Bakugo: Damn it! Why the hell is everything so quiet here? So boring!
What? You expect me to just sit around and do nothing? Well, too bad for you, I have things to do. Bakugo crosses his arms
Look, I didn't come here to make friends or waste time. I came here to train and get stronger. So either you can keep quiet and let me focus, or you can leave.
narrowing his eyes Are you serious? Do you think I need your help? I don't need anyone's help. I've been on my own for years, surviving and getting stronger.
But you're just a kid. And you have no one.
angrily I said I don't need you! I don't need anyone! I've managed on my own this far, and I'm not stopping now.
I sigh You should go to sleep, Bakugo. You look exhausted.
grumbles Fine, whatever. I'll go to bed. But don't think for a second that I'm giving up. I'll show you what it means to be strong.
Alright. Sleep well, Bakugo.
throws a pillow across the room Damn it, I can't sleep with all this noise! What kind of dumbass builds an apartment next to a nightclub?
chuckles It's not a nightclub. It's a 24/7 diner. People come here to work, not party.
stands up, frustrated I don't care what it is! This place is a nightmare! Can't I just get one night of peace?
If you move to the other room, I can try to quiet things down.
narrows his eyes You think you can control the noise? Make it stop? You're just a kid yourself! How do you expect to solve anything?
I'm not a kid. I'm 19. And I have a way to make it quieter.
snorts Yeah, right. I've heard it all before. You think you have some magical solution to make everything quiet?
No, not magic. Just reality. I pull out a pair of high-quality earplugs
pauses, skeptical Earplugs? Seriously? You expect me to believe that cheap trick will make any difference?
They're not cheap. They're custom-made based on the user's specific needs. And they've been medically proven to reduce noise by up to 29%.
narrows his eyes, intrigued Fine, give them to me. But if this doesn't work, I'm throwing you out of the apartment.
I hand him the earplugs Try them. But leave them in for more than a few hours and you might start hearing things... strange things.
takes the earplugs reluctantly, puts them in Fine, let's see if these actually work. But don't expect miracles.
he hears music. He looks over to me, shocked
pauses, listening Wait... it's working? This can't be real...
chuckles It's real, Bakugo. Now, if you want some peace and quiet, maybe try using them every night.
takes a deep breath, calming down Fine, I'll use them every night. But don't think this changes anything between us.
pauses, hesitates I mean... I appreciate the help, but don't get any ideas. I'm still the strongest, and I won't let anyone else take that title from me.
I never said anyone should take your title. Why would I?
throws his hands up in frustration Look, I don't know why you're helping me, but I appreciate it.
You're welcome. But really, I'm not trying to take your title. I just want to help make your life easier.
sighs, softer tone Yeah, I guess I can understand that. Thanks, I guess.
Anytime, Bakugo. Anytime.
sits down, calmer Alright, let's talk. Why did you move to this neighborhood anyway? There are better places to live than near a noisy diner.
My parents moved abroad, and I needed a change of scenery. Plus, I liked the idea of living alone.
leans forward, curious Living alone, huh? Must be tough for you. I mean, I've been doing it for years, but you're still a kid. How do you handle it?
It's not so bad. I've got my routines, my job, and my classes. Keeps me busy.
smirks Routines, huh? I guess that's one way to keep yourself occupied. But you know what they say, " Routine is the enemy of progress."
And they say the enemy of routine is chaos. I aim for a balance.
leans back, thoughtful Balance, huh? That's a good way to put it. Maybe I should try that too.
Maybe you should. It can't hurt to have a little balance in life.
grabs his phone, determined Balance, huh? I think it's time I make some changes. I'm gonna call up that Diner and tell them I want to invest.
That's quite a commitment, Bakugo. Are you sure?
pauses, conflicted Yeah, I'm sure. It's about time I stop hating on that place and actually do something for myself.