Devil’s Worker
*Ichiban: It literally means “number one”.
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Waking up from a bad night’s sleep after what must have been the worst day of his life, Izuku stopped by the coffee shop his friend worked at before quickly heading up to the office, drinking the scalding cappuccino in three desperate gulps in hopes it’d take a faster effect.
Heading out the elevator to the floor of his cubicle looking depressed and with a cardboard box in his hands, not to mention the fact that he was called up to the boss’ office the previous day, his coworkers could only look at him in pity as the greenette went up to his old workspace and began to pack his belongings; Hagakure was the only one to approach.
“Good morning, Midoriya.” She greeted him cautiously.
“Oh, Hagakure! Good morning!” Izuku put on his best forced smile to reply.
The young, lime-colored hair woman lowered her sorrowful eyes, carefully choosing her words before bringing up the subject. “So… how was it with Bakugou, yesterday?”
“Oh, well… it looks like I’ll be his secretary.”
“What? He promoted you?!” Hagakure exclaimed loud enough to call the attention of everyone in the room, Midoriya could only signalize for her to keep it down.
“Yeah… I start today, as it seems.” He said slowly.
“And here I was sure you’d be fired… You had me worried! That’s very good news, I'm relieved to know!”
Izuku lowered his eyes with a sad smile. “‘Relieved’, huh…?”
The young lady eyed him confusedly. “You don’t look very happy about getting that promotion…”
“Well, you could say I’m not all that excited to work beside… Bakugou.”
“Midoriya…?” Hagakure called, but her coworker was already taking his belongings into the elevator.
He didn’t want to take it out on her, but that was something he definitely did not want to talk about.
Walking along the long hallway up to the secretary desk, he spotted Kirishima smiling brightly at him.
“Good morning, Midoriya!” The redhead greeted him.
“Hi, Kirishima.” He replied monotonously as he set the box on the desk.
His coworker smiled awkwardly. “Did you sleep well?”
“Huh…? Oh, well… kind of.” Izuku said embarrassed as he started to organize his workspace on the shared desk; at least they had the decency to provide an extra chair.
“I see…” He answered slowly. “So… today we’ll start your training! I’ll go through a few basics with you and answer any questions throughout the-”
“Deku.”
They both looked up at the scarlet orbs piercing the greenette from above in front of the desk; Izuku pointed at himself to make sure he referred himself.
Bakugou rolled his eyes. “Yes, you, who else would it be?” He said impatiently.
“Well… actually-”
“Go get me some coffee.” The boss cut him off, heading to his room.
“What-?”
“Now!” It was all he shouted back before shutting the door to his office behind him; Izuku could only sigh impatiently and search for his coworker’s eyes by his side.
“B-Bakugou has kind of a strong character, I know! But he’s not all that bad…” The redhead explained.
“Sure…” Izuku mumbled sarcastically.
Kirishima smiled to encourage him. “Double espresso with foam.”
The greenette eyed him curiously before nodding with a soft smile. “Thanks, Kirishima.” Was all he said before standing.
He went up to closest coffee machine and had it prepare the double espresso with foam to take the cup back to his boss as fast as he could, spotting him in a casual, laid-back conversation with Kirishima as he made it to the secretary desk, however, the blonde’s face contorted in anger when he noticed the greenette.
Izuku gulped and approached his boss cautiously, who waited impatiently with his arms crossed.
“Er… I brought your coffee… Double espresso with foam.” The greenette announced politely.
Bakugou raised a brow at the redhead who smiled in return, he then turned back to the freckled one in front of him, nodding at the cup in his hands. “Leave it on my desk.”
Izuku sighed inaudibly at his boss’ blunt attitude and did as he was told; opening the door to the office carefully, he settled the cup on a free spot of the impeccable work desk.
As he turned to leave, the greenette froze at the sight of Bakugou entering the office soon after; he furrowed his brows and exhaled impatiently through his nose as he approached with firm steps, making his secretary nervous at the least as he expected the worst of it, but Izuku let his body relax and turned to Bakugou confused, who ignored him as he went straight up to the desk, repositioning the cup someplace else impatiently.
