It hurt.

My whole body was in pain, the kind where it nagged at your skin and almost felt like thousands of needles were piercing you. Especially my right cheek, it burned. A bed comforted me, but itchy bandages covering many parts of my injured body didn't let me enjoy the comfort of the cushions. Crisp clear air entered my lungs with the help of an oxygen mask. Inwardly wincing at my current condition, I slowly peeled open my eyes. The room's light was on a dim setting, making my eyes catch the light of the setting sun through the window.

"(Y/N)! You're awake!" A familiar voice said, hands pressing the edge of the bed down as they neared my face.

I turned my head to the right. "Deku...?" I gazed around, catching sight of my other two friends, Todoroki and a sleeping Bakugo. Suppressing the pain, I tried getting up but was stopped by Todoroki's hand on my chest.

"(Y/N), your injuries are severe. Recovery Girl couldn't use her Quirk on you because you were so exhausted." Pressing my lips together, I nodded.

"... The tournament! Is it over?!" Deku nodded. My heart sank, and irritation buzzed in my chest at the thought of missing the final battles.

"You-you were asleep for quite a while- but don't worry! The tv should have recorded it!" Deku announced, fumbling with the black remote before pressing the power button. The volume was on mute, and there showed Bakugo gripping an unconscious Todoroki by the collar, yelling something inaudible.

The screen then flashed to the results platform where Bakugo, Todoroki and Tokoyami stood on. I was quite shocked to see Bakugo as the #1 winner, considering Todoroki's strength, though Bakugo's restraints were even more shocking. I failed to suppress a chuckle as Bakugo struggled, clearly angry over something unknown.

No expected yells came from Bakugo. I looked at the blonde, who had his arms crossed and head down. Chest heaving up and down in a sleepy manner.

"How long have you guys been here?" I asked.

"Deku and I asked Aizawa Sensei to visit you when the event was over, but Bakugo ran here right when he was released from his restraints," Todoroki answered, looking at Bakugo with a cold expression.

"I see... Deku, help me up please?" He gulped and nodded, slipping one hand on my back, the other on my stomach. I sighed with relief when I sat up and viewed my body. Tubes connected to an IV bag were inserted in my arm, partly covered by bandages that wrapped from my arms to legs, to chest.

I squealed in fright when I realized I was shirtless, my collar bone to my belly button covered only by medical bandages. Todoroki and Deku looked away when they realized I was shirtless. I put the blanket around my shoulders, making sure to cover my entire body.

"Goddammit, who the hell squealed like a damn pig?" The three of us gazed at Bakugo, who had a hand on his neck.

"Bakugo... Hey." I said, adjusting my position.

Yawning he got up from his seat and walked to the edge of my bed, his shadows on his face highlighted his ruby eyes. "Why didn't you tell us, (Y/N)?"

I studied his face before realizing what he was asking about. "... I'm sorry."

"Tch. 'Sorry' isn't going to cut it." He leaned closer, a threatening vibe emitted from him.

"Bakugo, (Y/N) just woke up. You better take it easy. She'll explain herself to everyone when she feels like it." Todoroki uttered, a challenging look in his eyes.

"Oh yeah? And what are you, her boyfriend? Anyways, you can calm your ass down, I'm not gonna hurt her." He placed a hand on the armrests beside the bed and shoved the other hand in his pocket. I noted that all three of them were in casual clothing.

"Actually, Bakugo's right. I should explain myself to you all- well, Todoroki knew from the start." I mumbled, to which Bakugo sent a deathly glare at Todoroki, while Deku wouldn't take his eyes off of me.

I hugged my blanket closer. "I... I'm Quirkless. I didn't want to tell anyone because I didn't want to seem weaker than I already am, and I'm sorry if I caused anyone frustration or doubt. I just wanted to be like everyone else, strong and amazing, and to prove my worth, But I guess it didn't go as I planned... I'm sorry, guys." My head hung down, a curtain of hair shielding my eyes from the others.

A moment of silence. "(Y/N), you are the strongest, toughest and most amazing person I have ever met. I always assumed your Quirk was something to do with strength, considering how physically and mentally strong you are! With or without a Quirk, you're the best person I have ever befriended. You're amazing just the way you are." I looked into the green eyes of Deku, a hint of recognition in his gleaming eyes.

I leaned forward and wrapped my arms around him. "Deku... Thank you. I'm glad we're friends," I pulled away, amused by his flushed expression.

"Midoriya, Aizawa Sensei said we had to be back in 20 minutes," Todoroki stated. Deku nodded and followed him out the door, giving me a goodbye wave before leaving.

"(Y/N)." I looked at Todoroki who stood in the doorway. "Don't ever be sorry for something you can't control. And as Midoriya said, you're truly amazing just the way you are." He grinned and left before I could react.

"Thanks, Todoroki," I mumbled under my breath.

It was just me and Bakugo in the room. I turned my head to see him laying on the foot of the bed, hands behind his head. "... Remember when we first met? At that restaurant?" He had his eyes focused on the ceiling. I nodded. "I don't think you realized, but you called me a villain." I blinked, recalling the fuzzy memories.

"I'm sorry, Bakugo. It's just that you-

"Looked like a villain? Yeah. I get that a lot." He held up a hand. "My Quirk is like a villain too and my personality. So, when we became friends, I found it odd. People tend to stay away from me, but not you." He turned his head towards me.

"Well, I-I know you have good intentions deep down. I've always been fascinated with Quirks and powers, and when I saw yours... I thought it was beautiful. You're one of a kind, Bakugo." He looked away.

"I have a question for you... When we fought, I knew that you could've ended the battle between us in an instant, yet you didn't. What were you trying to achieve?" I asked, head tilted to the side.

"I just wanted to see what you were truly capable of and to know about the whole Quirk thing. When you shouted out that you were Quirkless, I didn't want to see you... suffer, anymore, so I ended it right there." He stood up and tucked his hands in his pockets.

"Heh, thanks, I guess."

He shook his head. "Though you were pretty stupid. Your plan and tactics were practically useless. I could come up with thousands of plans from the top of my head."

I scoffed. "I am not stupid, stupid!"

He faced his body towards me. "At least I don't walk into poles while daydreaming!"

"What? Ouch!" I lifted a hand to my stinging cheek. Bakugo reached out, then pulled his outstretched hand away.

"Tch, whatever. I'll go tell recovery girl that you're awake. You better heal soon, (Y/N)."

"Yeah... and Bakugo?" He looked over his shoulder. "You're a good person... I like you!"