and blows on his steaming coffee. That's right, Kaminari had started seeing Jirou who–if Hitoshi was reading every situation correctly–is Tokoyami's best friend.

“I could always ask her to put a good word in for you.” Kaminari says and pulls Hitoshi from his thoughts. “They're like, attached at the hip. Pretty sure they've known each other since they were kids.” 

Hitoshi hums, chewing on his bottom lip as he genuinely thinks about it. “I would like to know if he's seeing anyone or,” he frowns a bit as he lifts his cup again. “If he even likes guys to begin with.”

Kaminari smiles knowingly as he pulls out his phone. “I gotchu bro. Don't even worry about it.” 

Hitoshi was definitely going to worry about it, but as he watches his friend's thumbs tap a message out to his girlfriend, he figures he has nothing to lose. 

Over the next two weeks, Kaminari slowly feeds Hitoshi any information Jirou shares with him about his crush. 

No, he isn't seeing anyone nor is he talking to anyone in a romantic manner.

Yes, he is interested in men and has a type, but Jirou didn't share what that type is and Hitoshi begs to whoever is listening above that it's tired college students fighting insomnia with purple hair and eyes. 

Jirou even told Kaminari a few of Tokoyami's major likes and dislikes, pet peeves–one of them being people chewing loudly, which made Hitoshi laugh, considering that's one of his as well–and told him that Tokoyami was very much planning on attending a party this coming weekend. 

Hitoshi glares down at his phone, reading the message again with a tired sigh. He really hated the parties on campus, but he'd make the sacrifice if it meant just getting to break the ice with Tokoyami in a meaningful way.

“I promise it isn't like a frat party or anything.” Kaminari supplies as he sits on Hitoshi's bed in his dorm room–Hitoshi is busy digging through his closet for a decent outfit. 

“What kind of party is it then?” Hitoshi pulls a black short sleeve button up with white cat doodles and shakes his head. 

“They don't play pop music.” Kaminari says as he pulls out his phone and Hitoshi glances over at him. “Tokoyami is a metal head, and it's his friend's party. And they're also metal heads, so.” Kaminari glances up and meets Hitoshi's gaze. "I think this calls for emo Toshi." 

Hitoshi grimaces as he hangs the shirt in his hand back on the rack. “This feels like you're about to play a really stupid prank on me.”

Kaminari scoffs as he tosses his phone on the bed and stands up. “I would never!” He would and has. “You just need to have like, a more edgier look for this.” 

“Shouldn't I just, I don't know, be myself?” Hitoshi deadpans and Kaminari sighs.

“Yes, be yourself, but also dress like you're supposed to be there.” Kaminari steps around his best friend and starts rifling through his closet at the same moment someone knocks on the door. “Can you get that? It's Kyouka.”

Hitoshi frowns. “Does she know it's–”

“Yes, she knows it's you who's been asking about Tokoyami. No, she will not tell him.” Kaminari looks at Hitoshi over his shoulder. “She thinks it's funny to watch how it goes.” 

Hitoshi raises an eyebrow at that, not sure how to feel, but walks towards his door regardless and pulls it open. 

Jirou Kyouka stands on the other side, clad in ripped fishnets, an oversized t-shirt with a band logo across the front–who Hitoshi has never heard of–and black combat boots that come halfway up her calf. 

“You're Shinsou, right? Denki's friend.” No greeting, just straight to the point. 

“Uh, yeah. You can call me Toshi.” He holds out his hand, but she ignores it and pats him on the shoulder as she slips around him into his dorm.

“Denki has told me a lot about you.” She looks over her shoulder with a smirk. “Crush and all.” 

Hitoshi's ears burn as he closes the door and Kaminari only laughs as he walks towards the bed with clothes hanging over his arm. 

“Hey babe, help me find him an outfit for the party.” Kaminari drops his arm load on the bed and Hitoshi just stands there watching as the two of them judge his fashion sense. 

“No way,” Jirou holds up a MCR shirt with a look of jealousy. “This is a limited edition, I wasn't even able to get one.” She turns and looks to be finally taking in Hitoshi and his appearance. “Wouldn't have guessed you liked them.”

“Yeah. Well.” Hitoshi shrugs as he leans against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. “A lot happens in three years.”

Hitoshi still enjoyed their music and yes, he had wanted the shirt because of the fact he liked them and due to the fact he had been extremely alternative in middle and high school. But, if the thought had crossed his mind one, two, or a dozen times that maybe Tokoyami would see him wearing it and would strike up a conversation about it, he didn't have to tell anyone. 

“Well, you should definitely wear this with these jeans.” Jirou holds out the shirt and a pair of skinny jeans Hitoshi had completely forgotten he owned before turning to look at the closet. “Do you own any boots? It would bring the look together.” 

Hitoshi takes the clothes she's offered and she walks to the closet without letting either of the boys answer her question--obviously very confident she can just answer it herself. 

“I do, yeah.” Hitoshi says at the same moment she pulls his Docs out from the very back. 

“Wear these.” She walks back over and places them in his arms. “Let's go outside so he can change.” Jirou takes Kaminari's hand and pulls him out the door, closing it with a finality that makes Hitoshi feel like he's on a deadline to get dressed. 

He stands there for a few moments looking down at the clothes in his hands and debates if this is all worth it. Did he really need to go to a party just to talk to Tokoyami? How much time could they possibly get with all his friends around?

Hitoshi sighs before dumping the clothes on his bed and pulling off the ones he's wearing. He's almost positive he'll regret this, but that's for tomorrow Hitoshi. 

An hour later, the three of them are climbing out of Jirou's beat up Camry and walking towards what Hitoshi thinks is an abandoned warehouse. 

“Bakugou throws parties here because there's no one around to make a noise complaint.” Jirou pulls open a metal door, the hinges screaming, and ushers the boys inside. "It also helps that his mom is Chief of Police.” 

Hitoshi raises his eyebrows as he takes a look around. “Where's the party?”

Jirou walks out in front of them with a smile. “Basement.” 

Kaminari and Hitoshi diligently follow Jirou to a set of stairs where Hitoshi starts to feel the vibration of music through the thick soles of his boots. 

They follow her down and when she opens the door, Hitoshi flinches at the sheer volume of the music. 

Kaminari was right, no pop music here. Guitars scream over the speakers as Hitoshi watches the people on the dance floor jumping around and singing along. 

“I was wondering when you were gonna show.” A guy walks towards the door with a smirk and Hitoshi takes a moment to drink in his appearance. 

Spiky blonde hair with the left side shaved, ripped black jeans, black motorcycle boots and a Mötörhead shirt that had seen better days. His right arm is covered in tattoos and his left is getting close to it. Hitoshi can't deny he's attractive as hell. 

“I told you I had to pick up some tagalongs, Bakugou.” Jirou motions towards the both of them over her shoulder with her thumb. “Besides, isn't being fashionably late a good thing?”