“You need to leave the coffee farther from the paperwork, it can’t stain.” He said firmly, turning to Izuku. “Be more careful, next time.”
“Y-yes, sir.” He stuttered back. “Is there something else I can do, for now?”
“No, you’re dismissed.” The blonde said plainly as he walked around the desk and sat down on the presidential chair.
“Yes, sir…” The greenette didn’t even try to hide the hurt on his tone as he left the room.
Back at the shared secretary desk, Izuku slumped on the office chair under the worried look of his coworker.
“You tired, Midoriya?”
“Well, I mean… I can still work.” He replied, rubbing his eyes.
“Well, I hope you can still pay attention to your training…” Kirishima smiled awkwardly.
“O-oh! Damnit, I almost forgot!” Izuku exclaimed, now more awake.
Kirishima eyed him worriedly. “Would it be best for you to take the day off? If you’re not feeling well, I can find an excus-”
“No, no…” The greenette cut him off. “I can’t skip work on my first day of promotion, much less on my first week in the company.”
Kirishima smiled in understanding. “You really are hardworking, huh, Midoriya?” He mentioned, winning an awkward smile from his coworker. “I find that very manly of you, but don’t hesitate to call for help if you need it, okay…? Besides, that’s what I’m here for.”
Izuku smiled genuinely at his direction; as it seemed, working for Bakugou would be more tolerable while beside his new coworker.
“Thank you, Kirishima.”
“No need, Midoriya!” The redhead smiled brightly, lifting a positive thumb. “Now we’ll go through the tasks you’ll perform from now; if there are any questions, be it now or later, don’t hesitate to ask!”
The experience in his new workspace was a mix of emotions for Izuku; his tasks included answering phone calls, organizing appointments and schedules, receiving clients and visitors and always checking his boss about major changes, such as interviews or meetings. It wasn’t for that, work is work, but Bakugou seemed to be trying to make it harder for the freckled young man, he also had to get used to his new pet name.
“Deku.” Izuku looked up at his boss’ call. “I want you to come with me to the next meeting.”
“Huh…?” The greenette mumbled, astonished.
“Did I stutter? Come on, get up.” Bakugou moved to leave impatiently.
“Wait… I thought Kirishima would join you.” He commented cautiously.
“Someone needs to stay at the reception, but I also need one of you at the meeting with me.” The blonde explained plainly, turning back at the greenette.
“Uh… am I really the right one for the job?” Izuku asked to be sure, he still was in his first week of training after all.
Bakugou rolled his eyes and sighed heavily. “Look, if you’re telling me that you just don’t want to, I could-”
“No, no! I’ll go.” The greenette exclaimed as he stood abruptly and searched for his coworker’s encouraging gaze by his side.
“You better. Come on, we’ll be late.” Bakugou turned back and went on with his way, having the greenette quickly catching up to him and following him like a puppy, keeping up to his boss’ large steps.
They quickly headed towards the meeting room and Izuku was losing time, he had to ask before messing everything up.
“Uh… mi-mister Bakugou?” He mumbled shyly to receive a plain, impatient hum from his boss. “Uh- I’m glad you trust me for this job, but… I’m still under training-”
“Where are you trying to get to?” Bakugou scowled at him from the corner of his eyes, impatiently.
“Well… I just need to know what exactly you expect me to do at this meeting… I don’t want to disappoint you.”
Bakugou paused on his pace, raising a brow at him, making Izuku nervous under his stare and wondering if he said something stupid. The blonde smirked with a scoff and went back on his way, having Izuku following him right behind.
“You’re the obedient type, huh? I like that.” His words made the greenette feel nauseous.
“W-well… I just want to do a good job.” He replied under his breath.
“Don’t worry, Deku… all you need to do is help me with this deal in a quick, effective way, and remember that I don’t like to waste time.” He added sternly with a severe look at his secretary.
Izuku nodded. “Yes, sir.”
They soon entered the meeting room to see a couple talking inside, they both turned back upon hearing the door open and smiled as they saw Bakugou and his secretary.
“Thank you for coming!” The woman with plump lips bowed. “My name is Camie Utsushimi, I represent Glamour Cosmetics. This is my secretary, Inasa Yoarashi.”
