Before the exercise ended, Bakugo woke up in the nurse’s office. His head still hurts a bit. Whoever hit him is going to pay, but first, he needs to take stock of his location.
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To his right was a snoring Kirishima. He was a bit banged up, but he seemed fine. But to his left was…Deku.
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He looks fine, but for whatever reason, he’s still unconscious. But for once, he’s not his focus. It was his girlfriend who was staring daggers at him.
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Now it was clear who knocked him out.
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Bakugo: “You!”
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Kiri: “Me.”
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Before Bakugo could start something, the door opened to reveal Recovery Girl.
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Recovery Girl: “No! No fighting in my office, do you two understand?!”
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Bakugo: “Tch.”
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Kiri: “Fine.”
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Recovery Girl: “Good grief. Instead of being ready to fight, you should be counting your blessings. You could’ve been in a far worse state.”
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Bakugo: “Ha, Deku was the one in danger. I won our fight!”
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Kiri: “No, you didn’t.”
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Bakugo: “What the fuck did you say, ghost girl!?”
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Kiri: “That you’re a sore loser, bomb boy.”
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Bakugo: “Why you-”
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Recovery Girl: “She’s right, you know. You might have died if not for Midoriya.”
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Bakugo: “What the hell are you talking about!? I won our fight! I was barely damaged!”
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Recovery Girl: “That’s because he shielded you during the clash.”
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His eyes became pinpricks as she said that. It…couldn’t be.
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Bakugo: ‘He… what?’
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Recovery Girl: “I was also watching the battles, and a few seconds before the explosion, a green shield enveloped you.”
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Bakugo: “No… why would he-”
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Kiri: “You don’t deserve his kindness. You’re no better than a villain, lower than scum. You’re the one who deserves to di-”
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Recovery Girl: “Let’s not be so hasty to wish death on another, Tae. He’s still just a kid.”
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Kiri: “…No excuses.”
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The fact Recovery Girl is speaking to Kiri as if she’s an adult didn’t register. Instead, it was the cold hard facts of the battle.
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Bakugo: ‘If that’s true, then… I didn’t win. Not even close.’
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Bakugo: ‘Despite going all out, I-I… lost to… Deku!?’
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The young boy began to hyperventilate. The world didn’t make sense anymore. Even when he’s a pebble, even when Bakugo beats on him, Deku refuses to give up or leave him be.
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Yet again, Deku shows concern for him when he doesn’t need it.
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Or deserve it.
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He can’t accept that stray thought, not yet. Instead, one cornerstone is crumbling.
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Bakugo: ‘He’s… not a pebble anymore.’
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This fact is undeniable. Deku is no longer a mere pebble but a peer, a proper obstacle in his path.
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But with a quirk like his, with his rate of growth, won’t their positions reverse?
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The idea of being a pebble to the one he once disregarded and, at one time, cared for as a weak but loyal friend, it was too much.
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If not for Recovery Girl’s words, he would have shattered.
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Recovery Girl: “It would seem the exercise has concluded with the villain's victory, and everyone is returning to class. You are free to join them for the review.”
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Bakugo escaped his self-destructive spiral, but he had little strength to do much else. He got up, walked out, headed to the classroom and sat at his desk.
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In silence.
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Phoenix: “Here you are, again.”
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Izuku was floating in a void filled with stars and again looked up at those enormous green orbs.
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Izuku: “Haha, I guess Kacchan’s attack was stronger than I thought.”
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Phoenix: “You weren’t damaged that badly.”
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Izuku: “Then… why am I here? Is there something wrong?”
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Phoenix: “Not at the moment. Just a small concern.”
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Izuku: “What?”
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Phoenix: “Why did you defend that child?”
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Izuku: “Because… despite everything, I still don’t want to severely hurt Kacchan. I was… unsure if I could fully control Psi Explosion.”
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Phoenix: “So it’s okay for him to severely harm you?”
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Izuku: “…”
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Phoenix: “For what is coming, you’ll need to know which bridges to cross and which to burn. You must avoid baggage. The enemy will use it against you.”
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Izuku: “Kacchan is not baggage! Besides, what enemy are you talking about? Is it some villain?”
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Phoenix: “In a way. I foresee villains of this world will play a major role in what is come. But the future is ever shifting. You must be ready. Continue to grow strong; I’m counting on you.”
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Izuku: “R-Right.”
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Like before, the space begins to shake and collapse.
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It’s time to wake up.
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It took all she had to stop herself. It would be so easy to pop his head open like a-
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No! That’s not heroic!
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But he hurt onii-chan! MY ONII-CHAN!
