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Shit. This can’t be happening right now. Why is this happening?
Eijirou stares after the pretty blonde walking out the door and away from this mess of a situation, silently willing him to turn around and make a big enough scene to help him make a quick escape.
But, of course, when has his best friend ever done what somebody else wants him to?
Not that Eijirou’s really complaining. In fact, it’s one of the reasons he fell in love with Katsuki in the first place. After all, it’s pretty manly to refuse to let anyone change your mind once you’ve decided to do something.
But damn if it’s not a huge inconvenience right now.
Before he can get lost in his feelings for his bro-turned-lover, Mina steps in front of his line of sight, a sweet smile on her face. Right. This. He needs to deal with this.
“Soooo, do I need to, like, spell it out even more for you, or can we move onto planning out our first date?”
God, Eijirou does not want to be here right now. He just wants to spar with Katsuki, eat the dinner Katsuki plans on making for them, spend the rest of the night making love to Katsuki, and then fall asleep with Katsuki in his arms.
Ok, so he might have a bit of tunnel vision right now. He’s still a little worked up over the whole Midoriya thing, though, so cut him some slack.
It’s when Mina tries to take his hand that Eijirou’s finally pulled out of his daze, stepping back out of her reach and trying to look as apologetic as possible, despite where his mind keeps wandering to. “Mina, I’m so, so sorry, but….”
He sees realization hit her face before it quickly turns into embarrassment, and he wants to just die right then and there. “Oh! Oh god, no, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have assumed, I –”
“No, no, it’s fine! Honestly, I completely understand! You’re an awesome fr – person, and an amazing hero, really, any guy would be lucky to date you, it’s just – I don’t, well……”
Eijirou has no idea what he’s doing. Sure, he’s turned down the occasional love note from random girls before, and he’d like to say that he’d been chivalrous and respectful when doing so. But he’s never had to reject someone he actually knows before, let alone someone he considers a close friend. He feels like he has to explain himself, but he doesn’t know how, and he finds himself terrified of saying the wrong thing and ruining his relationship with the person who’s seen him grow up the most.
Mina, though, doesn’t seem angry or hurt by his blathering, and just gives him a sad smile. “Is it ok if I ask why, at least?”
Eijirou fumbles, not entirely sure what he can say without coming out to her and risk letting it slip about Katsuki – who would justifiably kill him for spilling the beans before he’s ready –, but also unwilling to lie to one of his closest friends. “I – it’s just – there’s, um –”
Understanding fills her big, dark eyes. “Ah, that’s it. I’m too late, then.”
Eijirou manages a weak shrug, which seems to be confirmation enough. She reaches up – the height difference between them now is almost laughable – and gives him a pat on the arm and as encouraging a look as she can muster. “Well, whoever she is, she’s very lucky to have a shot with you.”
He gives her a small smile. “I think I’d be the lucky one, if I’m being honest.”
All sadness washes off Mina’s face and is replaced by a fiery determination as she brings her other hand up to mirror the one on his arm, shaking him roughly. “Hey! I thought we got over all that self-deprecating stuff, Ei. You’re a goddamn catch! I mean, obviously, you managed to get my attention!”
Eijirou laughs and grins warmly down at her. Man, he has the best friends. “Thanks Mina, I really appreciate you saying that. So, are we ok?”
She nods her head. “Of course we are! Nothing has to change, alright? In fact, I’ve decided! This week’s squad night will be in my dorm! Go let Katsuki know, and I’ll tell Denki and Hanta.”
Eijirou smiles in response, relieved that one of his closest friendships hasn’t been ruined. He takes her hands and gives them a quick squeeze before letting her go and readjusting his backpack to prepare to sprint after the object of his affection. As he walks out of the building – because after three years he’s learned that Iida will pop up anywhere and everywhere to tell someone to stop running in the halls – he hears Mina call out to him from where she’s still standing with Hagakure.
“Hey Ei, here’s a tip! Maybe if you spent less time rolling around the gym with Blasty, you’d already be with this mystery girl!”
Rolling around together in the gym, huh? Well that’s an idea.