Suffocating Silence | Kiribaku

Drown It Out / Bakugou

I'm Katsuki Bakugou, and I'm going to be deaf by the time I turn eighteen.

That's what the doctors say at least. They tell me if I rarely use my quirk it will last that, or maybe even longer. However, I decided to become a pro hero, and that number is declining quicker than I ever imagined.

My Mom forces me to take JSL classes, and she talks about getting 'the nice boy I hang out with' lessons as well. Apparently it lessens the chance of me isolating myself, and becoming mentally unwell whenever the dreaded day comes upon us. But I don't want him to know about this, he needs to think I'm strong. Even if it's a lie.

The worst conversations to have are 'backup plans' for my career. Every time they bring it up my heart drops. My only dream is unrealistic, impossible. Yet I still shoot for the stars and stay at UA. Although, I have been taking extra classes secretly. There's this feeling that comes with them though, it's beyond pain, it's.. excruciating disappointment.

I just don't want to be alone.

-

I woke up to the ominous static ringing of my abandoned home. My parents were out, and I was supposed to go back to school today. The truth is, I have zero motivation to even stand up, so I'm not quite sure how this is supposed to work.

After a few minutes of lecturing myself, and considering if staying home was worth the fuss from Aizawa. I decided to get up.

The uneasiness quietness of the morning makes me wonder, is this what being deaf will be like.. or worse, definitely worse.

I hate the quiet, so while I can, I'm going to drown it out with music. As soon as I can reach my speaker, my house is filled with the sound of my playlist.

Getting ready doesn't really take that long, so I just make sure I have all my books and dorm stuff together. It's not like I'm a nerd, I just need to be prepared.

I shove an earbud in before heading out the door, and shake my head slightly when I realize that my normal volume is too quiet.

-

When I start up the school steps I yank out my earbuds, and stuff them in my pocket. Jumping in shock when someone elbows my arm.

"Good morning, Bakugou!" Kirishima beams at me.

I hum in response to his happy greeting. Then look back to the main building, but then he starts mumbling and I give him a sideways glance. "Stop mumbling, Shitty Hair."

The red head's eyebrows furrow, and he looks back at me defensively. "I wasn't mumbling, I was just talking, man."

I freeze for a moment, and swallow. "Oh," the word leaves my mouth in a hollow tone. I'm just tired, I'm overreacting.

He looks towards me for a moment with his eyes wide. Then his mouth opens slightly, but closes as soon as it opens.

Do you know? The question echoed into my mind.

There was tension as we walked, but then he cleared his throat, moving his gaze back to the ground.

What I didn't care for was the disappointment that flooded into my veins. Why was I disappointed? It's not like you want him to know. "Yeah.., I.., uh, anyways whatever."

-

I sit through most of our lessons with earbuds in. It's not like I'll need them anyway.

It's just one of those days where I can't stop thinking about the future. The inevitable end of my hero dream seems to edge closer each day. Especially with that stupid thing that happened earlier. Shitty Hair was probably just joking around.

I can only hope you were joking.

-

I have another appointment today. I had forgotten, but my Mom so graciously decided to remind me.

Now, not only am I overthinking, I am also stressed out. Aizawa had apparently taken notice of my foul mood because he asked to see me before lunch.

When the lunch bell rang I stayed in my seat. Barely catching sight of Kirishima looking back to me. He didn't look long before going to catch up with Pikachu. Ouch.

Most of the important staff know about my situation, Aizawa is no different. He walks up to my desk, and looks off awkwardly. "You alright, son?" His monotone voice seems forced, but there is no way he is genuinely concerned.

"Yeah, I'm fine," my response comes out rather aggressively, and I cringe at myself.

"We're here to talk if you need, you don't always have to keep up your tough guy act," Aizawa reassures me and turns back towards the front of the classroom. "Anyway, go ahead and go to lunch, I think someone is waiting on you."

I knit my eyebrows in confusion and look to the doorway to see a familiar face lean in.

Kirishima looks towards the teacher as he walks back to the front of the classroom, and then back to me. "Ready?" he questions cheerily.

I stand up, and push in my chair. Walking all the way to the door before responding.

"Mhm."