✰

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the battlefield as the team gathered together in their designated formation. Y/N stood at the front, Bakugo beside her, and the rest of their squad scattered in the distance. The mission was meant to be straightforward: secure the area, neutralize a threat, and return to base. Simple, right?

But nothing ever went according to plan, especially when it came to missions involving dangerous criminals and unpredictable circumstances. The enemy was tougher than they'd anticipated, and the situation was quickly spiraling out of control.

"Stay sharp," Aizawa's voice crackled over the comms. "The enemy's likely setting a trap. Don't let your guard down."

Y/N's heart pounded in her chest. She was used to missions—had been through countless challenges—but there was something different about this one. Something about the weight of it. As the team moved through the landscape, it felt like danger lurked around every corner, just waiting to strike.

Y/N looked over at Bakugo, who was as focused and intense as ever. He had this way of approaching every mission with unwavering confidence, always one step ahead of the rest. But today, something felt different. His usual fiery demeanor seemed more... contained. He wasn't making his usual remarks, his movements calculated and precise, as if he were waiting for something.

"Don't get too comfortable," Bakugo muttered, his voice low, barely audible. He didn't look at her, but Y/N couldn't ignore the edge in his tone.

"I'm not," she replied, trying to sound as steady as possible.

The tension in the air was palpable, and even Kirishima and Mina, who usually maintained their high spirits during missions, were quiet. They all knew this wasn't going to be easy.

And then, without warning, the ground beneath them cracked open, a trap set by the enemy. A massive explosion rocked the terrain, sending rocks and debris flying in all directions. Y/N instinctively jumped back, narrowly avoiding a flying piece of shrapnel, but when she landed, her foot slipped, and she went tumbling backward.

In that split second, Bakugo was there. His hand shot out, catching her wrist before she could hit the ground. He pulled her up with surprising gentleness, his usual harsh grip softened by the urgency of the situation. His golden eyes flicked to hers, and for a moment, their gazes locked.

"Watch your step," Bakugo muttered, his voice rougher than usual, as if the proximity was getting to him too.

Y/N nodded, her heart racing. "Thanks," she said quietly, not entirely sure what to make of the moment. They had worked together countless times before, but something about this felt different. The way his touch lingered for just a second too long, the way his gaze softened for that fleeting moment—it was enough to make her question things she'd been trying to ignore.

But there wasn't time to dwell on that now. The team quickly regrouped, assessing the damage and scanning the area for any more threats. The enemy was close. Too close.

"Stay focused," Aizawa's voice came through again, sharp and clear. "This isn't over yet."

Y/N nodded, pushing her thoughts aside. There was no room for distraction. She turned to Bakugo, her usual playful smile replaced by determination. "Let's finish this."

Bakugo didn't respond with his usual cocky remarks. Instead, he just gave her a sharp nod, his eyes narrowing in focus. For a moment, they were on the same wavelength—no words necessary. They both knew what had to be done.

The battle raged on as the enemy closed in. Bakugo led the charge, his explosions tearing through the air with precision, his quirk an unstoppable force. Y/N wasn't far behind, using her own abilities to create diversions and protect their teammates. Together, they moved like a well-oiled machine, seamlessly covering each other's weaknesses, supporting each other when the other faltered.

It wasn't easy. Every move felt like a gamble, and every explosion echoed in their ears, the air thick with tension. But in the chaos, Y/N realized something—she was no longer just fighting alongside Bakugo. She was fighting for him.

She could feel it in the way their teamwork had evolved, how they relied on each other more and more with each passing second. There was something unspoken between them now, a bond forged in the heat of battle. It wasn't the kind of connection that came easily, but it was real. And for the first time, Y/N couldn't ignore it.

Bakugo seemed to feel it too, though he wouldn't admit it. His gaze would flicker toward her whenever she pulled off a particularly impressive move, his jaw tightening in approval. There was no mocking, no insults. Just silent acknowledgment. It was subtle, but it was there.

"Cover me!" Bakugo shouted as he pushed forward, blasting his way through a group of enemies.

