𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 ⟢ 𝘁. 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗶/𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗶

𝟓

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the morning after my encounter with dabi, i woke up with a heavy heart. the previous night's events haunted my thoughts, and i knew i needed a break from the relentless pace of my life.

i looked at my phone resting on the nightstand, picked it up, and called hawks.

"hey, i'm taking the day off," i said, my voice weary.

"are you sure you're okay?" hawks' concern was evident even over the phone. "i was just about to fly to your lab."

"i will be okay," i replied, trying to sound more confident than i actually felt. "i just need some time to process everything."

"alright," hawks said reluctantly. "take care of yourself. and remember, if you need anything, call me."

"i will. thanks, hawks."

after calling hawks, i called one of my coworkers to let them know i was staying home. i hung up the phone and sat in my bed, the sun shining over the white furniture adorning my room. i needed to think about what i could do to enjoy this day off.

i looked at my burn marks; they were much better now, barely noticeable.

"i should take a bath." i stood up and grabbed my robe and other things to complement my bath.

the day passed in a blur of restless thoughts and futile attempts at distraction. i couldn't shake the feeling of dread that had settled over me. but i knew i needed to stay strong, for myself and for those i cared about.

a few days later, i decided to visit the todoroki household after many messages from fuyumi asking me to come by and cook something since it was one of my favorite things to do with her. fuyumi had always been a comforting presence, and i hoped spending time with my friend would provide a much-needed distraction.

i arrived at the house and was greeted warmly by fuyumi, who ushered me into the kitchen.

"let's cook something delicious," the white-haired woman with red streaks suggested, her smile genuine. "it'll take your mind off the things that are troubling you sis."

we spent the afternoon preparing a feast, the rhythmic motions of chopping and stirring providing a welcome escape. for a while, i managed to forget the chaos in my life, losing myself in the simple joy of cooking with a friend i considered my sister.

as everyone sat down to dinner, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. natsuo and shoto had joined us, and even enji, with his usual stern demeanor, seemed more relaxed. but as the meal progressed, enji's gaze turned serious.

"i received word of an intruder at your lab a few days ago," enji said, his eyes piercing as they focused on me. "what happened?"

i felt a cold sweat break out on my forehead, hawks' warning about keeping his mission confidential and how word would spread echoed in my mind.

maybe enji doesn't know yet what hawks is doing.

i forced a smile, trying to keep my voice steady. "just a minor incident. some thug tried to break in, but nothing was taken. the lab's security countermeasures held up."

enji nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "i see. just make sure to stay vigilant. if you need any assistance from me or my agency, don't hesitate to ask."

"thank you, enji-san. i'll be careful," i replied, relieved that the conversation had ended without further probing. despite his newfound caring nature, i appreciated that he didn't insist.

after dinner, i returned home, feeling a mix of relief and lingering anxiety. i was grateful for the distraction, but the weight of my secret pressed heavily on me.

as i unlocked my door and stepped inside my apartment, i froze at the uncommon sight.

dabi was sitting casually in my living room, a smirk playing on his lips.

"nice place you've got here," dabi remarked, his tone mockingly appreciative. "did your parents help you with this, or did you get it all on your own?"

"none of your business," i glared at him, anger and fear swirling within me. "what do you want, dabi? why are you here in my home?"

"straight to the point, huh? i was expecting maybe a glass of water or some fancy wine..." dabi leaned back, his eyes glinting with amusement. "i need you to keep your mouth shut. no information about me to anyone—not bird boy, not endeavor. understand, princess?"

my heart raced, but i stood my ground. "and if i refuse?"

dabi's expression darkened, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "were those marks on your forearms not enough of a warning that you now work with me?"

dabi pointed to my forearms, which were now completely healed, though my skin still felt sensitive where the injuries had been.

i clenched my fists, the urge to activate my wristbands and fight him tempered by the reality of his threat. "why should i trust you?"

"it hurts me that you don't trust your husband, but you don't have to trust me." dabi chuckled, standing up and moving closer to me. "you just have to fear what will happen if you cross me."

"your husband." those words stung. how could he say this to me so casually?

"fine." i met his gaze, my mind was set. "but don't think for a second that i'm doing this out of fear of you. i want answers, and sooner or later, i'll get them."

dabi's smirk returned as he grabbed my chin, a flicker of respect in his eyes. "we'll see about that. until then, stay quiet. i'll be watching you closely."

with that, he turned and left, once again disappearing into the night. i stood alone in my living room, the weight of his threat hanging heavily over me.

i was now secretly betraying one of my best friends and the family that has cared for me as if i were their one just so that i could keep them safe. god knows what this man is capable of.