Unveiled Winds || Katsuki Bakugou x Reader

Chapter 12 - Mall Encounters

You navigated the aisles of the local grocery store, your basket slowly filling with snacks and essentials. Tomorrow was your day off, a rare break from the relentless pace at the agency.

The days there were non-stop, packed with challenges that demanded every ounce of your focus and energy. As you picked up a bag of your sister's favorite chips, a sense of relief washed over you.

Despite the hectic schedule, you were grateful that your job still allowed you some semblance of free time. This small window to reconnect with family was precious, and you planned to make the most of it.

Spending time with your sister wasn't just a break from work—it was a return to something normal, something grounding.

While browsing through the aisles, you noticed a man occasionally glancing in your direction. Initially, you dismissed it, focusing on your shopping list instead.

But as you moved to grab an item from a shelf near him, the man seemed to stiffen and his demeanor turned awkward.

Turning slightly to face him properly for the first time, you took in his appearance: tall with a muscular build, dressed in sweatpants and a compression shirt.

The cap and sunglasses he wore were peculiar choices for being indoors. However, it was his spiky blond hair that caught your attention. A flicker of recognition crossed your face as you exclaimed in surprise, "Wait a second, no way, Suki, is that you?"

Bakugou quickly reached out, pressing a firm hand on your shoulder and pushing your head down slightly. "Would you keep it down?" he hissed, his voice low and tinged with irritation, as he glanced around to ensure no one else had noticed the exchange.

You tried to stifle a giggle, amused by Bakugou's attempt at incognito with a hat and sunglasses. "That's quite the disguise. I'm surprised no one's caught on yet," you remarked, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of your mouth.

Bakugou's eyes narrowed behind the dark lenses, his expression stern. "It's worked up until now," he retorted, his tone sharp. "And I don't need some idiot blowing it." His gaze flicked around the aisle, vigilant as ever.

You couldn't help but tease him a little more. "You know, if you didn't act so sketchy, I might not have even noticed you. Honestly, you looked like some kind of creep lurking around here," you joked, chuckling at his undercover effort.​

Bakugou's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of annoyance flickering across his features. "And you? Out in public without any disguise? You're being pretty damn careless yourself," he retorted, his tone gruff, reflecting his concern for your lack of precautions.​

You shrugged lightly, your expression unbothered. "Luckily for me, most people are either too intimidated or just plain uninterested to even recognize me, let alone approach me," you explained casually.

Bakugou scowled, clearly annoyed. "Whatever, just stay out of my way," he muttered, striding off.

Undeterred, you quickly caught up to him, matching his pace as you walked alongside him. "Hey, wait! We should shop together. Who knew we shopped at the same mall?" you chimed, genuinely curious. "Hey, do you live near here?"

Bakugou's irritation mounted with each prying question, his brow furrowing deeper as he quickened his steps, trying to outpace your inquisitiveness.

Despite Bakugou's attempts to quicken his pace, you kept up easily, your curiosity undimmed. Sensing that he wasn't going to escape your questions easily, he let out a frustrated sigh.

"I don't live near here," Bakugou finally grumbled, his voice a mix of irritation and resignation. "And we're not shopping together. I'm just picking up some stuff."