Y/N didn't hesitate. She used her quirk to create a barrier, shielding him from incoming attacks. They had done this a hundred times before, but this time, the synchronization felt different. It felt like they were working in perfect harmony.

Bakugo turned back to her, his usual intensity present in his eyes. "Not bad," he said, though his tone lacked its usual edge. There was something softer in his words, as if he was acknowledging more than just her skill.

Y/N felt a small surge of warmth at the compliment, but she didn't let it distract her. There was still work to do.

As the battle reached its climax, the enemy leader finally revealed themselves. A large, heavily armed figure with a quirk that could manipulate the ground itself. The fight became even more intense, but Bakugo and Y/N remained steady. They were a force, a team, and no matter how hard the enemy tried to break them apart, they couldn't.

With a final, explosive push, Bakugo launched himself toward the enemy leader, his quirk exploding with a force that shook the ground beneath them. Y/N was right behind him, using her quirk to assist and create openings in the leader's defenses.

Together, they took the enemy down. It wasn't a smooth victory, but it was theirs. The enemy leader crumpled to the ground, and the rest of the attackers scattered in defeat.

The team breathed a collective sigh of relief, their bodies exhausted but victorious. Y/N glanced over at Bakugo, who stood panting, his face flushed with the aftermath of battle. His eyes met hers for a moment, and despite the chaos of the fight, something in his gaze shifted.

He didn't say anything. But she could see it—acknowledgment. Respect.

And for the first time, Y/N realized that the bond they had formed through all the struggles, the missions, and the battles, wasn't just about teamwork. It was about something deeper. Something they hadn't yet admitted to each other.

But it was there, quietly simmering beneath the surface. And Y/N was starting to understand that maybe, just maybe, it was the first step toward something more.

✰

The aftermath of the battle left the team in a haze of exhaustion, their bodies covered in scrapes, bruises, and the lingering adrenaline rush from the fight. Despite the overwhelming relief that came with their victory, there was still the pressing weight of the tension hanging in the air—particularly between Y/N and Bakugo. Neither of them had spoken much after the mission, but the unsaid words between them felt heavier than any physical injury they might have sustained.

The group was gathered at the designated safe house for debriefing, their expressions tired but satisfied. Kirishima and Mina were chatting in the corner, both of them catching up on the events of the day and exchanging stories. Y/N sat near the window, trying to clear her thoughts, while Bakugo stood by the door, arms crossed, eyes scanning the area, always on high alert.

"Great job out there," Kirishima said with a grin, his voice warm and genuine. "Seriously, that was some crazy teamwork."

Bakugo scoffed, his usual gruffness returning. "Of course it was. I don't need anyone holding me back."

Y/N rolled her eyes but smiled, shaking her head. "Yeah, because you totally didn't need my help with that last part."

Bakugo shot her a glare, but there was something softer in his expression, a quiet acknowledgment that spoke volumes. He didn't respond right away, but his words hung in the air, unspoken. He had nothing more to say, and Y/N realized that maybe this moment of silence was all they needed. Words weren't always necessary.

"Let's just focus on the mission," Aizawa interjected from the table, his tired voice cutting through the banter. "We'll debrief tomorrow. Get some rest."

The rest of the team nodded and began to settle in for the night, their bodies finally succumbing to the exhaustion of the battle. Y/N lingered for a moment, glancing toward Bakugo, who was still standing by the door, not yet ready to relax. He wasn't the type to just let go, especially after a mission as intense as this one.

Y/N hesitated before walking over to him. It wasn't like her to leave things unsaid, but something held her back. Maybe it was the fear of making things awkward, maybe it was the fear that he wouldn't respond the way she wanted, or maybe she was just scared of the feelings that had started to bubble up between them.

"Hey," she said softly, not sure what else to say.

Bakugo's gaze flicked toward her for a brief second, his eyes narrowing slightly before he returned to scanning the room. "What?"

Y/N bit her lip, trying to find the right words. She didn't want to seem vulnerable, didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing her flustered, but she couldn't help herself. "You did good today."

He grunted in acknowledgment, but there was no mocking tone this time. No usual snarky comment. "You too."

