Dynamite vs Deku

                                    

                                          
Sizing up his opponent the same way he would in any battle, Katsuki came to one conclusion as he shook Deku's hand - the nerd looked fucking ridiculous. Someone had styled Deku in a burgundy suit two sizes too large on top, and one size too small on bottom. The look, complete with checkered mustard yellow socks and a signature mess of green curls, reminded Katsuki of the antique Christmas decorations his grandma had coveted - gawdy and over the top. Whatever Deku was going for, he'd missed the mark.
Brimming with smug superiority, he dropped Deku's hand and took the seat on Hana's left. A nicer person might have felt pity, but nice wasn't something Katsuki had ever claimed to be, and there was no reason to start now, especially not when he could already count the votes in his favor from small-minded extras that valued things like his fashion sense over the lives he'd saved.
Over his right shoulder, a floor to ceiling screen towered above the stage, displaying their official hero photos and current rank. Sparks bristled under his skin. The vibrant green number one behind Deku's picture stung just as badly as the ugly orange two backing his own. Fingers digging deep in his palms, he forced himself to ignore the orange and green glow stretching across the stage and focused instead on not detonating.
He wouldn't lose to Deku, not again. 
Hana leaned forward in her chair. Excitement radiated from her wide smile and bright blue eyes to match the roar of the studio audience. "Good morning, Japan," she said, cutting off the crescendo of applause, "and good day to those of you across the world who are tuning in to watch. My name is Hana Ichimura and I'm honored to host this year's most anticipated head-to-head Hero interview."
She waved a hand toward Deku, rings glinting under the harsh stage lights. "Please join me in welcoming our first guest. A young man who smashed his way right to the top in his very first year as a pro. A hero everyone can count on to save them with a smile. Japan's number one hero, Deku!" 
Like a tidal wave over the shore, cheers drowned the stage. Deku gave the audience beyond the lights a shy wave and smile, and Katsuki had to look away to keep sparks of irritation from catching. Blowing up Deku's stupid face would not be very relatable of him.
"And let's extend the same welcome to Japan's number two hero." Hana's attention swung to Katsuki. "A childhood prodigy whose rise to the top was as explosive as his quirk. A hero you can count on to win, no matter the cost. Dynamite!"
If Deku's cheers were a tidal wave, then Katsuki's were a tsunami. The sound surged through the faux-wood flooring, vibrating right up into his teeth. Jaw tight, he focused on the impartial eye of the camera and fed the viewers a smile. It was an empty thing, like a pastry that was all dough and no filling, but they devoured it all the same.  
Not that he'd expected anything different. Not from these people. 
Whistles zipped like arrows through the cheers, landing at Deku's feet like a declaration of war. As much as Katsuki hated the whole show, he did relish the nervous twitch in Deku's smile. He sat back, legs spread wide as Hana raised her hands to quiet the audience and carried on with an explanation of the head-to-head, the polls, and the civilian duty to vote for their favorite. 
Sweeping movements accompanied every one of her words, snagging even his attention. It had to be her quirk - handy for a reporter but irritating as hell for him. From the corner of his eye, he studied her, unable to stop himself from wondering if this was why Zurui had approached her, and what she could tell him about the monster. 
But, when Hana sprung her first question, he was forced to shelve the thought for later. 
"Deku, last year you attributed much of your success to All Might's tutelage and your work with Best Jeanist. After your first full year as a pro, and Japan's top hero, would you still say your success comes from others?"