Work Text:
U.A.'s Class 1-A was no stranger to Midnight’s eccentric class activities, but today’s exercise seemed suspiciously like a game show.
"Alright, class!" Midnight announced with a flourish, gesturing toward a headband held in her hands. "Today, we're testing how well you know your classmates! The chosen student will sit in front of the class and wear this device. When someone answers a question about them, they will confirm if it's true or false. If they lie—well, the support item will make sure they don’t."
At her cue, Mei Hatsume wheeled in a cart of identical headbands. "Behold, my latest invention! The 'Know-It-All 3000!' When you answer correctly about your subject, the band glows green! If you're wrong, it glows red—and if the subject tries to lie, it zaps them with a tiny shock for honesty enforcement! Have fun!" Then she went out of her way.
There was a collective groan at that last part.
"Now, our subject will be randomly chosen by the Roulette of Fate!" Midnight spun the wheel on the holographic display. The first name appeared: Todoroki Shoto.
Todoroki blinked. "I don’t see how this is relevant to hero training."
"Knowing your allies inside and out is crucial for teamwork!" Midnight countered. "Now, take a seat, Todoroki!"
Todoroki walked up to the chair placed in front of the class and sat down as Midnight eagerly strapped the headband onto his head. The moment it powered on, it emitted a small hum, signaling that it was ready.
"First question—what’s Todoroki’s favorite food?"
"Soba!" Ochaco answered immediately. “Cold.”
The headband glowed green.
"Great! Todoroki, do you confirm?"
"Yes."
The device stayed neutral, meaning he was telling the truth.
"Next—what’s Todoroki’s ideal type of person?"
The room went silent as everyone turned to Todoroki, waiting for the first answer.
"Someone with... big boobs!" Mineta exclaimed confidently, grinning at the class.
Todoroki’s headband flashed red immediately. The whole class gasped.
"WAIT, WHAT?!" Sero shouted, eyes wide.
Kaminari, not missing a beat, turned to Jirou with a mischievous grin. "Hey, Jirou, looks like you're Todoroki's type!"
Jirou shot him a deadpan look. "Yeah? Well, I think you’ve got a different idea of what’s electric." She slammed her earphone jack into Kaminari’s head, giving him a quick zap.
"AAAH! OKAY, OKAY, I’M SORRY!" Kaminari yelped, clutching his head.
The class laughed, and Todoroki just rubbed his temples, looking slightly uncomfortable.
Iida stood up with his usual serious tone. "Todoroki’s ideal type would be someone who is intelligent, responsible, a good leader, and does not waste their resources. Someone elegant and sophisticated."
Mina, sitting next to Momo, couldn’t resist. "That sounds exactly like Momo."
Todoroki’s headband flashed green, and the room went silent.
Momo, caught off guard, blushed furiously, trying to hide her face behind her hand. "W-What? That’s... that’s not—"
The teasing began almost instantly.
"Oooh! Looks like Yaoyorozu’s the one!" Kirishima cheered, looking at Todoroki with a grin. "You gonna tell her that, man?"
Todoroki, trying to be impassive, crossed his arms and looked away. "I... I don’t know what you’re talking about."
Yaoyorozu’s face turned an even deeper shade of red, and she mumbled, "Everyone…please…”
The class erupted into giggles as Todoroki and Yaoyorozu stayed flustered, trying to hide their embarrassment.
After a few more rounds with amusing hits and misses (and a few moments of tension), the roulette spun again. Kirishima Eijiro.
"Alright, Kirishima, take the hot seat!"
Kirishima grinned, walking up and plopping himself into the chair with confidence. "Bring it on!"
"What’s Kirishima’s favorite hobby?"
"Training!" Sero shouted.
Green.
"Ooh. Kirishima, do you confirm?"
"Yep!"
"What’s his shampoo brand?"
"Uh… whatever makes his hair hard?" Ashido guessed.
Red.
"Owww!" Ashido pouted.
"It’s ‘Hard-as-Rocks Ultra Hold,’" Bakugou muttered, arms crossed.
Green.
"Kirishima?"
Kirishima sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "...Yeah, that’s right."
"HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?!" Ashido yelped.
"We share a dorm, you idiot!"
