**Chapter 17: Trapped in Dabi's Game**

As the walls continued to shift and change, I stumbled, my foot catching on a narrow ledge. Bakugo's arm wrapped around my waist, steadying me as we navigated the ever-changing maze. Mr. Compress's manipulation of the walls was relentless, and I could feel my heart racing with every twist and turn. Just as I thought we were going to be trapped forever, Dabi's voice cut through the air, his tone dripping with amusement. "Alright, let them out," he said, his words echoing off the walls. The compressed walls began to expand, and we stumbled out into the alleyway, gasping for air. Dabi's smile was still plastered on his face, and his eyes gleamed with excitement as he took a step closer to us. "I want to have fun with them while they are out here," he said, his voice low and husky. "See how the explosion boy reacts to me messing with the girl," he added, his gaze flicking to Bakugo before landing on me. Bakugo's eyes narrowed, his face darkening with anger. "You think you can just mess with us and get away with it?" he growled, his fists clenched at his sides. Dabi chuckled, his smile growing wider. "Oh, I'm not going to hurt you... yet," he said, his eyes glinting with mischief. "I just want to play a little game. Magician, if you would be so kind as to create a small illusion for us," he said, turning to Mr. Compress. Mr. Compress nodded, his eyes flicking to me before he began to create a small, swirling vortex of light. The air seemed to ripple and distort, and I felt a strange sensation wash over me. "What's going on?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. Dabi's laughter was like a cold breeze on a winter's night. "Let's just say that reality is about to get a little more... flexible," he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Bakugo's arm wrapped around my shoulders, pulling me close as we faced Dabi. "We're not going to play along," he growled, his eyes flashing with anger. Dabi's smile never wavered. "Oh, but you will," he said, his voice dripping with confidence. "You see, I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. And I'm not going to let it slip away."