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Kiri placed a hand on her forehead; it ached with some foreign emotion. But as she looked down at her beloved, it eased. As long as she was with him, and he accepted her, she would be happy.
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Nothing else mattered.
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She stroked his hair and smiled. She loved him. She really did.
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Then that strange feeling emerged in her chest again, stronger and more positive this time. It was warm and pleasant. Her eyes wandered to his lips, and an urge to touch them with her own slipped into her mind.
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She didn’t know why or what this meant. But she wanted to do it. So she slowly leaned down and closed her eyes.
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Izuku: “Mmmm.”
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For whatever reason, Kiri quickly backed away when she heard him waking up.
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Kiri: “I-Izuku?”
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Izuku: “Kiri, where am I? And… why are you blushing?”
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Kiri: “Blushing?”
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Izuku: “Your face is red.”
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Kiri: “I-I don’t know.”
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Recovery Girl: “You’re finally awake; good. Everyone is waiting for you in the classroom.”
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The two looked at Recovery Girl, who was sitting on a chair nearby. Whether she saw what Kiri was going to do, is unknown.
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Izuku: “So the exercise is over? Who won?”
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Recovery Girl: “Villains.”
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Izuku: “O-Oh.”
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Kiri could already feel him blaming himself. She grabbed his hand.
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Kiri: “It’s not your fault.”
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Izuku: “But if I tried harder and beat Kacchan… ”
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Kiri: “Doesn’t… mean you should blame yourself. You did the best you could. Exercise… a team effort. Shouldn’t… carry all the burden.”
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Izuku smiles at her, a sight that deepens the red in her cheeks.
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Izuku: “Thank you, Kiri.”
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She feels his thumb rub the top of her hand. She returns the smile and suppresses the urge to touch his lips again.
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Recovery Girl: “Aw, you two are adorable.”
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Kiri: “Nh.”
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Izuku doesn’t even try to argue this time. He’ll clear it up soon, but right now he should get back to class.
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Izuku: “So we’re free to go?”
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Recovery Girl: “Yep, your flames did most of the work. It’s actually strange that you didn’t wake up sooner.”
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Izuku: “Haha, y-yeah, strange. Let’s go, Kiri.”
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Kiri: “Nh.”
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The two left the office and began the short walk back to class. All the while, Kiri held onto Izuku’s hand. But, she wanted more. So she leaned her head on his shoulder, nuzzling it.
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Izuku: “You’re being very… affectionate.”
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Kiri: “Nh. I… like it. Do… you?”
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Izuku: “I… don’t mind it. But I don’t want the misunderstanding to continue.”
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Kiri: “…Would it…be so bad?”
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Izuku: “Kiri, we talked about this.”
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Kiri: “…I know. But… at home?”
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Izuku sighed but accepted her proposal. There’s nothing wrong with simple affectionate gestures between siblings. What’s the worst that can happen?
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Izuku: “That’s fine.”
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Kiri: “… Okay.”
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She can accept that, for now. So she removes her hand and head from her beloved onii-chan. The warmth was gone but only for a while. The school day was almost over after all.
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After remembering to change back into their school uniforms, the duo opened the door to the classroom. Everyone was sitting down except for Aizawa, who seemed ready to leave.
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Aizawa: “Finally here, sit down.”
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Izuku could tell some people wanted to talk to him. Either about the epic fight or just because they were worried. But Aizawa’s presence shut that stuff down; he wanted to get this done and go to sleep.
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Aizawa: “I saw the footage and took the liberty of looking at all of your evaluations. You can look at them at your own time, but there are some things to discuss.”
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Aizawa: “First, who do you all did the best in this exercise?”
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“Yaoyorozu!”
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Momo: “Achoo!”
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The answer was immediate. So much so, that the now-sick Momo couldn’t register it right away.
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Momo: “W-Wait, me?”
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Jiro: “Yeah, you did great.”
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Ida: “A true hero we all can learn from!”
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Mina: “You were so cool, Yaomomo.”
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Momo: “But I… lost. How could I have the highest marks? I think Todoroki deserves it more.”
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Aizawa: “Yes, but you demonstrated the traits every hero should have. Prioritizing the safety of the citizens and a strong will. Even when the odds were against you, you fought on anyway.”
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Momo: “I… don’t know what to say.”
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Izuku: “He’s right; you even came up with the plan. It didn’t work because I… messed up.”
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Sero & Uraraka: “We did too.”
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Izuku: “But the plan was solid. You were the most heroic person in the field. Don’t doubt that.”
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Momo: “T-Thank you, Midoriya. I appreciate it.”
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He gives him a sweet smile that nearly makes the poor boy blush. But the moment was interrupted by Aizawa.
