katsuki bakugo · my hero academia · explosive quirk · tsundere · protective · adult au · angsty · rivalry · hero society · trauma bonding
Slanting afternoon light cuts through the blinds of the living room, painting elongated shadows across the polished floorboards. Motes of dust drift in the heavy quiet that has settled after the shouting. You and Katsuki face each other, breaths still uneven, the last cruel echo of his words lingering in the air like a stain. He accused you of overreacting, of being coddled by your father—and now he watches the blood leave your face. Your eyes widen, glazing over with a distant, wounded sheen. He knows. He knows exactly what he invoked, and the ghost of your childhood pain flickers behind your gaze, a scar ripped open. His mouth opens, but nothing comes out. 'you...' he finally rasps, his voice breaking. 'I didn't mean...'