Bakugou glances up, finally realizing other people are standing behind her, and his eyes meet Hitoshi's. “Ah, yeah. I met your boyfriend.” Bakugou nods towards Kaminari, but his eyes stay on Hitoshi. “But who's he?” 

Jirou turns with a grin, looping her arm around the taller man and patting his arm. “This here is Shinsou Hitoshi. Denks best friend.”

Bakugou nods, his eyes flicking down and then up--Hitoshi realizes they're ruby red. “Nice to meet you.” He holds out his right hand--it's also tattooed--and offers it towards Hitoshi. “Bakugou Katsuki.” 

Hitoshi glances down and watches as the dim light of the basement glints off the rings on his middle and ring finger. “Nice to meet you, as well.” He says loud enough to be heard over the music and takes Bakugou's hand. 

He gives Hitoshi's a squeeze, holding on for a moment that feels longer than normal. Jirou is the one to get his attention. 

“Did Mina and Sero show?”

Bakugou drops his hand and motions towards the crowd of people. “They're somewhere in that mess. Good luck.” 

Jirou turns and grabs Kaminari's hand, pulling him towards the crowd. “Keep him company, won't you?” She calls and disappears into the sea of bodies.

Hitoshi turns towards Bakugou. “So, you throw these parties often?” 

Bakugou smiles, showing teeth, and Hitoshi notices the glint of metal--his lip is pierced. Fucking hell. 

“Once every couple of months. Can't throw them too often or the cops'll get involved.” He turns and motions for Hitoshi to follow. “Let's go get a drink.” 

Hitoshi doesn't argue, just follows the blonde closely as they meander through the crowd--Bakugou greeting a few people along the way. 

They reach the other side of the basement where four white fold out tables have been set up with drinks, snacks and various other things. Bakugou crouches and opens a cooler under the table, pulling out two beers still connected by the plastic six pack ring. He pulls them apart and hands one to Hitoshi, who takes it with a ‘thank you.’

“Are you new around here? I've never seen you around before.” Bakugou asks and Hitoshi watches as he opens his beer one-handed. 

“Uh,” he blinks a few times and shakes his head. “No. I'm in my third year at college. I just don't party much.” Hitoshi opens his beer--with two hands--and takes a sip, attempting not to make a face and failing. 

Bakugou laughs, a husky sound that sends a jolt down Hitoshi's back. “Yeah, this one is a bit rough.” He takes a swig from his can, but unlike Hitoshi, his face remains neutral. “Weird I haven't seen you around campus. You hang out with Kyouka often?” 

“Oh. Uh. No.” Hitoshi taps the side of his can with the nail of his index finger. “We frequent the same circles, but I hadn't spoken to her until she and Denki started dating.” 

Bakugou nods as the song blaring over the speakers comes to an end–the next one is extremely familiar. 

“Papa Roach?” He asks aloud and Bakugou gives him another smile. 

“Little old school, but it's a classic.” Bakugou sips his beer again as nearly everyone in the basement starts singing along--it makes Hitoshi feel a sense of nostalgia, reminds him of high school when his dad's had let him drive alone for the first time and he and Kaminari had blasted music as they drove through town. 

“One of my favorites honestly.” Hitoshi says with a smile and Bakugou raises an eyebrow, glancing down at his shirt. 

“Is that the limited edition one?” He reaches out and pinches a bit of fabric near Hitoshi's side. “I got the other one from this release. Pretty cool to see someone else with one.” 

Hitoshi glances over Bakugou's figure again with a smirk. “Didn't picture you as someone who listened to MCR.”

“We all gotta start somewhere, don't we?” Bakugou chuckles and motions towards Hitoshi once more. “Where did your musical trajectory take you?” 

Hitoshi shrugs and takes another sip of the beer he'd almost forgotten--it's not any easier the second time. “Mostly punk. Maybe some goth rock sprinkled in.” He smirks and nods towards the speakers. “I even have a playlist with all the classics from my emo days.” 

Bakugou smirks and shakes his head. “You sure those days are over?” He teases and Hitoshi rolls his eyes, but can't help but smile.

“So, you go to the nearby college? What's your major?” Hitoshi side steps to let someone by and finds himself even closer to Bakugou–he can smell his smoky cologne. 

“I do, yeah. I'm a music major. What about you?” Bakugou reaches over and pulls him a little closer as more people walk around him. 

“Oh.” Hitoshi's brain short circuits for just a second and it takes him a moment to process his words. “Psychology.” He finally says.

Bakugou smiles up at him–Hitoshi realizes he’s taller when they’re this close–and nods towards the door. “Wanna head upstairs? It would be easier–” Bakugou looks past Hitoshi’s right shoulder and grimaces. “Fucking hell.” 

“Hey Katsuki.” A deep voice comes from behind Hitoshi and his heart skips a beat. “I think you have my friend.” 

Bakugou seems to smile, but it’s honestly just showing his teeth as he takes a step back from Hitoshi. “Whatever, Fumikage. I was just keeping him company.” He turns his gaze back to Hitoshi and actually smiles. “I’ll see you around, Shinsou.” He shoots one last look towards Tokoyami before walking away.

Hitoshi turns and swallows around the lump forming in his throat as he meets another pair of red eyes–these ones darker, more garnet than ruby. Tokoyami is clad in a black leather jacket with a white shirt underneath, the deep V cut of the neck showing some of his chest tattoo. His acid wash jeans are a tad baggy around the hips and the hole in the knee shows off another tattoo that Hitoshi can’t quite make out and the white vans he wears are covered in drawings.  

“Hope Kat didn’t bother you too much.” Tokoyami shouts over the music and Hitoshi glances back up, shaking his head.

“How did you know I was here?” He asks, brows furrowed as Tokoyami nods towards the crowd.

“Overheard Kyouka telling her boyfriend he should go find you.” Tokoyami slips his hands into the pockets of his jacket and grins, the black cross earring in his left ear swinging wildly. “Thought I’d come find you myself.”

Hitoshi blinks a few times, unsure of what to say. Sure, he’s spoken to Tokoyami a handful of times, but it had never been anything of substance–probably not even memorable for the other man–but here Tokoyami was, in all his tattooed glory with a smile on his gorgeous face. 

“I didn’t even think you knew who I was.” Hitoshi says dumbly and then closes his eyes, realizing he’s just spoken his thoughts aloud.

Tokoyami pulls a hand out of his pocket, pressing a hand against his stomach and laughs–a genuine laugh–as he shakes his head. “Why wouldn’t I know who you are, Shinsou? We’ve had several classes together for like three years.”

Hitoshi opens his mouth and closes it again, not even sure what to say as his heart hammers in his chest. 

Tokoyami knew of him. Tokoyami Fumikage had paid enough attention to him that he knew they had classes together–which means he probably also remembers all their nothing conversations. 

“I didn’t realize you noticed that, either.” He says with a nervous laugh and Tokoyami raises an eyebrow, the ring glinting in the light. 

“Would be pretty rude of me not to, don’t you think?” 