Y/N chuckled, her nerves still present but slowly easing. "I'm surprised you actually said that."

Bakugo shifted, finally looking at her fully. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I thought you'd be too busy bragging about your own victory to notice anyone else," she teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Bakugo snorted but didn't respond with his usual comeback. He seemed... quieter than usual. More contemplative. For a brief moment, he looked like someone other than the angry, bombastic Bakugo everyone knew. And that only made Y/N's heart beat faster, the confusion of her growing feelings washing over her again.

But before she could say anything else, the sound of footsteps approached. Kirishima and Mina entered the room, grinning like they always did after a mission. But there was something in their expressions—something knowing—that made Y/N instantly feel self-conscious. She wasn't sure if they had noticed the subtle shift in her and Bakugo's interactions, but she could feel the tension between them now more than ever.

"Alright, we're gonna grab some food before we crash," Mina announced, her usual enthusiasm infectious. "Who's in?"

"I'm in," Kirishima chimed in, clearly eager for something to eat. "We've earned it!"

Bakugo rolled his eyes. "I'm not hungry."

"Are you seriously not going to eat after that fight?" Kirishima raised an eyebrow.

Bakugo scowled. "I don't need your lectures."

Kirishima wasn't deterred. "Well, you should at least get something in your system. You're a mess, man." He gestured to Bakugo's still-drenched sweat and dirt-streaked clothing.

Bakugo grumbled but didn't fight it. "Fine, whatever. I'm going to change."

Y/N couldn't help but notice the fleeting glance Bakugo shot in her direction before he turned to leave. It was brief, almost imperceptible, but she felt it all the same. He wasn't saying it, but his actions were speaking louder than anything.

As Bakugo disappeared down the hall, Y/N let out a long breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. She wasn't sure what to make of that interaction—what had just passed between them. They weren't talking about it, and neither of them was ready to confront it head-on. Not yet.

But the lingering weight of what had happened on the battlefield—of their growing connection—was undeniable. The unspoken understanding between them was clear. They had each other's backs in a way neither could ignore. They were beginning to rely on each other in a way that went beyond just fighting side by side.

And despite her best efforts to push those feelings aside, Y/N knew something had changed between them. And as much as she tried to deny it, she couldn't help but wonder what would happen if they actually acknowledged it.

"Are you okay?" Mina's voice broke through her thoughts. Y/N turned to see her friend standing beside her, an inquisitive look on her face.

"Yeah," Y/N replied with a forced smile, shaking her head. "Just tired."

Mina raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing something more. But she didn't push. Instead, she nudged her toward the door. "Well, come on. Let's go get some food. You can think about whatever's got you all twisted later."

Y/N allowed herself a small laugh. "Yeah. Later."

But even as she followed Mina and Kirishima toward the kitchen, her mind kept drifting back to Bakugo—his touch, his gaze, and that strange, unspoken connection between them that neither of them seemed ready to address.

And deep down, Y/N knew that sooner or later, they would have to face it.

✰

The days following their mission blurred together as the team settled back into their routine. Despite the lingering fatigue from the mission, the feeling of camaraderie that came with surviving the battle was a welcome comfort. Everyone, except Bakugo, seemed to be more open with each other. Kirishima was as energetic as ever, regaling the team with exaggerated tales of their victory, while Mina couldn't help but tease Bakugo for his lack of enthusiasm.

Y/N, on the other hand, found herself caught in an internal whirlwind of thoughts. The mission had shaken her, not just because of the danger, but because of the things she had started to notice about herself. Bakugo had been right there beside her throughout it all, but now, it felt different. It was as if everything that had transpired between them during the mission was slowly rising to the surface—things she wasn't sure how to deal with.

She tried to focus on her training, but her mind kept wandering back to Bakugo. It wasn't just the usual irritation she had come to expect from him, but something more—a deeper connection she couldn't quite place. It wasn't that he had changed; he was still Bakugo, as stubborn and abrasive as ever. But there was something in the way he had looked at her during the mission, the way he had stayed close when she needed him most, that made her heart race.

"Are you still thinking about him?" Mina's voice broke through Y/N's reverie, and she blinked in surprise.

