Amethyst. (Katsuki Bakugo x Reader)

PART 4 - Ice and Explosions

Over the last few days, I got to know the students of Class 1-A better. They all introduced themselves, and it was a lot to take in, given my lack of experience with people my age. Despite that, they seemed kind and genuinely caring towards each other—everyone except Shoto.

And that's exactly why I was considering throwing the UA Sports Festival. After my first day, Endeavor had made it clear that he expected either Shoto or me to come out on top. The look of disgust on Shoto's face when Dad said that was hard to bear. Maybe if I let myself lose, Shoto would finally stop seeing me as just another extension of our father's will.

The festival was only two weeks away, and I couldn't decide if I should give it my all or lose intentionally. Either way, training had already started.

"Y/N, watch out!" Mina's voice rang out, cutting through my thoughts.

"Huh?" I barely had time to register her warning before the speeding debris, kicked up from Katsuki's explosion, came hurtling toward me. I was so lost in my own head that I hadn't even noticed his attack.

Before I could react, Eijiro rushed in, his hardened body blocking the debris and keeping me safe.

"Thanks, Eijiro," I muttered, my tone calm, though embarrassment flickered in my eyes.

As I glanced at the wreckage and then at Katsuki, I couldn't help but feel frustrated. How could I be so distracted? This wasn't like me.

Shoto walked past me with his usual cold detachment. "Pro-hero," he said under his breath, his tone mocking.

Normally, I wouldn't have let it get to me, but something about today made his comment sting. I called on my Ice, letting them spill across the training ground, coating it in frost. Shoto slipped, caught off guard, and I quickly froze his leg in place.

"Yeah, pro-hero," I said as I walked past him, releasing him from my ice without looking back.

_________

I strode back to the locker rooms, adrenaline still coursing through me. The sounds of training faded, leaving only the echo of my footsteps. I could feel the weight of my classmates' eyes on me—some curious, others admiring. It didn't matter.

Inside the locker room, I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Shoto had a way of getting under my skin.

Just as I finished changing, the door creaked open, and Mina burst in, her bright energy filling the room.

"Y/N! That was amazing! I didn't know you could do that with your Quirk!" she said, her wide grin never faltering.

"Thanks, Mina," I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral. "Just had to remind Shoto who he's dealing with."

Mina giggled, leaning against the locker next to mine. "Well, you definitely did! But hey, are you okay? Shoto can be... a bit much."

I shrugged. "He knows how to push my buttons. But it's nothing I can't handle."

She gave me a long look, her expression softening. "You know, you don't have to handle everything by yourself. We might not know each other well yet, but we're a team. If you ever need to talk, or just let off some steam, I'm here."

I was a little taken aback by her sincerity. Mina was always so bubbly and carefree, but her words carried weight.

"Thanks, Mina. I'll keep that in mind."

Her face lit up again. "Great! You should hang out with us more! We're all going to the arcade later—Denki's idea. It'll be fun!"

I hesitated. "I'd love to, but I have to train for the Festival. Shoto and I can't train at home when the other is around, so I have to find time here after school."