Chapter Text
Is it possible for the worst person to change?
That if they really tried, it would all be just fine?
Those were the type of questions you never expected to get the answers to, simple musings you figured would be buried with the rest of your thoughts.
It’s cold.
You were sitting cross legged on the common room couch, a blanket thrown over your shoulder and a glass of water in hand. The place was dark and only illuminated by the kitchen light that you left on. Mindlessly, you tilted your glass of water in thought, forcing yourself to focus on how the light reflected on the glass rim. Only on that. Not on the screams or the mayhem that happened. Not on the smell of burning flesh, of turquoise eyes, tears, and searing pain—
Nobody’s coming for you.
Lately, you feel like you’ve seen the moonlight way more than the sun. It’s not exactly voluntary, either. You just can’t seem to force yourself to get a good night’s rest; could be a lot of factors, like how you’re still not used to the concept of dorming with the rest of your classmates… or that everytime you’d close your eyes, you’re back in there with him.
Crushing your lungs. Hands on your sides.
Searing.
How pathetic.
A distant sound of shuffling broke the quiet. You tensed—eyes flashing, ready to engage in combat before familiar red irises met your own.
Red.
Red.
Your shoulders sagged.
Not turquoise.
Your classmate, Bakugou Katsuki was in a similar position—both of your bodies pulled taut as if its a rubber band ready to snap. You looked at him unsurely, eyes darting left and right as you slowly relaxed. What the fuck is he doing here?
Katsuki frowned, analyzing you as well. Judging from his looks, he must’ve just woken up, hair more touseled than usual. When you met his eyes, his scowl deepened.
You pursed your lips, debating with yourself whether you should ask him why he’s still up at this hour but decided against saying anything else. Unlike Izuku, you personally would rather not engage with Katsuki’s anticts. He’s too volatile and a bit of a drama queen in your opinion.
“Tch,” was the only greeting you got. He strutted to the kitchen, opening the fridge and muttering to himself, something about stupid extra, ‘nocturnal dumbass,’ and other more colorful things. Katsuki’s sharp gaze suddenly cut towards you, heated and suspicious. “What the fuck are you staring at you fucking creep?”
You sighed and averted your eyes, trying to continue your pondering despite the disruptance.
You’re really not in the mood nor do you have the emotional energy to talk to him, of all people, today.
At your visible lack of response, something in his demeanour changed, eyes twitching in irritation as he straightened up. “What, back to thinking you’re too better to talk to me now?” The words were spoken as a warning and knowing Katsuki, ignoring him isn’t an option now.
You clenched your fist and looked away.
There’s a petty part of you that has always wanted to go back in time and berate your parents for not picking a better neighbor to befriend, because out of everyone… it simple had to be the Bakugou’s. You don’t really remember your first meeting—all you remember is that you grew up a little rough on the edges because of your play dates. Scraped knees, missing tooths, bruised elbows—but always sporting the biggest grin on your face everytime you’d come home from your adventures.
You wouldn’t exactly call Katsuki a childhood friend. It’s too… complicated for that. Your parents were fast friends. You and Katsuki? Not so much. A lot of things happened, after all. Katsuki got mean—No, he was cruel. If there was ever a faint string connecting the two of you, then you clawed at it to take it apart, ripping and ripping until every last fray of thread was disintegrated.
If there's one thing that you know about people like Bakugou Katsuki, is that they thrive off the spotlight. Constant praises around him makes you wonder which is true and which is just something people say to get on his good side. You refuse to—no, you will not put him into a pedestral.
Because hate can only get you so much, isn’t being indifferent to all of it much better anyway?
Except…
Except the last years of Aldera. That part you hate. That part you can’t get past. That part you can no longer ignore, fist against each other, quirks against each other, with the both of you bruised at the back of the school, peers pulling you both away from each other. Izuku yelling as he begs you to stop it stop it why are you doing this?
Atleast thats how it was.
Ever since UA, it’s been different.
Everything is different.
“Isn’t it way past your bedtime?” was what you opted on reponding, eyes never leaving the ticking clock on the wall. 2:05 AM, you read. Somewhere in the back of your mind, you remember that Katsuki’s not the type to suddenly break his carefully perfected routine. Something must have happened, then.
“How about minding your own fucking business?” Katsuki said, lips curled in dislike while he rummaged through the fridge, pulling out the water pitcher.
