STRINGS // KATSUKI BAKUGO [2]

Chapter 51 // Confessions

The next day, you decided it was time to take accountability for your actions and relieve yourself of some stress by revealing what you had been keeping secret for so long.

That's how you found yourself standing in front of the dorm building you once took residence in.

"Are you sure you're ready to do this?" Aizawa asked from beside you. "Telling one person is different than telling two dozen, especially when they're kids who look up to you."

"I'd rather them have time to prepare than be blindsided when I'm suddenly just...gone," you replied. "I'm ready. It's been long enough."

Aizawa pursed his lips, eyes boring into yours with an immense amount of sympathy. However, he didn't voice his worries verbally any further. Instead, he pushed open the door, and followed you inside the dorm building.

As you neared the lounge, you could see your classmates piled inside the space. Some were crowded on the couch while others were taking shelter on the beanbag chairs placed in various spots of the room. They seemed happy, talkative. You could hear familiar laughs traveling throughout the air, and, suddenly, your anxiety was a level ten.

You were about to crush so many hearts, bring about so many tears. You could already picture the broken expressions of your classmates as you informed them of your unfortunate condition, your inevitable death.

"[Y/N]," Aizawa said, noticing your shift in mood, "you don't have to do this just because you feel like you owe everyone. They'd understand."

"I know," you agreed, "but this isn't just for them. It's for me too."

You inhaled deeply, hiding the shakiness in your voice when you exhaled by doing so rather quickly, before stepping into the lounge, Aizawa following closely behind you.

"[L/N]!"

Your classmates were crowding you within seconds, but Mina was the only one who threw herself on you for an affectionate hug.

A couple months ago, you would've been able to support her weight no problem. However, with your weakening limbs, your knees were quick to buckle.

Aizawa must've noticed your reaction to the sudden gesture, and he was quick to press his hands to your lower back to keep you in a upright position as you hugged Mina back, wrapping your arms loosely around her waist.

"We've missed you!" Mina exclaimed as she leaned back, beaming eyes raking over your appearance, which slowly but surely drained her happiness. "Are you sick? You look pale."

"I'm okay," you assured, but Mina's eyes narrowed in suspicion. Her hands fell from your arms, and she took a small step back, furthering examining your figure.

"That's not what I asked," she replied, voice quiet and almost shaky.

You sighed, glancing at Aizawa for help, but he simply stared at you patiently. Like you had said, this was your situation to handle.

"I think you should all sit down for what I'm about to tell you," you stated, averting your attention back to your classmates, who shared similar confused glanced.

That was with the exception of Todoroki, who stood starting at you with a knowing expression, lips pursed and eyes unblinking.

"What's going on?" Kaminari frowned. You looked around, noticing a certain someone was nowhere to be found.

"Where's Bakugo?" you wondered aloud.

"Left a couple hours ago," Sero answered shortly, "said he had something to get done."

'Right,' you thought, glancing down at your bare ring finger. 'I forgot.'

"What's happening?" Uraraka asked, glancing at Aizawa, who simply remained silent, knowing it wasn't his place to say anything.