The game continued, bouncing between classmates, each round filled with laughter and amusing tension. Then, finally, the roulette spun again and landed on—
Bakugou Katsuki.
The class collectively gasped. Midnight’s grin widened. "Ohoho, this is going to be good. Bakugou, take the seat!"
"Tch." Bakugou clicked his tongue but stomped up to the chair, plopping down with crossed arms. "Get this over with."
"First question—what’s Bakugou’s favorite food?"
"Spicy food!" Kirishima answered confidently. “Mapo Tofu.”
Green.
Do you confirm, Bakugou?" Midnight asked.
"...Yeah." The headband stayed neutral.
"Good job Kirishima! Moving on! What’s something Bakugou secretly enjoys but would never admit?"
"Uh… explosions?" Kaminari guessed.
Red.
"ARE YOU STUPID?!" Bakugou snapped.
Izuku coughed into his hand. "He… he actually enjoys watching cooking videos in his free time."
Green.
The room fell silent. All heads turned toward Bakugou, who was now staring at Izuku in horror, a blush creeping up his face.
"Bakugou, do you confirm?"
He scowled, trying to shake his head—
Zap.
"ACK—! FINE! GODDAMN THING!"
“Next question!” Midnight continued, delighted. “What’s Bakugou’s usual bedtime?”
Kirishima laughed. “Oh come on, this is easy! Bro never sleeps early.”
“Yeah,” Ashido grinned. “Blasty’s definitely a night owl!”
Red
Izuku grinned. “Wrong again.”
“WHAT?!” Ashido and Kirishima were dumbfounded.
Izuku tapped his chin thoughtfully. “He says he sleeps late, but actually, he gets into bed at 9:30 PM—”
“WHAT THE FU—”
“—but he doom-scrolls on his phone, watches cooking videos, then finally falls asleep by 10:45.”
Everyone turned to Bakugou, who was frozen in place, mouth slightly open like a fish out of water.
Midnight blinked. “Uh… is that… also correct?”
Green.
Kirishima gaped. “BRO, HOW DOES HE KNOW YOU BETTER THAN YOU KNOW YOURSELF?!”
Bakugou was glaring at Izuku now, but the green-haired menace looked unbothered. In fact, he looked acquitted yet excited.
“I just observe, Kacchan,” Izuku said innocently, smiling in a way that made Bakugou deeply uncomfortable.
“THAT’S NOT NORMAL.” Ashido exclaimed pointing at Midoriya.
Midnight stifled a laugh. “Next question—What shampoo does Bakugou use?”
“Oh, I got this,” Sero grinned. “Some fancy brand, I bet—”
“Wrong,” Izuku cut in smoothly. “It’s the generic citrus-scented one he’s been using since middle school because it smells like victory.”
Green. Bakugou choked on air.
“Deku,” he hissed, gripping the chair so hard it creaked. “How. The fuck. Do you know that?”
Izuku tilted his head. “I saw you put it in your basket when we ran into each other at the store last month.”
“WHAT?!”
“Plus, you always smell the same, so I figured you wouldn’t change brands.”
Bakugou was now visibly sweating. “Stop sniffing me, freak!!”
Izuku pouted. “It’s not my fault you smell nice.”
The class erupted.
“WAIT, WAIT, WAIT,” Mineta wheezed. “MIDORIYA. DO YOU LITERALLY JUST… MEMORIZE EVERYTHING ABOUT BAKUGOU?!”
Izuku shrugged. “It’s important information.”
“FOR WHAT?!” Bakugou yelled, furious and low key creeped out.
“For battle strategy, obviously.” Izuku smiled innocently but there’s a glint in his eyes.
“BATTLE STRATEGY MY ASS—”
Midnight was practically in tears laughing now. “Alright, last question! What’s something Bakugou does in private that no one knows?”
“Oh, oh!” Ashido grinned. “He probably listens to aggressive rock music and punches his pillows or something.”
Red. Bakugou smirked. “Wrong, dumbass.”
Izuku hummed. “Actually… Kacchan listens to classical music when he’s studying because he says it helps him focus, but also because he actually likes it. He also… practices hero poses in the mirror."
Green
Bakugou stood up so fast his chair nearly flipped over. “DEKU. WHAT. THE. FUCK.”
“How did he know that?!” Jirou demanded.
