Freeze Frame

Chapter 12

Lillian's pov

I walked straight home in somewhat of a daze, as if my brain didn't quite believe that I'd just safely made it through my first day at UA high. I did it without making anyone mad, and to my knowledge, I didn't annoy anyone too much. I think that's a good thing! The first day is always the hardest, too, especially when you don't know anyone. 

"Hey, you!" A voice bellowed from behind me, bringing me to an immediate halt. I recognized that voice, although not very well. It had an agitated undertone that told me it was the hothead of our class, Bakugou Katsuki. I don't want to assume he's always angry but... well, he seemed in a sour mood all day! Perhaps he's just nervous. I shouldn't be judging him so early.

"Y-Yes, Bakugou-san?" I squeaked, turning around slowly and carefully. I cringed when I saw that he was indeed stomping my way. He didn't look all too happy either. I felt myself shrinking again, suddenly feeling self conscious in my skirt and blouse. Even with the leggings on, I don't think I like it very much...

"What's your name again?" He asked irritably. "And don't add 'san' to my name, dammit. I'm not a fucking old man."

"S-Sorry." I managed to force out, my voice a pitch higher than it should have been. "L-Lillian." 

"Right. Whatever." He scoffed. "Your quirk. What is it?" He hissed, seeming unhappy that he didn't already know. I gulped. He's definitely dangerous. He's got a powerful quirk, and a temper to match its explosive nature. I don't want to upset him too much. He seemed pretty angry with Midoriya-san back there. If he can be violent towards him, he can be violent towards me too.

"N...Nothing important." I said quietly. "Y-Your quirk is very impressive. I-It was cool t-to see it in action!" I exclaimed nervously, my shoulders tense with anxiety. Bakugou scoffed.

"Yeah, I already know that. And don't fucking lie to me, either. You got a ball 16 damn meters in the blink of an eye! It was the same with the sprint and the run. You finished first in both." His red eyes narrowed at me, and I shifted nervously. Why's he want to know so bad? Why am I so hesitant to tell him?

"I-It's called Freeze Frame." I whispered. He continued to glare down at me, and I got this as a sign to continue. I gulped for what felt like the millionth time that day. "It uh... I-I can freeze anything in m-my line of sight." 

"What?" He didn't seem to be expecting that. I shrunk back as surprise and curiosity flashed through his eyes before it was replaced by cold hostility. I averted my gaze, unable to hold eye contact. I hope he leaves me alone soon. I've got to get home soon, and besides, I already told him what he wanted to know! There's nothing more to it, really...

"I-I've got to get home. S-Sorry." I gave a swift bow before whirling around and beginning to speed walk down the sidewalk. Mom and dad are no doubt waiting by the door for me to get home. They probably think I'm dead. I'm sure they did nothing but waste their time worrying about me. T-They shouldn't have to pay such attention to me! I hope they're alright.

"Hey, we're not done here!" I heard Bakugou said, and I heard him running towards me. I continued with my speed walk, not slowing down, but not speeding up either. He reached me in no time at all, looking extremely annoyed. "Don't walk away when I'm talking to you!" 

"S-Sorry." I stuttered, glancing up at him nervously.

"Tch, whatever. Show me." Bakugou demanded. 

"Excuse me?" I squeaked, blinking owlishly at him. He should know that we really aren't supposed to use our quirks on other people unless its an emergency. Besides, my quirk could have some sort of side effect I don't know about. What if something happens and someone's heart doesn't start beating again? Thinking back, testing it on those people in the park had been an idiotic decision. 

"I want to see." He hissed. "Also, use it on me again and I'll fucking end you, you hear me!" 

I shrunk back, fear alight in my eyes. I could feel tears well up in my eyes. He seemed taken aback by this, freezing when he saw the look on my face. I sniffled pathetically, blinking rapidly to try and stop my tears from falling. The stress of the day finally crashed down on my completely, and soon I found myself blubbering.

"Shit." I heard Bakugou hiss. "I- uh.... don't cry." He sounded desperate. I felt his hand, warm and much bigger than mine, roughly and awkwardly pat my back. "I uh... shit." 

"S-Sorry." I wiped at my eyes desperately. This is pathetic! I'm never going to live this down. I can never leave my house again. I'm done for. I cried in front of a stranger. A stranger I'm going to have to see almost everyday for the next four or so years. "S...Sorry!" 

"Why the fuck are you apologizing?" Bakugou seemed completely bewildered by my crying, which is understandable. "Shit. Here, give me that." My back was snatched off my bag. "What the fuck is in here; bricks?"

"N-No, it's okay. I-I'm sorry to t-trouble you." I reached for my bag.

"Shut up. I'll carry it. Now keep walking." He seemed embarrassed. I guess this is his way of saying sorry. He seems to prideful to say it out loud. I'm surprised he didn't just walk away. It must be because I'm a girl. God, this is so embarrassing. I'm wasting his time and crying like an idiot. He was just curious about my quirk... w-why do I have to be such a pushover?

I began to shuffle towards home, and Bakugo walked beside me quietly, huffing every so often and glancing down at me to see if I'd stopped crying. He'd wince a little when he saw that I wasn't, which of course made me more self conscious. I shielded my face with my hair the best I could with it in a ponytail. My bangs weren't much of a help in this situation.

"S-Sorry." I whispered, wiping my eyes. 

"Stop apologizing." He snapped. "It's... I guess it's my fault anyway. Whatever." He rolled his eyes. I hesitantly reached for my bag, hoping he'd let me go now that my tears had momentarily ceased. He moved it out of the way with ease, holding it up and away from me with ease. I stared hopelessly at it. I considered freezing him, taking it, and running but that would be incredibly rude.

"Y-You don't have to carry it. Y-You must have other things to do. More important things..." I tried to persuade, my voice a squeak.

"Nah, not really. The old hag is probably at home waiting for me to get back." He scoffed. "Not that I want to deal with her anyway."

Is he talking about his mother? How? "I-I don't want to waste your time." I whispered quietly, ducking my head.

"Well, you're not." He snapped, clearly annoyed. "Not shut up and walk." 

I squeaked slightly, and tears welled in my eyes again because I'm a wuss. He seemed to panic. "Ah, shit." He lowered my bag slightly. "I- don't cry." He sputtered. "Seriously, stop."

"S-Sorry."

This is going to be a long walk.