[ A/N God bless Horikoshi for bringing us such well drawn, fleshed out and inspiring characters ]

I felt somewhat glad that it was the end of the school day. Maybe I could go home by myself without having to face them.

Shutting the locker door, a small sigh travelled from my troubled heart and escape my lips.

"Oi,"

"HOLY FUCK-" Katsuki's sudden appearance as soon as I was finished with my locker made me jump out of my skin. I looked over at him, my glare softening as his laughter put my heart at ease.

"Did you shit yourself?" He snickered, and I simply rolled my eyes but grinned in his direction.

"What's up anyway?"

"I just wanted to check if you were comin' to my match today." Bakugou managed to mutter out, ignoring the chattering students that walked past.

But shit. I forgot all about that.

"Of course I will." I grinned, "I always do." It was true- from the moment we became friends, since I didn't have the courage to actually join the team... I was okay with sitting on the side lines watching Bakugou. The way he moved, screamed, always worked his hardest... it inspired me. Just watching someone so manly was refreshing enough for me. The little things... like when he memorises where I am sitting before the match starts, or how he automatically looks at me after scoring a goal and grins as I cheer with my manliest shout amidst the chaos. He often likes to flip the bird when I do that, but for a long time, that's been our signature gestures for each other.

"You go get ready for your match, I'll be sitting at the bleachers." He nodded and then ran away in the direction of the changing rooms. I watched him leave with a small smile, shaking my head slightly at how glaringly obvious my soft spot for him is. Quickly, I put the books I needed in my bag before taking a big gulp of water.

Despite the thoughts reminding me that Momo would be cheerleading today, I decided to grin through the strain on my heart as my legs moved on their own in the direction of the field, tightly gripping the strap of my rucksack.

~*~*~*~*~

After reaching the bleachers, I put my bag down on the usual spot and anticipated the team's arrival as the side lines quickly filled up with an enthusiastic crowd.

"Oi! Eijirou!" I looked in the direction where I heard my name called and grinned as Denki pushed past the others and plopped down on the seat next to me. "Come here to cheer Katsuki on, huh?"

"Hell yeah. It's tradition, man." We fist bumped and then sat down as we began to hear music- signalling the beginning of the little show at the start of every game.

First, the cheerleaders made their way onto the field, Momo opening with three elegant front flips before the rest of the team joined her. Before I knew it, there was a loud roar from the crowd as I got shoved from both sides like I was some sort of ragdoll. The guys around me whistled towards the cheerleaders as they continued their routine, and even Denki was ecstatic. I... wasn't as excited. The noise made my ears ring, but by now I learned to just grin and bear it. It wasn't hard to notice the blonde boy paying particular attention to a certain cheerleader- Kyoka Jirou. Short hair, a punk rock vibe; I think she's really cool. Not many guys seem to realise how cool she is, but I'm sure it just makes life easier for her. That way, Kaminari didn't have much competition either.

The noise made my ears ring, but by now I had to be used to it after all the games I attended. However, when I saw pink, fluffy hair spring into the scene, I had to get up to cheer for my best friend, the head cheerleader (for great reason too). "WOOOH! GO MINA!" Her big eyes found their way to me, and a big grin spread across her face as she was lifted up, proceeding to flip before balancing on one leg and shooting up a pom pom. Not only was she admirably athletic, but if there was an award for being a badass friend, I'd have given it to her in a heartbeat. Mina's been there for me since middle school and continued to support me when I came out to her. Though, it did get a little embarrassing when she tried to hook me up with just about every guy she could find. My heart, unfortunately, was too stupidly dedicated to even think about looking at another guy. When she realised this, she continued to support me even during the period when Bakugou told me he was dating Momo.

Then as the music died down, the cheerleaders organised themselves into the appropriate positions to introduce the players as the announcer blared.

"Here they come, TEAM YUUEI!" They were announced one by one, I was practically at the edge of my seat as I waited for Katsuki's arrival. His characteristic scream seemed to match the noise level of the crowd. That fraction of his energy put into that scream was motivating enough for me to jump up. I wish I could scream loud enough for him to hear my support, but there was a lingering string of doubt which told me... I shouldn't be feeling this way. He has a girlfriend.

Moving on, the team all positioned themselves, and once the whistle was blown, Katsuki was off to an explosive start. He had to wrestle through players, and once he was handed the ball I could tell that the team would never be able to catch him. He ran across the field with the grace of a gazelle but the roughness of a porcupine.

'It doesn't matter if I can't be in a relationship,' Eijirou tried to convince himself, 'just being able to watch his growth... I'm grateful for this blessing.'

I should have paid more attention as he dominated the field, however, that very thought sprung forth a veil of memories.

It was after school, I was helping Bakugou train as usual. If I was a girl, people would probably have suspected possible feelings a long time ago, but luckily, I managed to conceal whatever underlying feelings I had whenever it was needed. I especially wanted to hide it from Bakugou. When he didn't have a problem with me after I came out to him I almost cried- we just returned to practising like normal. But soon after... when I realised my feelings, I cried harder.