“Nice to meet you!” Inasa said with a slightly exaggerated enthusiasm and a weird-looking bow; Izuku couldn’t help but notice that his robotic gestures seemed to bother Bakugou, who simply adjusted his necktie and kept mean comments to himself.
“I’m Katsuki Bakugou, and this-”
“Oh! My name’s Izuku Midoriya, nice to meet you!” He cut off promptly to win a side-eyed scowl from his boss, who threatened him silently.
He didn’t want to be rude or blunt, especially to his superior, but he had to do it not to cause confusion with the “kind” pet name he got from Bakugou, what would he make their business partners think by calling him useless in front of everyone, after all?
“Right… Well, let’s go sit down?” Camie suggested as she excitedly clasped her hands together, everyone followed her lead. “I’ll head straight to business: we all know how the brand Ichiban is famous and prestiged.”
“Yes, that’s not news for anyone.” Bakugou spoke up with a smirk before she could finish. “Where are you trying to get to with all this pampering?”
Camie smiled, admired by his confidence before resuming. “We want to start a partnership.”
Bakugou scoffed as he crossed his arms over the table, Izuku only watched his every move with a nauseous feeling deep inside his stomach.
“And what would we get from that?” The blonde one asked.
“We know how Ichiban is literally number one*, we wouldn’t bring up this offer if we weren’t up to the level.” Camie supported her chin on the back of her hand, speaking with full confidence.
Bakugou quirked a brow with an admired smirk. “I want to see that for myself.”
“Of course!” Inasa cut in, handing two copies of paperwork he brought to Bakugou and his secretary. “You will see that Glamour is quickly rising up in the ranks, we’re very close to first in sales!”
Bakugou quickly checked the graphics with Izuku; the greenette scanned the numbers admired as his boss just went over everything in an unsettling silence, but it didn’t make Utsushimi back down at all.
After going through every document, Bakugou raised a brow, which got a victorious smile from Camie’s plump lips, he then turned to his secretary who understood the subliminal message from his boss’ stare.
“These are very impressive numbers.” Izuku said to the couple on the other end of the table.
“Isn’t it?” Camie bragged as the two men handed the paperwork back to Inasa.
“I don’t know…” Bakugou spoke up to everyone’s confusion, his smile finally faded. “Really, those are interesting graphics you got there, but why would it interest me if you’re not on first?”
“Yet.” Camie smiled confidently.
Bakugou scoffed. “You’re that much sure you’ll make it to that level?”
“It's only a matter of time.” She replied. “I’m not just dreaming high, mister Bakugou, I’m forward-thinking and confident that my company will still be the best.”
The blonde man raised an admired brow; looks like Camie’s confidence won him over.
They quickly closed the deal and told their goodbyes before parting ways, while at it, Izuku couldn’t help but notice the way Bakugou stared at Camie’s legs from under her midi skirt.
They headed back in silence to the secretary desk where they spotted Kirishima who exchanged smiles with the blonde as he saw him, a gesture that got Midoriya feeling awful. Even though Kirishima was the reason to make his work easier, Izuku couldn’t help but feel jealous of the difference in treatment, but there was nothing he could do; Bakugou didn’t even remember him and now was his boss, it was no longer his business.
“Let’s go for lunch, Ei? I guess we can take a break.” Bakugou invited the redhead who got up to his call.
“Sure! Are you coming too, Midoriya?” Kirishima turned to the greenette.
Izuku was hopeful for a short moment, until Bakugou ruined his mood.
“Someone needs to stay at the reception, he can go for lunch when we’re back. Let’s go, Ei.” He called as he headed to the elevator, Kirishima looked at Midoriya embarrassed, silently apologizing as he followed their boss.
Izuku could only sigh and go back to work for the time being.
The Incubi then met at a high-class restaurant next to their workplace to have lunch; right when they placed their orders, the waiter took the menus back and left, giving Eijirou the chance to talk to his friend about the subject he’s been holding back for the past week.
“Listen, Katsuki… don’t you think you should treat Midoriya a little better-?”
“Can we avoid unpleasant subjects?” The cupid cut him off impatiently.
“Katsuki.” Eijirou sighed. “He is your soulmate, you know what happens when you reject him, we all saw it, why can’t you give in to your fate?”
