Noctem

Zero

Y/N stood at the entrance of the agency, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The familiar scent of polished floors and the sharp sounds of heroes bustling about greeted her. She was finally back, ready to carve out her place among her new friends and allies.

"Y/N!" Ochako rushed over, eyes sparkling with happiness. "You're back! How are you feeling?"

"I'm great, a little sore, but ready to get to work!" Y/N replied, forcing a smile despite the underlying nerves. She was determined to bounce back, to step into the life she had chosen.

As they chatted, and laughter filled the air, a sudden shift occurred. The atmosphere grew chilly as the doors swung open, and in strode Zero, his presence commanding yet filled with tension. Y/N froze, her stomach dropping at the sight of him.

"Y/N!" Zero called, striding forward with an intensity that drew everyone's attention. The room grew quiet, curiosity washing over the heroes as they watched the unfolding confrontation.

"What are you doing here?" Y/N managed, crossing her arms defensively, bracing herself for the confrontation.

"I came to find you. I heard what happened, and I had to see for myself," Zero replied, tension threading his voice. "You're working here? After everything?"

"After everything? You mean after you tried to control every aspect of my life?" Y/N shot back, her voice steady despite the flutter of emotions.

"Can we talk somewhere private?" Zero asked, his tone shifting as he glanced at the onlookers. "I want to explain."

"No. There's nothing to explain. I've moved on!" Y/N retorted, her heart racing but resolute.

"Clearly, you haven't moved on if you're here, putting yourself in danger," he snapped. "I can't believe you're throwing yourself into this hero life without considering the consequences."

Bakugo, having watched the exchange with simmering frustration, stepped forward. "If you've got a problem with her choices, then you're barking up the wrong tree. Y/N is stronger than you'll ever understand."

Zero shot Bakugo a sharp look but ignored him, focusing solely on Y/N. "You need to listen to me. I'm here to protect you, not to control you. I still care about you!"

Y/N's expression hardened, eyes glinting with anger and defiance. "You don't get to decide what's best for me anymore, Zero. You had your chance, and you wasted it!"

"Don't you see? I came here to help! You're placing yourself at risk—who knows what could happen in this world of heroes?" Zero pressed, desperation creeping into his words.

"I can take care of myself," Y/N insisted, the fire in her voice unwavering. "I'm not the same person I was. I'm not a pawn in your game anymore."

The tension in the room heightened as Zero glanced around, clearly aware of the audience. "This doesn't have to be permanent, Y/N. You can come back to me. We can work it out. Let's just leave this place and talk—"

"No!" Y/N interjected, shaking her head fiercely. "What I want is to build my own future. I've found people who support me just the way I am, and I won't give that up again."

Bakugo stood beside Y/N, his determination shining through. "Keep your distance, Zero. If you try to pull her back, I won't hold back."

Zero's expression darkened, frustration and anger flaring in his eyes, but he recognized the resolve in Y/N's gaze—and the strength emanating from Bakugo.

"Fine. But this isn't over," Zero said coldly, stepping back. "You'll regret this."

As Zero turned to leave, the weight of his departure hung in the air. Y/N felt a mixture of relief and sorrow wash over her. It was hard to confront her past, but she was grateful for the friends standing by her side.

"Are you okay?" Ochako asked gently, moving closer to Y/N.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Thank you," Y/N replied, her breathing steadying as she faced her friends. "I just need some time to regroup."

Bakugo crossed his arms, a protective glare still lingering as he watched Zero exit the agency. "Just remember, you have us. You don't have to carry this alone."

"Thank you, Bakugo," Y/N responded, her heart warm with appreciation. "I'll lean on you guys. I won't let any shadows of my past pull me back."

As they moved back into the agency, Y/N felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination. She was ready to take charge of her future, surrounded by newfound friends who would stand by her side, no matter what challenges came her way.