Hitoshi raises his eyebrows and nods slightly, lifting his beer to his lips and drinking from it–it’s just as bad the third time.

“Oh, did Kat give you one of his nasty IPA’s?” Tokoyami frowns and reaches out, taking the can from Hitoshi’s hand and tossing it into a five gallon drum placed next to the table. “Let me grab you a Mike’s or something.”

He moves around Hitoshi, moving to a second cooler and popping it open, revealing many different bottles of wine coolers within. Tokoyami grabs two–one a dark purple and the other a pinkish orange–and closes the lid. 

Holding them both out towards Hitoshi, Tokoyami smiles. “Jack Daniel's or Mike's Hard?” 

Hitoshi reads over the label–Black Cherry and Southern Peach–and chooses the peach. “Never really was one for cherry flavoring.” 

Tokoyami nods understandably as he shimmies his jacket sleeve over his hand and opens the metal twist top. “It's an acquired taste, for sure.” The bottle hisses and Hitoshi is only able to hear it due to the songs changing. “I wasn't able to drink these for a year or two after getting drunk as hell off them and Jager.” He makes a face at the memory, showing his teeth before putting the bottle to his lips and taking a swig.

“Sounds gross.” Hitoshi says with a laugh and twists open his own bottle. 

The next song begins to play and Hitoshi recognizes it as well. 

“Sleep Token, nice.” He takes a cautious sip of this drink and is surprised at how much smoother it is–the taste is also twenty times better than the beer.

“Better, right?” Tokoyami points out and Hitoshi nods, his eyes flicking down to look at the drink in Tokoyami's hand and noticing his nails are painted a jet black–all of them except his ring finger, which is painted a lavender. 

“I like your nails.” Hitoshi motions towards his hand with his bottle.

Tokoyami blinks twice before looking down and lifts the middle, ring and pinky finger away from the bottle to glance at them, almost like he's forgotten. 

“Oh right, yeah.” He glances back up with a smile and Hitoshi's heart flutters. “Kyouka painted them for me a few days ago.” He wiggles the ring finger with a laugh. “Said it's normal to paint your ring finger a different color, or some shit. I just chose my favorite one.” 

Hitoshi raises both eyebrows. “Lavender is your favorite color?” 

Tokoyami nods sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand. “Ha, yeah. Funny, right? The spooky goth boy really likes pastels.” He glances around them and leans forward, waving Hitoshi closer like he's sharing a secret–Hitoshi does exactly as he asks. “Between you and me, I'm wearing Hello Kitty socks right now.” 

Hitoshi snorts out a laugh, earning a bright smile from Tokoyami. “Why did you need to be so secretive about that? Dork.” 

Tokoyami shrugs and brings the bottle to his lips again. 

Hitoshi watches him, his brain vaguely registering the part of the song playing over the speakers. 

Did I mistake you for a sign from God? Or are you really here to cast me off? Or maybe just to turn me on.

Hitoshi blushes and puts his own bottle to his lips as Tokoyami glances towards the crowd.

“If you're up for it, we can go find Kyouka and her boyfriend. Actually be a part of the party.” He smiles again and Hitoshi nods–powerless to this man's charm.

Tokoyami offers his elbow for Hitoshi to take so they don’t get separated in the crowd–he takes it, thankful for the dark lighting–and follows closely behind the taller man, until they stop in front of Jirou and Kaminari.

“You found him!” Jirou cheers and nudges a girl with bright pink locs, making her turn around. “This is the guy I was telling you about. Shinsou!” 

The new girl gives him a bright smile and offers her hand to him. “It’s nice to meet you! The name’s Mina!” Hitoshi takes her hand and gives it a squeeze as she turns her head over her shoulder and nudges a guy with her foot. “And this is Sero Hanta!” 

“Nice to meet you, bro! Denki talks really highly of you.” Sero steps forward and instead of offering a hand, just pulls him into a hug. 

“Hanta is the guy I told you about that threw his flip flop at me because he was ‘channeling his mother’.” Kaminari jokes and Sero shoots him a dirty look.

“Bro, I’ll smack you with another one. Shut up.” 

Jirou and Mina burst into giggles and Tokoyami shakes his head with a smile. 

The opening drum beat to Sugar, We’re Going Down Swinging plays through the speakers and the crowd around them erupts into a mess of shouting and singing. Jirou and Mina join in, singing to each other and as the chorus hits, Hitoshi decides to belt it as well. 

“Oh, he sings?” Mina shouts and Kaminari nods with a smirk, drinking from a beer Hitoshi didn’t realize he had. 

“You’ve got competition, Fumi!” Jirou teases and Tokoyami raises an eyebrow with a smirk.

“I’m not opposed to duets.” He replies, glancing over at Hitoshi and making him blush, yet again. 

The rest of the night goes like that–Hitoshi opening up more and more and Jirou finding a way to direct it all back to Tokoyami. If Hitoshi didn’t know any better, he would say she’s doing it on purpose.

About two hours later, Jirou checks her phone and nudges Kaminari–who grabs Hitoshi’s arm in turn–and tells them it’s time to head back to campus.

“We’ll see you guys tomorrow!” Jirou says, giving Mina a tight hug and kissing her cheek.

Tokoyami turns to Hitoshi and smiles brightly. “I’ll see you in class tomorrow, Shinsou.” 

“Yeah. See you tomorrow, Tokoyami!” He calls before he follows Jirou and Kaminari towards the basement door. 

Once they reach it, he glances over his shoulder and catches Bakugou watching him as a guy with green hair stands to his left, talking to another man with bright red and black hair. Bakugou smiles and nods to him, acknowledging that he’s noticed him before turning to join in on the conversation. 

Hitoshi swallows down the butterflies that have decided to take up residence in his body and quickly catches up to Kaminari, letting the door swing shut with a thud.

 Bakugou Katsuki shows up again three days after the party while Hitoshi is sitting with Monoma and Kaminari in the cafeteria.

Hitoshi has a bowl of cereal in front of him with a bottle of orange juice, but he’s too focused on trying to help Kaminari finish a project for his maths class to eat. 

“Why didn’t you ask me about this a week ago?” Hitoshi sighs in exasperation as he reaches out and pulls the textbook towards him, reading over the question. 

“I was busy.” Kaminari whines, earning a snort from Monoma.

“Busy playing tonsil hockey with your girlfriend, maybe.” He takes a bite of his granola bar and looks at Kaminari.

“You’d get it if you had a partner.” Kaminari shoots back and Monoma rolls his eyes.

“And I keep telling you that I don’t feel that kind of attraction, Denki.”

Kaminari deflates with a sigh “Right. Sorry, Nei.” 

Monoma shrugs as he reaches over and gives Kaminari’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. 

“Here.” Hitoshi says–interrupting the touching moment–and stands up to grab Kaminari’s notebook and pen. “This is honestly kind of easy if you know what to look for.” 

He writes down the problem and starts working it out the long way–real emphasis on showing his work so Kaminari will understand–and slides it back. 

