✰

The lingering tension from their kiss and subsequent conversations hadn't entirely disappeared, but for once, the group had a reprieve. Aizawa had declared a "team bonding day," a rare break from their rigorous training and relentless missions. Everyone was in good spirits, ready to enjoy a carefree day.

"Alright, you brats," Aizawa had grumbled earlier that morning, standing in front of the common room in his usual sleeping-bag ensemble. "We're heading to the countryside. Relax, have fun, and don't embarrass me."

The announcement was met with a mix of cheers and groans, but Y/N couldn't help but glance at Bakugo, who had been sitting with his arms crossed. Their eyes met for a brief moment before both of them quickly looked away.

The bus ride to the countryside was, predictably, chaotic. Kaminari and Mina had commandeered the back seats, shouting over each other in a heated debate about which snacks were superior: savory or sweet. Kirishima was sandwiched between them, laughing at their antics while munching on a bag of chips.

"Can you idiots keep it down?" Bakugo barked from his seat near the middle of the bus.

"C'mon, Bakubro," Kirishima said, leaning over the seat with a wide grin. "You can't tell me you're not excited for a little R&R."

Bakugo scowled. "I'm excited for you all to shut up."

Y/N, sitting across the aisle, rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. She turned her attention to the scenery outside, the city gradually giving way to lush green fields and rolling hills.

"Hey, Y/N," Mina called from the back. "Truth or dare?"

Y/N glanced over her shoulder, raising an eyebrow. "What is this, middle school? And why do we do this every time!??"

"Don't dodge the question!" Kaminari chimed in, wiggling his eyebrows mischievously.

"Fine," Y/N said with a sigh. "Truth."

Mina smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief. "If you could date anyone in the class, who would it be?"

The question hung in the air, and Y/N could feel several pairs of eyes on her—including a certain hot-headed blond who was trying way too hard to look uninterested.

"Oh, come on," she said, crossing her arms. "That's a lame question."

"Doesn't make it any less valid!" Mina teased. "Answer it!"

Y/N thought for a moment, then shrugged. "I'd date Tokoyami. He seems like he'd write poetry about me."

The answer elicited a wave of laughter from the group, including a quiet chuckle from Tokoyami himself, who tipped his head in acknowledgment.

Bakugo, however, just scoffed. "Idiots."

Y/N shot him a sideways glance but didn't say anything.

The rest of the ride passed in a flurry of jokes, games, and snack sharing. By the time they arrived at their destination—a sprawling countryside retreat with a lake and plenty of open space—the group was buzzing with excitement.

As they piled out of the bus, Aizawa gave them a few simple instructions. "Don't wander off too far. Stick together. And no using your quirks recklessly."

"Got it, sensei!" Kirishima said, giving a thumbs-up.

The group dispersed quickly, some heading to the lake while others explored the nearby trails. Y/N found herself walking toward a shaded area near the water, wanting a moment of peace before the inevitable chaos.

She wasn't alone for long.

"Oi."

The familiar gruff voice made her turn around. Bakugo was standing a few feet away, his hands in his pockets and his usual scowl firmly in place.

"What do you want?" she asked, crossing her arms.

He shrugged, glancing at the lake. "Figured you'd be over here, avoiding those idiots."

Y/N raised an eyebrow. "And yet, here you are."

Bakugo snorted but didn't respond. Instead, he walked over to a nearby tree and leaned against it, crossing his arms as he watched the others splashing around in the lake.

For a moment, they stood in silence.

"You're not gonna join them?" Y/N asked, tilting her head toward the water.

"Why would I?" he shot back.

"I don't know," she said with a small smirk. "You seem like the type who'd enjoy dunking Kaminari underwater."

That earned her a quiet chuckle, and she couldn't help but feel a small sense of accomplishment.

"What about you?" he asked, his tone more curious than confrontational.

"Not really my thing," she admitted. "I like watching everyone else make fools of themselves."

Bakugo glanced at her, his crimson eyes studying her for a moment. "Figures."

Before Y/N could respond, a loud splash caught their attention. Kaminari had attempted to do a backflip into the lake and failed spectacularly, earning cheers and laughter from the others.

Y/N laughed, shaking her head. "See? This is why I don't join in."

Bakugo smirked, but his gaze lingered on her a little longer than necessary. She noticed but didn't comment, instead focusing on the lake.

"Hey, you two!" Kirishima called, jogging over to them with a grin. "We're starting a game of capture the flag. You in?"