“I saw him playing Vivaldi on his playlist while training,” Izuku said smugly. “Also, when he’s alone, he sings along.”
Green. The classroom exploded.
“BAKUGOU SINGS?” Asui exclaimed, amazed on their discovery.
“OH MY GOD.” Ochaco and Hagakure jumped in unison.
“I WANNA HEAR IT.” Ashido screamed in excitement.
“SHUT THE FUCK UP.” Bakugou was furious but also embarrassed beyond belief. He turned on Izuku, eyes wild. “You—”
Izuku just smiled innocently. “Again, it was just an observation, Kacchan.”
Bakugou groaned, “I’m never sleeping again. You probably watch me in my sleep, you creepy nerd.”
Izuku blinked. “Well—”
“DON’T ANSWER THAT! I’M GONNA KILL YOU!"
Bakugou lunged, but Izuku quickly ducked behind Midnight as the class erupted into laughter.
"WELL, WELL!" Midnight clapped her hands. "It looks like Midoriya knows Bakugou inside and out. Congratulations, problem child!"
Kirishima patted a fuming Bakugou on the back. "Bro, that was intense. But hey, at least you know your best bud really cares about you."
"HE'S NOT MY BUD, HE'S A DAMN STALKER!"
Izuku pouted. "I’m just observant…"
"OBSERVANT MY A—"
Zap.
"GAAAAAH!" He threw the headband and lunged into Izuku aiming a few blasts.
After pacifying the grumpy Bakugou, the roulette spun again and landed on Izuku Midoriya. The class leaned forward, eager for the next round.
"Alright, Midoriya, you're the next target!" Midnight grinned. "Let’s see if the class knows you as well as you think they do."
Izuku took his seat, adjusting the headband nervously, glancing over his classmates who were excited and obviously thinking about what he likes or does.
"Let’s start!" Midnight called out. "First question: What’s Midoriya’s favorite food?"
Ojirou raised his hand. "Uh, pizza? Yeah, pizza. He looks like a pizza guy."
The headband flashed red.
Izuku immediately shook his head. "N-No, I do like pizza, but that's not it!"
"Really?!" Hagakure said, confused. "But you always request pizza during movie time!"
“It should be curry! Beef Curry!” Iida raised his hand confidently.
Yet the headband still flashed red and Izuku shook his head with a sheepish smile.
“Oh, I know! It should be Mochi! Right, Deku?” Uraraka stood up as well, too giddy to answer.
“Sorry, Uraraka, I like mochi but it’s not my favorite.” Izuku scratched the back of his neck as the headband still flashed red.
Bakugou rolled his eyes, "Tch. It’s Katsudon, you idiots. Anyone who’s seen the nerd eating at the cafeteria knows that. He literally eats it every day."
The class blinked, and Iida and Todoroki’s eyes widened. "Ohhh, right, of course!"
The headband flashed green.
Midnight nodded. "Well, that’s... correct, Bakugou. Looks like you know him well to know his favorite food.”
Bakugou scowled, arms crossed. "I grew up with him, unfortunately.”
Midoriya just stared at him, his face slightly red from embarrassment. “You remember.” Izuku muttered to himself.
"Next question!" Midnight called. "What’s Midoriya’s biggest fear?"
Iida raised his hand, ever the serious one. "Midoriya is afraid of failing his friends and not living up to his potential as a hero. He's always pushing himself too hard."
The headband flashed red again.
Izuku’s face scrunched up. "I mean, yeah, I do worry about that, but it's not my biggest fear."
“Having bad grades?” Jirou answered shrugging.
Red.
Izuku smiled apologetically to Jirou and shook his head.
Bakugou rolled his eyes so hard it looked painful. "It’s spiders, you bunch of morons," he growled. "The nerd freaks out at even a tiny spider. I’ve had to get rid of a couple for him already."
The class stared at Bakugou. "Spiders?!" Kirishima laughed. "No way!"
The headband flashed green.
Izuku, now practically glowing red, rubbed the back of his neck. "I-I really hate spiders, okay? They’re just... terrifying!"
“As your friends, we will be mindful of spider, Midoriya.” Iida assured him that made Izuku conflicted if it’s touching or embarrassing.
