Entanglement Series: Of Firsts

Dorm Life Begins

The guys helped me set my room up the way I wanted it while the adults went into the hallway to talk. We pushed my full-sized bed against the right wall, having lofted it so my desk and chest of drawers could fit underneath.

My armoire was against the lofted side of my bed and had fairy lights over the arched top. The left corner of my room looked like a mini-gaming center set with a large TV, bean bags, and a funky rug. Lastly, the leftover space held an emerald green futon with way too many pillows on it and a large floor lamp overhanging.

I plopped down on a beanbag and I felt someone lay across my back and before I could protest, another body plopped on top of that one. Even though I felt like I was suffocating I couldn't find it in me to tell them to move.

We were all so mentally exhausted that it had drained every ounce of energy we had. Eventually, I reached back and smacked them, earning tired groans when they transferred to the seats on either side of me.

I scooted back so I could see both of them simultaneously, gently running my hands through their hair. We all melted, enjoying the release of endorphins that our soulmate bond created. Bakugo adjusted and threw his arm over me, looking like he was about to fall asleep.

I turned to Shinsou and saw him watching us with a strange look on his face. I raised an eyebrow, silently asking him what was on his mind.

Sighing, he sat up and took my hand, rubbing his palm over my shoulder and arm repeatedly.

"Ren, I'm worried about you. I know you've worked very hard to get where you are now and I don't want this to ruin that." I sat up and Bakugo humphed angrily, repositioning himself so his head was in my lap.

"Yeah, I'm with zombie on this one, shorty. What can we do to help you out?"

"This. This right here is what I need. The fact that you're both here, not backing out just because things are getting hard. And trust me, it will only get harder as long as he is involved."

I paused, debating my next thought before laying all my cards on the table.

"He is a pretty big deal. He is a villain with his filthy hands in many different pots. He has friends in very low places. Are you sure you want to get dragged into this? Honestly, I won't forgive myself if he does anything to either of you."

Looking down, I met Bakugo's gaze right as he raised his hand to cup my cheek.

"Stop counting us out. We haven't known each other long but... fuck. I don't know what I would do without you two losers. I don't even have to say anything for either of you to know exactly what I need. This bond, it's evolving and I think we should do some more research on this whole soulmate thing."

The adults walked in and Bakugo shot into a sitting position, yelling at his mother to knock. She yelled right back, marching up to him and smacking the back of his head. Before I could stop myself, I'd thrown up a barrier and pulled him to me, seeing her as a threat.

Bakugo started laughing boisterously as Shinsou explained a few key things to Mrs. Bakugo, making sure to say it in a way that she could read between the lines.

"Back off old hag! I've got my own personal shield now!" He screamed, wrapping his arms around my waist. Shinsou huffed, reaching over and smacking him again.

"Don't use Ren for your own personal gain, idiot." I quickly lowered the barrier, realizing I must have misread the situation.

"So, Mrs. Bakugo isn't... bad?" I whispered to the blond, still giving her a sharp look.