ILY - [BKDK] | MHA - Chapter 17: Chapter 17

The nurse's office was quiet, save for the hum of the overhead fluorescent lights. Katsuki sat on the edge of the medical bed, his fists resting on his thighs, as the sting of antiseptic burned against the shallow cuts on his knuckles. His chest still heaved from the adrenaline, though, the fight was long over. His shirt was wrinkled, so was his coat, dirt smudged all along the hem, and his ribs ached where Monoma's fist had landed.
The door creaked open, and in stepped in Aizawa, his ever-sleepy eyes sharper than usual. at he man crossed his arms as he surveyed the boy in front of him, his expression unreadable but his tone cutting through the silence like a blade. "Bakugo, what the hell were you thinking?"
Katsuki stiffened, his jaw tightening. He didn't respond immediately, just kept his gaze on the scuffed floor beneath his feet.
"I'm talking to you, Bakugo." Aizawa said, stepping closer. "You picked a fight in the middle of school, in front of dozens of students. You know the consequences of something like that."
"I know," Katsuki muttered, his voice rough.
"Do you?" Aizawa snapped, his voice sharp enough to make sure Katsuki's head jerked up. "Because if you did, you wouldn't be here right now. You think throwing punches is the right answer to everything? What exactly did you accomplish?"
Katsuki's lips curled into a scowl. "That bastard deserved it."
Aizawa raised a brow. "Deserved it? And that's your justification for nearly breaking his jaw?" He exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You've got a temper, Bakugo. That much is clear. But if you can't control it, you're going to get yourself kicked out of this school. Is that what you want?"
"No," Katsuki snapped, then clenched his fists. "But I couldn't just stand there. He's been sending these notes to Deku— You didn't see what was on it."
"Maybe not," Aizawa said coolly, "but I saw you put your hands on another student, that's the only thing the school cares about right now. You earned yourself detention for the next week. This is your warning, Bakugo. One more stunt like this, and you'll face suspension— or worse."
Katsuki gritted his teeth but nodded. He wasn't going to argue, not when he knew deep down Aizawa wasn't wrong.
"And your friends—Kirishima, Kaminari, Ashido, Sero and Shinso—they'll be serving detention with you," Aizawa added.
Katsuki's head shot up. "What? No. That's not fair."
"They were a part of the scene, whether they threw punches or not," Aizawa said simply.
"It wasn't their fault!" Katsuki said, his voice rising. "I started it. They were just trying to stop me. You can't punish them for something I did."
Aizawa studied him for a long moment, his gaze heavy and unreadable. "They're your friends. They should've stopped you before it got this far."
Katsuki shook his head furiously. "Don't give me that shit. I didn't listen to them. This is on me, not them."
Aizawa's eyes narrowed slightly, and then he sighed. "Fine. I'll reconsider their involvement. But this is the only time I'm letting you talk your way out of something like this, Bakugo. Understand?"
Katsuki gave a curt nod, relieved but still seething at the situation.
The nurse finally stepped in, holding a clipboard. "Bakugo, you've got some bruised ribs. Nothing broken, but you'll need to take it easy for the next week or two. And no more fights. You'll be taking a break from basketball, I've already talked to your coach about it."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Katsuki muttered.
The nurse didn't flinch at his attitude. "If you don't, you'll risk more serious damage next time. And the school is warning you to stay away from Monoma. If you so much as look at him the wrong way, there will be consequences. Understand?"
Katsuki knew they were just saying that to scare him, but he nodded anyway.
Aizawa lingered by the door, his arms crossed. "You've got people who care about you, Bakugo. Try listening to them instead of letting your pride get in the way. You're not helping anyone by throwing punches. Not Midoriya. Not yourself. Got it?"
Katsuki didn't answer, but the weight of Aizawa's words settled on his shoulders. He knew Aizawa was right, but that didn't make it any easier to swallow.
As the door shut behind his teacher, Katsuki leaned against the pillow behind him, staring up at the ceiling. The ache in his ribs was nothing compared to the fire still burning in his chest.
He wasn't done with Monoma. Not yet. He'd make sure his next move counted.
Katsuki lay back on the medbed, staring blankly at the ceiling, when the door to the nurse's office swung open. A cluster of familiar voices broke the silence, and he barely had time to look before his friends barged in—Kirishima leading the pack with Kaminari, Mina, and Sero close behind.
