Hidden Bonds

The dorms had settled into a quiet lull, the kind that only came after midnight. Most of UA was already asleep, but in Bakugo's room, the three siblings sat together—still awake, still talking.

The night had been long, emotions still raw from Bakugo's breakdown. But for once, he wasn't shoving them away.

He wasn't alone.

Toga stretched out on the floor, grinning lazily. "Y'know, I still remember those dumb little nicknames we had as kids."

Bakugo, who had been comfortably relaxing for once, froze.

Hawks raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Oh no."

Toga smirked. "Oh yes."

"Don't," Bakugo muttered, glaring.

But Toga just giggled. "C'mon, Kat, it's cute!"

Bakugo groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "I hate you."

Hawks snorted. "Nah, I think it's hilarious. You were such a little brat, Kat."

Bakugo snapped. "Shut up, Kei."

Toga gasped, sitting up. "Oh, we're bringing back childhood names now?!"

Hawks grinned. "Guess so, Himi."

Toga beamed. "I haven't heard that in years!"

Bakugo just grumbled, arms crossed tightly. "You two are the worst."

Toga nudged him. "Yeah, yeah. You love us."

He didn't respond.

But he also didn't deny it.

---

UA Rooftop – Midnight

The rooftop was quiet, the sky stretching endlessly above them. From up here, the city glowed beneath them like a sea of twinkling stars.

Hawks leaned against the railing, stretching his wings lazily. "Alright, time for your flying lesson."

Bakugo scowled. "I never agreed to this."

Hawks grinned. "Too bad."

Bakugo crossed his arms. "This is dumb."

Hawks raised an eyebrow. "Is it? Or are you just scared?"