Not the Good Old Days Anymore (bkdk MHA)

Chapter 6: The Encounter

The shop was quaint and peaceful. A soft aroma of coffee and pastries filled the room. Much different from the chaos of the league's hideout. Pages ruffled as I flipped through a couple books. One of the things that stuck with me was the love of reading. Diving into a good story was one of the few ways I found escape after a long day. Back in middle school imagining myself as the character always brought a little comfort. I found it ironic that despite everything, I still found myself in the section about heroes, still holding onto lost dreams. At least I could use the books to study them more. Reading words said by the greats about how they face crime and the toughest parts of the jobs hold more meaning than one might think. I grabbed the first title that caught my attention; The History of Heroism. I flipped through the book briefly, skimming the pages for anything of interest. Humming quietly, I put the book back, reaching for the next one.

"Deku?" he whispered quietly, just a few steps behind me.

I froze,my eyes widening at the voice. My hand quivered, stopping just before I could grab the book.

"Deku? Is that really you?" His voice wasn't the harsh tone I had known. It was brittle and hopeful.

As I turned, I'm sure I could pass as a deer caught in the headlights of a car. My whole body was tense in edge as I turned to face him. I didn't let my eyes reach any higher than his shoes, afraid to see the look on his face.

"Bakugo? I... Yes, it's me," he seemed a little taken aback, I could feel the frown at the use of his name instead of the usual Kacchan.

How had he found me? It wasn't like him to come to a bookstore. He was never able to sit down with a book for long. So why was he here. This neighbourhood wasn't anywhere close to his house anyways. There was no way he could have known to find me here though.

"Oi, do you ever stop mumbling, nerd!"

"Ah...! Sorry," I said, shrinking back a bit. You would think that spending time around villains, murders and thieves, would prepare me for a simple interaction with my past.

He rubbed his head in awkwardly, mumbling about how the extras dragged him out to try a nearby cafe and that he just happened to see me through the window. I glance to see the large glass panels, a straight view from the street to where we stood. Bakugo shuffled uncomfortably, shoving his hands into his pockets. I fidgeted nervously, finding the tiled floor very interesting. I was at a loss for words. I wasn't expecting to run into anyone I used to know. In fact, I had made it a point to choose this bookstore not only for their coffee but how remote and unlikely it would be to encounter someone.

"Where have you been, are you okay?" he said, taking a half step forwards.

I debated a bit before responding, "I'm fine, and staying with friends."

We stood there in silence for what seemed like forever. I could feel him studying me from head to toe. I was still unable to muster the courage to look at his face. That face that had tormented me for so long. One that was a constant reminder of the weakness I left behind.

"Why did you leave?" His voice was low, the most vulnerable I had ever heard him. I expected a beatdown, snarky words, nothing like this when I heard my name from his lips.

"I don't think telling you will change anything," I answered. "I should go."

I brushed past him quickly, trying to escape any further questioning. The chimed as I left, then a second time as Bakugo hurried after me.

"Wait, Izuku!" His fingers wrapped around my wrist, halting me from fleeing any further.

For the first time in six months, our eyes met. He was slightly taller than I remembered. His jaw was set in a hard, determined line. Ruby red eyes peered back at me, bright in the afternoon light.

"Can I at least get your number or something, so I can help you if you ever need it?"

I considered the offer, deciding that giving him my number would be the fastest way out of this situation. Besides, just because he had my number didn't mean I had to actually text him.

"Fine, give it here."

I quickly typed in my contact information before handing the phone back to him.

"I'm glad you're okay, Izuku," he said, staring at the number like he was trying to burn it into his brain.

"Yeah, thanks I guess," I responded, "I have to go, for real this time."

"Oh, okay, also, you should call Inko, she is really worried about you."

"Noted," I said, "bye I guess."

With that I turned, disappearing into the bustling streets. I glanced back a final time to see him still watching me as I left, hand slightly outstretched, almost sadly. I quickly pushed the thoughts out, leaving them to be sorted out later. For now, I just wanted to go home, to Dabi's place. A nap sounded really tempting right about now. And maybe, just maybe I would make a call to my mom later. She was the one part of my old life that I missed.

~~~~~

A few hours later, I was lounging in my bed, thinking about my encounter with Bakugo when my phone dinged. My hand fumbled around a bit before I finally located what I was looking for. A notification from 'Pyro', otherwise known as Dabi, popped up. I opened the message and read it. He was asking where I was and what not. I quickly told him that I was at home. Not a few seconds later was a reply. Crap, I had forgotten that the league had plans tonight. Now I missed out on all the fun. Dabi said they had already left. I didn't even know what the mission even was. Shigrarki had been strangely secretive with the details. All I knew was that it involved the UA and sending the world into chaos. I asked Dabi to give me a call when they got back, hoping Tomura would be too bothered by my absence. Oh well, there's always next time I guess.

~~~

It's a short chapter this week. But we finally have contact and the true story starts.

I wanted to know if anyone had any good recommendations for bkdk fanfics. I have a reading list on my profile but there isn't much there. Let me know what's good.

Thanks for reading!

-Quinn

Word count - 1130