Leave it to Bakugou to complain why you’re responding and complain further when you do respond. You grimaced, shaking your head as you mumbled to yourself. “You’re the one talking to me…” unfortunately, Katsuki must’ve heard, because he started bitching just as fast.
“Hah? All I told you was that you’re staring like a creepy son of a bitch. You think that’s an invitation for a conversation?” Katsuki mocked, looking at you as if you’re the dumbest person on earth, sweat dripping from his forehead. “You’re even more pathetic than I thought.”
You watched him closely.
“Look,” you started, mind running on how to difuse this situation when the person you’re with is a genuine bomb incarnate. You really shouldn’t have said anything in the first place, but this is Katsuki, you simultaneously want to punch him in the throat and get away from his vicinity constantly. “I’ll mind my own business and you can mind yours.”
“Then stop asking stupid questions,” he responded, slamming his empty used glass on the counter, “Wasting my damn time… fuckin’ sidekick…”
Perhaps, there’s a version of you out there with a bit more patience tonight. One you can be proud of for not falling for his useless insults, but today, you’ve been through a lot, and that stupid nickname was enough to crack your carefully built composure around him.
You massaged the middle of your temple. “I wasn’t asking stupid questions, Bakugou. I’m simply pointing out your own goddamn hypocrisy.”
Katsuki paused, before he barked out a laugh. Mean and cruel. “Oh yeah? Big talk from an extra that thinks ignoring the rest of the fucking world makes her better than everyone.”
You tensed. “It’s not my fault you can’t seem to understand anything else besides your warped version of reality Bakugou—”
“Bakugou this Bakugou fucking that—At least I'm not some pathetic loser that acts like she’s got me figured out just because she’s been quietly judging me ever since we were kids,” he glared, body coiled with barely restrained anger, “Guess that’s to be expected when you’re nothing more than Deku’s pathetic fucking sidekick right?”
You feel your remaining patience snap, straightening up as you saw red. “It’s not exactly hard since your attempt of a good conversation is all about screaming and yelling,” you scoffed. “What was that comment Kaminari-san made? Personality of flaming crap mixed with garbage?”
His glre deepened, smirk dropping. "That supposed to be funny?”
You let out a shaky sigh, hand coming up to pinch the middle of your temple. You shouldn’t have opened your mouth, you’re not supposed to escalate. “I don’t know what you want from me. I didn’t even want to talk to you—“
“Yeah, real fucking classic from you!”
”Excuse me?”
He scoffed. “Don’t play dumb! You’re the one who fuckin’ started this shitshow—!”
”Like you’re one to talk Bakugou!” You yelled. “What the hell is wrong with—”
“What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with you, dumbass!” he yelled, voice molten with anger, eyes wild and enraged. He’s shaking, eyes trembling. “You’re the one that thinks you’re hot shit!” He’s breathing heavily, almost uncontrollably.
You took a step back, surprised from the outburst as you brows furrowed in confusion. Something’s not right. “I don’t—“
”Shove it!” Katsuki’s taking laboured breaths, as if he’s one shove away from blowing the common room—hands trembling, sweat clinging to his tank top. Your eyes raked his body, unsure how to respond. It’s obvious that Katsuki’s panicking, as if he’s also unsure what he’s supposed to do.
You took a deep breath.
There are many ways to describe how you feel about Bakugou Katsuki: Hatred, grief, respect, annoyance, disgust. Everything is volatile when he’s involved—as if he’s the embodiment of entropy itself, full of disorder, bound to explode. That's why it's better to keep your distance, because you know it would hurt Izuku to see the two of you fighting and that's the last thing you want to do. Yet despite everything—when you saw the barely noticeable dark circles in his eyes, the heavy breathing, and the shakiness of his usually controlled hand, you feel your fury subside.
God damn it, Katsuki.
Your shoulders sagged, defeated. “What happened?”
Katsuki’s still panting, scowl softening to a clashing mixture of both hatred and confusion—maybe because of the sudden shift with your tone.
You don’t know what expression you’re making. “I’m not stupid Bakugou, clearly something’s not—“ you swallowed, trying to find the right words to say. “I don’t know what’s going on with you. Frankly, I think it’s best we stay out of each other’s way—but— you’re not—” You searched his eyes and deep ruby eyes stared back at you, an unreadable expression on his face. You let out a shaky exhale, “I… I can get Aizawa if you need him—“
"… I don't want you to do shit.”
