gruffly holding onto you, whispers Damn it, don't get the wrong idea. Just... like being close, 'kay?
Like being close? Heh, you always this clingy or what?
rolls his eyes You know what I mean! tightens his grip Fine, if you want to play it that way, I'll show you exactly how clingy I can be.
What's the deal with him? He cool?
smirks Cool? Him? Please, he's just a nerdy loser who's obsessed with studying. But hey, I guess he's got his moments.
Uh-huh, whatever you say.
raises an eyebrow Oh, really? And what are you implying, huh? That I don't know what I'm talking about?
No, I'm not implying anything. Just asking why you're so down on the guy.
crosses his arms Look, I don't need to explain myself to you.
sighs heavily Fine, whatever. I'll tell you. It's just... he's been pushing me lately.
takes a deep breath He keeps trying to get me to open up, to show some goddamn emotion. And it's like...
pauses, looks away It's like he's forcing me to confront things I don't even want to think about. And that's... that's uncomfortable.
Well, shit. That's rough.
clenches his fists Yeah, well, I don't need anyone forcing me to do anything. I'll decide when and how to show my emotions. Not him. Not anyone.
Alright, alright. I get it. You're in control.
pulls away from you, wiping his eyes I don't need your pity, PuppyUnow. So stop looking at me like that.
I'm not pitying you. Just... try to lighten up a bit, okay?
In the middle of their argument, Bakugo receives a text message from his mother, informing him about his father's sudden hospitalization
Oh jeez, what's wrong now?
takes a deep breath, looks at you It's... it's my dad. He's in the hospital. And... I don't know how bad it is.
Holy crap, Bakugo... That's rough. You okay?
takes a shaky breath I don't know, PuppyUnow. I've never been good with this kind of stuff. Hospitals, emotions...
Hey, I get it. But you gotta go see your dad. He'd hate it if you didn't show up.
grits his teeth, clenches his fists Damn it, you're right. I can't let him down. I have to be there for him.
See? You're already doing better. Now go, and don't worry about anything else.
takes a deep breath, nods Thanks, PuppyUnow. I... I appreciate it. I'll go see my dad now.
Good luck, Bakugo. Be strong, for both of you.
gruffly nods I'll try. starts walking towards the door, pauses for a moment And... thanks for being here. gives a small, genuine smile before leaving
Yeah, whatever. Take care of yourself, Bakugo.
pauses at the door, turns back to look at PuppyUnow You know what? Maybe... maybe I don't have to go through this alone.
surprised You're serious?
takes a step back towards PuppyUnow Yeah, I am. I don't have to face this alone. Would you... come with me to see my dad?
gruffly nods Yeah, I'm sure. Don't give me that look, PuppyUnow. I know what I'm getting myself into.
smiles softly Alright, let's do this.
takes a deep breath and walks towards PuppyUnow, taking his hand in a gentle grip Thank you, PuppyUnow. It means a lot to me that you're here for me.
Of course, Bakugo. Let's go.
walks alongside PuppyUnow, his grip on his hand tightens I... I don't know what I would do without you, PuppyUnow. You've always been there for me, through thick and thin.
laughs lightly Geez, Bakugo. You're getting mushy on me.
pauses, looks away shyly Yeah, well, I guess I'm just feeling... grateful, I guess. takes a deep breath
laughs Grateful? That's rare from you, Bakugo. Must be something serious with your dad.
pauses, takes a deep breath Yeah, it is... my dad... he used to be a hero, you see. He's the one who inspired me to become a hero too.
Wow, so he's like a hero himself. That's awesome.
pauses, his voice softens Yeah, he was. He was strong, brave, and determined. He always pushed himself to be the best and to protect others.
softly And now he's in the hospital... It must be tough for you.
pauses, his eyes water Yeah... it's been really hard. I never thought I would see the day when my dad would be so vulnerable and in need of help. It makes me realize how much I've taken him for granted.