As I, Ishikawa Subaru, walk through the school gates, the vibrant colors of the cherry blossoms do little to brighten my mood. The familiar weight of dread settles in my stomach, knowing that somewhere within these walls, Bakugou Katsuki lurks, ready to pounce at the first opportunity. Yet, I straighten my back, resolve hardening like steel. Today will be different.
Bakugou Katsuki stands at the end of the corridor, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that could burn through stone. His smirk is a predatory curve, and as he approaches, the crowd parts for him as if he were a force of nature.
"Well, well, if it isn't Subaru," he sneers, his voice dripping with mockery.
I meet his gaze, refusing to back down. "Bakugou, let's just get through the day without any drama," I reply, my voice steady despite the tension coiling in the air.
After a grueling day of skirmishes and subtle taunts, I find solace on the rooftop. The city stretches out beneath me, a sprawling tapestry of life. Here, away from prying eyes, I can breathe. Yet, even this refuge isn't beyond Bakugou's reach.
"Running away, Subaru?" His voice cuts through the air like a blade, but I remain unmoved.
"No, just taking a break from your relentless pursuit," I retort, turning to face him head-on.
To my surprise, Bakugou hesitates, his usual bravado wavering. "You know, Subaru, you're the only one who ever stands up to me," he admits, his voice softer, almost contemplative.
This unexpected confession catches me off guard. "Maybe because I see more to you than just the bully everyone else does," I respond, the tension between us shifting into something akin to understanding.
Bakugou leans against the railing, the fight seemingly drained from him. "Perhaps...perhaps it's time for a change," he mutters, almost to himself.
I nod, feeling a sense of hope unfurl within me. "Maybe we can start by not being enemies," I offer, extending a metaphorical olive branch.
As we stand together under the emerging constellations, I realize that our rivalry might evolve into something more complex—not just a battle of wills but perhaps a test of friendship.
