The sun had barely risen over UA, casting long shadows across the courtyard as students streamed in for another day of classes. The school was alive with energy—students laughing, chatting, eager to tackle the day's challenges. 

But not me. 

Oh no, not today.

Today, I was a walking time bomb, ready to explode at the slightest provocation. And it was all thanks to Shigaraki.

That damn man-child. 

I hadn't slept a wink. Last night was supposed to be a quick visit to the League's base, just a brief check-in to keep my father happy. But Shigaraki had other plans.

The moment I walked in, he wanted to play one of those stupid video games he was obsessed with. And, like an idiot, I agreed. One game turned into ten, ten turned into a marathon session, and before I knew it, the clock was creeping towards dawn. When I finally tried to leave, that was when the real nightmare started.

Shigaraki, the supposed leader of the League of Villains, decided to throw a tantrum. Actual, genuine tears—crocodile eyes and everything—because he didn't want to stop playing. It was embarrassing, pathetic, and a colossal waste of my time. He was on the ground pouncing the damn floor with his fist screaming and crying. But of course, leaving him in that state was not an option. So, I had to stay, placate him, and by the time I got home, the birds were singing, and the sun was already up.

And now, here I was at UA, trudging through the halls like a zombie, ready to rip the head off the first person who dared to cross me.

Of course, that person turned out to be Bakugo.

I was storming down the hallway, half-dead on my feet, when I spotted him. Bakugo, with his stupid, arrogant smirk, swaggering around like he owned the place. He was talking to Kirishima about something, but the moment he saw me, his grin widened, and I knew he was going to say something to piss me off.

Bakugo: Oi, Deku! You look like shit. What happened, too much time playing with your toys?

Me: Piss off, Bakugo. I'm not in the mood.

Maybe, just maybe, if he'd shut up after that, I could've walked away. 

Maybe I could've avoided what came next. 

But no—of course, he had to keep pushing.

Bakugo: Or what, Deku? You gonna throw your money at me again? Or maybe you'll cry to Daddy this time?

And that was it. The last straw.

I snapped.

Without thinking, I swung at him, my fist connecting with his jaw in a satisfying crunch.... of course I think I broke his nose. Brilliant! Bakugo staggered back, more out of surprise than pain, but his expression quickly morphed into one of pure rage.

Bakugo: You little shit! You think you can take me on?

He lunged at me, and just like that, we were at each other's throats, fists flying, each punch fueled by exhaustion, anger, and pure, unadulterated hate.

Iida and Kirishima rushed over, trying to pull us apart, but they were just obstacles in the way. Iida grabbed my arm, trying to restrain me, but I was too far gone. I twisted, throwing a punch at him that landed squarely in his gut. At the same time, Bakugo shoved Kirishima out of the way, sending him crashing into a nearby locker.

Iida: Midoriya! Stop this madness! You're going to get expelled!

Oh nothing can expell me.

I'll just fucking buy the building.

And I'll pay for his goddamn recovery if I have too.... or his funeral depending on the situation.

That wouldn't even scratch my fortune so ama be so kind and do that charity work.

Kirishima: Come on, guys! This isn't manly—

But I wasn't listening. Neither of us were. All I could think about was how good it felt to let all that anger out, to just hit something—anything—and not care about the consequences.

Bakugo and I clashed again, our fists meeting in a flurry of blows. He was strong, sure, but I was faster, more precise. Years of training had made me a formidable fighter, even without a quirk. I could see the surprise in Bakugo's eyes as I dodged his attacks, landing hit after hit in quick succession.

Bakugo: You think you're better than me, Deku? Just 'cause you've got money? You're nothing!

Me: And you're a loudmouth idiot with a quirk! What's your point?

The fight raged on, neither of us willing to back down. It wasn't until Mr. Aizawa showed up, his scarf lashing out to restrain us, that we were finally forced apart. He dragged us to the principal's office, where we both received a stern lecture and a warning that we were on thin ice.... but that was just one part. Nezu wanted me to stay longer in his office.

But even if I was on thin ice, I couldn't shake the satisfaction of that fight. I'd needed that release, needed to prove that I wasn't just some rich kid who bought his way into UA.