~BNHA~ Burning Hunger Within

Chapter 21

Izuku's heart pounded in his chest, a mix of residual adrenaline from the fight and the gnawing worry for Katsuki. The celebration around him felt distant, muted, as if he were underwater. Every cheer and congratulatory pat on the back was a reminder of the facade he had to maintain, a mask he had grown weary of wearing.

Seeing Katsuki disappear from his sight had set a fire in his gut. The Pink Level was notorious, whispered about in horrified tones by those who knew its true nature. The thought of Katsuki navigating that cesspool alone was unbearable. He had to be there to keep an eye on him.

Tomura, entertaining a group of elite guests, was oblivious to the storm brewing in Izuku's mind. The room buzzed with laughter and chatter, a stark contrast to the tension coiling inside Izuku. With a deep breath, he stepped forward, forcing a smile. "Tomura," he called out, drawing the attention of the room. "I've changed my mind. I'd like to join the auctions on the Pink Level."

The surrounding guests exchanged excited whispers, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. Tomura raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Oh? What brought about this change of heart?" he asked, his tone both amused and curious.

Izuku shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I thought I'd give it another try. Maybe I'm reconsidering my place here," he added with a smirk, playing his part to perfection.

Tomura's eyes widened slightly, a predatory smile spreading across his face. "I knew you'd come around, Izuku. The organization has always been where you belong," he said, slinging an arm around Izuku's shoulders. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "If you really want to come back, you'll need to prove your loyalty. But know this, I would want nothing more than to have you by my side."

Izuku nodded, forcing another smile. "I'll think about it," he replied, trying to sound casual. "Will you be coming to the Pink Level?"

Tomura shook his head, his expression turning more serious. "I have business to attend to. But you have fun. We'll meet again later." He motioned for his guard, Shuichi, who promptly handed over a pink pin to Tomura.

"Take this," Tomura said, handing the pin to Izuku. "Madam Magne will be there and will set you up for the auction."

Izuku accepted the pin, feeling its weight in his hand. "Thanks, Tomura," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside. The tension in his chest eased slightly, but the worry for Katsuki remained a constant undercurrent, driving his every move.

The room buzzed around him, the excitement of the guests palpable as they discussed the upcoming auction. Izuku's thoughts, however, remained focused on Katsuki, on the danger he was walking into alone.

With the pin secured, Izuku made his way to the Pink Level. The elevator ride down was tense, his mind racing with possibilities and plans. As the doors slid open, a lavish entrance hall that echoed the grandeur of ancient Greece greeted him. Marble columns supported the high ceiling, draped with rich, flowing fabrics that created an air of opulence.

A guard at the entrance, dressed in a stylized uniform, eyed Izuku with suspicion until he presented his pink pin. The guard's demeanor shifted instantly to one of deference, and he motioned for Izuku to proceed. "Welcome to the Pink Level," the guard said, his voice respectful. "Madam Magne is expecting you. Follow the path and you will find her office."

Izuku nodded, stepping past the guard. As he moved forward, someone handed him a mask intricately designed to match the theme of the floor and a gold cuff to signify his status as someone to be auctioned off. The weight of the cuff was a stark reminder of the dangerous game he was playing.