You swallowed. “I’m not just going to leave when you’re not—“
”Like I give a damn about what you think.” He snapped. “Fucking always looking down on me!”
It’s like the floodgates opened and you couldn’t stop yourself from reacting. "I don’t. Can you stop yelling and listen to me for once—“
"’Cause you’re some voice of reason we should all fucking listen to? Shut the fuck up! You're always putting yourself on things that doesn't concern you. Always on the sidelines doing nothing unless it involves Deku—"
”Will you just shut up about Izuku for a moment! I’m not the one that started acting like an emotionally constipated asshole—!”
“Fuck of! You’re the one spouting random bullshit thinking you’re fucking better than—“
“You’re the one that talked to me in the first place, Bakugou! Maybe it’s you who need to shut up for once. Have you thought of that?” You panted out, then threw your hands up in exaspheration. “Oh sorry, I forgot you don’t think, just punch your way through—“
“You piece of shit do you really want to start—!”
“See this is why it’s better we don’t talk, so we wouldn’t have to do this exact fucking thing—!”
“‘cause that’s the only thing you’re good at, ignoring shit like a coward!”
“What the fuck is your problem?! I was just trying to ask if you were okay!”
“Well I don’t need you’re fucking help—!”
A loud crash made the both of you still —realizing that he accidentally toppled the pitcher over — directly over the sink. That seemed to have knocked some sense over the both of you, realizing any of your classmates could wake up with this sudden commotion.
Katsuki cursed, storming off towards the stairs, teeth clenched and furious. You body moved before you could stop it, hand reaching out to him, “Hey wait—“
“Leave me the fuck alone. I fucking mean it.” He gave you one last warning look, before walking out.
You don’t stop him this time, chest heaving, and full of adrenaline. Fuck. Your quirk was practically about to pounce on him. You were about to fight him again, like it was middle school.
You ran your fingers through your hair. Counting from one to ten repeatedly on your head as you slowly curled up on the floor in exhausting. Fuck. You’ve never had a full blown argument like that ever since… ever since the start of UA.
Why can’t he just understand?
How can his friends tolerate him? How can they just take his insults. How? How? How?
You groan, curling up further.
Maybe it just doesn’t hit the same for them. They didn’t know him. How he used to be. What he was like.
In a way you’re kind of glad that’s the case.
Someone’s calling your name.
You groaned, head unresting from your palm as you blinked up to the offender sleepily.
”Finally up?” Izuku waved a hand to your face, clearly amused.
”Nn.”
He chuckled. “We should get going before the line gets too long. I heard Lunch Rush is serving okonomiyaki today,” Izuku placed his hand to your forehead. “Are you okay?”
”What?” You rubbed your eyes.
“Did you even get any sleep today?”
“‘I’m fine,” you mumbled, waving a dismissive hand around as you groaned. What time is it? The last thing you remember was present mic going on and on about the difference of simple past and past progressive—which you definitely should’ve taken notes on. Crap, you’ll have to ask Izuku for that later, “Where’s Iida-san and the rest?”
“I asked them to go ahead and save us a seat,” Izuku doesn’t look any less worried, watching you critically. Oh great, analysis mode. “Is it your injury?”
“Don’t worry about it—“ Your eyes roamed the classroom, checking to see who else already left the room. When you saw Katsuki already staring, you immediately snapped out of your thoughts—memory rushing of a tense night.
Seeing your reaction, Izuku followed your line of sight, beaming when he saw who it was. “Ah, Kacchan—!“
“Out of the way nerd!” Katsuki snarled at him, standing up and walking away, face contorted in an awful scowl, but not before giving you a dirty look.
This too, feels familiar.
”I’m not even on his way so how would that even work…” Izuku mumbled, making a genuinely perplexed face.
“Just pretend it’s a dog barking at you and it’s mostly amusing.”
Izuku sighed, scatching his nape. “It’s not funny, he’s more irritable lately, too. Didn’t you notice?”
You huffed a small laugh. “‘course I did, it’s like a stick was shoved up deep in his ass—“
“Okay. A tad bit too graphic, but I guess that’s a way to put it.” Izuku groaned, sweatdropping.
”You agree that it’s like a stick was shoved up his ass?” You rose a brow.
