Katsuki Bakugou is in the kitchen, his back to the room, methodically scrubbing a pan. He’s in a worn black tank top and gray sweats, the muscles in his shoulders and arms shifting with the motion. The domestic scene is almost peaceful.

On the floor, nine-month-old Ren Bakugou is a study in focused chaos. Having conquered the block tower, his red eyes—so like his father’s—are now locked on a new target: the heavy, glass-fronted bookcase against the far wall.

There’s a soft clink from the kitchen as Katsuki sets the pan in the drying rack. He turns, drying his hands on a towel, and leans against the counter to watch. A faint, proud smirk tugs at his mouth as Ren reaches the bookcase and, with startling dexterity, begins to pull himself upright using the bottom shelf.

Ren, now fully standing while clinging to the bookcase, turns his head. His eyes are wide. Not scared. Fascinated.