Midnight raised her eyebrows. "I gotta admit, Bakugou, you know Midoriya pretty well. You’re on fire today. And, Iida you’re so thoughtful, way to go Class President.”
Bakugou snorted but clearly pleased with himself. "Tch.”
"Alright, next one!" Midnight said, ready to move on. "What’s Midoriya’s most embarrassing habit?"
Mina eagerly raised her hand, her mischievous grin wide. "I bet he talks to himself all the time. He seems like the type."
Izuku's face immediately flushed, and his headband flashed red.
"I do not!" Izuku protested. "I just... sometimes mumble when I’m thinking!"
Bakugou's eye twitched, and he slammed his fist into his palm. "Mumble, my ass. The nerd literally talks to himself—out loud—while he’s sleeping."
The entire class froze. "Oh là là, qu'est-ce que c'est?!" Aoyama exclaimed; his hand dramatically placed over his chest.
Izuku’s face was as red as Kirishima’s hair, and he buried his face in his hands. "K-Kacchan, please, don't—"
The headband flashed green.
Bakugou crossed his arms with a smirk. "Yeah, exactly. He gets so worked up about his stupid assignments or training that he doesn’t just mumble—no, he’s full-on talking in his sleep, having entire conversations with himself." He paused, looking at the dumbfounded class. "It's like he’s holding a damn therapy session with his pillow."
The class collectively gasped, unable to hide their amusement. "You’re serious?" Sero asked, blinking in disbelief.
The headband stayed green, confirming Bakugou’s statement.
Bakugou shrugged. "I’m serious. He doesn’t even notice it half the time. It’s like he’s practicing speeches or trying to solve problems in his sleep. The shitty nerd never shuts up."
Izuku wished he could crawl into a hole. "Kacchan, please..."
Midnight was clearly enjoying herself, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Looks like we're learning all of Midoriya's secrets today."
Izuku couldn’t even make eye contact with anyone. His face was burning. "I-It’s not like that…"
"Last question!" Midnight declared, already preparing for the next round of revelations.
Midnight grinned. "Alright, next question! What’s Midoriya’s favorite color?"
The class eagerly shouted in unison, "Green!"
The headband flashed Red.
The class blinked, confused. "W-Wait, what? It's green, isn’t it?"
Izuku locked eyes with Katsuki, who simply rolled his eyes and sighed.
"You bunch of extras. It’s red and… orange," Bakugou grumbled, his voice dripping with annoyance.
The headband flashed green. Izuku blinked at Katsuki’s last word. He knew?
"It’s his damn shoes," Bakugou muttered under his breath, folding his arms as if that was the most obvious thing in the world.
Ochaco's voice rang out with realization, "Ohhh, right, but where did orange come from?"
Izuku’s face immediately turned bright red, and he locked eyes with Katsuki once more, his stammering voice barely audible. "W-Well… uh..."
Katsuki blushed faintly but quickly recovered, turning his head away, trying to keep his composure. "Orange, like tiny explosions of... sprinklers during summer festival," he said dismissively, as if the answer didn’t matter.
Green
The class just went ooh-aah at his answer and Midnight concluded the activity. The tally of points who answered correctly the most went Katsuki and Izuku neck to neck with each other.
----
Izuku was sitting at his desk, rereading his English essay for the fifth time. His eyes scanned over the words, trying to make sense of his thoughts, when suddenly, a faint knock came from his door. Startled, he glanced at the clock—it was late. Who would be visiting him at this hour?
He stood up quickly and opened the door, blinking in confusion when he saw Katsuki standing in the doorway, hands shoved in his pockets, looking strangely serious.
"Kacchan... um, do you need anything?" Izuku asked, his voice a bit shaky.
Katsuki didn’t answer right away. Instead, he pushed past Izuku, walked into the room, and sat down directly on Izuku's bed without a second thought. He looked up at Izuku, eyes sharp, as if he had something important to say.
Izuku closed the door slowly and walked toward his bed, sitting down at the edge, still unsure of what was happening.
"Why orange?" Katsuki's question was blunt, almost demanding.
Izuku flinched. He wasn’t prepared for the question. "W-what do you mean, why? You said it already... like sprinklers in summer."
Katsuki narrowed his eyes, clearly not satisfied. "I’m not a moron, Deku. Try again."
