Warming Your Heart

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Bakugou waits a few speechless seconds before he melts into my hug. Wrapping his arms around me and placing his forehead against my shoulder, I can feel him put his weight into me. To say I was shocked that he accepted my comfort is an understatement. 

"Do you want to talk about it? We can miss school and take a mental wellness day if you want?" My voice mumbles words to the wind, carrying my concern until the sound disappears. He nods in my grasp.

"Yeah," his tone is hushed. Speaking so low that it sounds like a growl, "let's do that." I start to let go of him so we can make our way to the school's Administration and Attendance Office, but I stop once I feel him squeeze me tighter. 

"Bakugou," I barely squeak out as he continues to tighten his hold. "Bakugou," I gasp slightly. "I can't really breathe."

"Oh, sorry," he loosens his grip a bit and after a few short beats of silence, he softly demands, "just don't let go right now." 

I don't know what else to say to him, so I hug him again and rub circles soothingly on his back to try and relax him.

"I haven't had a hug in over a year." At his words, I slow my hand movements and just pull him closer, even though there is no space between us already. 

"I will hug you anytime you need one, dude. I'm here for you." His fingers grip the back of my shirt firmly and I'm not sure if I was imagining it, but I thought I heard him sniffle. 

After a few moments of this, the bell rang, causing students to start flocking towards the main building. We both automatically pulled away before anyone could see us, knowing this was the right moment to go report our absences for the day due to improving Bakugou's mental health. The first bell of the day signifies that class is starting in five minutes, so we need to hurry.

****

"Oh, I see," The school's secretary states concerned. She glances to the quiet Bakugou standing next to me. After I finished telling her that Bakugou needs a mental health day and is planning on taking the day off, she tells us to take a seat in the waiting chairs across the room while she took care of telling our teachers and marking him as excused in attendance.

"Just so you know," She speaks up, gaining our attention as she continues, "You can be excused from classes today, Bakugou. But Kirishima still needs to go. Second period is coming up shortly, you should be able to atten-"

"Bullshit." My eyes widen and my head snaps at him. I shake my head at Bakugou, trying to keep him out of trouble.

"Excuse me?" She states and Bakugou's cheeks tint a pastel pink as he remembers who he was talking to.

"I mean, um, ma'am," he clears his throat, but he still speaks gruffly. "Kirishima is just as affected from this as I am. He deserves a day to recover mentally as well." Personally, I'm feeling just fine, but a day off from school always sounds nice to me. If he's going to fight to get me a day off, I'll accept.

I look back and forth between the secretary and Bakugou. They are staring at each other until she eventually smiles. I'm not sure what she finds amusing but she ends up granting both of us the day off.

"Have a great rest day, boys!" She exclaims as we stand to leave, "Oh, and Bakugou?" We both turn around, even though it doesn't involve me. 

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Thank you for caring about Kirishima."

****