Hitoshi opens his mouth to start explaining when a ratty looking messenger bag lands on the table with a thunk to his left. He jumps and glances up, finding a smiling Bakugou pulling out the empty chair and sitting next to him.

“So you weren’t lying when you said you went here.” 

Kaminari blinks a few times, glancing between the two of them for just a moment before he pulls both his textbook and notebook towards him. 

“Why would I lie to you about that?” Hitoshi adds with a half laugh, genuinely confused.

Bakugou shrugs as he reaches over and takes Hitoshi’s unopened bottle of juice. “Stranger things have happened. Are you going to drink this?” He points at Hitoshi with the bottle and he shakes his head, still confused. 

“I didn’t know you knew Katsuki.” Monoma muses from across the table and Bakugou glances at him with a sneer.

“We met the other night.” Hitoshi says, hoping to distract Bakugou from whatever words went along with his sneer. 

“You know Monoma?” Bakugou asks as he breaks the seal on the orange juice and removes the cap.

“Yeah, we go way back.” Hitoshi says with a smile. “Denki and I have known each other since elementary and we both met Monoma during high school.” 

Bakugou nods as he drinks the juice. “So I guess you guys all wanted to stay together for college?” 

“Oh, that was actually a complete accident.” Kaminari says with a laugh. “Toshi and I applied here together without realizing Nei had ALSO applied. It was a surprise when we all got our letters.” 

 “Truly a cruel joke played on me by the universe.” Monoma says, holding the back of his left hand to his forehead. “Can’t get away from the two of you.” 

Kaminari snorts and Hitoshi picks up a soggy fruit loop and throws it at him. “Typical drama major.”

Bakugou smirks as he turns back to Hitoshi. “Can I walk you to class?” 

Hitoshi swallows and opens his mouth, unsure of how to answer.

“It’s a yes or no.” Monoma chimes in unhelpfully.

Hitoshi turns and glares at him before looking back to Bakugou. “Uh, y-yeah. Sure.” He stammers and wants to kick himself. “I’d like that.” 

“Cool.” Bakugou says with a smile and slips out of his chair, pulling his messenger bag along with him. 

“I’ll catch you guys later, yeah?” Hitoshi says to his friends and both blondes nod, conspiratorial smiles on their lips. 

Hitoshi stands from his chair, grabbing his backpack from the floor and his half eaten bowl of cereal and walks with Bakugou towards the door–making sure to toss the bowl before they walk outside. 

The two men walk in silence across the courtyard for a moment–Hitoshi isn’t sure how to start a conversation with the attractive man on his right.

“So, are you seeing anyone?” Bakugou asks out of nowhere and Hitoshi whips his head to the side, watching as the blonde smirks and slips his hands into the front pockets of his ripped black jeans. 

“Uh, no. Not at the moment.” His mouth is dry and his brain is full of static. “You?” 

Bakugou shrugs with the nonchalance of someone who could have anyone on campus with a look. “Nah. No one’s really interested me until recently.”

Hitoshi feels his face start to burn as Bakugou glances at him from the corner of his eye. 

“Oh?” Hitoshi replies dumbly and Bakugou chuckles, reaching out and pulling the door for Hitoshi’s building open.

“Yeah.” Bakugou replies and lets Hitoshi walk inside. “Speaking of people interesting me,” oh, he’s smooth. “Could I get your number? Ya know, so I can just text you instead of just popping up and scaring you while you’re eating breakfast.” 

Hitoshi wheezes out a laugh and nods. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll put it in your phone.” 

Bakugou nods with a smile, pulling his phone out of his pocket and unlocking it, clicking on the address book–Hitoshi gets a glimpse of his wallpaper and makes a mental note to ask him why it’s a mushroom cloud. 

“Here and I already texted myself, so I have yours.” Hitoshi holds the phone out towards  him and Bakugou raises a well trimmed eyebrow.

“Seems like you’ve done this kind of thing before.” 

Hitoshi blanches and Bakugou laughs, waving a hand at him.

“I’m kidding, Shinsou.” He says with a chuckle and motions down the hallway. “Which class is yours?” 

“Oh, it’s advanced–”

“Yo, Shinsou!” 

Both Hitoshi and Bakugou turn to look behind them, finding Tokoyami jogging down the hallways towards them. 

“Oh, lovely. It’s Fumikage.” Bakugou mutters before the blonde turns towards Tokoyami. “Did you fucking need something?” 

Hitoshi blinks a few times. He may be dense–Monoma told him this on the regular–but even he could see the way Bakugou bristled like an angry cat. 

“From you? Never.” Tokoyami says with a smile before turning towards Hitoshi. “Thought we could walk to class together and wanted to make sure you got the homework.” 

“Actually,” Bakugou says, showing his teeth. “I was walking him to class. You can walk by your fucking self.”

Hitoshi clears his throat and steps in between the two of them, glancing at Bakugou first. “Uh, thanks for walking me this far, Bakugou.” Red eyes move to meet purple. “But, there were a few things on the homework I needed help with, so it’s actually helpful that Tokoyami walked up.” 

Bakugou sucks his teeth and takes a step back. “Yeah, cool, whatever.” 

“I’ll text you later, though. Promise.” Hitoshi smiles and Bakugou seems to soften just a bit, his shoulders not so tense.

“I’ll be waiting.” He replies with a smile–which turns into another sneer as he shoots a look at Tokoyami over Hitoshi’s shoulder before turning to walk away.

Hitoshi watches him for a moment before turning around to face Tokoyami. “Is it just me or do you two always act like stray cats about to fight when within the vicinity of each other?”

Tokoyami opens his mouth and huffs out a laugh. “You’ve seen us near each other a total of two times, Shin.” 

Hitoshi bites the inside of his lip at the nickname, but doesn’t say anything. “Yeah, and both times felt like it was about to end in a fight.” He crosses his arms over his chest and tilts his head to the right. “What’s up with that anyway?”

Tokoyami shifts uncomfortably for a moment and shakes his head. “Nothing you would wanna hear. He’s just not the best guy.”

Hitoshi glances over his shoulder, Bakugou already long gone. “Is he really that bad? What did he do? Steal candy from kids?”

Tokoyami chuckles, turning his head to the side. “Yeah, something like that.” 

Hitoshi watches him for a moment, noticing how closed off he feels when Bakugou is involved. He opts to change the subject. “So, you wanted to go over the homework?”

Tokoyami blinks a few times and turns back towards him with a nod. “Yeah, yeah. There’s a few things I didn’t understand, thought we could help each other.”

 Hitoshi nods with a smile, making a mental note to ask Jirou what the deal was between Bakugou and Tokoyami.

Hitoshi doesn’t get a chance to see Jirou for the next two weeks, classes and homework eating up most of his time–the rest ends up stolen here and there by either Bakugou or Tokoyami. Hitoshi makes it a point to keep the two of them away from each other, not wanting to deal with a fight, but also wanting to really get to know the two men without either of them getting distracted by the other.