"Dude, what the hell was that out there?" Kirishima said.
Katsuki groaned and rolled his eyes. "What does it look like? I shut him up."
"By starting a fight in the middle of school?" Sero asked, crossing his arms. "Real subtle, man."
"We barely managed to drag you out of there before a teacher showed up." Denki added, plopping into a chair. "And still Aizawa knows everything. You're lucky he didn't expel you on the spot!"
"You're welcome, by the way," Mina said, her hands on her hip. "I mean, it's not like we risked detention or anything trying to pull you off of that guy."
Katsuki straightened himself, wincing a little, since his ribs protested the movement. "I already told Sensei it wasn't your fault, so drop it. You're not getting detention."
"Wait," Kirishima said, blinking. "You told him what?"
"I told him it was all on me," Katsuki muttered, looking away. "You guys didn't do anything, so I made sure he knew that."
For a second, the room went quiet. Then Mina sighed, her expression softening. "Katsuki..."
"That's... really manly of you dude." Kirishima said, grinning despite the tension in the room.
"You shouldn't have started it in the first place," Sero said, though his tone lacked the sharpness from before. "But... we get why you did it."
"Yeah," Kaminari agreed, leaning forward. "You're so nice, Bakubro!"
"Alright, fuck off. I had enough." Katsuki scoffed, pushing Denki's face away, to which everyone in the room laughed about.
"How're you feeling, by the way?" Mina pat the back of Katsuki's hand.
Katsuki grumbled. "...'M fine. The old nurse said I got bruised ribs, I'll be off of basketball for a bit." He sighed. "That bastard has something going on with Deku. The way he..."
"Oh, Bakugo. so quick to defend your little friend. I honestly didn't think you two would get so close. Isn't that sweet? But maybe—just maybe—you don't know him as well as you think you do."
"He... He just kept running his damn mouth about how I didn't know Deku as well as I thought I did." Katsuki scoffed.
The weight of his words lingered in the air, and his friends shifted uncomfortably. Kirishima tilted his head, careful. "You... You and Midoriya are closer—closer than anyone else in the class so far. If he is hiding something, he'd tell you first, okay? Just give him time."
Katsuki's jaw clenched. He didn't want to admit it, not out loud, but the truth was gnawing at him. He shook his head, "No. No, he didn't tell me. He told... Round Face."
The reaction was immediate. Denki blinked in surprise, his eyebrows shooting up. "Uraraka?"
Mina's lips parted in shock, and Sero frowned deeply. Kirishima looked genuinely confused, his brow furrowed as he took a step closer to the blond. "Wait, you're saying Midoriya told Uraraka first? About... whatever this is?"
"Yeah," Katsuki ground out, his voice dripping with bitterness. "She's the one who knows. Not me."
The silence that followed was deafening. His friends didn't need to say anything for Katsuki to feel the weight of their thoughts. Kaminari exchanged a quiet glance with Mina, who bit her lip, her usual bright demeanor subdued. Seep's arms crossed over his chest, and Kirishima rubbed the back of his neck, his expression torn between understanding and concern.
Then slowly, something shifted, it wasn't a spoken realization, but rather an unspoken one—a collective understanding that passed silently between them. The way Katsuki's shoulders had tensed when he mentioned Ochako, the edge of his voice when he talked about Izuku hiding something... it all painted a picture that wasn't fully seen before.
Mina's eyes widened slightly as she placed it together first, her lips parting in quiet realization. Kirishima caught on next, his expression softening as his gaze flicked to Katsuki, who still refused to meet their eyes. Kaminari tilted his head, his mouth opening slightly to say something, but he quickly shut it, his eyes narrowing at the thought.
It wasn't just about Izuku hiding something, It was about Katsuki—how much he cared, and how deeply this affected him. He wasn't just angry about being left out; he was hurt. Hurt that Izuku, the person he'd consider his closest friend, had chose to confide in someone else first.
None of them said anything, they didn't need to.
Finally, Mina broke the silence, her voice soft. "Katsuki... whatever it is, you'll figure it out. You always do."
Kirishima nodded, his usual enthusiasm tempered with quiet reassurance. "Yeah, man. And if you need help, we're here, always."