"Hell no," Bakugo said immediately.

"Aw, come on," Kirishima said, clapping him on the shoulder. "It'll be fun!"

Y/N hesitated, then shrugged. "I'll play."

"Traitor," Bakugo muttered under his breath, making her grin.

"Don't be such a grump, Bakugo," she teased, poking his arm as she walked past him to join the others.

Bakugo watched her go, his scowl softening just slightly.

"Dude," Kirishima said quietly, leaning closer. "You're so obvious."

"Shut up, Shitty Hair," Bakugo growled, shoving him away.

But as he followed them toward the group, he couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, this team bonding thing wasn't so bad after all.

The teams for Capture the Flag were hastily assembled, with Mina taking the reins as the self-appointed captain of Team A, and Kirishima leading Team B. Predictably, Bakugo was dragged onto Kirishima's team, while Y/N was scooped up by Mina's.

"You're with me," Mina said, slinging an arm around Y/N's shoulder. "We're taking these boys down."

"Yeah, yeah," Y/N said with a grin, already feeling the competitive energy radiating off Mina.

"You're gonna lose," Bakugo muttered as he passed by, his glare directed at Y/N.

"Bold of you to assume," she shot back, her smirk widening when she saw the slight twitch of annoyance in his jaw.

The game began with a lot of shouting and running as the teams scattered across the field. The "flag" was an old bandana tied to a stick, planted in the middle of each team's base.

"Defense is key," Mina said, positioning Y/N and Kaminari near their flag. "But if you see an opening, go for it."

"Got it," Y/N said, crouching slightly as she scanned the field.

On the other side, Bakugo was already causing chaos. His explosive speed made him nearly impossible to catch, and his strategy was as aggressive as ever. He darted toward Mina's base, dodging Sero and Kaminari with ease.

"Bakugo's coming!" Y/N shouted, running to intercept him.

"You think you can stop me?" he taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance.

"Maybe not," Y/N said, lunging at him, "but I can slow you down."

She managed to grab his arm, but he twisted out of her grip with infuriating ease. Before she could react, he grabbed her wrist and spun her around, pulling her off balance.

"Better luck next time," he said, smirking as he dashed past her.

Y/N groaned, pushing herself up and running after him.

"Get him!" Mina shouted, but it was too late. Bakugo reached the flag, snatching it up and holding it aloft like a trophy.

"Too easy!" he yelled, his triumphant grin daring anyone to challenge him.

"Oh, come on!" Mina groaned, throwing her hands up in frustration.

Y/N jogged back to her team, shaking her head. "He's impossible."

"He's a menace," Kaminari agreed, flopping onto the grass.

"Let's go again," Kirishima said, his enthusiasm as unshakable as ever. "Switch up the teams this time!"

The second round was just as chaotic, with everyone diving, dodging, and strategizing. Y/N found herself on Bakugo's team this time, which meant she was spared from his relentless attacks but subjected to his constant criticism.

"Move faster, Y/N!" he barked as they chased after Mina, who had the flag.

"I'm literally running as fast as I can!" she snapped back.

"Not fast enough!"

Their bickering cost them precious seconds, and Mina managed to score for her team.

"Nice teamwork," Y/N said sarcastically as she caught her breath.

"Maybe if you listened to me, we wouldn't have lost," Bakugo retorted.

"Maybe if you weren't such a control freak, we'd actually work well together."

The tension between them was palpable, and Kirishima stepped in with a nervous laugh. "Alright, alright, let's take a break before you two kill each other."

The group gathered near the lake, some of them dipping their feet into the cool water while others sprawled out on the grass. Mina and Kaminari were animatedly recounting the highlights of the game, with Sero chiming in occasionally.

Y/N found a spot under a tree, leaning back against the trunk and closing her eyes. The sound of laughter and the gentle rustle of leaves made her feel surprisingly calm.

"Oi."

She cracked one eye open to see Bakugo standing over her, his hands in his pockets.

"What now?" she asked, too tired to argue.

He hesitated for a moment before sitting down next to her, keeping a few feet of distance between them. "You're not bad at this whole teamwork thing," he muttered.

Y/N raised an eyebrow, unsure if she'd just imagined the compliment. "Thanks, I guess."

They sat in silence for a while, watching the others. It wasn't exactly a peaceful silence—there was still an underlying tension—but it wasn't entirely unpleasant either.

"You don't give up easily," Bakugo said suddenly, his tone neutral.