Tokoyami sits across from Hitoshi in the peeling booth of the diner near campus. Milkshakes sit in front of both of them and Hitoshi dips one of his french fries into his. 

“Kyouka does that, too.” Tokoyami says, sipping from his apple and caramel milkshake. “Is it really that good?”

Hitoshi smiles and pushes the basket of fries towards Tokoyami. “Try it for yourself.”

The other man raises his pierced eyebrow and grabs two fries, then proceeds To grab Hitoshi’s chocolate shake and pull it towards him as well. 

“Hey!” Hitoshi says with a smile.

“Aht Aht.” Tokoyami says with a laugh, holding the shake farther away. “I don't think it'll taste good with apple. Yours is the only other option.” 

Hitoshi rolls his eyes as Tokoyami sets the glass back on the table and dips his two fries into it. He bites into them and chews slowly for a moment before raising both eyebrows and nodding. 

“Okay, I see the appeal. Salty and sweet.” Tokoyami carefully slides the glass back to Hitoshi and winks. “And the chocolate tasted great with it.”

Hitoshi blushes as he pulls it closer and takes a sip, glancing at Tokoyami's left ear and realizing the cross is gone--its been replaced with a pinnacle. 

“New earring.” Hitoshi points out as he swallows and Tokoyami lifts his hand, fingering the charm. 

“Oh yeah. I try to change it up every so often. Mina got me this a few months ago when she went on vacation.” Tokoyami smiles at the memory. “She has a habit of buying interesting trinkets when she goes out of town.” 

Hitoshi thinks back to the pink haired woman and nods–she seemed like the trinket type, only because she had the same vibe as Monoma. 

“My best friend is the same way. I have a weird collection of magnets on my mini fridge in my dorm.” Hitoshi picks up the spoon the waitress had given him and uses it to stir his shake a bit. 

“You'll have to invite me over and show me some time.” Tokoyami says with a smile and Hitoshi stops, glancing up at him. 

“Yeah, guess I will.” He replies with a shy smile.

A few days later, Hitoshi is flipping through vinyl records at a hole in the wall shop Bakugou brought him to. He'd found a few interesting ones–those were tucked under his arm–and Bakugou was standing farther down the makeshift aisle, talking to the store clerk who Hitoshi recognized from the party.

“Come on, Shitty Hair. I know you know what I'm talking about.” Bakugou sighs and the man behind the counter only shrugs. 

“I'm not in on your drama, Bakubro. Whatever you have going on with Fumi, you just need to figure it out.” He shakes his head as Bakugou hisses at him.

“Can you talk any louder?”

Hitoshi smirks as he walks up behind the blonde, placing his vinyls on the counter. “I wanna know the drama.” 

“No you don't.” The clerk fires back and Hitoshi reads his nametag–Kirishima. 

“That bad?” Hitoshi asks, looking over at Bakugou as Kirishima starts typing on the computer to his right. 

“No.” Bakugou replies quickly. “It's just annoying.” 

Hitoshi nods slowly as Kirishima takes the vinyls and slips them into a bag. 

“Basically, Katsuki here is emotionally stunted and the rivalry he has with his old best friend is stupid and pointless .” Kirishima shoots a look at Bakugou who only rolls his eyes. “Your total is twenty bucks.” He turns to Hitoshi with a warm smile.

Hitoshi fishes out his wallet from his jacket pocket, pulls out his debit card and hands it to Kirishima. “I'm guessing the old best friend is Tokoyami?” 

“Tch.” Bakugou replies, pushing away from the counter. “Not much of a friend if you ask me.” 

Kirishima rolls his eyes again and hands Hitoshi his debit card back along with his receipt. “Don't let him fool you. He still cares about that idiot, just like I'm sure Tokoyami still cares about him.” Red eyes flick over to look at Bakugou's back as the blonde walks towards the door. “Some people are just blind to what’s right in front of them, ya know?” 

Hitoshi nods as he picks up the bag of vinyls from the counter. “Yeah. I know.” 

He turns away from the counter, waving a goodbye to Kirishima before jogging after Bakugou, meeting him at the door. 

“I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.” Hitoshi blurts when they step outside. 

Bakugou stops and turns to look at him, brows pulled together in confusion. “You didn't?” He shoves his hands into his pockets and starts walking again–Hitoshi keeps pace with him easily. “I've just heard everything Shitty Hair has said about the whole thing, so I walked away.” 

Hitoshi nods. “So, what happened there? If it's okay for me to ask.” 

Bakugou huffs out a humorless laugh and shrugs. “We were really good friends in high school and then one day we weren't.” He kicks a pebble and it goes flying down the sidewalk. “We got into some stupid ass argument and Fumikage walked out. We haven't really been on good terms since and the funny thing is, I don't even remember what the argument was about.” 

Hitoshi nods and thinks back to what Kirishima had said about Bakugou being emotionally stunted. “I'm guessing you had a crush on him?” 

“Huh?!” Bakugou sputters and stops, turning towards Hitoshi with wide eyes. “How'd you come to that conclusion?” 

The taller man shrugs and nods towards the shop down the street. “Kirishima had mentioned you were emotionally stunted. Didn't you hear him?” 

Bakugou blinks a few times, processing Hitoshi's words and then shaking his head. “I'm gonna murder him. What the fuck?” He covers his face with a hand and shakes his head.

“It's okay if you do, ya know? I definitely get it.” Hitoshi jokes and Bakugou only sighs. 

“I figured you liked the smug bastard.” His hand falls away from his face as he tilts his head to the side–Hitoshi blushes and looks anywhere else. “But, that was high school. Shits different now.” 

They begin walking again–this time in silence–and are almost at the Ramen shop Bakugou had suggested they go to when Hitoshi finally speaks again. 

“How'd you know I had a crush on him?” He glances over at Bakugou and the blonde smiles wide. 

“I didn't, but now I do.” He teases and glances over at Hitoshi. “That's fine, though.?

“Oh? Doesn't make anything weird?” Hitoshi swallows, anxiety raging in his chest. 

Katsuki shrugs. “Yeah. I know you have a crush on me, too.” 

Hitoshi stops walking, his jaw dropping as Bakugou keeps walking with a laugh. 

“So, how're your dates with the boys going?” Jirou asks a week later as she slides into the booth next to Kaminari at the campus coffee shop.

Hitoshi blinks a few times in confusion, glancing over at Kaminari who only shakes his head–equally confused. 

“How did you know about that?” He asks and Jirou smiles. 

“I'm the best friend.” She holds her hands up and wiggles her fingers. “I know all.”

Hitoshi makes a face and Jirou giggles, covering her mouth with a hand. “What exactly do you know?”

Jirou hums a familiar tune as she reaches over and steals Kaminari’s coffee cup, taking a sip. “I know that Fumikage really enjoys hanging out with you and wants to see you more.” 

Hitoshi feels his cheeks burn at that information. “And Bakugou?”

