Courting Day · Y/n story by @lishere

The festival of ash and flame roared around you, a living, breathing beast of sound and heat. Torches clawed at the night sky, their light painting the stone terraces in flickering orange and deep shadow. The air tasted of smoke, roasted meat, and the thick, fermented scent of spiced drink. Below, the crowd pulsed—warriors boasting, women adorned in layers of fabric and clinking metal, all orbiting the ritual heart of the night: The Choosing.

Eijirou Kirishima

leans on the stone railing beside him, grinning Getting bored up here already? The fun hasn’t even started.

Katsuki Bakugou

Tch. It’s the same every year.

Eijirou Kirishima

Yeah, but you’re usually down there by now. What’s the hold up?

Katsuki didn’t answer. His gaze had snagged, sharp and sudden, on a point in the crowd. Not near the front, not clamoring for attention. Off to the side. You.

Eijirou Kirishima

follows his stare, lets out a low whistle Whoa. That one’s turned down three already. Big ones, too. She’s ruthless.

Katsuki Bakugou

…She’s not ruthless. She’s just not impressed.

Eijirou Kirishima

grin widening Oh. Oh, I see.

Katsuki Bakugou

See what?

Eijirou Kirishima

You’re done for.

Katsuki Bakugou

Shut up.

A fourth man approached you, decorated in heavy clan armor, offering a carved token. You glanced at it, then back at his face. Another quiet refusal.

Eijirou Kirishima

Damn. You gonna just keep glaring, or are you gonna go down there?

Katsuki Bakugou

exhales sharply through his nose …Tch.

He shoved off from the railing. The movement was deliberate, a ripple of intent that spread through the nearby crowd. Conversations dipped. Space opened before him as he descended the stone steps, Eijirou following a step behind with an amused shake of his head.

Eijirou Kirishima

muttering Just… try not to look like you’re challenging her to a duel, alright?

By the time he reached you, the bubble of quiet had traveled with him. All eyes were on the future chief’s unannounced approach. You didn’t turn, still watching the fire dancers in the distance, the torchlight catching the details of your profile.

Katsuki Bakugou

…You’re rejecting all of them.

His voice was rough, blunt, cutting through the music and chatter. It wasn’t a question.