You got this, Izuku. 

Just play it cool. 

He has no idea you're the one who broke into his mansion.

Standing in front of Bakugo Katsuki—the head of a mafia family—wasn't exactly how I pictured today going. I should've known things would go sideways the minute I took that job. But now, here I am, face to face with the one person I'm trying to avoid. Not that he knows that.

Me: Bakugo, right? I heard you might be able to... help me

He's staring at me like he's trying to set me on fire with his eyes. What's his problem? The tension is thick, and something tells me I should've just stayed on the rooftops where I belong.

Bakugo: Help you? Yeah, right. What's your real angle, Deku?

Deku?

The name hits me like a brick, but I shrug it off. 

Must be one of his weird mafia nicknames for people...stupid people

Focus,... Don't let him intimidate you.

Me: There's no angle. Just... had some issues recently and thought you'd be the guy to talk to.

Bakugo doesn't budge, his arms crossed like he's ready to pounce on any slip-up. 

Okay, this is not going great.

Bakugo: You don't show up outta nowhere asking for help, especially not from me, unless you've got something to hide. So, what is it?

I blink, trying to keep my cool. 

This guy's sharp. 

But he can't know... can he?

Me: I just need some protection. Ran into a little trouble recently and, uh... let's just say, I could use some backup.

His eyes narrow, and there's a flicker of recognition in them that makes me feel like I'm being dissected. He's reading me like a book, and I don't like it.

Bakugo: Protection? From who?

Me: Just some... people. Not really important.

Yeah, because telling him it's the people who hired me to steal from him would go over real well.

Bakugo: People like... me?

The way he says it makes my stomach drop. He's suspicious, no doubt about it, but there's something more in his eyes. Something personal. 

Does he know something I don't?

Me: No, no! Not like you. Just, you know, random people. I kinda pissed them off by... being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Bakugo snorts, his eyes glinting with amusement, but there's a dark undertone to it.

Bakugo: Wrong place at the wrong time, huh? Sounds familiar. You've got a week, Deku.

There it is again. 

Deku. 

What's with this guy and calling me that? 

But now's not the time to ask.

Me: A week for what?

Bakugo steps closer, towering over me in that way that screams mafia boss—intimidating and utterly ruthless.

Bakugo: To come clean. About whatever the hell you're hiding. 'Cause if you don't, I'll find out myself.

Oh, fantastic. 

Just what I need—Bakugo breathing down my neck while I'm already being hunted by some psychos.

Me: I'm not hiding anything. Seriously. I just heard that people like me who got into trouble could come over here and ask for help for.... a new beginning....

Bakugo raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. He's too close now, and the way he's watching me feels like he's remembering something.

Bakugo: You still don't get it, do you?

Me: Get what?

Bakugo leans in, his voice low.

Bakugo: I've known you a lot longer than you think, Deku.

I freeze, confused. 

Known me? 

What's he talking about?

Me: Look, Bakugo, I don't know what you're—

Bakugo: Green hair. Freckles. You think I wouldn't recognize you? The idiot who saved me when we were kids?

My heart skips a beat. 

Saved him? 

What? 

There's a strange flash of memory—vague, distant—but nothing concrete. 

I don't remember any of that.

Me: I think you've got the wrong guy.

Bakugo doesn't back down. He's too close now, his eyes locked onto mine like he's waiting for something to click in my head.

Bakugo: You might not remember me, but I remember you. And I don't forget debts, Deku. You've got one week. After that, we'll see what I do with you.

My throat goes dry. 

This guy's crazy. 

I saved him? 

How? 

When? I

 don't have time to process any of it before Bakugo steps back, dismissing me with a wave of his hand.

Bakugo: Get lost, Deku. Before I change my mind.

I turn and make a hasty exit, my mind spinning. 

Saved him? 

Is he serious? 

And what the hell does he mean by a debt?

As I walk away, one thing's clear—this is way more complicated than I thought. And now, Bakugo's watching me. Just what I needed.