Y/N glanced at him, surprised. "Was that... a compliment?"

"Don't get used to it," he said, looking away.

She laughed softly, leaning her head back against the tree. "Noted."

Across the field, Mina and Kirishima exchanged a knowing look.

"They're totally into each other," Mina whispered.

"Definitely," Kirishima agreed. "But they're gonna be the last to admit it."

Mina grinned. "This is gonna be so much fun to watch."

Unaware of their friends' scheming, Y/N and Bakugo continued to sit under the tree, their quiet moment feeling oddly significant.

The team had settled into a relaxed rhythm as the afternoon wore on. Capture the Flag had transitioned into a mix of smaller games and casual banter. Some of the group splashed around in the lake, while others stretched out on the grass, enjoying the warm sun.

Y/N sat near the edge of the water, her feet dipping into the cool lake as Mina settled beside her.

"Alright," Mina said, elbowing Y/N with a grin, "we need to talk."

"About?" Y/N asked, though she already had a sinking suspicion where this was headed.

"Oh, you know," Mina said airily, leaning back on her hands. "The fireworks between you and Bakugo."

"There are no fireworks," Y/N said, rolling her eyes.

Mina laughed. "Please, Y/N. You think I didn't notice how he sat with you under that tree? Or how you were totally bickering with him like an old married couple earlier?"

"We were just arguing," Y/N said, though her cheeks flushed slightly at the memory of their moment by the tree.

"Sure," Mina said, smirking. "And he definitely doesn't look at you like you're the only person who can keep up with him. Not at all."

Y/N splashed water at Mina, who squealed and scooted away. "You're imagining things!"

"Am I?" Mina asked, shaking out her wet hands. "Because I'm pretty sure Kirishima said the same thing. And Sero. And Kaminari."

"You're all insane," Y/N muttered, though her heart raced at Mina's words.

Before Mina could tease her further, Kirishima called out, "Hey, Y/N! Mina! We're doing teams for volleyball. Get over here!"

Relieved for the distraction, Y/N scrambled to her feet and followed Mina back to the makeshift volleyball court. The game quickly turned chaotic, with Kaminari spiking the ball into Sero's face and Bakugo yelling at everyone to stop "playing like extras."

Y/N found herself on Bakugo's team, which meant enduring his constant shouting.

"Block it, Y/N!" Bakugo barked as Kirishima sent the ball flying over the net.

"I'm trying!" she shot back, leaping to intercept it.

The ball hit her arm awkwardly, bouncing out of bounds. Bakugo groaned in frustration, raking a hand through his hair.

"Could you at least try to be useful?" he snapped.

"Could you try not to be a jerk for five minutes?" Y/N retorted, glaring at him.

The rest of the team exchanged wary looks, sensing another argument brewing.

"Alright, timeout!" Mina said, stepping between them. "Let's cool off before you two murder each other."

Y/N huffed, crossing her arms as she walked to the edge of the court. Bakugo followed, still muttering under his breath about "incompetent teammates."

"You're insufferable," Y/N said, turning to face him.

"Yeah? And you're—" He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes narrowing.

"I'm what?" Y/N demanded, stepping closer.

Bakugo stared at her for a moment, his mouth opening as if to retort, but no words came out.

"What?" Y/N pressed, her frustration mounting.

Instead of answering, Bakugo turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Y/N standing there, confused and irritated.

Mina sidled up to her, raising an eyebrow. "What was that?"

"I have no idea," Y/N said, shaking her head.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of games, snacks, and banter. By the time the sun began to set, the group was sprawled out on the grass, watching as the sky turned shades of pink and orange.

Y/N sat with Mina and Kirishima, listening to Kaminari and Sero argue about who had played better during volleyball. She glanced over at Bakugo, who was sitting a few feet away, his arms crossed as he stared at the horizon.

For a brief moment, his gaze flicked to hers, and Y/N felt her breath catch. There was something in his expression—something she couldn't quite place.

"Hey," Kirishima said, nudging her. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Y/N said quickly, tearing her eyes away from Bakugo. "I'm fine."

As twilight fell over the campsite, the team gathered around the firepit. Flames crackled softly, casting flickering shadows on their faces. Kaminari was halfway through a rambling ghost story when Mina suddenly clapped her hands together.

"Alright, enough with the spooky vibes. I have a way better idea!" she announced, eyes gleaming.

"Oh no," Sero muttered.

