Preview: After a month, I'm finally able to relax. I'm with my friends. I can't be hurt. I'm finally free.

Warning: Mentions to past abuse

Ship: ShinKami

I exit my room only for a wave of anxiety to hit me. I didn't ask to, I just did it.

I'm not good. I'm disrespectful. I d̶o̶n̶'̶t̶ deserve to be punished.

I shake my head trying to get rid of the toxic thoughts. I'm safe now, I don't need to think that way.

"Kaminari, do you want to go downstairs with me? If not that's okay too." I turn to Shinso and nod my head. He smiles and lets me wrap my arms around one of his. We make our way downstairs.

As we enter the kitchen the enticing smell of waffles, pancakes, and bacon reach my nose. I almost let out a sigh of relief and turn away from the sight of Bakugou cooking to look at Shinso.

I tug him arm lightly and say quietly, "Can I please get some waffles?"

"Yes but know that you don't have to ask me." I nod my head and sit at the counter. Shinso makes me a quick plate and passes it to me.

He knows how careful I had to be  before so he take his time with me. He lets me ask to do things, always replying with yes, but also tells me that I don't need his permission. And even though I know I don't it makes me feel better to have it.

"Hey! Who made a fucking- Oh, it's dunce face. Don't just have the waffles, here." He grabs a few pieces of bacon straight off the pan and puts it on my plate. "There. Be careful and don't burn your mouth like an idiot. They are hot."

I thank him then get started eating.

Mr. Aizawa explained to everyone why one of our classmates was being arrested and taken out of school. He didn't give details but said that he had been abusing someone for a while. It wasn't hard for the squad and others in the class to put two and two together. Ever since then, the few people who realized what happened, have been nicer and more careful around me. I'm thankful for that.

As I finish eating I see Kirishima, Mina, and Sero come bouncing into the kitchen. I smile at them and wave. "Hey guys."

Mina beams and comes bouncing over to me. "Kami! How are you this morning?! Are you feeling okay?" I nod my head honestly.

I feel more then okay. I feel great. I feel epic. I feel empowered! And I feel all of that because I got help. I didn't feel it at first. At first I felt stupid. I felt crazy. I felt afraid. But after time those feelings got replaced by the ones I feel now.

"Thats good bro! Kiri, Mina, and I were looking for you and wondering if you wanted to play some Mario Cart or Super Smash Bro's. You down?" Sero asked.

I almost said yes before a wave of anxiety hit me again. Today must be a bad day but that's okay. Sometimes we have to be pulled back—like an arrow—so we can go even further in life.

I turn to Shinso slightly embarrassed. "Is that okay?"

He smiles at me. "Of course, have fun. Remember, you don't have to ask me. Your a person who can make there own choices and doesn't have to listen to anyone."

I nod my head with a smile and jump up and out of my chair. "Lets go guys! I promise to beat you all!"

They smile and I see Bakugou take off his apron. "BREAKFAST FUCKING IS READY! And you idiots aren't going to win. I'll crush all of you!"

I chuckle at my friends aggressive spirit. We al make our way to the living room and sit down on the couches. Shinso comes a well and after I pick up my remote I snuggle into him.

"So what I we playing?" Kirishima asks the most important question of the century.

For a second we are all silent, thinking of what's the best option, before a choice suddenly strikes me. "Mario Cart! We haven't had a torment in a while!"

Everyone brightens up, immediately agreeing. Even though this is a bad day that wasn't something I would have done a month ago, maybe even a week ago. I smile at my friend group.

We all get started playing the game everyone extremely into. The longer the squad plays the more of the class that comes to watch. And not to brag but I doing really good!

Bakugou plays against Sero first and wins all three races with no problem. Mina and Kirishima go next with Kirishima winning by a two out of three races. Then me and Shinso, he wasn't really trying so I won. And last for that level, Sero and Mina get a redemption round going against each other. Shinso was offered the chance but he said no. Sero won.

Then Bakugou went against Kirishima first and barely won by a hair much time Kirishima's dislike. Then me and Sero. I'm proud to say I totally obliviated him.

Last round: Me VS Bakugou. The whole time me were at each other's neck. At the last race of the track I knew I had to do something to throw him off. So I waited till I got the blue bullet and saved it till right before he crossed the finished line then I threw it. And guess what?! I won!

"Good job or whatever." Bakugou grumbled.

I smiled at him. "Thanks!"

Out of the corner of my eye I think I saw a slight smile on his face but is disappeared as soon as I saw it. I smile at all my friends before being surprised by a hug from Shinso. I let out a childish giggle and melt into him.

I'm so happy to finally have broken free from my abusers hold. He is not fully out of my life, he never will be. His abuse will be something I hold on to me forever but not as a weight, as a stepping stone. I'll be able to rise up because of what I went through and over came.

I'm finally free.