Gojo leaned back in his chair, his gaze distant for a moment. "The original timeline… we've talked about this, haven't we? Your decisions will affect it, kid. Every little thing you do sends ripples — some save lives, others destroy. Those who lived might die, and those who died might live."
Bakugo rested his head on his hand, his fingers pressing against his forehead. "…I know that, but…"
"But you think now you're responsible for every life, injury, and failure?" Gojo interrupted.
"Yeah..." Bakugo sighed, staring at the floor.
Gojo remained silent, letting Bakugo's words hang in the air. "You're looking at the wrong picture, Katsuki. You're not a god. Going back in time, whatever the reason, doesn't give you the power to control everything."
"Yeah, I've realized that," Bakugo muttered, his voice heavy with a bitterness he couldn't hide.
"So?"
Bakugo clenched and unclenched his hand a few times. "I'm going to put aside the long-term plans. I'll act. Do what needs to be done now."
"Oh? And you're not going to tell me what you're scheming, are you?"
"No," Bakugo replied flatly. "But I'll need your help with something."
"Is that so?" Gojo tilted his head, intrigued. "And what would that be?"
"Do you know anyone with a Quirk that can erase emotions?"
"Erase emotions?" Gojo repeated, furrowing his brow. "Like, make you not feel guilt, fear, that kind of thing?"
"Exactly."
"Hmm." Gojo brought his hand to his chin, thoughtful. "I know someone who might be able to help… I take it you plan to use this on yourself?"
"Yes. But not now. I'll let you know when the time comes," Bakugo replied, leaning back on the couch with a relieved sigh. 'Good, I won't have to look for someone myself'
Gojo watched him for a moment, his eyes narrowing. "Do you want to talk about anything else?"
"No."
"Alright. And how about a session? How's your head with all this?"
"I'm fine for now." Bakugo said, crossing his arms. "I haven't had any flashbacks or anything like that."
Gojo's serious expression melted into a mischievous smile. "Alright, alright. Serious matters settled then. Check this out!" He pulled his phone from his pocket with a theatrical gesture.
'What's this old man up to now?' Bakugo thought, raising an eyebrow as Gojo turned the screen of his phone toward him. The moment he saw what it was, he froze, his eyes widening.
The phone displayed a photo of Bakugo in the hospital, lying on the bed, his face partially covered by a respirator. But what made him freeze was the image of the girl next to him, her head resting on the mattress while holding his hand, their fingers intertwined.
"Look at how cute you two are," Gojo teased, his tone dripping with mischief.
Bakugo blinked several times, his brain struggling to process the image. Then, with a sharp movement, he tried to snatch the phone from Gojo's hand. "GIVE ME THAT, OLD MAN!"
"Calm down, calm down!" Gojo laughed, pulling his arm back every time Bakugo reached for the phone. "Even if you grab it and delete it, it's already in the cloud, kid."
Bakugo stopped, tiny sparks crackling in his hands. "I swear, this time I'll kill you," he growled through gritted teeth.
"Wow, so much anger," Gojo teased, tucking the phone back into his pocket. "I thought you'd be happy to know a girl likes you."
"W-what did you just say?" Bakugo murmured, stepping back.
"Isn't it obvious? She likes you. I saw it in her eyes. And no, I didn't peek into her memories. I don't want you to kill me, hehe."
"You... you're wrong," Bakugo said, his voice perplexed.
"Of course I'm not," Gojo said, crossing his arms. "What, it never crossed your mind that a girl might like you? Or… do you prefer boys?"
"SHUT UP!" Bakugo exploded, his cheeks turning red. "I LIKE GIRLS, YOU OLD IDIOT!"
"Then why the shock?" Gojo laughed, raising his hands in surrender. "And calm down, I don't want to go deaf."
"Tsk," Bakugo huffed, turning his gaze toward the window of the office. "I just... never thought about it..."
Gojo arched an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. "What do you mean, never thought about it? Guys your age only think about being a hero and about girls!"
"Not me, alright?!" Bakugo retorted, irritation bubbling up again. "In the original timeline, all I cared about was being number one. And in this one..."
"And in this one?"
"...I just want everyone to survive."
***
In a U.A. training field, Class 1-A had gathered under the morning sun. Bakugo had summoned everyone with a short and direct message, saying he wanted to talk to them. The only ones absent were Kirishima and Midoriya, who were training together, while Aoyama and Todoroki chose not to show up, each for their own reasons.
"What does the rep want?" Kaminari asked the group, scratching the back of his neck.
"I hope it's important," Jiro said, twirling one of her jacks around her finger. "I could be training right now."
Uraraka frowned, casting a reproachful glance at Jiro. "Of course it's important. Do you really think Bakugo-kun would call us here for nothing?"
"I agree with Uraraka-san," Momo said, adjusting the collar of her shirt. "Bakugo doesn't waste time. It must be something serious."
Mina raised her hand. "Am I the only one who thinks he should be resting instead of coming here?"
"Kacchan doesn't seem like the type to just lie down, kero," Tsuyu observed, tilting her head.
"That's true," Satou said with a smile. "If Kirishima were here, he'd say Bakugo's too manly to stay in bed because of a few injuries."
The remark drew laughter from several students.
At that moment, the sound of approaching footsteps made everyone turn their heads. Bakugo was walking toward them, holding a visibly packed folder. "Yo."
***
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, images or songs featured in this fic. Additionally, I do not claim ownership of any products or properties mentioned in this novel. This work is entirely fanfic.