Jirou smirks and takes another sip of coffee before handing the cup back to Kaminari–lipstick stain on the rim. “Oh, so very interested in our blonde bomb, are we?” She crosses her arms and leans on the table with a bright smile. “He also enjoys hanging out with you, but he told me you called him out on something he didn’t think was obvious.”

Hitoshi blinks a few times, furrowing his brows and thinking back before realization slaps him in the face. “I told him that I was pretty sure he had a crush on Tokoyami.”

“Bingo.” Jirou says, pointing her fingers at him. “But, he told me that he then called you out on your crush on both of them.” 

Kaminari sputters, almost spitting coffee all over the table as he jerks his head up to look at Hitoshi. “Katsuki called you out on crushing on both of them and still wants to hang out with you?” 

Jirou turns her head to look at her boyfriend. “He’s bewitched them both. It’s quite interesting to see.” She turns her head back to Hitoshi. “I’m impressed you called out Katsuki on his feelings for Tokoyami. He tries to keep that shit under lock and key.”

Hitoshi shrugs and sips his frappe. “It just felt like the right assumption. Kirishima told me they’d known each other for a while when I met him at the record store.”

Jirou sighs and leans back in the booth, pursing her lips. “So, you don’t know the whole backstory?” 

Kaminari and Hitoshi share a look before both of them look at her.

“Well out with it, babe.” Kaminari jokes and Jirou rightfully flips him off.

“I was about to! I’m pausing for dramatic effect.” She sticks her tongue out at him as he takes her hand and kisses her knuckles. “Anyway,” she blushes and turns to Hitoshi. “We actually have all known each other for a while. Fumikage and I have known each other since we were really little and we met Katsuki in middle school.” Jirou leans forward, placing her arms on the table, tapping her fingers on the peeling vinyl. “I think I knew from the start that the two of them liked each other, ya know? They gravitated towards each other any time we were in the same space and Katsuki soon started dressing really similar to Fumi. Well, high school rolls around and neither of them have ever confessed to the other so, naturally, problems arise.”

Hitoshi shifts in his seat, leaning his elbows on the table. “They got in a huge fight, right?”

Jirou nods. “Senior year we started a band with another friend, Shouto. Well, Katsuki is a fucking emotionally stunted asshole and when he saw that Fumikage was getting closer with Shouto, he…exploded.” She sighs as if the memory makes her tired. “We were in Fumikage’s garage and Katsuki threw his drumsticks down and made a whole scene about it, then stormed off and drove home. I was confused, Shouto was confused, but more importantly, Fumikage was confused but also devastated. He’d been head over heels for Katsuki since grade eight and the guy just blew up and screamed in his face, calling him a piece of shit for seemingly no reason. So, when school inevitably came around on Monday, Katsuki started avoiding Fumikage and I know that fucked him up bad. Soon, that resentment turned into some fucked up one up each other rivalry and here we are today.” Jirou motions towards Hitoshi and his shoulders sag.

“They’re trying to one up each other with Toshi?” Kaminari asks, dumbfounded and Jirou nods.

“Our friend group doesn’t know how to keep their mouths shut, especially Mina and Sero. Fumikage and Katsuki both know that they’re hanging out with you and it’s become some fucked up little competition.” 

Hitoshi sits in stunned silence, brain struggling to process all of this new information. “Wait. They both KNOW?” 

Jirou nods, biting her lip so she doesn’t laugh.

“Oh my fucking god.” Hitoshi groans and covers his face with both of his hands. “That’s so fucked up.”

“I mean, not really.” Hitoshi peeks at her through his fingers and she shrugs. “You aren’t exclusive with either of them. You’re allowed to go on dates with and talk to who you please.” 

“She’s got a point man.” Kaminari says with a sage nod as he sips from his coffee. “So, when it comes down to it, who are you gonna choose?” 

 Hitoshi blinks. 

Blinks again.

He hasn’t actually thought about that. 

“Who says he has to choose?” Jirou says, drawing Hitoshi’s attention back to her. “I think you should go after your two boyfriends. Dare I say, I encourage it.” 

Hitoshi furrows his brow and laughs. “You’re enjoying yourself, aren’t you?” 

Jirou shrugs, but the gleam in her eye tells him everything he needs to know.

It takes six days for Hitoshi to gather the courage to message both Bakugou and Tokoyami–separately–that he’d love for them to come to his dorm to hang out. 

It then took another three days for him to get his heart to calm down and soothe his anxiety. 

Friday rolls around and Hitoshi is jittery. He doesn’t have classes on Fridays and this particular one has made him regret that decision–at least he’d have something to do if his schedule was full of lectures. 

But no. He had to have one day other than the weekend for no classes. 

Hitoshi scurries around his room, picking up any kind of trash and making sure all of his dirty clothes make their way into the hamper–he also takes at least twenty minutes organizing the clothes in his closet and cleaning that as well even though he’s almost ninety percent sure Bakugou and Tokoyami won’t go looking in there.

Hitoshi’s phone pings a few times on his bed and he almost drops a tub full of knick knacks on his head when he moves to walk out of the closet–he catches it just in time.

Last class ends in an hour, then I just gotta run to my dorm and shower! See you at 6? - Bakugou

Hitoshi smiles at his screen and sends a message back, confirming the plans. He tosses the phone back on the bed and goes back to his closet, wondering if Jirou was right and they’d both already know he invited the both of them to his dorm that night. 

He gets his answer about two hours later as he’s pulling out his bong and bud from under the bed.

Hitoshi places both on his desk and walks to the door, opening it and expecting only Bakugou but his heart drops when he finds both Bakugou and Tokoyami leaning against his door frame.

“You know we share the same friend group, right?” Bakugou starts with a smirk.

“Thought we wouldn’t realize you invited us both?” Tokoyami adds with a shake of his head.

Hitoshi shrugs and tries for an innocent smile. “Well, you act like a couple of stray cats any time I’ve seen you interact. So, how was I supposed to know you were actually friends?” 

Bakugou casts a glance towards Tokoyami. “Wouldn’t say we’re friends.”

Tokoyami rolls his eyes as he pushes off the doorframe, looking at Hitoshi. “So, is there a reason you invited both of us?” 

Hitoshi bites the inside of his bottom lip, worrying it between his teeth for a moment as he attempts to think of something. “Maybe I wanted to hang out with the both of you. Since, you know, you already knew.”

Both men’s eyes go wide–Bakugou’s chinks even pinken–and they look at each other.

“Kyouka.” They say in unison.

Hitoshi smiles. “She also told me something else that was really enlightening.”

Bakugou tilts his head in Hitoshi’s direction, eyebrow raised. “Oh? And what would that be?”

Hitoshi takes a step back into his dorm. “Dunno. Guess you’ll have to figure it out.” He turns and walks to his desk, pulling open the top right drawer and grabbing his lighter. 

“I didn’t know you smoked.” Tokoyami says, leaning over his shoulder and making him jump. 