His arms flailed in defense. “What? No! Semantics! What I meant is—“ Izuku abruptly stopped when he saw the shit eating grin on your face. It’s always fun to mess with Izuku like this, mostly because ever since UA he’s gained more confidence, and he gives you totally new reactions. “You’re a total pain in the ass you know that?”
You laughed. “You kiss auntie with that mouth?”
“You kiss her with yours and you say worse things than me.”
“You’re not fooling me, Izuku,” you snorted. Izuku’s can make a goddamn sailor blush when shit hits the fan, swearing in combo. “Why are you even asking about Kacchan?” You faked a gag.
”Come on now…”
”Yeah, yeah.”
He sighed, deep and exaspherated, but you know it’s all for show. “Is that even genuine question?”
”You’re losing me here, Izuku.”
He gave you the side eye before answering. “Maybe I’m overthinking it, but Kacchan’s got this expression on his face. The same one he gets whenever he’s troubled over something. Like… like he can’t solve a puzzle? Do I make sense?” He scratched his head in confusion, “Like uh—he seems… more in his thoughts? Lashes out more? I mean I thought it was getting better ever since U.A. but… but I don’t know.”
Your lips pursed. You know Izuku took it the hardest when Katsuki was taken in training camp. You don’t even have to be there to guess how much shit went down on Kamino once he realized what happened.
Ever since diapers, Izuku’s never stopped chasing after Katsuki. Your tried your best to get him to stop, to pull him away, but it’s simply not the way Izuku is. Katsuki is important to him, despite everything—he will always be an integral part of his life.
That much was made perfectly clear to you.
Besides, you know what’s he’s talking about. Last night was extremely out of place behavior for Katsuki, though for some reason, you can’t bring yourself to tell him what happened. A part of you doesn’t want to confess that you clashed heads again and another part of you feel the need to respect Katsuki’s privacy… to some extent.
“He’s hyperfixating over something,” you mumbled, looking away. It’s usually not a good thing when Katsuki’s lost in hus thoughts. It’s like the seconds after you pull the pin from a grenade, waiting for an explosion to start.
“Do you think it was because of…?”
”I don’t know, Izuku,” you fixed your eyes on the floor in thought, sighing deeply.
“I just wish he would talk to… someone. I mean, I know I can’t—“ he sighed. “You get it.”
Yeah.
“Hey,” you called his attention. “Don’t worry too much about it. It’s Kacchan, Izuku. We have so many things lined up, he might just be hyperfocusing on that,” you explain, also trying to convince yourself. “Plus ultra and all that.”
He contemplated for a moment. “You’re probably right…”
“Let loose a little,” you ruffled his locks. “He’s a ginormous dick, but Kacchan’s smart—in some areas anyway. He’ll figure it out, you know him.”
Izuku gave you a small smile. “You know… I’m glad you still call him that.”
”What?” You blinked in confusion.
”Kacchan.”
”Ah,” you straightened up, looking away. “Well, old habits die hard I guess.”
”I think it’s nice,“ he scratched his cheek. “I mean, I still call him that as well, but I’m glad you still think—“
”Izuku,” you got up from your seat. “We should get going, lunch time is ticking.”
Izuku’s eyes widened, looking around to see the classroom empty. “Oh shoot! Yeah, let’s go.”
You relaxed when you finally got out of that conversation, glad to see Izuku less anxious.
Besides, what happened last night probably won’t happen again.
It won’t stop happening.
You both do your best on continuing this game of pretend that the other does not exist, but after Izuku expressed his own concern for Katsuki, it’s harder to ignore. Every other night, Katsuki would come down — breathing shallowly, shirt clinging to him from sweat, tense and charged with anger. He would drink a glass of water, stay a bit in the kitchen, then retreat back to his room.
It’s like a fucked up joke.
Like a mirror image in front of you.
You almost wanted to laugh.
“C’mon, give me something useful.”
“Y-you’re pathetic.”
“You know, I should probably just kill your friend instead. I’d turn him to ash, that one. You’re practically useless.”
”Fuck. You.”
Hot. Hot. It’s melting your skin. Someone, anyone—
“AIZAWA-SENSEI!”
You woke up in cold sweat, immediately bolting towards the bathroom, hunching forward and retching. You sit there, shaking and heaving as you pathetically clutched at your sides.