"What? Who?"

Mina raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Don't play dumb. It's obvious. I can see that you're caught up in your head. You've been acting weird lately."

Y/N's cheeks flushed, and she quickly turned her attention to her training equipment. "I'm fine. Just... tired, I guess."

Mina didn't buy it. She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "It's Bakugo, isn't it? You're starting to like him."

Y/N's heart skipped a beat. "What? No! I—"

"I mean, I'm not blind," Mina interrupted, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You two have been getting a little... closer recently. I saw it in the way you were looking at each other on the mission."

Y/N opened her mouth to protest but found herself at a loss for words. Was it really that obvious? Was she that transparent? Her mind raced as she tried to find an excuse or explanation. But nothing came.

Before she could say anything, Kirishima appeared, his big grin plastered across his face. "Hey, what's all this talk about Bakugo?" he asked, clearly overhearing the conversation. "If you're talking about my man, count me in!"

Y/N groaned inwardly, trying to avoid the topic. "Nothing, really. Just... talking."

Kirishima raised an eyebrow. "Talking, huh? I thought we were just discussing the mission. Or is there something more going on here?"

Mina gave Y/N an exaggerated wink, and she felt her face heat up even more. "Oh, we were just discussing how Bakugo's got a soft spot for Y/N. I'm pretty sure he's just too dense to notice it himself."

Y/N's mind went blank at the comment. She opened her mouth to protest, but before she could, Bakugo's voice cut through the banter.

"What the hell are you all talking about?" he growled, his voice laced with irritation.

Y/N's heart skipped a beat at the sound of his voice. She turned to face him, trying to mask her nerves with a cool expression. "Nothing important. Just... training stuff."

Bakugo didn't look convinced, but he didn't press it further. Instead, he scowled and crossed his arms. "You guys are seriously annoying. Get back to training."

There was a brief, charged silence between them, a moment where the air felt thicker than it should have. Y/N felt the heat of his gaze on her for just a second longer than usual, and for a brief moment, she wondered if he was thinking the same thing she was.

Her thoughts scattered when Bakugo suddenly turned and stormed off, heading toward the training area. She felt a strange pang of disappointment, though she wasn't entirely sure why. Was it the way he seemed to disregard the conversation so easily? Or was it the fact that he was always so closed off?

Mina shot Y/N a look. "Well, that went well."

Y/N sighed. "I don't know what's going on with me. Or him."

Kirishima clapped Y/N on the back, his smile warm. "Hey, you're not the only one. Bakugo's always got his own thing going on. But, if I'm being honest, I think you're both just afraid of what's happening. It's pretty obvious you like each other."

Y/N felt her stomach flip at the thought, but she refused to entertain it. "I don't know about that. It's just... complicated."

"Everything's complicated when it comes to Bakugo," Mina said with a shrug. "But it's clear you're both in your heads about it. Just take it slow, alright?"

Y/N nodded, not sure if she believed her. Her heart was telling her to take a chance, but her mind warned her to tread carefully. Bakugo was unpredictable, volatile at best. He could go from gruff and cold to oddly protective in the blink of an eye, and Y/N wasn't sure she was ready to deal with the emotional chaos that could follow.

Later that day, during a break in training, Y/N found herself alone in the common area, sitting on the couch and staring out the window, lost in thought. It wasn't long before Bakugo entered the room, looking more annoyed than usual.

He didn't seem to notice her at first, heading straight to the fridge to grab a bottle of water. But then, without warning, he turned and met her gaze, his expression unreadable.

"What are you staring at?" he barked.

Y/N hesitated for a moment before standing up. "Nothing. Just... thinking."

"About what?"

"About the mission," she said, trying to avoid the truth. "And about... everything, I guess."

Bakugo raised an eyebrow, and for a brief moment, Y/N thought she saw something soften in his eyes. But it was gone as quickly as it came. "Whatever," he muttered, turning away. "Don't let it get to you. It's just a mission."

But Y/N wasn't convinced. There was something in his tone, something in his actions, that told her he was more affected than he let on. Maybe she wasn't the