Denki and Sero both murmured their agreement, and for a moment, the tension eased slightly. Katsuki didn't respond, but the faintest flicker of gratitude crossed his face before he looked away.
The tension finally began to dissipate. For now— he had them. That was enough.
The door creaked open, and everyone turned to see Izuku hesitantly standing in the doorway, clutching the strap of his backpack. His eyes darted from one face to another before landing on Katsuki, who was still seated on the bed.
The room fell silent. Mina exchanged a glance with the others. Without a word, she tilted her head toward the door, silently signaling that it was time to give the two some privacy.
"Oh— Oh! Alright!" Kirishima said, clapping is hands. "Let's uh, go grab something from the vending machine! Yikes, I'm so hungry."
"But we just had lunch?" Sero raised a brow.
Denki stretched with an exaggerated effort. "Yeah! good call! Boy, I'm starving."
"Guys?? We just had lunch??" Sero followed them out.
Mina lingered for a second, shooting a small, knowing smile before following the others out. Katsuki grumbled under his breath. They were trying to set him! Even though they know it would be awkward!
Katsuki broke the silence first, his voice rough, but lacking the usual bite. "What do you want, Deku?"
Izuku took a deep breath, swallowing the lump in his throat as he read Katsuki's lips. He stepped closer, his red sneakers barely making a sound against the tiled floor. "I heard you got into a fight," He said quietly. "Why?"
The blond's scowl deepened. He glanced away, staring at the wall as if avoiding Izuku's gaze. "Doesn't matter," he muttered.
Izuku frowned, his brows furrowing. "It does matter. You don't just fight people for no reason."
Katsuki let out a humorless laugh, his hands clenching into fists despite the bandages. "You don't know a damn thing, Deku."
Izuku hesitated, but asked once more. "Who did you fight?"
Katsuki grumbled. "Monoma." He said. "He was talking shit about you." He didn't mention the note.
Izuku's chest tightened, the words settling over him like a heavy weight. "Monoma?" The name was like a sharp sting, pulling up memories he'd tried to bury deep. Katsuki knew Monoma? He actually goes here? His fingers trembled as he tried to process what Katsuki was saying...
Izuku's breath hitched in his throat.
He's getting my friends. He did it again.
The thought hit him with the force of a punch, and a panic began to surge in his chest. His heart began to race, each beat echoing louder in his ears. He could feel the walls closing in, the air growing thicker. His vision blurred, the edges of the room slipping out of focus. He could hear the pulse vibrate in his ears.
Katsuki didn't notice at first, He was still too distracted with his own thoughts. But then he saw the way Izuku was shaking, the way his shoulders were drawn in like he was trying to hide. Katsuki's instincts kicked, and his gaze sharpened.
"Oi, Deku, wait, what's wrong with you?" Katsuki asked, his stern shaking snapping Izuku out of the panic that was beginning to overwhelm him.
Izuku opened his mouth to say something, but the words wouldn't come. His chest felt like it was being squeezed from all sides. The air felt too thick, too heavy. He gasped, his breath coming in short bursts, and he instinctively took a step back, his legs weak beneath him.
Katsuki winced as he stood up, but he didn't care. He moved quickly towards him. "Deku! What the hell is going on?" His voice was more demanding now, worried, but Izuku couldn't hear him.
"Monoma," Izuku gasped, the word slipping out of his mouth without thought.
Katsuki looked genuinely worried. "Monoma?" he repeated. He reached out, grabbing Izuku's shoulder, making the male face him. "Deku, calm down. Breathe, okay? Focus on me."
Izuku couldn't focus, of course. All he could see was flashes of what happened in junior high.
But something broke through his haze. A shake, and a face.
"Izuku." Katsuki called him by his name. His actual name.
Katsuki's voice was rough, but insistent. Izuku managed to snap his gaze to his lips, to read them.
Izuku's hand gripped his shirt, and his breathing began to slow, though every inhale felt too shallow.
"Breathe," Katsuki said, his tone controlled but urgent. "In through your nose, out through your mouth. C'mon." He exaggerated the motion, his chest rising and falling in an attempt to guide Izuku.
Izuku tried, but his breaths were shaky. "You're fine. You're here. You're okay, alright? Just focus on breathing."
