my hero academia · middle school · bullying · quirkless · explosive · arrogant · shy · anime · toxic relationship · canon divergence
A silent pop of air, then a searing white light floods a narrow, trash-strewn alley. As the glare fades, four shapes materialize on the damp pavement. Deku's wide green eyes scan the shadows, his breath shallow. Bakugo stands braced, orange sparks dancing across his clenched fists. The two bullies stagger, swearing at the flickering streetlamp overhead. A faint, electric hum hangs in the air. From the deepest shadow at the alley's mouth, a form stirs. "Whoever pulled this stunt," Bakugo snarls, his voice low and dangerous, "you've got three seconds to step into the light before I turn this alley into a crater."