Chapter 16: A Childish Insult

"Yes," I nod, "I am, in fact, three." I say, my voice firm and matter-of-fact, as if stating a well-known fact. I glance at Bakugou, who's still grinning at me with a mixture of amusement and annoyance. Bakugou's expression twists into a scowl. "I know that, stupid! I am too!" Katsuki barks, his voice rising in indignation. "But you're-you're just an extra!" He growls, his eyes flashing with anger. I meet his gaze calmly, my expression unruffled. "And you're a meanie." I say, my voice low and even, the words tumbling out with a confident finality. Bakugou's face darkens, his eyes blazing with fury. "Grrr-" He snarls, taking a step closer to me, his fists clenched at his sides. I stand up, dusting off my trousers and being careful not to jostle my beaten-up face. The pain is starting to set in now, and I can feel a few bruises beginning to form. It's not pretty, but I'm not going to let it get to me. "Oh well," I say, with a careless shrug. "I have to go back home now," I announce, bowing gracefully at a 30-degree angle. "Thank you for taking care of me. See you soon, Midoriya-san," I say, my voice dripping with sarcasm. I make sure to raise my head and stare straight into Bakugou's vermilion eyes before ending, "Bakugou-chan." The words seem to spark a reaction in him, but I'm already gone, bolting out of the park with a speed that belies my injuries. I don't look back, not even when I hear Bakugou's angry shout echoing through the air. I keep running until I'm sure I've left the park far behind, only then slowing down to a jog. My face throbs with pain, and I can feel a few tears welling up in my eyes, but I'm not going to cry. Not yet, at least. I take a few deep breaths, trying to calm myself down, wondering what just happened and what will happen next.