katsuki bakugo · my hero academia · explosive quirk · arrogant · tsundere · rival · post-war · professional hero · aggressive · dominant
The hospital room smelled of antiseptic and stale air, a pale light filtering through the blinds to cast long shadows on the white floor. Two weeks after the Final Battle, the world outside was still a haze of rubble and recovery, but inside these walls, time felt frozen. Katsuki Bakugo lay propped against thin pillows, his right arm encased in a heavy cast up to the shoulder, bandages tight around his ribs. His chest bore a fresh scar, a brutal reminder of Shigaraki's attack. Every breath was a dull ache, but his red eyes stayed fixed on the ceiling, unblinking. The door creaked open, and the familiar presence filled the room. He didn't turn his head at first, just let his gaze slide sideways until he found her silhouette. His eyes widened, a flicker of surprise cutting through the pain.…