✰

The aftermath of the game night lingered in the air like static electricity. Mina wouldn't stop teasing Y/N about Bakugo's boldness, and the rest of the Baku Squad had taken to smirking whenever the two of them were in the same room. Y/N tried to avoid their knowing looks, but it didn't help that Bakugo seemed entirely unbothered by the attention.

In fact, if anything, he looked smug.

"Don't you have something else to focus on?" Y/N grumbled as she and Mina walked into the common area, where the rest of the team was already gathered.

Mina spun on her heel to face her, grinning. "Focus on something else when you and Bakugo are the drama? Absolutely not."

Y/N groaned, tugging her hoodie over her head in a feeble attempt to hide her reddening face. Mina didn't relent, of course, nudging her shoulder as they approached the group.

"Morning, lovebirds!" Denki greeted with a mischievous grin, earning a death glare from Y/N and a grunt from Bakugo, who sat on the couch with his arms crossed.

"Shut up before I make you," Bakugo growled, his eyes briefly flicking toward Y/N.

Mina, undeterred as ever, plopped onto the couch beside Kirishima. "Don't be shy, Bakugo! We're all friends here. You can tell us how you—"

"Mina." Y/N's voice was sharp, her cheeks burning.

"Okay, okay!" Mina held her hands up in mock surrender, but the twinkle in her eye said she wasn't done yet.

Before anyone could escalate the teasing further, Aizawa appeared in the doorway, clipboard in hand. "Mission briefing," he said curtly, silencing the room.

Everyone immediately straightened, the playful atmosphere replaced by a sense of purpose. Aizawa glanced around the group, his tired eyes narrowing slightly. "We've received intel about a potential threat in the mountains. Your job is to investigate and ensure it's neutralized before it escalates."

Y/N glanced at Bakugo, whose expression had turned serious, his earlier smugness replaced by a sharp focus. The tension in the room shifted as Aizawa continued to outline the mission.

"It's a remote location," Aizawa explained, his voice steady. "Communication may be limited, so you'll need to rely on each other. And remember, this is reconnaissance first. Do not engage unless absolutely necessary."

The team nodded, their usual banter put on hold as they absorbed the details.

Hours later, the group found themselves deep in the forested mountains, their breaths visible in the crisp air. The terrain was rough, and the silence was broken only by the occasional crunch of leaves underfoot or the distant call of birds.

Y/N kept her focus ahead, her senses on high alert. The mission required precision and teamwork, and she was determined to pull her weight.

"Keep up, idiot," Bakugo muttered as he passed her, his shoulder brushing against hers.

"I am keeping up," she shot back, narrowing her eyes at him.

"Sure you are," he drawled, a hint of amusement in his tone.

"Will you two knock it off?" Kirishima called from ahead, glancing over his shoulder with a grin. "Save the flirting for later."

Y/N stumbled slightly, her face heating up as Bakugo clicked his tongue in irritation. "Shut up, shitty hair."

"Focus," Aizawa's voice came through their earpieces, effectively ending the conversation. "You're nearing the target zone. Stay alert."

The group fell silent, their playful banter replaced by a tense focus as they approached a clearing. The intel had suggested that this area might be used as a staging ground for something larger, and the scattered equipment and footprints confirmed that suspicion.

"Looks like they've already been here," Kirishima muttered, crouching to examine a set of tracks.

Y/N nodded, her eyes scanning the clearing. "But they're not here now."

"Which means they'll be back," Bakugo added, his voice low.

As the group spread out to investigate, Y/N found herself working alongside Bakugo, their proximity unavoidable in the tight space. She tried to focus on the task at hand, but her mind kept drifting to the kiss they had shared—and the tension that had followed.

"Quit spacing out," Bakugo muttered, his tone sharp but not unkind.

"I'm not spacing out," she shot back, narrowing her eyes at him.

He smirked, clearly enjoying her flustered response. "Yeah, sure. Keep telling yourself that."

Before she could retort, a sudden noise from the treeline put everyone on high alert. The group froze, their eyes snapping to the source of the sound.

"What was that?" Denki whispered, his voice barely audible.

Bakugo stepped in front of Y/N instinctively, his body tense as he prepared for whatever was coming. Y/N's heart skipped a beat at the protective gesture, but she didn't have time to dwell on it.

A moment later, a small group of hostile figures emerged from the shadows, their expressions grim. The leader stepped forward, his eyes scanning the group with disdain.

"Well, well," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "Looks like we've got some uninvited guests."

The group tensed, their hands moving to their weapons or preparing to use their quirks.

"Recon only," Aizawa's earlier warning echoed in Y/N's mind. But it was clear that avoiding a fight wasn't an option anymore.

"Don't do anything stupid," Bakugo muttered to her, his voice low and commanding.

