Noctem

Reflections and Revelations

As the evening progressed, the camaraderie and laughter around the table flowed freely, each drink seeming to add to the fun. Y/N found herself swept up in joy, exchanging jokes with Kaminari and Kirishima while Bakugo tried to maintain his usual tough demeanor.

"Can you believe this? A trifecta of shadow, dynamite, and hard rock!" Kaminari exclaimed, lifting his drink in mock salute.

"Aw, c'mon! You make it sound like we're in some band," Y/N laughed, taking another sip of her drink, warmth spreading through her as the spicy flavors danced on her tongue.

But as the drinks continued to flow, Y/N felt her lightheartedness mingled with a swell of emotions. Subtle but persistent thoughts began to creep in, memories of her past life pressing against her mind—times when she felt the need to be the perfect daughter and the 'perfect girl.'

"I'm just the perfect girl," she murmured to herself, and suddenly the weight of those memories felt heavier than usual.

Feeling the swell of emotions building, Y/N excused herself from the table. "I'll be right back. I just need to... uh, freshen up," she said, forcing a smile as she stood up.

As she walked to the bathroom, the laughter faded behind her, the playful sounds muffled as she opened the door and stepped inside. Leaning against the sink, she took a deep breath, staring at her reflection.

Why do I feel like I have to be perfect? she thought. Why can't I just be me?

Meanwhile, back at the table, Midoriya turned to Bakugo, a concerned expression settling on his face. "Hey, Bakugo, you seem awfully quiet since Y/N got here. What do you think of her?"

Bakugo waved a hand dismissively but felt his heart race just at the mention of Y/N's name. "What's it to you, Deku?"

"Come on, don't play tough," Midoriya pressed gently. "It's clear you care about her. I've seen how you look at her. She's really special, isn't she?"

Bakugo shifted uncomfortably, trying to mask the heat rising to his cheeks. "I don't have to tell you anything. I'm not the one getting all mushy over some new recruit."

"Bakugo," Midoriya said earnestly, "it's okay to feel that way. Y/N is different; she's shown us all a side of her that's genuine and so full of life. It must mean something to you."

Bakugo crossed his arms tighter, trying to maintain his cool facade. "She's just... she can handle herself, alright? It's not like I'm about to go all soft on her."

"I think you're underestimating how much she might need someone like you," Midoriya continued, seeing through Bakugo's bravado. "She's remarkable, but I can tell she's been through a lot. You can see it in her eyes."

Bakugo felt an unsettling sensation at Midoriya's words, recalling how Y/N had glowed with a unique confidence but also carried an air of vulnerability. "What do you know about it?" he snapped, defensiveness creeping in.

"She's had to be perfect for everyone her whole life, just to fit in," Midoriya replied, his tone sincere and understanding. "Sometimes, the weight of expectations can be suffocating."

Bakugo's demeanor shifted, feeling a flicker of realization. "You think she's like... that?"

"Yeah, I do," Midoriya said. "And the more we got to know her, the more we see she's just looking for a place to belong—like all of us. Maybe you could help her see that she doesn't need to be perfect here."

As Bakugo considered Midoriya's words, he felt the walls he'd built around his emotions begin to crack. Could I really help her? he pondered, an unfamiliar warmth in his chest.