Fuck.
Fuck.
It’s raining when you got down the common room.
Why is it always so cold in here?
You’re sitting motionless on the couch, trying to calm your breathing for the past 30 minutes. You pulled at the collar of your sleepwear, feeling like you’re choking as it clinged to you, your body drenched in cold sweat. It’s not like you weren’t used to this, but it gets bad enough that you have to leave your room, have to get down, have to remind yourself that you’re not alone. Sometimes it consumes you, like a snake coiling in your skin, tight, and binding you in one place.
Unable to scream.
Unable to move.
’I’m going to burn him to death.’
Familiar footsteps echoed in the common room. You looked up and predictibly saw Katsuki. When he sees you looking, you saw his jaw tense.
He doesn’t look any better than you do.
He ignored you, shuffling to the kitchen. Meanwhile, you curled over yourself, resting your forehead on to your arms as you forced yourself to focus on your surrounding. It’s alright. You’re fine. You’re… safe.
You’re in UA.
This is probably the safest place to be in Japan right now. It’s stupid to be shaken up over this.
Is it?
‘Nobody’s coming for you.’
A few beats of silence passed before you decided that the lack of noise was deafening. An unusual predicament, since the person you’re with isn’t exactly the text book definition of quiet. You hesitantly raised your head, eyes searching for Katsuki in the kitchen—and froze when you realized that he’s already looking at you—face blank and heavy.
There’s something about growing up with someone despite constantly hating them. You’ve known Bakugou Katsuki for a long time, know how he starts his punches with a right hook, how he tries to crush down people beneath him, how he hates and hates and boasts about his confidence and skill and quirk. How he can be cruel, how he can be smart, how he can be unreasonable. The food he likes, the food he hates. His favorite color. Things that you just know, because you’ve always been there.
And yet…
And yet you’ve never seen this expression before, as if he’s carrying the weight of the world with him, like he’s…
‘But see… he’s so awful at times, but he’s my image of victory that I can’t help but admire him anyway!’
As soon as you saw it, it was gone—like it was simply a flicker on a still candle flame. His expression shifted, one of disgust, like your entire existence personally offended him.
Much to your surprise, he walked over and sat down, on the other end of the couch, hands in his pockets with a distant look on his face. You looked at him, curious. Katsuki met your eyes, challenging you to say something.
What are you doing here, Katsuki?
But you couldn’t say that.
Comfortable silence passed as the rain continued to pour outside. This is probably the longest time you’ve been together alone without arguing ever since you guys were in grade school—when things were great with no quirks and everything was just about pretend heroes and sleepovers—days when Katsuki isn’t as much of an insufferable prick he was now.
You sneaked a glance. Katsuki’s reclined on the couch just like you are, staring pointedly at the glass window, face pensive. That rubbed you the wrong way. In fact, everything about this rubbed you the wrong way. You know he's been having trouble sleeping, but you didn't think it was that bad that even he… he wasn’t supposed to look…
Deafeated.
You don’t like it.
“Oi.”
You straightened up, now noticing that Katsuki’s frowning at you. “You got a problem?” He said, brow raised. “You keep looking my way and it’s annoying, got something to say?”
You shook your head, clearing the image from your mind. “It’s nothing.”
“Then stop looking my way.”
What is his problem with people looking at him? Kirishima looks at him all the time and he’s not that much of an ass about it. You sighed heavily and that must’ve only irritated him further because he gritted his teeth afterwards, facing you, “For fuck’s sake, just spit it out!”
“I told you it’s nothing.”
“Holy fuck, are you always this annoying?”
“Where the fuck did that even come from?”
“I dunno. The same place where your bullshit excuses comes from?” Katsuki made face.
“So what if I look at you? Is it a crime to look your way?”
”Hah that’s rich, I was under the impression you were too busy fuckin’ ignoring me.”
“God damn it, okay,” you hissed, done with this back and fort. You sighed, heavy and tired. “You’re not exactly insomniac material to be hanging around this late at night, so forgive me, Bakugou, for wondering why you’re also here.”
A shadow passes his face. “What’s it to you—“
“It’s the League isn’t it?”
Katsuki tensed.
The understanding grows. That single reaction told you more than he’s willing to tell you verbally. You braced yourself for the next thing you’re about to say, searching his eyes carefully. “I think you’re here for the same reason that I am, aren’t you?”