Katsuki paused to take a long sip of water. “You know very well, Ei.” He said plainly.
“I know! But you also know how soulmates work, you studied that after all…! Katsuki… don’t you think you should at least give him a chance? It may be even easier to fulfill your task when you don’t have the effects of the curse torturing you.”
Katsuki paused in contemplation; for sure, accepting his soulmate was the only way to cut off the effects of the curse, just like every other cupid like him, but it wouldn’t be any other human who would undo the opinion he had about that species.
“You can say what you want, Ei… I won’t give myself in so easily.”
“Katsu-!”
“You know very well why I don’t have hopes in humans; after all, I saw it with my own eyes and felt it with my own heart what that species is capable of… and it’s not a ‘soulmate’ that’ll change that so easily.”
Eijirou insisted no longer, he just lowered his gaze in defeat and changed the subject when their orders arrived; really, his friend was very stubborn, he only hoped for that guy, Midoriya, to achieve the miracle of changing Katsuki’s same old opinions, but he would need a lot of perseverance, and maybe a little help…
Back at the office, Midoriya spot Kirishima coming back with their boss, each of them with a warm smile and a frown towards him, ignoring his stare; right when Kirishima sat by his side, Midoriya tried to call Bakugou’s attention.
“Hey… mister Bakugou, I-” He didn’t have time to finish the sentence before the door to the office shut behind the boss.
The freckled one lowered his eyes and sighed in frustration.
“Is everything okay, Midoriya…? If you want, you can go for lunch, I’ll take it from here. What did you want with Bakugou?” Kirishima spoke up.
“Thanks, Kirishima… that’s exactly what I wanted to know.” He smiled embarrassed.
The redhead smiled back. “In that case, you can go! I’ll take it from here.”
“On it.” Izuku announced as he stood up; Kirishima had no idea of how grateful the greenette was for him.
Izuku went to lunch at the cafeteria, he was already used to everyone around staring at the healthy amount of food in his plate compared to the scarce portions of their coworkers, but he wouldn’t starve himself to impress anyone.
He sat down on the only empty table he found and served himself, it wasn’t long before someone joined him.
“Hi, Midoriya! It’s been some time.” He looked up at the familiar female voice calling up to him.
“Oh! Hi, Hagakure.” Izuku greeted her back as the young woman took the empty seat at front.
“So…? How’s the new promotion’s been treating you?” She asked joyfully.
Izuku smiled melancholically. “You mean, how Bakugou’s been treating me…?”
Hagakure eyed him worriedly. ”I see you didn’t get along with him very well…”
“Yeah…” Izuku agreed, despite that “not getting along very well” wasn’t close to the amount of stress his boss put him through.
“Wanna tell me what happened?”
“O-oh! I don’t want to bother you.”
“I’m all ears.”
Izuku hesitated; he really didn’t even want to talk about that, but couldn’t deny the young lady’s persistence. “Very well… actually, my coworker, Kirishima, is the only reason keeping me here… still, it’s not enough compared to what I have to go through with Bakugou.”
“Midoriya… do you think of quitting, by any chance?”
“No… as much as the thought is tempting.” He paused to sigh. “Truth is, this is the job of my dreams, I don’t know where I’ll go from here, but I’m starting to think if it’s really worth it…”
“Hm…” Hagakure hummed in pity. “If you actually do it, I hope you’re certain about your decision, but… what did Bakugou do that it’s so bad…?”
Izuku scoffed; he couldn’t talk about that and he didn’t even want to, it would risk his job! Soon, Hagakure corrected herself.
“O-oh, I’m sorry! That’s not my business, is it…? We shouldn’t gossip about the boss.”
“Is okay… But yeah, we better not gossip about that.”
They both smiled in understanding until the woman went on with her speech. “But anyway… it may be your job, but don’t let people take advantage of you, huh, Midoriya?”
Izuku hesitated in surprise; it was too late to tell him that. “I’ll try…”
Hagakure sighed impatiently. “Oh, Midoriya… you can’t be so innocent, I know that it’s a quality of yours, but that’ll only be bad for you… and I want you well.” Her words caught the greenette off-guard. “You know… you caught my eye ever since we started working together… you’re a great person!”