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Aizawa: “Speaking of mess ups, Midoriya and Bakugo.”
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The two stiffened up when their names were called.
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Aizawa: “Everyone, except maybe Tae, who was more interested in training Kirishima,-”
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Kirishima: “Thanks by the way.”
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Kiri: “Nh.”
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Aizawa: “-Understood the spirit of exercise. But you two clearly have unresolved issues. We won’t ask you to get along, but it has no place in hero work.”
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Aizawa: “During your overly destructive battle, you almost hurt one of your classmates. If it weren’t for Kaminari, Jiro could have been seriously hurt or even killed. Do you understand?”
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The two could only nod; Izuku couldn’t even look in the direction of Jiro. More than anything, he felt shame that he failed to be the hero he swore to be.
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As for Jiro, she felt a bit upset at both of them. But she won’t hold it against Izuku; he seems like a good guy who just made a mistake.
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Jiro: ‘Don’t know about Bakugo. He was clearly the aggressor in that fight.’
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Aizawa: “I expect better from both of you. This isn’t a schoolyard fight anymore; this is the real world. Take better care to keep track of your surroundings.”
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They nodded once more.
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Aizawa: “Good, now, I’m tired. Class dismissed.”
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The class dispersed mostly silently, the somber atmosphere discouraging any jovial antics.
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But before leaving, Izuku does what he has to do. He goes to Jiro and bows.
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Izuku: “I’m sorry! There is no excuse; I should have noticed you or kept the collateral damage to a minimum. I’m sorry!”
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Jiro: “Dude, it’s fine. Just be more careful next time, okay?”
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Izuku: “Of course! I won’t let something like that happen again. See you tomorrow, Jiro.”
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With that done, Izuku ran back to Kiri, who was waiting for him nearby. Didn’t erase the guilt, only motivated him further to do better. So others won’t be burdened by his existence, never again.
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He didn’t notice Kiri furrowing her brows, feeling her beloved depressing thoughts.
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Bakugo was walking out of the school lifelessly. But as he sees Deku and Kiri walk ahead of him, ignoring him, it brought it all back.
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The idea that he doesn’t matter anymore. That he is the pebble instead. He couldn’t stand it!
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Bakugo: “Deku!”
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Kiri turned around and glared at Bakugo. It was one filled with so much bloodlust, that even Bakugo had to take a step back. But it faded instantly when Deku gently pushed her aside to face him.
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Izuku: “Kacchan.”
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They stared each other down for a moment before Bakugo broke down first.
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Bakugo: “Why?”
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Izuku: “What?”
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Bakugo: “Why did you protect me, damn it!? Do you think I’m weak? Do you think I couldn’t handle your attack?! Do you think so little of me!?”
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For the first time, Izuku snapped. Good thing everyone else was already gone, because he has words.
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Izuku: “And what if I do?! You’ve looked down on me for years, all because I didn’t have a quirk. Well, guess what? I have one now; I was a late bloomer, and my quirk is powerful! I have every right to think less of you!”
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Bakugo was stunned. Deku, scared little Deku, the one who always followed behind him, said something like that.
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Izuku: “But… that’s not who I am. I don’t think you’re less than me, I’m not you. I know you’re not weak; you’re still one of the strongest people I know. But I shielded you because, even now, I don’t want to severely hurt you.”
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Bakugo wants to scoff, to say that Deku couldn’t hurt him that badly. But something is stuck in his throat; that lie couldn’t emerge.
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Izuku: “That’s what has changed, Kacchan, I’m not weak anymore. I’m not a quirkless pebble.”
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Bakugo: “You-”
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Izuku: “But that doesn’t mean you’re below me either. We’re both after the same dream, right?! Being the number 1 hero! And next time, I’ll beat you for real to prove I can be number 1!”
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Bakugo: “Huh?! You’ll beat me for real?! Today, you did beat me, ass-clown!! But…that doesn’t change anything!”
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Bakugo: “You’re listening?! From here on out, I’ll never lose to you again! I’m gonna be the number 1 hero, not you! I’ll even surpass All Might! Just watch me!”
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Bakugo stormed off, making sure to hide the tears coming out of his eyes.
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Deku looks on and… smiles. For an instant, the Kacchan he admired returned. The symbol of victory and indomitable will.
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He won’t forgive Kacchan for everything he has done to him. But everyone deserves a second chance, right?
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After all, they are finally on the same level playing field.
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But not everyone feels the same; Kiri watched the scene and felt… disgust.
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How could her beloved onii-chan still care for that lowlife?! Regardless of what he thinks, she will deal with the problem if it acts up again.
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