Chapter 4: Quirk

                                    

                                          

---
I went to the doctor today with my mom.
"She'll get her quirk soon enough."
That's what I remember the doctor saying. Maybe I'd get a cool quirk and impress my friends. The thought of it made me excited, imagining what it could be. Would I be strong? Could I fly? I could hardly wait.
It had been a week since school started, and everything was moving smoothly. I'd grown closer with some of the boys in class, especially Izuku. The green-haired boy was shy but kind, and we often stuck together. Bakugo, on the other hand, was loud and fiery. He seemed angry most of the time, but I once saw him smile when he won a game during recess. That small moment made me happy because it seemed like he was happy too, even if it was just for a second.
Today, I was with the usual group of boys-Izuku, Bakugo, Isamu, and Yasu-exploring the playground and the nearby pond. Bakugo had hurt his leg the week before, but now it was fully healed, and he was running around like nothing had happened.
"Can we stop by the pond?" I asked, excitement bubbling up inside me. "There are some beautiful flowers next to it! I'd like to make a flower crown!"
I looked at the boys expectantly, hoping they'd share my enthusiasm, but Bakugo shot me down almost immediately.
"Huh?!" he barked, turning around with his usual scowl. "Why would you want to make a stupid flower crown? That's embarrassing and lame! We're playing heroes and villains, not some dumb flower game!"
I shrank back a little but nodded. "I guess I can pick flowers later..." I mumbled. Bakugo strutted ahead, proud as ever, and I followed along with the others. I didn't want to make him mad, but I still liked the idea of making a crown.
We decided on the roles for our game: two heroes and two villains. There was also one other role-the hostage, who had to be captured by the villains and then saved by the heroes. Naturally, that person ended up being me.
Bakugo and Isamu took the roles of heroes, while Izuku and Yasu were the villains. I was led to my "prison," which was under the big oak tree near the playground-the same tree where I'd first met the boys. I was told to stay there while the others played out the rest of the game.
Sitting under the shade of the oak tree, I watched the others run around and shout, fully immersed in their roles. They seemed to be having a lot of fun, but I couldn't help feeling a little left out. I was just the hostage, after all, waiting to be saved.
Still, there were plenty of flowers around, so I quietly started gathering some and weaving them together into a crown. I loved how the petals felt soft between my fingers, the colors blending together as I worked. It was peaceful, even if I was all by myself.
Suddenly, I heard Bakugo's voice from across the playground.
"Don't worry, We're coming for you!" His voice was filled with determination as he and Isamu rushed toward the tree to 'rescue' me.
Izuku and Yasu stood in their way, acting like villains, but Bakugo didn't hesitate. He charged at them, fierce as ever, pretending to blast through their imaginary defenses. His wild energy made my heart race, and I found myself watching him closely.
After a few minutes of back-and-forth play-fighting, Bakugo finally reached me. He stood tall, chest puffed out, a grin on his face. "You're free now dumbass " he said proudly.
I couldn't help but smile. "Thanks, Bakugo-san! Isamu-san! " I said softly, placing the flower crown on my head.
But before I could say anything else , a group of older kids-probably first graders-appeared, looming over us. They sneered, clearly looking to start trouble.
"Hey, look at the babies playing their stupid games," one of them taunted.
My heart sank as they closed in, surrounding us. Izuku looked nervous, Yasu stepped back, and even Isamu seemed unsure. Bakugo, though, clenched his fists, stepping in front of me protectively.
"Back off!" Bakugo growled, glaring up at the older kids.
"Oh yeah? And what are you gonna do about it, huh?" one of them sneered, stepping closer.
Something in the air shifted. I could feel Bakugo's anger rising, the tension building between him and the older kids. Then, all at once, it happened.
A sharp pop echoed through the air, and sparks burst from Bakugo's palms. Everyone froze.
"What the-" one of the older kids started, but before he could finish, more explosions erupted from Bakugo's hands, small but bright and loud.
I gasped, my eyes wide. This was it-Bakugo's quirk had just awakened.
The older kids stumbled back, eyes wide with shock. "W-We're outta here!" one of them shouted before they all turned and ran, not wanting to mess with someone who had an explosive quirk.
Bakugo stood there, staring down at his hands in disbelief for a moment before grinning, his usual confidence returning. "Ha! That's right! Don't mess with me!" he shouted after the retreating kids.
Izuku, Yasu, and Isamu all rushed over, equally amazed. "Kacchan, that was your quirk! You got your quirk!" Izuku exclaimed, his eyes shining with awe.
Bakugo smirked, still staring at his hands. "Tch, of course I did. I told you I was gonna be the best."
I smiled too, looking at him with admiration. Even though he was grumpy and loud, there was something about Bakugo that made me feel safe-like he'd always be there, no matter what.
And now, with his new quirk, it felt like he really could do anything.
---