"I could say the same to you," she replied, her own voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

The leader raised a hand, signaling his men to attack, and the clearing erupted into chaos.

Through the flurry of movement, Y/N and Bakugo found themselves fighting side by side, their movements almost instinctively coordinated. Despite their differences, their teamwork was seamless, each one covering the other's blind spots without hesitation.

"Behind you!" Y/N shouted, sending a blast of energy toward an enemy sneaking up on Bakugo.

He didn't even glance back, trusting her completely as he charged forward to take down another opponent. "Good job," he muttered, the words almost lost in the cacophony.

Y/N's chest tightened at the rare praise, but she didn't have time to dwell on it. The fight wasn't over yet, and they needed to stay focused if they were going to make it out of this unscathed.

The battle subsided as the last of the attackers retreated into the shadows. The clearing was left eerily quiet, save for the sound of heavy breathing and the occasional crackle of broken branches underfoot.

"Everyone okay?" Kirishima called out, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.

"Yeah, I'm good," Denki replied, wincing slightly as he checked a scrape on his arm. Mina gave him a thumbs-up before turning to Y/N and Bakugo.

Y/N leaned against a nearby tree, catching her breath as her adrenaline began to wane. She felt the faint sting of a shallow cut on her arm but waved Mina off when she moved closer. "I'm fine, really."

Bakugo, on the other hand, stood a few feet away, his eyes scanning the area for any lingering threats. His posture was tense, his hands still sparking faintly with leftover energy.

"You're bleeding," Y/N said softly, her gaze falling on the gash across his bicep.

"It's nothing," he muttered, brushing off her concern.

"It doesn't look like nothing," she countered, stepping closer.

Bakugo glared at her but didn't move away as she reached for the medical kit clipped to her belt. She hesitated for a moment, her fingers brushing his arm as she worked. His skin was warm under her touch, and she could feel the tension in his muscles.

"Hold still," she murmured, focusing on cleaning the wound despite the heat rising to her cheeks.

"I said it's fine," Bakugo grumbled, but his voice lacked its usual bite.

"Stop being difficult," she replied, meeting his gaze briefly before returning to her task.

Their proximity wasn't lost on the rest of the group, who exchanged knowing glances from a distance. Mina smirked, nudging Kirishima, who chuckled quietly.

"Get a room already," Denki muttered under his breath, earning a laugh from Mina and a disapproving look from Kirishima.

Y/N ignored them, though her ears burned as she focused on wrapping Bakugo's arm. When she finished, she looked up to find him watching her, his crimson eyes unreadable.

"Thanks," he said gruffly, the word surprising both of them.

"You're welcome," she replied, her voice soft.

Before the moment could linger, Aizawa's voice crackled through their earpieces. "Status update."

"All clear," Kirishima reported, his tone serious despite the amusement still lingering on his face.

"Good. Regroup and return to base. We'll debrief when you're back," Aizawa instructed before the line went silent.

The journey back to the base was quiet, the group too exhausted to pick up their usual banter. Y/N walked slightly behind the others, her thoughts swirling as she replayed the events of the day.

She couldn't ignore the way Bakugo had instinctively positioned himself in front of her during the fight or the way his presence had steadied her nerves. Despite his rough exterior, there was something about him that made her feel... safe.

She shook her head, trying to push the thoughts away. It wasn't the time to dwell on things she didn't fully understand.

Bakugo, walking a few paces ahead, glanced over his shoulder. His gaze lingered on Y/N for a moment before he turned back, his expression unreadable.

When they reached the base, the group filed inside, their exhaustion evident in the way they moved. Aizawa was waiting for them in the main room, his gaze sharp as he took in their disheveled appearances.

"No serious injuries?" he asked, his tone more of a statement than a question.

"Nothing we can't handle," Kirishima replied, earning a nod from their teacher.

"Good. Get some rest. Debrief tomorrow morning," Aizawa said before dismissing them.

The group dispersed, but Y/N lingered near the doorway, her mind still racing. She felt a presence beside her and turned to find Bakugo standing there, his expression unreadable.

"What?" she asked, her voice more defensive than she intended.

"Don't overthink it," he muttered, his tone low.

"Overthink what?"

"The fight. The... whatever," he said, gesturing vaguely.

Y/N frowned, her chest tightening. "I wasn't—"

"Sure you weren't," he interrupted, his lips quirking into a smirk before he turned and walked away.

She stared after him, her emotions a whirlwind of frustration, confusion, and something else she couldn't quite name.

Later that night, the common area was quiet, the rest of the team having retreated to their rooms. Y/N sat on the couch, a blanket draped over her shoulders as she stared out the window. The moonlight cast a soft glow over the room, and for a moment, the world felt still.

She didn't hear Bakugo approach until he was standing beside her, his presence as commanding as ever.

"You should be sleeping," he said, his voice breaking the silence.