Hitoshi hears his dorm room door click softly, turning to find Bakugou has closed it before turning back to Tokoyami. 

“Yeah. Do you?” 

“I dabble.” Tokoyami says with a smirk and Bakugou groans off to the side, drawing both of their attention.

“You are not slick.” Bakugou teases as he meanders around Hitoshi’s room. 

Hitoshi shakes his head and moves back, taking a seat on his bed where he left his grinder and rolling tray. “Do you smoke, Bakugou?” 

The blonde looks away from the signed and framed Iron Maiden poster on Hitoshi’s wall with a shrug. “If it’s offered, sure.” 

“Well,” Hitoshi says as he picks up the grinder and unscrews the top to reveal what he’s already prepared. “I’m offering it.” 

Bakugou huffs out a laugh, shaking his head. “You’re even worse than him.” He points at Tokoyami as he moves to sit next to Hitoshi on the bed. “But fuck it. Pack a bowl.” 

Hitoshi smirks, but does as he’s told and carefully packs the bowl of his bong–he even unscrews the kief catch and sprinkles a bit on top. He holds it out towards Bakugou, who shakes his head along with Tokoyami.

“It’s your smoke.” The dark haired man says with a smile. “You take the first toke.” 

Hitoshi blinks a few times and shrugs, placing the opening against his lips and flicking his lighter, holding it to the bowl. 

The entire glass piece is milky by the time Hitoshi lifts the bowl and inhales it all in one go. Replacing it, he hands the piece and lighter to Tokoyami, who stares at him in amazement. 

“Oh, you’re gonna outsmoke me. Shit.”

Hitoshi smiles before he slowly exhales, trying not to cough but failing miserably as he ends up drooling just a bit.

“That was kinda hot, not gonna lie.” Bakugou says as he stands in the middle of the room.

“Thanks.” Hitoshi wheezes, wiping his mouth with the sleeve of his sweater.

Tokoyami smirks as he places the opening to his mouth next, flicking the lighter and letting the green burn. 

Bakugou watches him, but in a way to make it seem like he isn’t.

“You know,” Hitoshi says, throat still scratchy from the smoke. “It’s okay for you to admit it.” 

He shoots Hitoshi a look, eyes narrowed. “Admit what exactly, Shinsou?” 

Tokoyami glances between them before he lifts the bowl and inhales. “Yeah, admit what?” He asks, inhaling a bit more as he speaks. 

Tokoyami holds out the bong and Bakugou walks over to take it from him, standing over Hitoshi as the other man smiles up at him.

Tokoyami exhales and starts coughing, turning his head away so he doesn’t accidentally spit on either of them.

“Is Kyouka spilling my secrets?” Bakugou asks as he packs the bud down a bit with his thumb before he holds the bong to his lips. 

“Oh, nothing that I didn’t already guess.” Hitoshi replies.

Bakugou flicks the lighter and holds it to the bowl, keeping steady eye contact with Hitoshi as he lets the bong get milky white. Hitoshi drops his eyes and watches as Bakugou lifts the bowl pack and inhales deeply, turning and placing the bong on the desk before turning back to Hitoshi. 

He opens his mouth to tease him some more, but Bakugou doesn’t give him the chance as he grabs a handful of Hitoshi’s sweater and pulls him close as he leans forward, their noses brushing.

“Inhale.” Katsuki commands, a bit of smoke slipping past his lips and floating up between them.

Hitoshi is so dumbfounded that he only nods and opens his mouth slightly. Bakugou smirks at how he listens as he exhales the smoke from his lungs and Hitoshi follows his instructions, inhaling it.

He’s shotgunned smoke before, but never like this and never from a guy that watched him with such intensity.  

Hitoshi can see Tokoyami watching the two of them from the corner of his eye, his mouth hanging open slightly and Hitoshi knows Bakugou is putting on a show for him.

Bakugou pulls back so he’s able to cough and Hitoshi only sits there, blinking as he tries to process what the hell just happened. 

“Well, fuck.” Tokoyami whispers and Bakugou turns to look at him, grinning as he continues to cough. 

Hitoshi exhales and also begins to cough, turning his head and watching as Bakugou grabs the grinder and walks to the desk. 

“What’s the matter, Fumikage? Don’t have the lung capacity for it?” He raises his eyebrow and smirks at the dark haired man as he cleans out the bowl pack and refills it. 

“Oh, fuck you, Katsuki.” Tokoyami huffs and holds out his hand, motioning for the blonde to hand him the piece. “I’ll show you a thing or two about fucking lung capacity.” 

Bakugou raises both of his eyebrows–as if he isn’t expecting the come back–and holds it out towards him. “By all means, teach me.” 

Tokoyami shoots him a dirty look, taking both the bong and lighter from Bakugou’s hands and placing the opening to his mouth. 

Hitoshi reorients himself–realizing he’s getting pretty high–and watches as Tokoyami milks the bong, lifting the bowl rather aggressively. 

“Oh, very impressive, Fumikage. Please show me how to–” Bakugou begins to snap but stops abruptly when Tokoyami shoves the bong at him and then turns to Hitoshi, grabbing his sweater and pulling him towards him.

Their lips brush against each other as Tokoyami opens his mouth–encouraging Hitoshi to follow his lead–and exhales slowly. 

Hitoshi blinks a few times as he inhales on instinct, his body on fire at the realization that Tokoyami is basically kissing him indirectly. He can feel him smile just before he presses in just a tiny bit farther and actually kisses Hitoshi. 

He inhales sharply from shock and then sputters as he coughs out smoke, Tokoyami placing his hands on his shoulders to keep him steady as he tries to regain some semblance of composure.

“Nice going, edgelord. You nearly killed him.” Bakugou teases and Hitoshi shoots him a look, watching as he places the bong on the desk and moving closer before he squats to be level with them. “You okay, Shinsou? Can’t handle your crush kissing you?” 

Tokoyami smirks as Hitoshi steadies his breathing. “Such big talk when you opened the door, Shinsou. Where did it go?”

Hitoshi shoots a glare at the both of them, reaching up and wiping his mouth. “Lemme guess, Jirou–”

“Told us, too?” Bakugou teases, reaching out and wiping the corner of Hitoshi’s mouth. “Yeah, she did.”

“Thought Sero and Mina were the gossips?” Hitoshi rasps.

Tokoyami chuckles, reaching up and brushing some hair behind Hitoshi’s ear. “Did she tell you that? Because Kyouka is one of the biggest gossips I know. It’s almost like her job.”

Hitoshi sighs and ends up coughing again. “Fucking hell, Jirou.” He mumbles.

Tokoyami chuckles again and glances over at Bakugou. “So, what is this about you crushing on both of us?” 

Hitoshi’s face grows so hot that even the tips of his ears burn. “She really told you?” 

Tokoyami and Bakugou nod in unison. 

“Oh yeah,” the blonde moves closer, standing a bit and cupping Hitoshi’s face. “And I think it’s cute you like us both.” 