"DIDJA SEE THAT SHITTY HAIR!?"

"FUCK YEAH DUDE YOU'RE AMAZING!" I had yelled back in response- he had managed to catch the ball an immeasurable distance away and I was always one who wanted to support him. The routine of running around and practising how to tackle someone or stand your ground against them went on. Though, it wasn't just limited to that. I helped him work out, though sometimes our more juvenile sides would take over and we'd spar. Although Bakugou didn't really take any martial arts classes, I have to say that his explosive punches were an impressive asset of his, along with agility. I had to train up just so I could withstand them.

Soon enough, once we were covered in grass stains and dirt, we had a moment to lie down against the soft field. Thankfully, it hadn't been raining that day. I stared at the sky, it was no longer a baby blue colour but instead, the canvas had been painted with different shades of orange. The clouds were moving ever so slowly, or quickly... I was still trying to catch my breath. Either way, they were drifting, and we just lay there with a comfortable silence between us.

"You know, Ei," Katsuki's soft but raspy voice cut through the silence- not that I minded- it was evident that he was tired too, and I simply hummed curiously in response, "you should really join the team. We could use someone like you, and you're already better than a couple of my dumbass teammates."

I snorted, placing his hands behind my head as I stared at the orange sky, "I... don't think I can, Katsuki. I've no courage, y'know?"

The boy grunted in response, "You're more talented than you think,"

"You think so?"

"Of course, Shitty Hair. Don't get all sappy on me but I fucking believe in you more than the other losers."

"Thanks, Katsuki." I couldn't help but smile, I even felt my face heat up a bit, but I made sure to try and push that feeling down, deep down.

"Oh yeah, and another thing."

"Hm?"

"I think 'm gonna ask Momo out."

'What.' "What?"

"I mean, she's pretty damn cute, don't you think? And it's pretty much tradition for the footballers to date the cheerleaders."

"More like a stereotype," I mumbled, and heard shuffling behind me and so I sat up as well.

"Anyway, do you think I have a shot?" He asked, crossing his legs. I hadn't seen him look so analytical about a situation like this, it was somewhat amusing.

"Of course you do Kats!" Yeah, the nickname didn't stick, "You're pretty damn awesome. She'd be a fool to turn you down." His mouth spread into a grin and I smiled back at the sight. 'Heart... please stop aching...'

I was brought back to reality with a sudden gasp; I realised that I had stopped breathing during that flashback, my body having to force me out of my thoughts and back into the cacophony of the rambunctious crowd around me. I looked back up to see Katsuki just as he scored a goal, then felt my breath hitch once more.

I heard him scream triumphantly, probably yelling profanities to the other team. A soft laugh left me as I gripped my stomach, but at the very moment I opened them once again, my eyes were suddenly locked with Katsuki's. The blonde boy stared at me for a moment, before giving me a thumbs up, and I smiled. This was another tradition of ours (not that we kept track of them)- with every first goal of each match he scored, he would look to me and give me a thumbs up, which I would return. My grin widened, and for that moment I couldn't even hear the crowd. I shot up my own thumbs up, feeling my heart skip a beat when he smiled before running off to get into position for the next round. I sat back down, paying attention to the match, my eyes staying dedicated to Katsuki all throughout.

After the game finished, Yuuei being the winners, the crowd began dispersing. Some people went home, others went to talk to the players and cheerleaders. I stood up and looked for Katsuki, but he wasn't where the other players were. It wasn't all that surprising, I knew that the blonde boy didn't like to spend too much time with them- he didn't have enough patience, as he previously told me. Carefully, I made my way down, then walked around the bleachers looking for him so I could congratulate him.

I almost turned around the corner but as soon as I did, I saw Katsuki together with Momo. They were both still in their uniforms in front of the empty bleachers, Momo had her arms crossed while Katsuki was looking down at her with his hands tucked into his pockets. My body instinctively jumped back, and I hid myself without wasting another second. 'Crap, I didn't want to walk in on them...' I silently scolded myself for being so stupid but was drawn out of my thoughts when I heard their conversation.

"Whaddya mean it's not working out!?" I almost flinched when I heard him shout.

"I mean that we cannot be together anymore," her voice was the epitome of proper; even with a topic like this she managed to maintain her composure.

"I don't fucking get it."

"Can't you see? We... don't work together. I'm sure you've noticed... but just don't want to admit it." She spoke firmly, and I could hear him huff unhappily. Carefully, I peeked from around the side of the bleachers. "You're so oblivious, aren't you? You don't have feelings for me, Katsuki, but instead use my position as a pawn for you to have a good reputation. I am quite certain that we're in love with different people, but since you don't want to do it, I'll allow myself to be the one to end this."

Katsuki actually looked devastated, but he covered up the way his hands trembled and how his eyes looked so hurt with rage. "It's over, okay, Bakugou?"

"Fine then! Fuck you!" He screamed, and Momo shook her head before walking away from the scene, thankfully, not towards where I was concealed. My insides twisted uncomfortably when I had the courage to look at him, standing there with his gaze stuck to the ground as his fists were balled. I watched as he shook his head and the way he looked up at the sky with a frustrated sigh yet... I couldn't find the courage to approach him at that point him at that point. Until... "I know you're there, Shitty Hair." He spoke, making me flinch.

