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The training field was eerily quiet as the members of Combat Team Alpha gathered for what was supposed to be a routine strategy review. Y/N glanced around, noting the tension in the air. Something felt... off.

"Alright, listen up!" Kirishima's voice broke the silence, his usual enthusiasm tinged with a hint of nervous energy. "Today's exercise is straightforward. We'll be splitting into pairs to simulate an ambush scenario. The goal is to secure the target and neutralize any threats."

Y/N shifted uneasily, her gaze drifting to Bakugo, who was standing a few feet away with his arms crossed, looking as uninterested as ever. Her stomach twisted when Kirishima continued, "Y/N, you're with Bakugo."

Her eyes widened, and she opened her mouth to protest, but Mina shot her a warning glance, shaking her head ever so slightly.

"Fine," she muttered, shooting Bakugo a glare.

He scoffed, his signature smirk firmly in place. "Just don't slow me down, princess."

Y/N clenched her fists but said nothing, reminding herself to stay professional. This was just another exercise. She could handle it.

The simulation began without warning. Alarms blared, and smoke filled the training field, obscuring their vision. Y/N instinctively crouched low, her heart pounding as she scanned the area for any sign of movement.

Bakugo's voice cut through the chaos. "Stay close, idiot. I'm not dragging your ass out of this if you mess up."

"Like I need your help," Y/N shot back, but she moved closer to him anyway.

The first wave of "enemies" descended on them—a group of simulated attackers armed with paintball guns and smoke grenades. Bakugo wasted no time, launching himself into the fray with an explosion that sent their opponents scattering.

Y/N followed his lead, using her agility to dodge incoming shots and disarm one of the attackers. Her movements were fluid, precise, and for a brief moment, Bakugo found himself watching her with a flicker of admiration.

"Not bad," he muttered under his breath, though he'd never admit it out loud.

The attackers kept coming, their numbers overwhelming. Y/N and Bakugo were forced to back into a defensive position, standing shoulder to shoulder as they fought off the onslaught.

"On your left!" Y/N shouted, spotting an attacker aiming for Bakugo.

He reacted instantly, blasting the attacker away with a well-placed explosion. "Don't think this means I owe you," he said, glancing at her with a smirk.

"Wouldn't dream of it," she replied, rolling her eyes.

Despite their constant bickering, their movements began to sync as the battle wore on. Y/N's quick thinking complemented Bakugo's brute strength, and for the first time, they weren't fighting against each other but with each other.

As the final wave of attackers closed in, Y/N found herself pinned behind a crate, her ammunition depleted. She cursed under her breath, her mind racing for a solution.

"Bakugo!" she called out, her voice tinged with urgency. "I'm out!"

He turned toward her, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. Without a word, he launched himself toward her, using his explosions to propel himself forward.

"Stay down," he ordered, planting himself between her and the attackers.

"Wait—what are you doing?" she demanded, but he ignored her, unleashing a barrage of explosions that took out the remaining enemies.

When the dust finally settled, the training field was silent once more. Y/N pushed herself to her feet, brushing dirt off her uniform as she approached Bakugo.

"That was... impressive," she admitted reluctantly, crossing her arms.

Bakugo smirked, wiping sweat from his brow. "Damn right it was. You're welcome, by the way."

Y/N rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the small smile tugging at her lips. "Don't let it go to your head."

Before either of them could say more, Kirishima and Mina appeared, grinning like fools.

"Well, well," Mina teased, nudging Y/N with her elbow. "Looks like you two make a pretty good team after all."

"Shut up, Mina," Y/N said, but there was no heat in her voice.

Bakugo scowled, shoving his hands into his pockets. "We're done here, right?"

"Yeah, yeah, you're free to go," Kirishima said, still grinning. "But seriously, you two killed it out there. Nice work."

As the group began to disperse, Y/N found herself glancing at Bakugo. For all his bluster and arrogance, there was no denying his skill—or the fact that, despite their differences, they had worked surprisingly well together.

"Hey, Bakugo," she called out, stopping him in his tracks.

He turned to face her, raising an eyebrow. "What?"

She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Thanks. For having my back out there."

Bakugo's expression softened, just slightly, and for a fleeting moment, Y/N thought she saw something other than annoyance in his eyes.

"Don't mention it," he said gruffly, before turning and walking away.

Y/N watched him go, her thoughts swirling. Maybe there was more to him than she'd given him credit for.

And maybe—just maybe—she didn't hate him as much as she thought she did.