Chapter 8

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Days had gone by rather quickly since I'd joined the League of Villains, and I was beginning to feel a sense of belonging. I almost forgot the life I used to have. When I looked in the mirror, I wasn't even surprised to see my red hair. I actually liked it. It felt like a fresh start.

I had already met everyone from the League. Of course, Dabi, Twice, and Toga were the best. They brought so much energy and laughter into my days. Shigaraki was still a little mean, but I was beginning to see the softer side of him beneath his cool exterior. Kuragiri was really nice, always there to help with whatever I needed. I also met someone named Spinner, who was a bit strange but a nice guy. Mr. Compress was funny, too—his jokes lightened the mood. Magne was another nice person who made good company.

Today, the rest of the members were out on a mission, leaving just Shigaraki and me at the base. The atmosphere felt quiet, and a slight sense of tension hung in the air. I glanced over at Shigaraki, who was slouched on the couch, staring intently at the screen of his game console.

"Hey, um... what are you playing?" I asked hesitantly, stepping a little closer. I wanted to bridge the gap between us, but I wasn't sure how. He glanced up, his expression indifferent. "Just some fighting game," he replied, his voice monotone. I bit my lip, trying to summon the courage. "Can I join you?"

Shigaraki looked at me for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly as if weighing my request. "You really want to?" he asked, a hint of curiosity in his tone. "Yeah! I mean, I've never played before, but it looks fun," I said, trying to sound enthusiastic. "Fine. Just don't screw it up," he said, shoving the second controller toward me.

As I settled onto the couch next to him, I felt a rush of excitement mixed with anxiety. I picked up the controller and fumbled with the buttons, trying to figure out the mechanics. "Just press that button to jump, and this one to attack," Shigaraki instructed, his tone slightly more patient than usual. I could feel the tension easing between us as we played. The game was fast-paced and chaotic, and soon I was completely absorbed, laughing when I managed to pull off a combo.

"Not bad for a newbie," Shigaraki admitted, a hint of a smirk appearing on his face. "Thanks! You're not too bad yourself," I replied, feeling a sense of camaraderie growing between us. Just as I was getting the hang of the game, the front door swung open, and Dabi walked in, shaking off the rain from his coat. "I'm back," he called out, his eyes landing on us.

I jumped up, excited to see him. "Dabi! You're back!" "Yeah, I just got here. What are you two up to?" Dabi asked, raising an eyebrow at our gaming session. "Just playing some video games," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. Shigaraki shrugged, still focused on the screen. "She's not terrible."

Dabi chuckled as he moved closer, ruffling my hair affectionately. "Looks like you're fitting in just fine, Katsu." I felt my cheeks warm at the nickname. Katsu—it was cute, and it made me feel more connected to him. "Thanks, Dabi!" I beamed. Dabi nodded, his expression softening. "Let's train a bit before dinner. You need to be ready for whatever comes next."

"Sounds good!" I replied, feeling a rush of excitement again. Training with Dabi was always a challenge, but I loved pushing myself. We made our way to the training room, where Dabi began demonstrating a few techniques. I followed his movements closely, trying to absorb everything he showed me.

"How's life treating you here?" Dabi asked while we practiced. "It's... different," I admitted. "But I'm starting to feel at home. It's nice being around people who understand me, even if it's a bit chaotic." Dabi smirked, "Chaos is just part of the job description. You'll get used to it."

As we continued training, I realized I was enjoying every moment, from the sweat and effort to the way Dabi guided me with subtle corrections. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was finding my place in this new life. I was no longer just Katsumi Bakugo; I was Katsu, a part of the League of Villains. And maybe, just maybe, I was beginning to like it.

"Let's order some pizza today." I told him after we finished, and he nodded. "Yeah. let's go." He said, and we walked back to the bar, where we ordered five pizzas. This time we actually had the money to buy stuff, and when we sat around the table and at the bar, Shigaraki told us about the next big mission. "Our next big mission is to get a boy." Shigaraki said, and he pushed a button on the remote, and on the TV there was a photo... of Bakugo Katsuki. My brother. I looked at the TV in shock and felt my heartbeat beat faster.

"They're on a training camp, and a spy from our side gave us the news where." Shigaraki said, and I found the room suddenly spinning. "You're going there and get the boy if possible, also this boy." He said, and a picture of another boy was on the screen. I don't really know who it was, but I think it was Fumikage or something. Well, the boy with the birdhead.

Most members left the room after that and went to sleep. Dabi and I were the only ones left. "Bakugo Katsuki. I know that name," Dabi suddenly said, and I looked up at him. "He's your brother, isn't he? You talked about him." Dabi said as he looked at me. "Yeah. Dabi...What if he recognizes me or something!?" I freaked out.

Dabi chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed, as he studied me. "Relax, Katsu. He won't recognize you. You've changed. You're not Katsumi Bakugo anymore; you're Katsu now. The past is behind you." I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. "But what if he does?" The thought sent a shiver down my spine. I had gone through so much to escape my old life, and now it felt like it was crashing back in on me.

Dabi leaned forward, his expression shifting to something softer. "Listen, Katsu. He won't see you as the sister he once knew. You're part of the League of Villains now. To him, you'll just be another enemy." "But what if..." I started, but Dabi interrupted gently. "No 'what ifs.' You're stronger than you think. Trust me, he's not going to care about the girl he left behind. He'll see you as a threat, and that's it. You've evolved, and he won't recognize you."

"But Dabi—" He cut me off again, his voice firm but reassuring. "You have skills now. You've trained; you've fought alongside us. And even if he tries to confront you, I'll handle it. You're not alone in this." I bit my lip, uncertainty still nagging at me. "What if he does recognize me? What if he tries to reach out?"

Dabi's eyes softened further, and he leaned closer, his tone almost a whisper. "If that happens, you have to remember who you are now. You've got us. I won't let him get to you. We'll stick together, and I promise, I'll have your back no matter what."

I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. "Thanks, Dabi. That really helps." Dabi smirked, crossing his arms again. "Good. Now, let's get back to the mission. You'll be fine, Katsu. Trust in your strength and the people around you." I nodded, feeling a newfound determination welling up inside me. The dread began to ebb, replaced by the belief that I could handle whatever came my way. "Alright. Let's do this." He's right. No matter how often I say it, I'll have to get it into my head. I'm Katsu now. Not Katsumi Bakugo.

Burning love |Dabi ffWhere stories live. Discover now