"Come on, it's fun!" Mina said, grinning. "Let's play 'Truth or Dare.'"

Groans and cheers erupted from the group, but Mina ignored the complaints, already scanning the circle. "Y/N! You're up first."

Y/N sighed. "Fine. Truth."

Mina's grin widened. "Have you ever had a crush on someone in this group?"

Y/N's eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed instantly. "Seriously, Mina?"

"Answer the question!" Mina sang.

Everyone was watching her now, and Y/N felt the heat of their stares. She glanced away, focusing on the fire. "No," she lied quickly.

Mina narrowed her eyes, clearly unconvinced, but she didn't push further. "Alright, Bakugo's turn!"

"I'm not playing this dumb game," Bakugo growled, leaning back against a log with his arms crossed.

"Oh, you're playing," Kirishima said with a laugh, slapping him on the back.

"Dare," Bakugo snapped, clearly annoyed.

Mina's grin turned mischievous. "I dare you to carry Y/N across the campsite without complaining."

The group burst into laughter, and Y/N's face turned red.

"Like hell I will!" Bakugo barked.

"A dare's a dare!" Mina said. "You can't back out now."

Bakugo glared at Mina, then at Y/N, who looked just as flustered as he felt. With a low growl, he stood up.

"Get over here," he muttered, avoiding Y/N's gaze.

Y/N hesitated, but the group's teasing laughter spurred her to her feet. "This is ridiculous," she said, stepping closer.

"Tell me about it," Bakugo snapped, but he bent down slightly, motioning for her to climb on his back.

Feeling incredibly awkward, Y/N placed her hands on his shoulders and hopped up, wrapping her arms around his neck. Bakugo's hands gripped the backs of her thighs to steady her as he stood up, his movements abrupt but surprisingly careful.

The group's cheers and whistles followed them as Bakugo began walking across the campsite.

"This is so unnecessary," Y/N mumbled, her face inches from his neck. She could feel the heat radiating from his skin, and her heart pounded in her chest.

"Shut up," Bakugo muttered, his voice low.

Y/N bit her lip, trying to ignore how his grip felt on her legs or how close they were. She wasn't sure if it was the cool night air or something else entirely, but her skin tingled where his hands rested.

When they reached the other side of the campsite, Bakugo crouched slightly to let her down. Y/N slid off his back, her feet hitting the ground, but she didn't step away immediately. For a moment, they stood close, their eyes meeting.

"Uh, thanks," Y/N said, her voice softer than she intended.

Bakugo stared at her, his expression unreadable. Then he muttered, "Whatever," and turned back toward the fire.

As they walked back, Y/N's mind raced. She couldn't deny the tension between them—how his touch had sent shivers up her spine or how his proximity had left her breathless.

When they rejoined the group, Mina gave her a knowing look, and Kirishima smirked at Bakugo.

"That was adorable," Kaminari said with a laugh, earning a glare from Bakugo.

"Shut it, Pikachu," Bakugo snapped, sitting back down.

The game continued, but Y/N found it hard to focus. She kept replaying the moment in her head—how her heartbeat had quickened, how she'd felt strangely safe in his arms.

It wasn't long before Mina turned her attention to them again. "Alright, Y/N. Truth or Dare?"

"Truth," Y/N said cautiously.

"Who's the most attractive person here?" Mina asked, her grin wicked.

Y/N felt her stomach drop. She glanced around the circle, her gaze lingering on Bakugo for a fraction of a second too long.

"Uh...Mina," she said quickly, earning a cheer from her friend.

"You're just saying that because you're scared," Mina teased, but she didn't press further.

The game continued late into the night, filled with laughter, teasing, and more dares that left the group in fits of laughter.

The campfire cast a warm glow, but the group's energy was far from dimming. Mina's insistence on a friendly sparring session had everyone riled up, laughter echoing through the forest as Kirishima and Denki finished their over-the-top match.

"You're up, Y/N!" Mina said, practically dragging her into the center of the clearing.

"What? No, I'm good!" Y/N said, waving her hands.

"Oh no, you're not getting out of this," Mina teased. "You've been dodging matches all night."

Y/N sighed. "Fine. Who's my opponent?"

"I'll pick!" Mina's grin turned wicked as she pointed directly at Bakugo.

"What?" Bakugo snapped, his sharp glare cutting through the group.

"Perfect match," Mina said, her voice dripping with mischief. "Let's see how well you two really know each other."

Y/N groaned.