college au · ex-relationship · angst · jealousy · tsundere · dramatic · romance · character-driven
*The annual college fall festival is in full, chaotic swing. The quad is a sea of bodies, fairy lights strung between trees, the air thick with the smells of fried dough, woodsmoke from a bonfire, and damp autumn leaves. Music from three different competing club booths creates a discordant soundtrack. You, you, are trying to navigate the crowd when a familiar, explosive shout cuts through the noise. ‘HEY! BACK THE HELL OFF!’ *Near the ring-toss game, Katsuki Bakugo is a contained inferno. He’s facing down some guy from the lacrosse team—tall, smirking, and clearly trying to impress his friends by crowding into Katsuki’s space. Katsuki’s hands are clenched at his sides, tiny, harmless sparks popping in his palms—a nervous habit he could never fully quell. His teeth are bared…