✰

The sound of muffled chatter filled the air as Class 1-A assembled in U.A.'s advanced training facility. Aizawa stood at the front of the room, his perpetual look of disinterest somehow still managing to command attention.

"This week's exercise is all about teamwork," he began, his voice monotone but firm. "You'll be working in pairs, testing your ability to coordinate under pressure. Teamwork doesn't mean tolerating each other—it means working seamlessly, no matter how much you annoy each other."

Your stomach dropped. Please don't let it be Bakugo. Please don't let it be Bakugo.

Beside you, Mina gave a not-so-subtle nudge, her grin wide. "Bet you a snack it's you and him again."

You shot her a look but didn't have time to respond before Aizawa's voice cut through the room.

"Bakugo and Y/N, you're up first."

You groaned audibly, drawing a few chuckles from your classmates. Bakugo, on the other hand, just scoffed, his usual scowl firmly in place.

"Figures," he muttered, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"Try not to blow me up this time, huh?" you quipped, stepping forward.

Bakugo's crimson eyes flicked to you, narrowing slightly. "Don't slow me down, and we won't have a problem."

Mina leaned closer, whispering in your ear. "Let me guess. He's already started being charming."

You sighed. "Charming isn't the word I'd use."

The exercise was simple in theory but brutal in execution. The two of you were tasked with infiltrating a simulated villain base, neutralizing threats, and retrieving a "hostage" before the timer ran out. The catch? The entire facility was rigged with traps, and communication was key.

"We've got 30 minutes," you said, glancing at the holographic timer on the wall. "What's the plan?"

"Don't get in my way," Bakugo shot back, already heading toward the first corridor.

You rolled your eyes but followed, keeping your quirk at the ready. It didn't take long for the first wave of robotic "villains" to appear, their glowing red eyes scanning for targets.

Bakugo launched himself forward with a deafening explosion, tearing through the first few with ease. You stayed back, using your quirk to disable the ones that flanked him.

"Not bad," he muttered as the last robot crumbled to the ground.

"Thanks, partner," you said sarcastically, brushing past him.

The deeper you ventured into the simulated base, the more chaotic the obstacles became. Tight corridors, flashing lasers, and hidden traps tested your reflexes and endurance.

"Watch your left!" you shouted as a robotic arm shot out of the wall, narrowly missing Bakugo.

He growled, spinning around to blast it with a well-aimed explosion. "I don't need your damn help!"

"Oh, excuse me for trying to keep you alive," you snapped, ducking under a swinging blade.

Bakugo's response was cut off by a sudden burst of smoke filling the corridor. You coughed, trying to see through the haze, when you felt a hand grip your wrist and pull you forward.

"Don't just stand there like an idiot!" Bakugo yelled, dragging you out of the danger zone.

You stumbled but managed to keep your footing, glaring at him. "A little warning next time?"

"Stop whining and move!"

Despite his attitude, you couldn't deny that his instincts were sharp. He always seemed to know where the next threat was coming from, and his quick reactions had saved you more than once.

By the time you reached the final room, both of you were drenched in sweat and breathing heavily. Dozens of robots, all armed to the teeth, surrounded the "hostage" in the center. You and Bakugo exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between you.

"I'll distract them," he said, rolling his shoulders. "You get to the hostage."

"Are you sure?" you asked, hesitant.

He turned to glare at you. "Just do it, damn it!"

With a nod, you activated your quirk, weaving through the chaos as Bakugo unleashed a barrage of explosions. The heat was intense, but you trusted him to keep the enemies off your back.

Your heart pounded as you reached the hostage, your hands trembling slightly as you worked to disable the restraints. Bakugo's shouts and the sound of metal clashing echoed around you, but you forced yourself to focus.

"Got it!" you yelled, pulling the hostage free.

Bakugo's head snapped toward you, his expression a mix of relief and irritation. "Then get over here before you get yourself killed!"

You sprinted toward him, the two of you covering each other's backs as you fought your way to the exit. By the time you crossed the finish line, the timer was down to the last few seconds.

"Time's up," Aizawa's voice crackled over the speakers. "Mission complete. Barely."

You collapsed onto the floor of the observation room, sweat dripping down your face. Bakugo leaned against the wall, arms crossed, looking just as exhausted.

"Not bad, huh?" you said, tilting your head to look at him.

He snorted. "You didn't screw up for once."

"Wow, high praise," you deadpanned, but there was no heat in your words.

Across the room, Mina and Kirishima were watching with barely contained amusement.

"You two actually worked together," Mina said, her eyes wide with mock astonishment.

"Miracles do happen," Kirishima added, grinning.

"Shut it," Bakugo snapped, but there was no real bite to his tone.

✰

Back in the dorms, you sat in the common room with Mina and Kirishima, recounting the day's events.

"So, let me get this straight," Mina said, leaning forward with a grin. "Bakugo saved you from a trap?"

"Kind of," you admitted. "But it's not like he was being nice about it."

Kirishima laughed. "That's Bakugo for you. He's got a weird way of showing it, but he's not as bad as he seems."

"You say that because you're his best friend," you pointed out.

"True, but I'm also right," Kirishima said, winking.

Mina nudged you. "So, what's it like being his partner? Is he as unbearable as he seems?"

You hesitated, thinking back to the mission. "He's... intense. But I guess he knows what he's doing."

Mina gasped dramatically. "Was that a compliment?"

"Don't get used to it," you said, laughing.

Upstairs, Bakugo sat in his room, scrolling through his phone. His fingers hovered over your contact name, debating whether to send a message. After a moment, he scoffed and tossed the phone onto his bed.

"Why the hell would I text her?" he muttered to himself.

But the thought lingered.

Private Text between Y/N & Bakugo

Your phone buzzed, and you frowned at the notification. Seeing Bakugo's name pop up was the last thing you expected.

Bakugo: Don't get cocky about today.

You smirked, typing back.

Y/N: Too late. I'm already planning my victory speech.

Bakugo: Idiot.

Y/N: Admit it—you couldn't have done it without me.

There was a long pause before his reply came through.

Bakugo: Maybe.

Your eyes widened. Was that... a compliment?

Y/N: Who are you, and what have you done with Bakugo?

Bakugo: Don't push it.

You couldn't help but laugh, feeling a strange warmth in your chest. Maybe Mina was onto something after all.

Group Chat between Combat Team Alpha

Mina: So, how'd today's training go? Did you two kill each other yet?

Y/N: Not yet. Progress?

Kirishima: Definitely progress. Bakugo hasn't yelled at you in like, an hour.

Bakugo: Shut the hell up, shitty hair.

Denki: Wow, so much love in this team.

Mina: Admit it, Bakugo. You're starting to like us.

Bakugo: You're all idiots.

Shinso: I second that.

Despite the chaos of the group chat, you found yourself smiling. For all his rough edges, Bakugo was starting to seem... less impossible.