Izuku blinked, confused by the intensity in Katsuki’s gaze. Katsuki was now scooting closer, moving toward him and invading his personal space. Izuku’s heart raced as the blond boy loomed closer, his presence overwhelming. He instinctively leaned away, but Katsuki was still right there, close enough that Izuku could feel the heat radiating off him.
Izuku swallowed, nervous. "W-well, it’s a nice color," he began, his voice quieter than usual. "It’s bright. It shines the brightest, and when I see it, I feel like victory is achievable in any circumstances..." His words trailed off, but Katsuki heard him loud and clear.
Katsuki’s gaze softened just slightly, but the intensity didn’t leave his eyes. "When do you see it?" He kept pushing, getting even closer now.
Izuku’s throat tightened, and he could barely bring himself to answer. "When my image of victory is near."
Katsuki cocked his head to the side, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "Who, Deku?"
Izuku’s face flushed a deep red, and he hesitated. He knew what Katsuki was asking. His heartbeat faster, his mind a mess of emotions, but he couldn’t deny it. He had to say it, or it would drive him crazy. His voice barely rose above a whisper as he muttered the truth.
"When you're near, Kacchan, I feel like winning."
For a moment, there was a deep silence between them. Izuku couldn’t look him in the eye, his face bright red with embarrassment. He refused to meet Katsuki’s gaze, his hands gripping the edge of his bed.
Katsuki, however, seemed unfazed. He moved even closer, closing the gap between them, and reached out to gently lift Izuku’s chin with his finger, forcing him to meet his eyes.
"So…why orange, Deku?" Katsuki’s voice was low, almost teasing.
Izuku froze, his breath caught in his chest, and then, the words spilled out in a rush. "Because I-I like you."
Izuku’s voice cracked, and he immediately averted his gaze, embarrassed beyond belief. He couldn't handle it, not now, not when he’d just admitted something so huge.
Katsuki, without giving Izuku a chance to react, he pressed their foreheads together gently, their breaths mingling in the small space between them. The soft contact sent a shock through Izuku’s body, and he couldn't hold back the small gasp that escaped his lips.
"Midnight never asked me about my favorite color," Katsuki said softly, his voice just barely above a whisper. "But, do you want to try answering?"
Izuku blinked, his heart thumping in his chest. He glanced up, his wide eyes locking with Katsuki’s piercing crimsons.
"Green?" Izuku asked, a question in his voice. He was still unsure of where this was heading, but his curiosity and emotions were running wild.
Katsuki gave a small smile, his lips curling up at the edges. "With freckles," he added, his voice now almost a whisper, teasing but tender.
Before Izuku could process the words, Katsuki closed the distance between them, leaning in and pressing his lips softly to Izuku’s. It was quick but electric, like a spark that ignited everything Izuku had been holding in. His heart seemed to skip a beat, and his hands trembled, but he didn’t pull away. He didn’t want to.
When they finally broke apart, Katsuki rested his forehead against Izuku’s once more, his breath ragged but calm. “Definitely, green. Shitty nerd.”
Izuku was still blushing furiously, his hands slightly shaking, but his heart was lighter than it had ever been before.
"I-I—" Izuku stammered, trying to form a sentence, but no words came. Instead, he simply smiled softly at Katsuki, his cheeks still bright red.
"So… why green, Kacchan?" Izuku managed to ask, his voice soft yet cheeky.
Katsuki chuckled lowly, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. He reached up, his hand brushing the side of Izuku’s face tenderly, the touch sending a shiver down Izuku’s spine.
"Shut up, nerd," Katsuki replied, his voice low and teasing. "You’ve got a lot to learn." His eyes softened for a moment before he leaned in closer, their breaths mingling.
"I won’t tell you,” He murmured, his lips almost brushing Izuku’s ear, "but I’ll show you instead."
Katsuki pushed him gently onto the bed, climbing on top, his hands sliding to Izuku’s waist, pulling him closer. The moment their bodies met, Katsuki kissed him again—this time, deeper, surer, a kiss that spoke volumes of everything unspoken between them.
Izuku’s breath hitched, his heart racing, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he closed his eyes and let himself melt into the kiss, the warmth, and the feeling that everything had finally come together.
‘All those stalking paid off well’, Izuku thought to himself.
End.