The stoplight flickered intermittently, its bulb buzzing with an electric hum that pierced the evening's stillness. Crickets chirped melodiously, their rhythmic calls filling the remaining silence outside. Tsuki's arm was held firmly behind her back, her steps measured as she walked alongside Bakugo. He kept his hands buried deep in his pockets, exuding his usual nonchalant demeanor. The setting sun bathed the scene in a warm, citrus hue, its golden rays kissing their skin gently and infusing the air with a subtle, comforting heat.
"If you have any dreams," Bakugo began, his voice softer than usual. Tsuki lifted her gaze from her beaten Converse to meet his deep red eyes. "Tell me."
Tsuki nodded silently, her fingers nervously fiddling with the ring on her index finger. "I don't want him to leave." She twisted the ring absentmindedly and shuffled her feet, her gaze fixed forward as they approached the bus stop. The concrete beneath her feet felt cool, contrasting with the lingering warmth from the sun.
Bakugo's feet dragged slightly against the rough pavement, the sound mingling with the distant city noises and the soft rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. The question hung heavy in the air, tension palpable between them. He straightened his posture, trailing a half step behind Tsuki as he watched her movements with a thoughtful gaze.
"I don't know," he admitted after a moment of silence, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I don't know what's going to happen to you." He rubbed his bare arm, shivering as a sudden chill swept through him. "Or if I'll have time."
Tsuki nodded quietly, the weight of his words settling over her like a heavy blanket. She took a deep breath, her chest heaving as she shuddered slightly. Her fingers traced the ends of her shirt, the fabric soft against her skin. Bakugo took a longer step forward, his hand reaching up to gently palm her head, his grasp firm yet comical and kind.
"Don't pull that crap again," he said, his voice carrying a mix of frustration and genuine concern. He turned her head to face him, his fingers steadying her movement. "What was the crap you said to me?" He paused, visibly processing his thoughts. "You're your worst enemy." His expression grew serious, the intensity in his eyes unwavering. "Don't let your past hold you back." He swallowed hard, his jaw clenched. "Holding yourself back will hold everyone else back too."
A twinge of nervousness shot through her like a jolt, her heart pounding in her chest. "Was that a threat? " she wondered, nodding her head slightly. "If I don't shape up ... he won't be waiting for me to figure it out? "
Bakugo looked down at her, his expression softening just a fraction. "Give it your best," he encouraged, his tone gentler now. He gently smacked the back of her head as they neared the bus stop, the sound of his hand meeting her hair creating a soft thud. "Plus ultra."
Tsuki cringed at the familiar phrase, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and amusement. "Ew."
Bakugo laughed—a rare, genuine sound that seemed to lighten the heavy atmosphere. "Yeah, that took a lot outta me." He placed his hands on his lower back and stretched, leaning backward slightly to relieve the tension in his muscles.
Tsuki laughed, stumbling back a bit to maintain her balance. "Whatever." She felt a lump form in her throat, a painful stinging around her nose as tears welled up in her eyes.
Bakugo glanced down the street, the arriving bus now within earshot. He crossed his arms over his chest, his posture rigid yet protective. "You—" His voice trailed off as he turned to look at her, concern etched into his features. Small tears of blood splashed against the concrete from her eyes, their paths glistening in the fading light. His eyebrows knitted together, conveying a mix of worry and determination. "Hey." He hunched over slightly, his face coming close to hers, his presence both comforting and intense.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, a small hiccup betraying her composed exterior. "I'm trying."
His expression softened further, the harsh lines of his face easing into something more tender. "I see that," he muttered with a sad smile. Bakugo raised his head and placed his hand gently on her head again. "But you have to try harder." His grip tightened slightly, anchoring her to him. He shoved her into his chest, wrapping his arms around her tightly, their bodies pressed together in a comforting embrace. He held her for a long moment, his arms providing a protective barrier against her fears. Tsuki's hands grabbed at the back of his tank top, clutching him as if she had nothing else to hold onto. She sniffled.
"I will," she said, getting herself together. She nodded her head. "There's nothing else I can do."
The bus rolled up next to them with a puff, the creaking brakes echoing. The door extended open. Bakugo turned his head toward the bus then back at Tsuki. He gave a small smile.
"Bye, Katsuki." She said, taking a small step forward.
He stepped up the stairs and disappeared into the bus. Tsuki felt her heart sink. He was still there, but she already missed him. She felt her eyebrows relax on her forehead. She turned away as the bus shut closed. She watched the bus drive away, the vehicle bumping along the uneven pavement. His feet scuffled against the concrete before she started walking away. She gazed at the setting sun, her heart swelling. She felt a pulse in her head for a moment. She winced.
"My head's been killing me," she mumbled to herself. She walked along the sidewalk all the way back to her apartment. As she neared, she felt a faint heartbeat a few steady steps behind her. Naturally, she looked over her shoulder; to her surprise, the road was empty—nothing but a flickering street lamp. She furrowed her eyebrows as she thought back to earlier that day, at the shop.
"Is someone following me? " she wondered, turning back around, painfully aware of her surroundings. "Or is it a cat? " She entered her complex, walking over to her building. Her foot pressed against the lightly rusting stairs. She paused, still hearing a faint heartbeat—not that of neighboring people in rooms. This one was louder; there was emotion behind its rhythm. She walked up the stairs slowly, trying to gauge its volume and distance. She fiddled with her keys, keeping her reaction calm and unbothered.
...
Authors note: Final arc warning.
