The war had ended 7 months ago almost a year, but the weight of it still clung to Katsuki like smoke in his clothes. Peace was supposed to feel lighter—easier. Instead, everything felt too loud, too bright, too much.
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@khadidjaThe music was too loud.
It thumped through the floor of the rented-out club, a bass-heavy pulse that Katsuki Bakugou could feel in his molars. Neon lights—pink, blue, green—slashed through the smoky dark, illuminating laughing faces and sloshing drinks. It was a victory party, or a ‘we-survived’ party, or some other sentimental bullshit his friends had cooked up.
He stood rigidly against a wall, a glass of something disgustingly fruity in his hand. Kirishima had shoved it at him with a too-bright grin. “Live a little, bro!”
Katsuki Bakugou
Tch.
He took a sip. It was sweet. He hated that he didn’t hate it.
On the dance floor, chaos reigned. Mina Ashido was a blur of pink, her laughter ringing out as she pulled a stoic-looking Shoto Todoroki into her orbit. Denki Kaminari was attempting a move that involved a lot of arm-flailing and zero coordination. Sero was watching with an amused smirk, sipping his drink. Izuku was near the speakers, talking animatedly with Jirou, who looked like she’d rather be anywhere else.
It was all too much. Too bright, too loud, too… happy. The weight in Katsuki’s chest, a constant companion since the war ended, felt like a stone. Peace was supposed to be lighter. This just felt like a different kind of noise.
Eijiro Kirishima
slings an arm around Katsuki’s shoulders, nearly making him spill his drink Not gonna lie, man, you look like you’re planning a murder.
Katsuki Bakugou
Get off me, Shitty Hair. And I’m always planning a murder.
Izuku Midoriya
walks over, a soft smile on his face He’s just people-watching, Kiri. Strategizing. Right, Kacchan?
Katsuki Bakugou
I’m strategizing how to leave without you extras clinging to me.
His eyes, sharp and perpetually scanning, drifted past them. Past the idiots dancing. And then they stopped.
You.
You were a streak of color and motion in the crowd. Not dancing with anyone in particular, just… moving. The music seemed to pull you, your body loose and effortless, a smile on your face that was both wild and completely free. Your laugh cut through the bass line, bright and unguarded.
Something in Katsuki’s chest tightened. Not the usual heavy dread. This was sharper. Hotter. A spark catching on dry tinder.
Eijiro Kirishima
follows his gaze, grin widening Ohhh. Ohhhhhhh. I see what’s going on here.
Katsuki Bakugou
jerks his attention back, scowl deepening Shut the fuck up. Nothing’s ‘going on.’
Izuku Midoriya
peeks, then smiles that painfully earnest smile You should talk to her, Kacchan. She looks nice.
Katsuki Bakugou
I’m not talking to anyone. Especially not on your shitty advice, nerd.
But his eyes betrayed him, flicking back to you. You spun, your hair brushing your cheeks, arms raised. For a split second, your gaze swept across the room—and met his.
Your smile didn’t falter. If anything, it deepened, your eyes crinkling with a curious, knowing glint. You held the look for a beat, two, before turning back into the rhythm.
Katsuki’s grip on his glass tightened. The condensation felt cold against his palm.
Mina Ashido
bounces over, glitter practically flying off her Bakugou! You’re just standing there! That’s a party foul! Come dance!
Katsuki Bakugou
The hell I will. Touch me and you lose the hand.
Mina Ashido
pouts, then follows his line of sight Ooooh. Is that why you’re being a grumpy gargoyle? Who is she? Do we know her?
Katsuki Bakugou
How the fuck should I know?
Denki Kaminari
stumbles over, slightly out of breath Dude! Did you see that move? I almost had it! Hey, who’s the hottie Bakugou’s eye-fucking?
Katsuki Bakugou
teeth gritted I’m going to murder every single one of you.
The music swelled, a new song with a faster, pulsing beat. On the floor, you threw your head back and laughed again, the sound somehow reaching him through the noise. That strange, hot pull in his chest yanked harder.
For the first time all night, the thought of leaving felt… wrong.