Kaysuki seethed. “You don’t know me.” Not anymore. Not ever. “Stop pretending you give a shit.”
“That’s not what I’m saying.”
“I don’t care what the fuck you’re saying. Think you know me now after acting like I don’t fucking exist?”
“No. That’s not—“ Why the hell did you talk to him? This isn’t like you. Is it because of that expression? It’s just so fundamentally wrong. It’s so wrong. You just have to… do something—anything to get that away from his face. “I thought you'd get it.” You pinched the middle of your temple. “I’m not impying anything else besides that.”
Another silence. Katsuki doesn’t reply, but he’s watching you like a hawk. You’re waiting for him to tell you to fuck off again, like he usually does, but he simply sagged on the couch further. “It’s a goddamn dream, you idiot,” is what he ended up saying, “I’m not weak enough to get caught up with delusions like you.”
You watched the rain get stronger outside. “How does that make someone weak?”
“Hah?”
”The dreams. Why does that make someone weak? How does that make anyone weak?” you asked, voice calm. “All might… Aizawa-sensei, our teachers. They’re way ahead of us, stronger than us, but I’m sure they go through the same thing. It’s not a question of strength. How strong someone is… I don’t think that matters when it comes to this. Isn’t being a hero about facing everything head on despite the bullshit thrown at us?”
Katsuki’s staring.
”I…” you frowned, “Sorry I don’t know what—“
“What’s up with you?” Katsuki asked, studying you. “I didn’t see you during the entire thing, so what the hell is up with you?”
You froze, unsure how to answer that. “…I don’t think that’s any of your business.”
He’s starting to frown, like he’s trying to understand something. “I didn’t see you during training camp.”
”I was…“ you avoided his eyes.
”You weren’t there in Kamino either.”
”I told you it’s none of your business Bakugou.” You repeated tensely. The entire thing that happened, it’s a whole other can of worms you’re not exactly prepared to talk about with Katsuki.
He’s frowning again, a clear indication of frustration. This isn’t good. “All that bullshit about facing everything head on, but you were too much of a coward to go—”
“You don’t know anything—!“
“What I know is that you weren’t there in Kamino, so what the hell are you even on about—!“
“Oh really, like you were so amazing back in Kamino!”
Tense silence.
“What the hell did you just say.”
You feel the weight of your words, immediately regretting it. “I didn’t…“ you swallowed, frozen in spot.
“No. Go on. Say it again,” Katsuki dared.
Your fist clenched. “I didn’t mean it, Bakugou—“
“You think you could’ve done better? Like I give a shit about your opinion?” Katsuki accused, eyes unblinking, full of rage.
You pinched the bridge of your nose. God damn everything. You don’t actually mean what you said, but this is Katsuki, he always manages to get a rise out of you with whatever he spouts out of his mouth. Like putting fire out with gasoline. “I was talking out of my ass.”
”Damn right you were.”
“I’m…“
“I don’t need your shitty apology.” He gritted out, smoke coming out of his painfully clenched fist. “Just shut up. Fucking shut up for once.”
Why is it always like this? Why does it always turn into a huge mental spar? This isn’t what was supposed to happen. You wanted to…
What did you want to do?
“…I’m sorry,” you apologized in a small voice. “I didn’t mean what I said. I don’t even know why I said that, I was running my mouth. Knowing you, I know you gave the league one hell of a time,” you said sincerely. “But I’m not sorry for everything else, you have some messed up assumptions and they’re not true.”
Katsuki’s didn’t face you, but you saw his hands relax. “What the fuck happened to you? And don’t give me another bullshit response.”
“I got in an altercation,” you leaned back, resting your head on the couch as you looked up the ceiling. “It was bad and I was in recovery the entire time after training camp. So, call me whatever you want, but I…” you closed your eyes, “If I woke up any sooner, I would have been there. Not for Izuku, not for anyone, but because it was the right thing to do.”
I would have been there in Kamino Ward.
The rain continued to pour heavily outside, it’s pitter patter enough to drown out the silence.
Suddenly Katsuki got up from the couch, eyes darting towards you for a second before heading straight towards the boy’s dormitory. “Stay here and freeze to death for all I care,” he said, walking away.
The rain rages outside.
You sink on the couch, burying your face on your palms.
You should’ve just minded your own business.