Behind The Walls ✔️

Chapter 22:Concealed Wounds

I forgot to uptade yesterday so here is an extra chapter
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Katsuki's determination to protect his relationship with Izuku meant going to great lengths to hide the evidence of Mitsumi’s abuse. Each morning, he meticulously applied makeup to cover the bruises and marks left by her assault. Despite his efforts, the physical pain was a constant reminder of the threats Mitsumi had made, and the emotional toll was equally profound.

At UA High, Katsuki maintained his usual hot-headed demeanor, determined not to let anyone see the true extent of his struggles. He avoided close contact with his friends, carefully concealing the injuries beneath layers of foundation and concealer. The strain of hiding his wounds was exhausting, but he refused to let anyone see how much he was suffering.

Izuku, though deeply concerned, respected Katsuki’s wishes to keep his pain private. He continued to offer support in subtle ways, trying to maintain a normalcy that belied the growing tension between them. Their interactions were carefully managed to avoid suspicion, but their secret relationship was a constant source of both joy and anxiety.

One day, as they walked through the campus, Izuku couldn’t help but notice the subtle changes in Katsuki’s demeanor. The usually fiery and confident Katsuki seemed more subdued, and Izuku’s worry deepened.

“Kacchan,” Izuku said quietly, catching Katsuki’s attention. “Are you sure you’re okay? You’ve been acting different lately.”

Katsuki forced a smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m fine, Izuku. Just a lot on my plate.”

Izuku wasn’t convinced, but he chose to let it go for the moment, deciding to focus on their time together rather than press the issue. However, his concern remained, and he began to notice the increasingly frequent moments when Katsuki seemed to be in pain, whether from the physical strain of his injuries or the emotional weight of his situation.

Meanwhile, Mitsumi’s influence extended beyond their home. Her rigid expectations and disapproval had created a tense atmosphere that Katsuki struggled to navigate. She had made it clear that she expected him to focus solely on his academic success and had shown no tolerance for what she saw as distractions.

One evening, as Katsuki was returning to the dorm after a long day, he noticed a group of students whispering and casting curious glances in his direction. The rumors about his relationship with Izuku had continued to spread, and it seemed that everyone had their own theories about what was going on.

Mina, ever the gossip enthusiast, had been particularly active in spreading the rumors. Her curiosity about Katsuki and Izuku’s relationship had led her to dig deeper, and she was eager to uncover the truth. She had become increasingly suspicious of Katsuki’s attempts to hide his injuries and had made it her mission to find out what was really happening.

As Katsuki entered the dorm, he was greeted by a concerned Shoto. “Katsuki, you don’t have to keep everything to yourself. We’re your friends. If you need help, we’re here for you.”

Katsuki shook his head, his expression guarded. “I’m handling things on my own. I appreciate the offer, but I’ve got it under control.”

Shoto could see the strain in Katsuki’s eyes but respected his decision to remain private. However, the concern for his well-being was evident in his tone. “Just remember, if you ever change your mind, we’re here.”

As the days went by, Katsuki’s attempts to conceal Mitsumi’s abuse grew increasingly challenging. The makeup could only do so much, and the physical and emotional toll was becoming more difficult to manage. Despite his efforts to maintain a façade of normalcy, the strain was evident to those who knew him well.

One night, while Katsuki was alone in his room, Izuku came to visit. The door creaked open, and Izuku entered quietly, his expression a mix of worry and resolve. “Kacchan, we need to talk.”

Katsuki looked up, his face a mask of fatigue. “What’s up?”

Izuku closed the door behind him and sat down beside Katsuki. “I know you’re trying to hide things, but I can see that you’re struggling. You don’t have to go through this alone.”

Katsuki’s eyes were filled with a mix of frustration and gratitude. “Izuku, it’s complicated. Mitsumi… she’s made it clear that if I don’t end things with you, there will be more consequences. I’m trying to protect you from that.”

Izuku’s expression softened, and he reached out, gently touching Katsuki’s hand. “You don’t have to protect me at the cost of your own well-being. We need to find a way to deal with this together.”

Katsuki’s gaze dropped, and he sighed heavily. “I don’t want you to get hurt. Mitsumi’s not just strict—she’s dangerous. She’ll stop at nothing to make sure I do what she wants.”

Izuku’s resolve hardened. “Then we need to confront this head-on. We can’t let her control us or our relationship.”

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. Katsuki tensed, and Izuku quickly stood, opening the door to reveal Mina standing there with a curious look on her face.

“Oh, hey, Izuku,” Mina said, her tone casual. “Just wanted to check in. I heard some interesting things and thought I’d see if everything was okay.”

Izuku forced a smile, trying to deflect Mina’s curiosity. “We’re fine, Mina. Just talking.”

Mina’s eyes flickered between Izuku and Katsuki, her curiosity piqued. “Right. Well, if you need anything, just let me know.”

As Mina left, Izuku closed the door, his concern for Katsuki growing. “We need to be careful. The rumors are getting out of hand, and I don’t want them to make things worse.”

Katsuki nodded, his expression serious. “I know. I’ll figure out a way to handle it. We’ll get through this.”

Their bond was tested by the challenges they faced, but Katsuki and Izuku remained determined to protect their relationship despite the obstacles. As they faced each new hurdle, they relied on each other for strength, knowing that their love was worth every struggle they encountered.