𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝙸 𝚃𝚑𝚛𝚎𝚠 𝙰𝚠𝚊𝚢 | 𝙰 𝙱𝚊𝚔𝚞𝙳𝚎𝚔𝚞 𝙰𝚗𝚐𝚜𝚝

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐀 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

The sun dipped behind the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the familiar streets of Mustafu. Katsuki Bakugou trudged along the pavement, his thoughts heavy with memories he couldn't shake. The once notorious bully was now a grown man, a successful pro-hero, but haunted by a past he couldn't erase. It had been years since he'd seen his childhood friend, Izuku Midoriya, the boy he had relentlessly bullied. Rumour had it that Izuku had left for America, but tonight, fate seemed determined to reunite them.

As Bakugou passed a small cafe, he noticed a figure sitting alone at the corner table, his green hair unmistakable. Izuku Midoriya was back, and Bakugou's heart clenched with both joy and guilt. He couldn't believe his luck, but he wasn't sure if Izuku would even want to see him after everything he had done.

Summoning his courage, Bakugou approached the table, trying to act casual. "Hey, Deku," he said, using the old nickname he had given Izuku, hoping it wouldn't reopen old wounds.

Izuku's eyes widened in surprise as he looked up, his face transitioning from bewilderment to recognition. "B-Bakugou? Is that really you?" he stammered, clearly taken aback by the encounter.

"Yeah, it's me, you damn nerd," Bakugou replied, attempting to mask his nervousness with a familiar insult. "Long time no see."

Izuku nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "Yeah, it's been years. How have you been?"

They fell into a hesitant conversation, both avoiding the elephant in the room. Bakugou learned that Izuku had spent the last few years in America, honing his Quirk and studying to become a renowned hero. Meanwhile, Bakugou had been striving to become the best hero he could be, trying to atone for his past actions.

As they spoke, the memories of their childhood resurfaced, and Bakugou found himself regretting the harsh way he had treated Izuku. The pain and humiliation he had inflicted on his old friend weighed heavily on his conscience.

After a while, Izuku looked down at his watch and sighed. "It's getting late. I should get going," he said, preparing to leave.

Bakugou's heart raced, and he blurted out, "Wait! Can we meet again, Deku? I... I need to talk to you about something important."

Izuku hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Sure, Bakugou. Let's meet tomorrow at the park at noon."

The following day, Bakugou's nerves were in turmoil as he made his way to the park. He couldn't believe he was finally going to face the consequences of his past actions and reveal his true feelings. But he knew it was the only way to find redemption and mend the shattered pieces of their friendship.

Izuku was already waiting when Bakugou arrived, sitting on a bench beneath the shade of a large oak tree. Bakugou took a deep breath, steeling himself, and sat down beside him.

"Deku, I want to apologize," Bakugou began, his voice sincere. "I was a horrible friend, a bully. I hurt you, physically and emotionally, and I can never forgive myself for that."

Izuku looked at him, his eyes softening. "Bakugou, I don't condone what you did, but I've moved past it," he said. "I've spent years reflecting on those times, and I realized that I want to forgive you. I want to believe that people can change."

Tears welled up in Bakugou's eyes, and he clenched his fists. "You're too kind, Deku," he said, voice breaking. "I don't deserve your forgiveness."

Izuku reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Bakugou's shoulder. "Maybe not, but I believe everyone deserves a chance to change and grow. I've seen the hero you've become, Katsuki, and I know you're trying to be better."

A mixture of relief and gratitude washed over Bakugou as he looked into Izuku's earnest eyes. "Thank you, Deku," he whispered. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

Their conversation continued, slowly rebuilding the foundation of their friendship. As the day turned to dusk, they found themselves laughing and reminiscing about the good times they had shared as kids, gradually bridging the gap that had separated them for so long.

Over the following weeks, Bakugou and Izuku spent more time together, rekindling their bond. They supported each other as friends should, discussing their aspirations, sharing their hopes, and healing old wounds. And through it all, Bakugou's feelings for Izuku grew stronger, transcending friendship and blooming into something more.