Cat's Rule the world.... since when?!

The Chase Begins

This damn idiot. 

He thinks he can just run around and mess with me? 

After everything?

I'm sitting in my office, barely holding it together while Kirishima, Mina, and Sero stand there, fumbling over their words like they don't know how to spit it out. Then they drop it.

Deku's out there, playing games. Parkouring around the city like it's some kind of joke. Messing with my people—challenging me.

"Make him catch me if he wants me back."

Heh, really? 

That's what he said?

I lean back in my chair, arms crossed, staring at them. Disbelief, irritation, and maybe... a little amusement. Of course, it's something he'd say. It's just like back when we were kids, playing on the streets, running around like we didn't have a care in the world. He always ran. Always had that defiant look in his eyes. And I was always the one chasing him.

But now? Now it's different.

I stand up abruptly, causing them to flinch. Doesn't matter. I've already made up my mind. I grab my coat and head toward the door, ignoring the wide-eyed looks they're giving me.

"You're just gonna let him run around?" Kirishima asks, still trying to figure out if I'm serious.

I throw them a grin—a dangerous one. "No way in hell I'm letting him off the hook. But this? This is what he wants. A challenge."

They follow me out, confused as hell. I don't blame them. Deku running around the city, messing with everyone? It doesn't make sense. Not unless you know him. Not unless you've spent years dealing with that stubborn determination.

He's not mad anymore. 

Not like he was before. 

If he was, he'd be breaking bones, not playing tag.

I slam the door behind me, stepping out into the cool air. A smirk pulls at my lips.

Game on, Deku.

I don't care if this world thinks he's my "pet." Screw that. Deku's like a brother to me. He saved my life once, back when we were kids. I haven't forgotten that. Not for a second. I don't give a damn what anyone else thinks—he's mine to protect, and if that means playing his stupid game, then fine. I'll play.

I'll win, too.

I grab my phone and call Kirishima, who's probably still trying to figure out what the hell is going on. "Tell everyone to spread out. I'm going after him myself."

"Uh, Bakugo—"

"I said spread out!" I cut him off, snapping the phone shut. I don't need their help. This is between me and him now. I know Deku—better than anyone else does. I know how he thinks, how he moves. And if he thinks he can outrun me?

He's got another thing coming.

My boots hit the pavement hard as I stalk down the street, scanning every alley, every rooftop. My senses are sharp, my heart pounding with anticipation. Every part of me is ready for this.

You really think you can get away from me, Deku?

He's always been fast. Always had that damn energy that made him seem like he could go forever. But I've gotten stronger. Faster. I've been through hell and back, and if he thinks for one second that he's slipping out of my grip again, he's dead wrong.

This is a chase, and I never lose a chase.

Back when we were kids, we stuck together. He helped me when I was lost in the human world, patched me up when I got hurt. He doesn't even know how much that meant to me. I don't show it, but that connection's still there. Always has been. He's like a brother. And no way am I letting him run off into danger in this messed-up world.

I catch a glimpse of movement on a nearby rooftop. My eyes narrow.

That idiot's probably up there, laughing his ass off. Playing cat and mouse. Well, fine. He wants me to chase him? Then I'll chase him, and I'll catch him.

I start running, my pulse quickening as the thrill of the chase takes over. Every rooftop, every alley—I know where he's heading before he even gets there. He's predictable like that. No matter how fast he is, I'm right behind him, closing in.

This isn't just a game, Deku.

You can run all you want, but in the end? I always win.