This time I will protect them I won't be a coward

178

Denki sat very still in his seat, forcing himself to breathe slowly. His mind raced as he discreetly calculated his situation—Overhaul hadn’t come alone. Denki’s gaze flickered to his surroundings, scanning for a solution. He needed to think quickly. A plan. He had to outwit Overhaul and his lackeys before it was too late.

In his head, he could practically hear Bakugou yelling at him. "Always analyze your situation, dumbass, before jumping into it!"

"Yes, mom," Denki thought sarcastically, almost rolling his eyes. He could even imagine Bakugou’s irritated tsking sound before his voice faded into silence.

Denki sighed, rubbing his temple to fend off the growing anxiety. His attention shifted to the two high school couples in front of him, sitting in the dimly lit theater. They were shamelessly making out, oblivious to anything else. Yuck, Denki thought, grimacing. People these days really don’t have any decency...

But then, an idea popped into his head—a bold, reckless idea that just might work.

Denki stole a glance at Overhaul, who appeared engrossed in the final act of the movie. His cold topaz eyes seemed transfixed, unbothered by Denki’s presence for the moment. It was time to act. Denki began counting softly in his head to steady his nerves, focusing on each number to keep a potential anxiety attack at bay. One. Two. Three...

The movie came to an end. The credits rolled, and the audience began shuffling toward the exit, their conversations filled with chatter about the rare happy ending of a horror movie. Denki's lips curled into a faint grin. Perfect timing, he thought. Time to put my acting skills to the test.

Just as he was about to move, a voice spoke right beside his ear, cool and unnervingly calm.

"So, how did you find the movie, Asterope-kun?"

Denki flinched, startled. He hadn’t expected Overhaul to initiate a conversation. For a moment, his mind blanked as he looked at the villain, his face flushed in surprise.

"Uh… um…" Denki stammered, his golden eyes darting downward to his hands. The dim yellow theater lights illuminated the pink and blue Lichtenberg scars that etched his skin—a constant reminder of his quirk.

He swallowed hard, realizing he had no idea what to say. He hadn’t paid attention to the movie at all. Overhaul chuckled darkly, a low sound that sent chills racing down Denki’s spine. Then, the villain reached out and ruffled Denki’s golden hair lightly.

Denki blinked in bewilderment at the gesture. It was unexpected. Strange. His thoughts tumbled over one another until the first thing spilled out of his mouth: "How miserable. You’re touch-starved but touch-repulsed? What are you, written by Dostoevsky?"

Now it was Overhaul’s turn to be caught off guard. He stared at Denki, his sharp topaz eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to decipher the boy’s words. It was the opening Denki needed.

Maintaining firm eye contact, Denki leaned forward slightly, feigning shyness. In one swift, fluid motion, his hand darted into Overhaul’s jacket pocket. His fingers closed around the warm plastic of his hero license card.

Before Overhaul could react, Denki bolted, his legs propelling him at top speed toward the exit. His heartbeat thundered in his ears as he raced out of the cinema. He didn’t stop, didn’t slow down, even as pedestrians yelped in irritation when he bumped into them. He didn’t care. He had to keep moving.

Once he was a safe distance away, Denki slowed for a moment and twirled around a lamp pole in sheer joy, earning amused applause from a group of kindergarten kids on their way home. For the first time in what felt like ages, Denki’s heart felt light. He’d done it—he’d gotten his hero license back from that bastard Overhaul.

But his relief was fleeting. As he melted into the crowded streets, Denki couldn’t resist glancing over his shoulder. His blood ran cold. Overhaul was there, walking casually among the people with his gloved hands tucked into his pockets. He wasn’t rushing. He didn’t need to. The way he moved—calm, confident, calculating—sent shivers down Denki’s spine.

Denki’s mind reeled. Chisaki Kai hated crowded spaces; Denki knew that much. Yet here he was, surrounded by strangers, his presence a threat Denki couldn’t ignore. Denki realized the truth with a sinking feeling—Overhaul wasn’t chasing him. He was waiting. Waiting for Denki to feel safe enough to slip up, to corner him, to pounce.

Denki turned back and kept running, dread knotting his stomach. He couldn’t stop now. Couldn’t let himself get caught.

Overhaul, meanwhile, moved through the crowd like a predator closing in on its prey. His gaze remained fixed on the golden-haired boy disappearing into the distance. He clicked his tongue in frustration—his angel was getting away. But no matter. Kai savored the thrill of the hunt.

And when he caught his angel—oh, the things he would do.