You sat quietly on the park bench, legs swinging as you waited for your father to return. He had only stepped away for a moment, but that moment stretched too long when a group of kids approached.

They were bigger than you, older, with mean grins. One gave you a light shove, making you jolt. Another poked your shoulder. “Why’re you just sitting there, huh?”

You stiffened, gripping the bench. You weren’t the type to cry, but your eyes burned anyway. They wouldn’t stop, their voices getting louder, taunting.

Then—BOOM!

A loud explosion shattered the air, sending dust and pebbles flying. The kids yelped, spinning around just in time to see someone stomping toward them.

"Oi! You extras got a death wish?!"

The bullies scattered like startled birds, tripping over themselves to get away. Standing in their place was a furious kid, fists clenched, scowl deep.

"K-Kacchan—" A breathless voice wheezed behind him. "Y-you—huff—can’t just—huff—explode things—huff—whenever—"

You blinked as another boy stumbled into view, bent over, hands on his knees, gasping like he had just run a marathon. His whole body trembled with exhaustion, his face red.

Katsuki rolled his eyes. "Hurry up, nerd. You sound like you’re dying."

Izuku sucked in a deep breath before looking up at you, eyes filled with worry despite his exhaustion. “A-are… are you okay?” he panted.