Echoes of Past Ties (Todobaku Fanfiction)

12. Whispers of Grief and Bonds

The bustling cafe echoed with the lively hum of people engaged in conversations. Bakugou's sudden outburst cut through the ambient noise, his harsh tone breaking the casual atmosphere.

"Stop looking at me like that," Bakugou yelled at Shoto, his expression intense. "People will get the wrong idea."

Shoto, wearing a faint smile, raised an eyebrow. "Like what?" he asked innocently, feigning ignorance. He was well aware that Bakugou was concealing something beneath his brash exterior. There was a secret hidden behind those explosive eyes, and Shoto was determined to unravel it.

Bakugou, with a slight blush on his cheeks, abruptly stood up. "I'm going," he declared, his gaze avoiding Shoto's.

Shoto, no stranger to Bakugou's tendency to retreat whenever their paths intersected, felt a pang of disappointment. However, what followed caught him off guard. Bakugou, instead of storming away, uttered a surprising command, "Follow me." Curiosity piqued, Shoto trailed Bakugou through the city streets. The journey took an unexpected turn when Bakugou stopped at a flower shop. Shoto observed as Bakugou selected a bouquet, an act that added a layer of complexity to the enigma surrounding him.

Bakugou led Shoto to his motorcycle, a sleek black machine that hinted at the intensity of their impending journey. Shoto attempted to inquire about their destination, but Bakugou remained tight-lipped, urging him to keep quiet. The cool wind brushed against them as they rode through the city, adding to the mystery of their venture.

Eventually, they arrived at a familiar place that stirred emotions within Shoto – Hana's grave. The gravestone stood as a testament to a shared history, and the flowers in Bakugou's hands found their purpose as he placed them gently by the tombstone.

Bakugou knelt beside the gravestone, his rough fingers delicately brushing its cold surface. "I met him again," Bakugou whispered, his voice carrying the weight of a thousand unsaid words. The atmosphere was heavy, and Shoto stood there silently, his gaze fixed on Bakugou. A dry sensation gripped Shoto's throat, leaving him uncertain about the words he should speak. Should he offer comfort to Bakugou, or would his presence be enough?

Bakugou's voice broke the silence, the vulnerability in his tone palpable. 

"Shoto..." he started, his eyes locked onto Hana's gravestone. "Thank you," Bakugou continued, each word resonating with gratitude and a profound sense of loss. "Thank you for everything you did for me and Hana. I always wanted to thank you."

"Katsuki," Shoto muttered, the simplicity of that one word holding an unspoken depth that transcended the somber air.

After talk to Hana, Bakugou and Shoto slowly walked outside. The world seemed to have lost its color, mirroring the ache in their hearts. As they approached Bakugou's bike, Shoto glanced at him.

"Thank you for taking me here," Shoto said, his words carrying a mixture of gratitude and empathy. Bakugou, unexpectedly blushing, began to stammer, "A-ah, those words I said earlier with Uraraka." Shoto chuckled softly, attempting to ease the tension. "It's okay if you're not comfortable," he reassured.

"No!!!" Bakugou suddenly shouted, seizing Shoto's hand as if afraid to let go. 

"Shoto, listen. I-Im not good for you. Y-you deserve someone better. Not someone like me." The admission hung heavy in the air, and Shoto responded with a smile, kindness interwoven within.

"Okay, then tell me, why are you crying?" Shoto asked gently, his voice soft and comforting. Bakugou, still holding Shoto's hand, touched his own tear-stained cheek, realizing he was crying.

"Shoto... I-I was waiting for you. Always—I always thought you would come for me. I didn't even think about anyone else. I did my best." Bakugou's words emerged through sobs. "I loved you so much. Sometimes I thought if you were next to me, I would give anything for that. I was crazy about you."