'Damn this guy's freakishly aware.' I was quick to give up, holding my hands up as I walked out of my hiding space, towards him. "Hey," I spoke softly, feeling the shame begin to flow through my veins and make itself even more prominent to my troubled mind, "I'm... sorry. I didn't mean to walk in on it- really-"

"Shush," he interrupted me, "don't worry 'bout it man. I detected you from the moment you arrived. I'm actually a little thankful you were there..."

"Why is that?"

"I don't know... I could practically feel your support radiating off of you," he said with a chuckle, one that was completely drained of humour. He sat down on the bench and I followed. Our gazes were fixed on the clouds drifting by, without a care in the world. "With your presence, I guess it stopped me from completely losing my cool."

"You think that?"

"Yeah. It was hard, but at least it's done. Momo might have been... right, but I still want to try with her 'cause goddamn she's the full package, y'know?" I nodded with a smile on my face, listening to him as he spoke his true feelings about the situation in a calm manner. It was actually rare to see him like this, at least, it would be to other people. This softer, calmer side of him was rather uncharacteristic according to other classmates, but I had spent enough time with him to know that this was still Katsuki.

"Yo EIJI!" I tore my gaze away from the sky, looking down to see a pink tuft of hair and I smiled, it was Mina. "We're gonna go get ready for prom tonight, OKAY HOE!?"

"ALRIGHT BITCH!" I shouted back, while Katsuki stayed quiet, but I could see a small smirk on his face. I observed as Mina began to leave the field, followed by the cheerleaders as well as Denki and Sero. A small buzz in my pocket led me to check my phone.

'Good luck tonight Kiri. Stay strong, Mama Mina knows your worth even if you don't believe it it!' I smiled at her text, accompanied by heart and sparkle emojis. Then, when I looked up, I made eye contact with her as she smiled and waved. I waved back with an even wider grin, and laughed as she jumped onto Sero's back, forcing him to give her a piggyback as he screamed trying to keep his balance.

"C'MON PEOPLE WE HAVE TWO HOURS TO GLAM UP LET'S GO!" Mina ordered, but there was a tinge of playfulness in her voice.

At that moment, I felt a pair of eyes on me. I turned to meet Katsuki's ruby red irises, and smiled as I spoke, "You wanna get going soon?"

"In a bit," he replied, crossing his legs on the seat as he observed the sky. I ended up propping my leg up, quietly agreeing with him and let the comfortable silence rest between us.

~*~*~*~*~

We managed to get back to our houses at around 6PM. I didn't want to leave him just yet, but it was rather inevitable. We may be close, but we lived in different houses, so separation wasn't new.

It didn't stop me from worrying though.

Once there were windows between us creating distance, I waved at him before writing on my notepad again.

'You doing okay? I'm here for you if you need me.'

'I think I'm alright' he had written back, but the small, sympathetic smile on my face didn't falter.

'You going out tonight?'

'I don't wanna' he wrote back, 'People are annoying' I laughed at his blunt statement, breathing a sigh of relief when a proper smile ghosted his face, even if it was for a moment. But it seemed his smile disappeared because his phone suddenly went off. I tilted my head and watched patiently, observing his every movement, every alteration in his facial features.

It was rather mixed, going from angry, to confused, to even... relief? I wracked my brain as I wondered what could be going on but was given an answer when the call dropped. That's when he sat back down and wrote down another message.

'Momo's at prom' She is?

'I'm going too, maybe things can change' I nodded understandingly and forced a smile on my face until he closed his curtains. At that moment, I felt a small drop of liquid land on my lap. I looked down... was that a tear?

Oh.

More tears.

"I can't do this..." I mumbled to myself, stumbling over to the mirror before staring at this poor reflection of mine. I gripped my black, cursed roots. 'Why am I like this?'

For a moment I was tempted to smash the mirror, but I didn't want to have to see a reflection of how I was on the inside.

So instead, I ran, like the pathetic coward I was. Flinging a jacket on, I ran out the house, making sure to lock the door behind me before I let my legs carry me to whatever place seemed to be my destiny.

I didn't want to stay confined in that space, staring at that pathetic excuse of a human being. Why did I let myself get hurt like this?

The moment I stopped running, I placed my hands on my thighs as I leaned forward trying to catch my breath. I looked up, then was face-to-face with a local store which I was more than familiar with. Shrugging to myself, I decided to walk in. There had to be a reason why my subconscious brought me here. Call me a sap (Katsuki always does), but I believed in the stupid thing called fate. There had to be a reason for everything, right?

I greeted the shopkeeper with a nod beforeexploring the isles at my own pace, hands tucked safely into my pockets. Thenthe colour red caught my attention and made me halt- the colour of my eyes,passion, fire... and Katsuki's gaze. I shook my head trying to rid myself ofthese thoughts, but before I knew it, my hand was reaching for the red hair dyeand bleach.