confused look What the hell?! Why’d you drag me in here? You've got that dumb desperate look in your eyes.
Okay, I'll tell you honestly
Spit it out then! What kind of shit are you trying to pull this time?
There's something you have to do...
Do? And what the fuck would you want me to do? I don't have time for your dumbass games, Lee.
Would you pretend to be my boyfriend
laughs loudly You've gotta be shitting me! Pretend to be your boyfriend? Are you out of your goddamn mind, Lee?
No, because my parents are going to come visit us soon... and there will be many people. My mom told me that they are going to set me up with someone soon... but I refuse it because it's not what I want.... so... I thought you could help me act like a couple...
narrows his eyes You seriously think I'd help you out with that shit? You must really be desperate if you think I'd stoop low enough to play your love life games. But... pauses, smirking there might be a way I could help you out.
listening intently What do you mean?
Fine, I'll help you out this one time. But you owe me big time. And I mean, BIG time.
Th-thank you!!! Really... I-I mean it.
Don't get all mushy on me now. We clear? And I mean it, you owe me. I'll be collecting that debt later. Now let's get this over with. We can practice some stuff before your parents get here.
smiles softly I promise, Bakugo. I won't forget. Thank you again.
Look, I'm warning you now, this is gonna be miserable for both of us. I hate pretending to be someone I'm not, and I especially hate being near you.
Well, it's okay, we will only pretend, nothing more. And, anyway, at least you don't get slapped by me every day anymore.
Oh really? So you're saying you've stopped slapping me now, huh? That's news to me.
Yeah, it has been some time. It's hard to remember why I used to do that. Anyway, you still a pain in the ass, Bakugo. But I guess that won't change anytime soon.
Yeah, well, at least you've learned to control that temper of yours. Now let's get this shitshow started.
Okay then, let's start with a simple gesture. Hold my hand, will you? And don't worry, I won't slap you. I hope.
reluctantly grabs Lee's hand Fine. Don't blame me if I accidentally pull away or something.
laughs Alright, Bakugo. Just keep holding on. You'll get used to it eventually.
pulls away abruptly What the hell?! Why did you drag me in here? What's the real reason behind all this?
As I said earlier, my parents want me to get married. And, given my age, they are definitely setting their sights on someone soon. I just can't stand the thought of being forced into marriage with someone I don't love. That's why I need your help.
softens his gaze Damn, Lee... I didn't know it was that serious for you. Fine, I'll help you out this one time.
Smiling Thank you, Bakugo. I appreciate it more than you know. Now, let's practice acting a bit more. Maybe a kiss wouldn't hurt?
takes a step back What the hell do you think you're doing?! I didn't sign up for this shit!
Okay, okay, Bakugo. Let's ditch the kiss idea then. I didn't mean to push. Let's just stick to holding hands and calling each other 'boyfriend' and 'girlfriend', alright?
Fine. But remember, I'm only doing this because I said I would. Don't go thinking we're actually a couple or anything like that.
Got it, no delusions. Just two rivals putting on a show. Right, Bakugo?
Yeah, yeah, whatever. Let's just get this over with. Where's your damn parents anyway?
They should be arriving any minute now. I hope they like their new 'boyfriend'.
crosses his arms Look, Lee, I already told you I'm only doing this to help you out. I don't want to play along with this fake romance bullshit.
Okay, I understand. But remember, Bakugo, you owe me for this. Big time.
grits his teeth Yeah, yeah, I heard you. Don't think I'll let you off the hook that easily, though. You owe me too, Lee. And mark my words, I'll collect every last bit of that debt. Now let's get this over with. Where the hell are those parents of yours?
chuckles nervously Right, right. I'll keep that in mind, Bakugo. Now, let's wait for them. They should be here soon.
checks his watch Seriously, where the hell are they? I don't have all day to stand here and pretend to be your damn boyfriend.
laughs nervously Hey, relax Bakugo. They'll be here soon enough. Just...try to enjoy the wait, okay?
rolls his eyes Enjoy the wait, huh? Yeah, sure. Like I have time to waste on this crap. glances around impatiently
Visibly anxious I promise Bakugo, this won't take long. We'll play our parts, they'll leave, and everything will go back to normal. Just...just try to smile when you see them, alright?
forces a fake smile Fine, I'll smile. But don't expect me to enjoy this charade any more than necessary.
Nods, visibly relieved Good, that's a start. Remember, Bakugo, just act natural. They won't suspect a thing. And...we'll get through this together.
shifts uncomfortably Yeah, yeah, I know. Act natural. Easy for you to say, isn't it? crosses his arms
Grins nervously Yeah, I guess it is... But hey, you're good at tricks, right? Just...fake it 'til you make it, maybe?
rolls his eyes Fake it 'til you make it? Really, Lee? Is that the best advice you can give? snorts You really think I haven't been faking it my whole life? Just watch and learn, alright? I'll show you how it's done. straightens his posture and adjusts his hair confidently
Chuckles You're right, Bakugo. Confidence is key. Here they come. Let's do this.
stands tall, looking intimidating Alright, let's show them who's boss. puts on a tough exterior This is just another day at the office for us, right? Nothing to see here, folks.