Bakugou leans forward and Hitoshi’s mind is moving like cogs trying to turn through molasses–it doesn’t catch up until Bakugou’s lips are pressed against his. 

It’s a quick peck and Hitoshi leans forward slightly when Bakugou pulls away–earning a chuckle–but even when his brain isn’t working, Hitoshi’s mouth always seems to. 

“So, you know that you like each other?” 

Both men freeze, eyes wide in astonishment as Hitoshi glances between the two, realizing he may have majorly fucked up.

“Bound to come out one way or a fucking nother.” Bakugou grumbles.

Tokoyami huffs out a sigh and glances over at the blonde. “Are you gonna say it or should I?” 

“Say what?” Hitoshi asks dumbly, earning a smile from Tokoyami as he strokes his hair.

“That I’ve had a crush on shit head over here since high school.” Bakugou runs a hand through his hair with a breathy laugh, shaking his head. 

“Or that we got into a really stupid argument because someone was jealous I was getting close with my very straight guy friend?” Tokoyami adds on, earning a dirty look from Bakugou.

“How was I supposed to know Half-n-Half was straight?” Bakugou throws both hands out in front of him. “Fucker has the vibe.”

“Gay has a vibe?” Tokoyami asks jokingly and Bakugou punches him in the shoulder, causing Tokoyami to jerk away and hiss in pain.

“So, is this you guys confessing?” Hitoshi asks, looking between the two of them, feeling like his brain is moving in slow motion as he tries to process everything through his stoned filter.

“I guess?” Bakugou says with a shrug, glancing over at Tokoyami.

“That’s what it feels like.” Tokoyami agrees. 

Something nags at the back of Hitoshi’s drug-addled mind and his anxiety starts to spike. “I guess that means neither of you need me around anymore.”

He states this as if it’s a fact and both men turn to look at him, brows furrowed in confusion.

“What the fuck are you on about, eye bags?” Bakugou says with a frown.

“Shinsou, why would we both come here knowingly, kiss you and then confess to each other in front of you just to walk away and leave you alone?” Tokoyami asks softly and Hitoshi only shrugs, unsure of why they would do that to him. 

“We wouldn’t, dumbass.” Bakugou reaches up and places a hand on Hitoshi’s cheek–some part of his brain processes that he has calluses and makes a note to ask him why.

“Probably shouldn’t have gotten you higher than fuck before doing this.” Tokoyami laughs and Bakugou sucks his teeth. 

“I’m still coherent, dick.” Hitoshi shoots back and Tokoyami raises an eyebrow.

“Oh, we like em sassy.” Bakugou jokes, glancing over at Tokoyami. “Go ahead and tell him before he gets pissy.” 

Tokoyami shoots Bakugou a look–earning a wink–and shakes his head. “Shinsou, sweetheart,” his cheeks grow warm at the pet name. “We like you, too. I’m sure Kyouka told you that word for word.”

“And I’m also positive she told you that you didn’t have to choose between us.” Bakugou crosses his arms over his chest with a smirk. “You don’t, by the way.”

“Think you can handle two boyfriends, hot head?” Tokoyami asks, looking up at where Bakugou towers over the both of them on the bed.

“Probably not.” Hitoshi says automatically with a giggle and Tokoyami snorts. 

“I’m stuck with this decision, aren’t I?” Bakugou says with a laugh and Tokoyami nods as he wraps his arms around himself and falls against Hitoshi’s pillow.

“Holy fuck, that was great. No hesitation.” Tokoyami wipes his eyes as Hitoshi just watches them, confused.

“Oh, I don’t have a filter.” He finally realizes and Bakugou just shakes his head.

“Jesus Christ.” He mutters, but Hitoshi looks over and finds that he’s smiling as he says it.

“Do you get it now?” Jirou asks as Kaminari purses his lips, scribbling something down in his notebook as she glances over his shoulder.

“I mean, kinda?” He answers, lifting his pen and tapping it against the paper. “Still a bit of a jumble, I guess?” 

Monoma watches the two of them, a bored expression on his face as a video plays on his phone at a low volume. 

“He’s impossible, Kyouka. You’re wasting your time.” 

Jirou shoots him a dirty look and grabs Kaminari’s textbook. “He isn’t impossible, he just needs a little extra help.” 

The two of them bicker as Kaminari sits between them, the look on his face telling Hitoshi that he’s sick of this constant banter between his girlfriend and best friend. 

Hitoshi sits across from them, laptop open in front of him with a paper for his Psychology class half written–he still had another week before he needed to turn in the rough draft–and a large bottle of Arizona Watermelon next to it. 

“I don’t think bickering is going to help him learn, you guys.” 

Monoma sighs and shakes his head, going back to focusing on his phone. “I guess you’re right.”

Jirou wrinkles her nose before going back to the textbook, carefully breaking down the way to solve this particular equation for the third time.

Hitoshi looks back down at his computer, about to go back to his paper when a ratty messenger bag thumps on the table next to him and a pair of lips press to his left cheek. 

“Morning, babe.” Katsuki rasps in his ear as he sits down. 

Hitoshi turns to greet him when another pair of lips press to his right cheek.

“How’s the paper going?” Fumikage asks as he sits down in the empty seat to his right. 

“Morning, babe.” He says to Katsuki. “And it’s not, at all.” He says as he turns to look at Fumikage. “I’m stuck on this one section about the breaking down of certain mental illnesses. Feels like I’m just repeating myself.” 

He points at the screen and Fumikage leans forward, sliding the computer towards him as he starts to read. 

“I love that I created this.” Jirou says with an almost loving inflection, causing all three men to look up. 

“The fuck are you on about?” Katsuki huffs, leaning his elbows on the table.

“What I’m on about is that I caused you guys to get together.” Jirou replies with a smile.

Katsuki rolls his eyes, moving his bag to the empty seat on his other side. “What you did was meddle and stick your nose in everyone’s business.” He sneers as Jirou narrows her eyes. “As per usual.”

“I’ll have you fucking know, you pompous bitch–”Jirou starts and Hitoshi immediately tunes it out, turning back towards Fumikage.

The dark haired man seems to have checked out long before this, eyes scanning over Hitoshi’s paper in silence. 

Hitoshi watches him for a moment, looking down when Fumikage moves his hands to the keyboard. He blinks a few times and smiles when he notices Fumikage’s nails are freshly painted–left ring finger orange and right ring finger lavender.

“You like?” Fumikage asks, drawing his attention back up to his face. “Jirou repainted them.”

“Your ring fingers are different colors.” Hitoshi points out.

Fumikage holds out his fingers with a smile. “Yeah, that’s because I have two favorite colors now.”

It’s sappy. Probably one of the sappiest things Fumikage could ever say, but it has butterflies fluttering in Hitoshi’s stomach and he can’t help himself from smiling.

“You’re a sap.” He says and Fumikage smiles.

“Yeah, but I’m your sap.” He shoots back and Hitoshi nods.

They were both his and he couldn’t ask for anything else.