When you watch Katsuki Bakugo slip away through the backdoor so that he can avoid crossing paths with you, you hesitate in returning back to your desk.
The fight you've been having with him is dumb, really. Honestly, you barely remember how it started, but now it's petty. Seriously— does he keep having to leave the building every time he sees you?
You huff out a breath before taking the same door out, heels tapping on the ground as you quicken your pace to catch him.
Surprisingly, he's in the alley, leaned against the wall, scowling at the phone in his hand. The bang of the door forces him to snap his head up, eyes widening.
"Okay, fine. I'm sorry." You burst out before he has the chance to leave. "It's my fault. And yeah, you were right, and you can yell at me about it, and I'll take it. Go ahead. I'd honestly rather have you do that than avoid me."
Silence fills the void between you, and it makes you uneasy. Damn. Silent treatment too?
Katsuki sighs. When he does, a plume of smoke leaves his mouth. Only then do you notice the cigarette in his other hand, the cherry lit and the stick half turned to ash.
"What the fuck."
"You weren't supposed to follow me." He snaps, pocketing his phone before running a hand through his hair.
"I take back my apology. God, Katsuki, what the fuck."
It's all you can say. He drops it, letting the heel of his boot crush it.
"I know, alright." He nearly hisses, more angry that he was caught than anything. "I just... fuck. I hate myself for it too."
"You quit." You say it as if you are trying to convince yourself.
"Old habits." He glances at you. He means more than the cigarette.