✰

The adrenaline of the first mission lingered as the team shuffled into the U.A. common room for the debrief. Everyone was still buzzing with energy, except for Bakugo, who sat in a corner, arms crossed and glaring at the floor.

Aizawa entered the room, clipboard in hand, his tired eyes scanning the team. "Overall, the mission was a success. Everyone returned in one piece, and we accomplished the objectives. That said..." He let the words hang in the air ominously.

You shifted uncomfortably in your seat, trying not to look at Bakugo, though you could feel his glare burning into the side of your face.

"There were several instances where teamwork broke down," Aizawa continued. "Particularly between you two." He pointed between you and Bakugo.

Your jaw dropped. "Me?!"

"Obviously!" Bakugo snapped. "She kept getting in my way!"

"Oh, excuse me for trying to help!" you shot back. "Maybe if you weren't so—"

"That's enough," Aizawa interrupted, his voice firm. "This is exactly the issue. Both of you need to learn to work together, or you'll drag the whole team down."

You bit your tongue, unwilling to argue further in front of everyone. Bakugo muttered something under his breath, and Kirishima gave him a nudge to cool it.

"Moving on," Aizawa said, "I want each of you to reflect on what you did well and what needs improvement. Write a short summary and submit it by the end of the day. Dismissed."

Back in the common room, the tension had mostly dissolved, replaced by the usual chatter and laughter. Mina plopped down beside you, a mischievous grin on her face.

"So," she began, dragging out the word, "you and Bakugo, huh?"

You groaned. "Don't even start."

"What? I'm just saying, the sparks were flying out there."

"Literally," you muttered, thinking of the numerous explosions he'd unleashed.

Kirishima walked by, overhearing the conversation. "Hey, you've got to admit, you two make a good team when you're not fighting."

"Which is never," you pointed out.

He laughed. "Give it time. Bakugo's... difficult, but he respects people who stand their ground. He just won't admit it."

You weren't so sure about that, but it was nice to hear Kirishima's optimism.

Group Chat: Combat Team Alpha

Mina: Okay, so who's hosting the celebration tonight?
Denki: Celebration? For what?
Mina: For surviving Bakugo's temper.
Bakugo: Shut up, raccoon eyes.
Y/N: Wow, a compliment! I'll treasure this moment forever.
Kirishima: LOL. Anyway, let's all chill tonight. Snacks are on me.
Shinso: Sounds good. Just don't let Bakugo blow up the kitchen again.

Later that evening, the common room was transformed into a cozy hangout spot. Denki and Jirou were in charge of the music, Todoroki was surprisingly adept at making snacks, and Mina had roped you into helping her set up decorations—completely unnecessary but fun nonetheless.

Bakugo sat on the couch, scowling as usual, though he hadn't left the room, which you considered progress.

"Come on, Bakugo," Mina teased, handing him a drink. "Try to relax for once."

"I am relaxed," he growled, glaring at the soda like it had personally offended him.

You smirked, unable to resist a jab. "This is his relaxed face, Mina. Can't you tell?"

Bakugo shot you a look that could have melted steel. "You got something to say, extra?"

"Plenty, but I'll spare you. For now."

Mina nudged you with her elbow, grinning. "See? Sparks."

As the night wore on, the group settled into a more relaxed vibe. Shinso told a dry but hilarious story about a mission gone wrong, and Denki accidentally short-circuited the speaker, prompting Jirou to smack him upside the head.

At some point, you found yourself sitting near Bakugo, not by choice but because Mina had subtly maneuvered the seating arrangement.

"You know," you said, keeping your voice low so only he could hear, "for all your yelling, you're not a terrible teammate."

He blinked, clearly caught off guard. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Exactly what it sounds like," you replied, shrugging. "You're good at what you do. Even if you're a pain about it."

For a moment, he didn't respond, his expression unreadable. Then, almost too quiet to hear, he muttered, "You weren't bad either."

It wasn't much, but coming from Bakugo, it felt like a victory.

Private Text between Mina & Y/N

Mina: Tell me EVERYTHING.

Y/N: About what?
Mina: Don't play dumb. You and Bakugo. Alone. On the couch.
Y/N: Nothing happened.
Mina: Uh-huh. Sure. Spill.
Y/N: He said I wasn't bad. That's it.
Mina: OMG, that's basically a love confession from him!!!

Private Text brtween Kirishima & Bakugo

Kirishima: So, uh, you were kinda quiet tonight.
Bakugo: So what?
Kirishima: Just saying, you didn't bite Y/N's head off for once. Progress?
Bakugo: Shut up, Shitty Hair.