A Delicate Balance of Anger

I blinked, my eyelids fluttering shut for a brief moment as I turned to Bakugou, a hint of a smile playing on my lips. "Do you wish to walk me home then, Bakugou-chan?" I asked, my voice dripping with polite sweetness. Bakugou's reaction was exactly as I had predicted. He bristled, his face reddening with indignation, and spat out a dismissive "As if!" before turning away from me. "Hurry up and scram," he muttered, his shoulders tense with anger. I bowed at a perfect 30-degree angle, a gesture that seemed to grate on his nerves even further. "Very well, I shall take my leave," I said, my voice smooth as silk. Midoriya and Katsuki exchanged a look, and I could sense a mixture of amusement and concern emanating from them. As we walked away from the park, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. It was a small victory, perhaps, but it was a start. It wasn't until we were already out of the park that Bakugou's enraged yell reached my ears. "And don't call me chan, you extra!!" I turned to Midoriya and gave him a closed-eyed smile, my lips curling up in a wry grin. "Bakugou-chan is very lively, isn't he?" Midoriya's face went pale, and he sweatdropped, his eyes fixed on the ground. "... You could say that," he mumbled, his voice barely audible. As we continued walking, Midoriya began to fidget, toying with a thread hanging from his shirt. He avoided my eyes, and I could sense a mixture of guilt and anxiety emanating from him. "I'm sorry for making you lie," he said, his voice hesitant. I nodded solemnly, my expression serious. "It's not your fault, Midoriya-san. It's just... Bakugou-chan can be a bit much to handle sometimes." Midoriya snorted, a small smile playing on his lips. "That's one way to put it." I chuckled, my eyes crinkling at the corners. "I think it's a bit more than that. But I'm sure he'll grow up sooner or later." Midoriya raised an eyebrow, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Sooner rather than later, I hope," he said, his voice laced with sarcasm. I grinned, my eyes glinting with mischief. "Sooner rather than later, indeed. If he tells you to throw yourself off a roof, I'm kicking his ass to the moon." Midoriya burst out laughing, the tension in his body dissipating. "I think I'd appreciate that," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. As we walked, the sun dipping below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, we could navigate this complicated web of relationships and come out unscathed on the other side. But for now, I was content to simply enjoy the walk, and the quiet companionship of my friend.