Sero's sister

Chapter 29: Unwanted Encounters

The vibrant sounds of the mall buzzed around Y/N as she walked alongside Bakugou and the rest of the Bakusquad—Mina, Kirishima, and Sero. The bright lights and cheerful atmosphere should have been uplifting, but Y/N felt a wave of anxiety wash over her as they passed store after store.

"Come on, Y/N! You need to pick out something cute!" Mina chirped, linking her arm through Y/N's as they strolled. "It'll be fun! Plus, I need a new outfit for the upcoming fight! You can help me choose!"

"Yeah, Y/N! Don't hold back!" Kirishima added, his signature grin lighting up his face. "You have a great sense of style!"

Y/N offered a hesitant smile, still feeling the lingering effects of her earlier conversation with Bakugou. It was hard to shake off the shadows of her past, but she wanted to enjoy this day with her friends. "Okay, I'll help. But I'm not sure what I'm looking for myself."

"Don't worry about it! Just have fun!" Sero encouraged, giving her a reassuring smile.

As they wandered through the stores, Y/N felt a little more at ease. They laughed and teased each other, picking out outfits and accessories, their camaraderie lifting her spirits. She couldn't help but feel grateful for the support of her friends, especially Bakugou, who kept shooting her glances to check in on her.

But as they rounded a corner, everything changed.

"Wait, is that—?" Y/N's heart dropped as her eyes landed on a familiar figure across the crowded mall. There, in the middle of a clothing store, was her ex. A mix of anger and fear surged through her, the memories of their past flooding back like a tidal wave.

"Y/N? You okay?" Bakugou asked, noticing the change in her demeanor.

Y/N's instincts kicked in. "I... I need to go," she said, her voice shaking slightly. She turned on her heel, hoping to escape unnoticed, but she felt her ex's gaze lock onto her.

"Y/N!" his voice called out, cutting through the noise of the mall. She froze, a lump forming in her throat as dread settled in.

Bakugou, sensing her tension, stepped closer to her. "What's wrong? Who is that?"

Her heart raced as she looked back at her ex, who was now approaching them with a cocky grin plastered across his face. "Well, well, if it isn't my favorite little punching bag," he said, his tone dripping with mockery.

"Get away from me," Y/N said, her voice barely above a whisper. She could feel Bakugou's presence beside her, a protective wall ready to shield her from the confrontation.

"Aw, come on. Don't be like that. I thought we had something special," he taunted, leaning closer. "I see you've found some new friends. What a sad little group you've got here."

"Back off," Bakugou growled, his tone low and threatening as he stepped in front of Y/N, glaring at her ex. "You're done here."

Just then, Sero turned the corner, a few shopping bags in hand. The moment he saw Y/N's ex, his expression shifted from casual to furious. "What the hell are you doing here?" he snapped, stepping closer to Y/N and Bakugou. "Don't you have better places to be?"

"Ah, Sero," her ex said, feigning surprise. "I didn't know you were hanging out with this loser crew now." His eyes roamed over Y/N and Bakugou with disdain. "You always did have questionable taste in friends."

"Shut up!" Y/N shouted, her anger bubbling over. "You don't get to talk to me like that anymore."

"Really? Because it looks like you're still scared of me," he shot back, smirking as he glanced between Bakugou and Y/N. "I know your little secret. I know what you're really afraid of. You'll always be scared of someone like me."

"Get lost," Bakugou said, his voice low and filled with fury. The fire in his eyes mirrored the rage boiling inside him. He wouldn't let this scumbag intimidate Y/N any longer.

Sero clenched his fists, stepping even closer. "Don't you dare talk to her like that. You're nothing but a coward, and you have no right to show your face here."

"Wow, so brave. Too bad it's all just an act," her ex sneered, his gaze flicking between Bakugou and Sero. "But I know your dirty little secrets, too. Y/N will always be a weakling, running back to me when she's scared."

At that moment, Y/N's heart raced, memories of her past flooding her mind. She felt the ground shift beneath her, and for a split second, she thought she might crumble. But Bakugou's presence beside her anchored her, reminding her that she wasn't alone.

"Stop talking!" Bakugou shouted, his frustration boiling over. "You don't get to mess with her anymore. I won't let you. You're just a croward."

"Coward?" her ex scoffed, crossing his arms. "Look who's talking. You think you're a tough guy just because you can shout? You really think you can protect her?"

"Y/N is not your property!" Sero interjected, his tone furious as he glared at her ex. "You lost that right the moment you put your hands on her."

"Fine," her ex said finally, raising his hands in mock surrender. "But don't think this is over, Y/N. You can't run from your past forever."

Bakugou stepped closer to Y/N, blocking her from view as her ex walked away, a smug smile still plastered on his face. The tension slowly faded, but Y/N felt the weight of those words hanging in the air.

As soon as he was out of sight, Bakugou turned to her, his expression shifting from anger to concern. "Are you okay?"

Y/N nodded slowly, but she could feel the tremors in her hands. "I... I thought I was done with him. I thought I could handle this."

Bakugou's gaze softened, and he reached out, placing a steadying hand on her shoulder. "You are done with him. He doesn't control you anymore. You're not that girl anymore."

"But he knows things. Things that could hurt me," she admitted, her voice trembling.

"Then let's make sure he never gets the chance to hurt you again," Bakugou said firmly. "I won't let him get to you, Y/N. You're safe with me. Always."

Sero stepped up beside them, his expression still fierce but softening slightly as he placed a hand on Y/N's other shoulder. "You don't have to face him alone. We've got your back. Always."

Y/N felt a wave of gratitude wash over her, warmth spreading through her chest. "Thank you, both of you. I just... I didn't want to see him again."

"Let's just get back to shopping," Bakugou suggested, trying to lighten the mood. "We don't need him ruining our day. We can find you something cute, and then I'll buy you ice cream."

Y/N couldn't help but smile at the thought. "That sounds nice."

"Good," Bakugou replied, his tone lightening. "Now, let's go kick some shopping ass."

As they made their way back to the others, Y/N felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe with Bakugou and Sero by her side, she could finally put her past to rest and embrace the future.