An Unlikely Invitation

As my parents retreated back at the end of the street, Midoriya turned to me with a hesitant expression. "I-Is it really fine by you?" he asks, fiddling with his fingers. I smiled brightly, trying to reassure him. "Of course, I would love to have you over for dinner, Midoriya-san." The boy blushed, again, and I couldn't help but find it endearing. It seemed like literally anything could make him blush. "But..." he risked a glance with his big green eyes. "Is Kacchan invited too?" I wondered whether this was the first time Izuku's been invited somewhere where Katsuki wasn't. It probably was. I hesitated for a moment before responding. "I would be honored to host Bakugou-chan," I seamlessly lied. "But I doubt he would appreciate the invitation. He doesn't seem to like me very much." The green-haired boy laughed slightly, rubbing the back of his head. "Y-Yeah, Kacchan doesn't really... he doesn't really like... anyone..." I nodded, recalling my encounters with Bakugou. "I noticed it," I said. "But- but it doesn't mean that he's not great! He's strong and brave, and we're going to be heroes together!" A hum escaped from the back of my throat as I gazed at Midoriya. I knew being friends with Bakugou was, for whatever reason, really important for Midoriya, but part of me was tempted to just say "fuck it" and nix it in the bud. Bakugou's "friendship" will bring only pain and isolation to Midoriya for years. That wasn't something I was willing to overlook. Midoriya's eyes lit up at my words, and for a moment, I considered the possibility that I might be enabling a toxic relationship. But the look of hope on Midoriya's face was hard to resist. I pushed the thought aside and smiled at him, trying to appear enthusiastic. "Let's just enjoy dinner for now, okay?"