The door to the nurse's office opened, and Ochako hurried in the moment she saw Izuku. "Deku!" She called, rushing forward.
"What's going on?" She asked, her voice softer now.
Katsuki straightens, wincing a little. His hands fell from Izuku's shoulders, but lingered close. "He's having some kind of panic attack," Katsuki explained gruffly, though his tone lacked its usual bite. "I don't know what set him off, but I'm tryin' to help him breathe."
Ochako nodded, her gaze locking onto Izuku. She reached out, her movements deliberate and careful, and placed her hand over his. "Deku," she said gently, ensuring her lips were visible. "It's okay. You're okay. You're safe."
After a few minutes, Izuku's breath evened out. He blinked rapidly, he needed to get out of here.
Izuku slowly pushed away from them, standing up. "I need to go. I- I have to go. I need time alone." He mumbled, slowly walking out.
"Izuku," Katsuki called, but Izuku didn't respond. He couldn't hear.
Ochako bit her lip. "I think he needs space, Bakugo."
Katsuki frowned.
Ochako sighed. "I hope you're alright," She mumbled. "Deku, he... he just needs time." She explained.
Katsuki was pissed. He didn't need pity. "Get out. I don't wanna talk."
The brunette frowned, but nodded, knowing he wouldn't change his mind so easily.
She was on her way to walking out when Katsuki spoke again: "Wait. Round face..."
Izuku sat beneath the sprawling branches of a venerable oak tree. His mind was a labyrinth of of confusion and distress, each thought echoing with recent revelations about Neito Monoma's actions. The idea of returning to class del insurmountable; he needed space to process, to breathe.
As he stared blankly at the ground, tracing the patterns of light and shadow, a pair of shoes entered his line of sight. Startled, he looked up to find Shinso standing a few feet away, his hands casually tucked into his pockets, his expression neutral yet observant.
"Mind if I join you?" He spoke slowly, ensuring Izuku could read him.
Izuku hesitated, the weight of recent events making him wary. But sensing no ill intent... for now, he nodded slowly. Shinso took a seat beside him, maintaining a respectful distance, allowing Izuku personal space.
For several moments, they sat in silence, the ambient sound of rustling leaves and distant students chatter filling the void. Izuku stole a glance at Shinso, noting the contemplative look in his eyes, as if he were carefully choosing his words.
"I heard about what happened with Monoma." Shinso began, his voice measured. "I want you to know, I wasn't involved in sending any notes. That was entirely Monoma's doing. I found out through Bakugo."
Izuku turned to face him fully, searching Shinso's expression for any hint of deception. He found none; only sincerity met his gaze.
"I understand if you're hesitant to trust me." Shinso continued, his tone softening. "But I know how it feels. Kind of."
Izuku's posture relaxed incrementally, the tension in his shoulders easing as he absorbed Shinso's words. He offered a tentative nod, acknowledging the shared understanding between them.
"If you ever need someone to talk to, or just a quiet place to sit, I'm here." Shinso added, his gaze steady and reassuring.
Izuku nodded once again. This provided him clarity, a beacon of understand amidst the chaos. Maybe... Maybe Shinso knowing wasn't that bad after all. Ochako hadn't done anything bad since he'd told her, maybe... maybe it's the same? This was all too foreign.
He tried to remember the proper signs for what he wanted to say next.
How do you know sign language?
Shinso looked surprised, but nonetheless, answered.
I learnt it as a kid a while back.
Izuku nodded in understanding.
Shinso sighed, signing once more.
Why do you hide that you're deaf? Shinso's hands conveyed the question with a fluidity.
Izuku's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and apprehension flashing across his face.
He had been meticulous in concealing his deafness, fearing the repercussions of such a revelation.
Shinso decided to bite the bullet, and throw out something he suspected. Is it Monoma?
Izuku's eyes widened in surprise, he nodded slightly.
Shinso furrowed his brows. "That bastard." He cursed. "I'm sorry you went through that," He said. "But your friends aren't Monoma. They care about you."
"It's hard to believe that," Izuku chuckled bitterly. "I've been treated like this almost my whole life. The fear of being judged, of being treated differently... it's overwhelming."
Shinso nodded thoughtfully.
I understand the fear of judgement. He signed, But sometimes letting others in can lead to unexpected support. You might be surprised by their acceptance.