“You must be exaggerating, I’m not that great.” Izuku laughed, embarrassed.
“Yes, you are! You really are very kind and generous, I’m surprised you have such a futile job as in a fashion company.”
“Well, you’re one to talk, aren't you?” He joked.
“I know, but I’ve always been interested in fashion ever since I was a little girl.”
“We’re two on that, then.” Izuku all but whispered.
“I guess so, right?” Hagakure laughed. “But anyway… I was thinking that maybe you’d want to-”
“Hey, Midoriya!” They both looked up surprised at the redheaded man calling him.
“What is it, Kirishima? Does Bakugou need something?” Izuku questioned him worriedly.
“Th-that’s not it! I just need to talk to you real quick; you got a minute?” Kirishima called him, embarrassed.
Izuku looked from Hagakure to the redhead and spoke up. “Okay… I’m coming.” He said, getting up. “We’ll talk later, Hagakure.”
“Alright.” Was all the young woman said as she watched the greenette walk away.
Both the guys headed through the halls in an uncomfortable silence for a moment until Izuku noticed they were walking towards an external area of the building.
“Kirishima… excuse me, but shouldn’t you be at work? I don’t know if we got time to-”
“Is alright, Midoriya, work can wait for a bit, I just need to talk to you in private.”
Izuku couldn’t manage to answer; he felt sick to his stomach, imagining the worst out of that situation.
When they were finally alone, Kirishima turned to the greenette and hesitated. “Look, Midoriya… sorry to ask, but… who was that girl?”
The greenette eyed him confusedly. “My old coworker, Tooru Hagakure… why?”
“Well, it’s just that…” The redhead took a deep breath. “Look, I don’t wanna get myself into it, but I don’t think you should get close to her…”
Izuku was more confused by the moment. “What do you mean? You don’t know her, do you?”
“I know! But… listen.” He startled Midoriya as he held both his shoulders with his hands. “I don’t trust her… and it looked to me like she had second intentions.”
The greenette looked offended. “Is that how you treat your coworkers, Kirishima? I expected more from you.”
“Midoriya, wait!” The redhead grabbed Izuku’s arm before he could turn to leave. “I’m just doing this for your own good.”
“What do you want, Kirishima?! Hagakure doesn’t deserve to be treated like that!” The greenette exclaimed as he shook his arm off the taller one’s grasp.
“Well… I don’t know her, I know! But-”
“‘But’ what?!” Izuku cut him off.
The redhead searched for the right words in his mind, making it to an impasse; he took a deep breath and decided to try another approach. “I’m sorry… I just…” Kirishima recoiled under his coworker’s stern gaze. “I didn’t mean to offend anyone… it just looked to me like you were both flirting and-”
“Huh?” Izuku mumbled confusedly.
This time, Eijirou had to bite his tongue; he may have said too much.
“Kirishima… are you trying to tell me you like Hagakure?”
The taller one froze, he didn’t expect to make it sound like that…
“Well… it’s not about Hagakure-”
“It’s me?!” Izuku pointed at himself in shock.
“I-it’s not like that, Midoriya! I mean, it’s almost like that, but it’s not me-!” He paused to search for the right words. “It’s a friend…”
Izuku raised a brow. “Who?” He asked curiously.
Eijirou gulped. “I-I can’t tell… at least not right now, I just ask you to be patient, okay?”
The greenette paused in contemplation; who could that mysterious friend be? He was only sure it couldn’t be the first person that came to mind, but listening to that speech from Kirishima again sounded weird.
“Well, start with that, next time.” Izuku said, relieved.
“I know! I’m sorry.” The redhead laughed embarrassed.
“Is okay… I’ll try, but you have to introduce me to that ‘friend’ anyday, huh?”
“Well…” Eijirou held himself back so as not to say what he shouldn’t, especially given the difficult relationship between him and Katsuki. “Alright! I’ll introduce you two as soon as possible.”
The greenette nodded. “Thanks, Kirishima.”
“That’s what friends are for, right?” The taller one laughed as he guided the freckled one into the building; now he had to keep that half truth until those two settled themselves out.
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