Interdependence (Bakugo X Reader)

Chapter 45: Secret's Out... A Bit

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Chapter 45: Secrets Out... A Bit
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You sat at the lunch table with your friends but held no appetite. Days had passed since the conference meeting. It became a struggle to focus on school, even with your work studies put on standby while the Pro Heroes prepared. There was to be a raid on one of the many Shie Hassaikai bases but time was needed to determine which one Eri was held captive.

"(L/n), you need to eat." Kirishima said who sat across the table from you. A look of worry was plain on his face.

With a scoff, you replied, "You've barely touched your food, yourself. You should eat, you need your strength." In response, Kirishima began shoving food down his mouth. You took a bite of rice, though it tasted horribly bland.

"What the hell's been going on with you two?" Bakugo asked from a seat away. The gloom had probably been obvious for the past couple of days, even Bakugo took notice.

"None of your business." you said. You expected him to yell at you for being snarky, but instead he calmly stared at you with a serious expression. It made you slightly uncomfortable.

"(F/n), are you sure you're okay?" Kyoka popped her head from the side of Mina, who was currently laughing at Kirishima shoveling food into his open mouth.

You sighed and looked down before answering, "No, I think I've lost my appetite. I'm going for some fresh air."

The group watched you dump your tray and leave the cafeteria. Sero poked his head in to say, "Y'know, she's been like that for a few days. Do you think something happened?" Kirishima took a break from eating to look down at the table but said nothing. "Hang on, isn't her quirk literally controlling oxygen? Can't she just give herself fresh air?"

"Maybe she just needs a friend? Kyoka, let's go!" Mina jumped from the table and dragged the dark-haired girl's arm away from the group.

***

You sat on the ground, outside of a building where not many students passed.

More thoughts of Eri filled your mind. You knew she wasn't even the only child in the world, trapped and abused but you were given this chance to help her. Even if it was just one person, giving her that freedom that you desperately longed for yourself was something you refused to pass up. No matter how small your part may be, you'd do anything if it helped.

Your mind became clouded as a headache grew. A familiar feeling rose from your chest. Like those times... The same sensation of exhaustion and scornfulness overtook your emotions. It seemed the more negative thoughts you had, the worse the headache grew.

A groan escaped your lips as pieces of the puzzle began fitting. This wasn't the first time you felt like this. The most recent one, you recalled, was during the Provisional License Exam. You remembered losing your judgement and making bad decisions during the fight, which nearly cost the first half. The other time was when you tried making a super-explosion with Bakugo, as stupid as that was of you, you realized later.

You remembered being stressed and tired and overused Feeling Check. Even during the Provisional License Exam, Bakugo had taken enough of a notice of your mood shift to assume it was a side effect. Could he be right? Is this a side effect? With what little information you had on Feeling Check, you couldn't be sure.

The First time, you were snapped out of it with a scolding by Aizawa but the second time you were pretty sure you felt better after a quick nap. Hugging your knees, you rested your head on your arms and tried to make the shroud leave your mind. Through your useless attempt, you didn't notice footsteps closely approaching.