The forest was alive with the sound of snapping branches and pounding footsteps. The dim light filtering through the trees did little to help you see where you were going as you ran, heart racing in your chest. Leaves slapped against your face, and the uneven ground threatened to trip you with every frantic step.

Behind you, Bakugo’s furious voice echoed through the trees.

Bakugo: “Get back here, damn it!”

He wasn’t just angry—he was jealous. For once, he wanted to be the one in control, the one you trusted with something so strange and intimate. You knew exactly what he meant when he shouted, “If Deku gets to store you, then so do I!”

You pushed yourself harder, nearly stumbling over a tree root. Why now? Why here? You had barely processed what Bakugo was saying before he exploded—literally—and took off after you like a wild animal.

Suddenly, green energy flashed ahead of you.

Izuku: “Kacchan, stop! This isn’t the way!”

Izuku appeared between the trees, breathless, eyes wide with concern. He reached out to stop his friend, but Bakugo barely slowed.

Bakugo: “Shut up, nerd! I’ve had enough of you hogging everything! Why does it always have to be you?!”

His hand crackled with explosive sparks as he launched himself forward, and you yelped, diving behind a fallen log. Bark splintered above your head as Bakugo’s blast hit nearby.

You could feel his frustration radiating off him—like this was about more than just jealousy. Like this was about being left out. Being second. Always.

But still… this was insane.

You pressed yourself closer to the ground, whispering to yourself, “Why me? Why today?” And somewhere nearby, Deku shouted your name again, trying to keep Bakugo from going completely over the edge.