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

179

Kai Chisaki, known to the world as Overhaul, clicked his tongue in irritation. The boy was slipping out of his sight, weaving through the crowded streets like a frightened rabbit. Kai’s cold topaz eyes narrowed, his predatory gaze locking on his target. Denki Kaminari. His angel.

His footsteps quickened as he began pushing through the crowd, his dark coat sweeping across his legs. People bumped into him, muttering apologies or curses under their breath, but Kai didn’t care. His hands twitched with restrained aggression. If only he had time to deal with these useless distractions. But not now. No—his focus was singular. Kaminari was all that mattered.

Meanwhile, Denki’s heart pounded furiously in his chest. His lungs burned, his feet ached, but he couldn’t stop. He wouldn’t. He darted between strangers, his wide golden eyes scanning frantically for escape routes. Overhaul’s figure was unrelenting in the distance, moving like a predator in pursuit. Denki shivered.

He thought of Eri.

No, he couldn’t afford to think about her. Not now.

The sound of blood rushing in his ears drowned out the world around him. His breathing was labored, coming in sharp gasps as he ran. And then, like a whisper carried on the wind, a voice echoed inside his head.

"Take a right turn. Just around the corner."

Denki faltered for a moment, his steps stuttering. The voice was unfamiliar—ominous, even. But desperation outweighed caution. Without hesitation, he veered sharply to the right, his sneakers skidding slightly on the pavement. He rounded the corner, his eyes darting wildly—and froze.

There, walking casually in the area, was Izuku Midoriya. His hero costume caught the faint glint of the streetlights, and his green hair swayed as he turned his head to survey his surroundings. Relief slammed into Denki like a tidal wave.

Perfect timing.

But Denki wasn’t safe. Not yet. He glanced over his shoulder, and his heart sank. Overhaul had taken the same turn, his gaze locked on Denki like a hawk spotting prey. Denki trembled, realization dawning. The cold, calculating look in Kai’s eyes sent shivers down his spine.

Wounds heal. Memories remain.

Denki shoved the thought aside, digging deeper into his adrenaline reserves. He sprinted toward Midoriya, desperation fueling his every step. "Izuku!" he screamed, panic breaking through his voice like a dam.

Midoriya whipped around at the sound of his name, his expression startled. He barely had time to react as Denki launched himself forward, wrapping his arms around Izuku like a koala clinging to a branch. Instinctively, Midoriya encircled his arms around Denki’s trembling frame, holding him steady.

Denki buried his face in Midoriya’s neck, his tears soaking into the fabric of Izuku’s costume. His body shook violently, his gasps mixing with soft, muffled sobs. Izuku’s brows furrowed in confusion, his thoughts racing. Why was Kaminari-kun here? What had him so terrified?

Denki’s trembling grew worse. Izuku felt every shudder, every hitch in his breath. His own worry intensified when he spotted Overhaul a few steps away, standing still with a look of irritation. The man’s presence was like a cold shadow looming over them. For a brief, unbearable moment, Izuku and Kai’s eyes met.

And then Overhaul turned and walked away.

Izuku’s mind spun. Overhaul was after Kaminari-kun. But why? What did he want with Denki? He glanced down at his friend, whose quirk was nowhere near the level of destruction Overhaul usually targeted. What was going on?

Izuku tightened his hold on Denki protectively. His voice softened as he asked, "Kaminari-kun… did he… did Overhaul do something to you?"

Denki didn’t respond. His silence spoke louder than words. Izuku felt the familiar pressure of One For All stirring within him, threatening to activate. He clenched his fists, mentally forcing his quirk back into submission. Not now. He needed to focus.

Denki was having a panic attack.

Izuku leaned closer, brushing a strand of Denki’s yellow hair away from his face and whispering softly, "Shh. It’s okay. You’re safe, Denki-kun."

Midoriya’s voice was steady and soothing. His hand moved in small, calming circles on Denki’s back, patiently waiting for the boy to respond. Slowly, he felt Denki’s head lift. His tear-filled golden eyes met Izuku’s emerald ones, and his lips trembled as he whispered, "Green bunny… my green bunny… my green…"

Izuku’s heart softened, and a small, reassuring smile spread across his face. "Hai hai, I’m your green bunny," he replied gently.

Denki sighed, his grip on Izuku tightening as he buried his head on his shoulder. His trembling subsided little by little, his breathing evening out. Izuku let out a quiet sigh of relief, his arms steady around his friend.

From a distance, Togata-senpai approached with wide eyes, glancing between the two with obvious concern. Midoriya caught his gaze and gave a small, reassuring nod.

Their day was definitely getting weirder before it had even properly started.