It’s been two months since Bakugo’s childhood friend and rival turned down his offer to join his agency.

The one person he thought he’d always be able to compete with, to challenge alongside him. Yet, there’s a strange feeling.

He’s closer than ever to Izuku in terms of being equals, as friends, but not in the way he had planned.

He still goes to help out with presentations for Class 1-A, and they hang out when they can, but it’s not the same. Not by a long shot.

And so, Bakugo continues to turn down sidekicks.

He’s still searching. Looking for that drive, that fire, that same raw passion he’s always had. None of the applicants have impressed him. Not even close. They don’t have it. None of them are worthy. It’s never good enough.

Today, as usual, he’s at his desk, feet propped up as he mindlessly scans papers, tuning out the latest applicant for the sidekick position.

He doesn’t need anyone who can’t match his intensity. He barely listens—until he hears it.

Bakugo’s eyes snap up. His feet come off the desk as if the words alone have jolted him awake.

He stares at you, the applicant, now standing before him, bold and unflinching. Is this what he was searching for? Before he can stop himself—a small grin spreads across his face.

"What did you just say?"