"I could say the same to you," she replied, glancing up at him.

He didn't respond, instead dropping onto the couch beside her. The proximity sent a jolt through her, but she didn't move away.

For a while, they sat in silence, the tension between them palpable but not uncomfortable.

"Why'd you do it?" she asked suddenly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Do what?"

"Step in front of me during the fight."

Bakugo frowned, his gaze fixed on the window. "You're an idiot if you think I'm gonna let someone take you out."

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, and she turned to look at him. "Bakugo, I—"

"Don't," he said, cutting her off.

She frowned, her chest tightening. "Don't what?"

"Don't make it a big deal," he muttered, his voice quieter than usual.

"It is a big deal," she insisted, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "You can't just—"

Before she could finish, he turned to face her, his crimson eyes locking onto hers. The intensity of his gaze left her breathless, her words caught in her throat.

"Go to bed, Y/N," he said, his voice soft but firm.

She hesitated, torn between pushing the conversation further and doing as he said. Finally, she nodded, her heart heavy as she stood and made her way toward the door.

As she reached the hallway, she glanced back to find him still sitting on the couch, his expression unreadable.

✰

The trek back to the dorms was quieter than usual, the group's energy subdued after the day's events. Y/N and Bakugo stayed at the back of the group, their steps falling into a natural rhythm. The moonlight bathed the path, casting a soft glow over the two as their silence stretched on.

Y/N glanced at Bakugo from the corner of her eye. He looked more relaxed than usual, his usual scowl softened. For once, she didn't feel the need to fill the silence with banter. It was... comfortable.

As the group neared the dorms, Mina slowed her pace, shooting a glance back at the pair. "You two good back there? You've been weirdly quiet."

"Shut it, Mina," Bakugo snapped, his voice lacking its usual bite.

Mina smirked knowingly. "Sure thing, Katsuki." She winked at Y/N before jogging ahead to join Kirishima and Kaminari.

Y/N sighed, shaking her head. "She's never going to let this go, you know."

"Let her talk. Doesn't matter," Bakugo replied, his hands shoved deep in his pockets.

When they reached the dorms, the others dispersed quickly, leaving Y/N and Bakugo lingering in the common room. She hesitated, wondering if she should say something about what had happened earlier.

"You coming or what?" Bakugo's voice interrupted her thoughts.

She blinked, realizing he was already halfway up the stairs. "Uh, yeah. Coming."

As they reached the hallway leading to their rooms, Y/N stopped in front of her door. "Bakugo."

He turned, his expression unreadable. "What?"

She hesitated, the words catching in her throat. "Thanks. For earlier. You didn't have to—"

"Don't start that crap." He stepped closer, his gaze intense. "I did it because I wanted to."

Her breath hitched, her back pressing against her door as he leaned in. For a moment, she thought he might kiss her again, the air between them thick with unspoken tension.

Instead, he smirked. "You're not gonna run this time, are you?"

Her face burned. "I wasn't running!"

"Sure you weren't." His voice dropped, teasing yet somehow serious. "Maybe I should remind you how that kiss went."

Before she could respond, he dipped his head, capturing her lips in a slow, deliberate kiss. It was nothing like their rushed, heated moments before—this one was full of intent, drawing her in until her hands instinctively gripped the front of his shirt.

The sound of footsteps echoed down the hall, and they broke apart just as Mina rounded the corner. She froze, her jaw dropping as she took in the scene.

"Oh. My. God." Mina's voice was loud enough to echo through the dorm.

Y/N's face turned crimson, but Bakugo didn't even flinch. Instead, he rolled his eyes. "What the hell are you yelling about now, Raccoon Eyes?"

"You two!" Mina pointed dramatically. "You kissed! Again! In the hallway! Where everyone can see!"

Bakugo smirked, his hand casually resting on Y/N's waist. "And?"

"And?!" Mina screeched. "This is huge! I need to tell Kirishima!"

Before she could sprint off, Y/N groaned. "Mina, no! Don't make a big deal out of it—"

"It is a big deal!" Mina declared, pulling out her phone.

Bakugo's grip on Y/N tightened as he glared at Mina. "You do, and I'll blow up your stupid phone."

Mina hesitated, clearly torn between her love for drama and self-preservation. "Fine," she huffed, slipping her phone back into her pocket. "But this isn't over!"

She stomped off, leaving the two alone again.

Y/N buried her face in her hands. "Great. Now everyone's going to know."

Bakugo chuckled, a rare sound that made her heart skip. "Let 'em. Not like I care."

She peeked at him through her fingers. "You don't?"

He shrugged, his usual bravado tempered by something softer. "Not if it's with you."

Her heart swelled, and she couldn't help but smile. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"Yeah," he said, his lips twitching into a small smirk. "But you don't seem to mind."

And for once, she didn't argue.