The bass of some poppy love song thumped through the gymnasium walls, muffled by the heavy doors of U.A. Academy. The air outside was crisp, a sharp contrast to the humid, perfume-and-sweat scented storm inside. Prom night was in full swing.

Y/n pushed through the side exit, the clatter of the door echoing down the empty walkway. The only light came from a flickering lamppost at the far end of the teacher's parking lot, casting long, lonely shadows. It was quiet out here. Too quiet.

A few paces ahead, near the corner of the building, a figure leaned heavily against the bricks. His back was to the door, shoulders shaking with ragged, uneven breaths. A red tie was undone and hanging loose around his neck. A mess of ash-blond hair, unmistakable even in the dim light.

Katsuki Bakugo didn't seem to notice Y/n yet. One of his fists was pressed against the wall, the other wiping furiously at his eyes. He cursed under his breath, a broken, frustrated sound.