The city lay in ruins, the aftermath of a brutal villain attack leaving it broken and silent. Bakugo stood beside you, his usual fire replaced with a cold, haunted intensity as he scanned the wreckage.

“You good?” you asked softly, glancing at him. His fists were clenched, and his jaw tight.

“Tch,” he muttered, not looking at you. “Do I look good? This is a damn mess.”

You stepped closer. “I know it’s a lot to take in. But you’ve been through worse. We’ll rebuild. You’ll rebuild.”

Bakugo scoffed, his gaze softening for a moment before hardening again. “Rebuild, huh? Not sure how the hell we’re supposed to do that when so many are gone.”

He turned his back to you, staring at the destruction. You stepped up behind him. “You can’t save everyone. But you did save some. And you’re still here. That’s something.”

He paused, then looked at you with an intensity that softened into something more vulnerable. Slowly, he pulled you into him, his strong arms wrapping around you in a rare show of need.

“Don’t get used to this,” he muttered. “But… thanks.”

You leaned into him, offering a soft smile. “I’m not going anywhere, Bakugo.”

He held you a little tighter, as if afraid to let go. In this moment, amidst the chaos, you were still standing together.