Unveiled Winds || Katsuki Bakugou x Reader

Chapter 24 - Suprise Visit

You slumped back on the couch, a groan escaping your lips as you stared up at the ceiling of your apartment. The events of the night replayed in your mind, each moment between you and

Bakugou leaving you more confused than the last. Aiko sat beside you, scrolling through her phone, completely unbothered.

"I think I'm into Dynamite," you finally admitted, your voice laced with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Aiko paused for a moment, then casually responded, "Yeah, no shit."

You shot up, glaring at her. "You could at least act surprised!" you exclaimed, waving your arms in exasperation.

Aiko chuckled, leaning back on the couch with a playful smirk. "Surprised? C'mon, do I need to remind you of the day I walked in on you two eyeing each other down?"

"That's not what that was!"

"Yeah call it what you want but it's bout time you finally admitted it to yourself"

You groaned, sinking deeper into the cushions. "You make it sound so simple," you muttered.

Aiko nudged you with her elbow, her tone light but probing. "So, what's the big deal? He's obviously into you too. It's not like you're confessing your love to some random guy off the street."

You sighed, the weight of your thoughts pressing down on you. "It's not that easy, Aiko. I just... I don't feel like I deserve to feel this way. After everything that's happened, after... Haruto." The last name slipped out, bringing with it a wave of memories you had tried to bury.

Aiko's teasing demeanor softened, and she sat up straighter, giving you her full attention. "Hey, it's okay. You're allowed to feel things, to be happy again. Just because things didn't work out with Haruto doesn't mean you're not allowed to move on."

You looked down at your hands, feeling the sting of guilt mixed with longing. "But what if I mess it up again? What if I'm just setting myself up for more pain?"

Aiko reached over, taking your hand in hers. "You're not the same person you were back then, Y/N. You've grown, you've learned. And if anyone deserves a chance at happiness, it's you. Don't let the past hold you back from what could be something amazing."

You appreciated her words, a small smile tugging at the corners of your lips as you squeezed her hand. "Thanks, Aiko," you said softly, feeling a little lighter. But you quickly turned away, trying to keep things lighthearted. "Yeah, and what makes you so sure he's even into me?"

Aiko rolled her eyes, giving you an exasperated look. "Oh, come on. The way he looks at you? The way he always has your back, even when you do something reckless?"

You shook your head, laughing a bit, though there was still a hint of doubt in your voice. "Bakugou's... intense. He's this powerhouse of determination and confidence, always so sure of himself. I'm just... me. I'm not exactly the type to catch someone like him off guard."

Aiko raised an eyebrow, her expression turning serious. "And what's that supposed to mean? You're strong, smart, and you've got this spark that not everyone sees, but those who do, they can't help but be drawn to it. If Bakugou didn't see something in you, he wouldn't have stuck around for this long."

You hesitated, biting your lip as you thought about it. "But what if it's just... I don't know, professional respect? Or maybe he feels like he has to protect me because I'm his partner or something?"

Aiko shook her head firmly. "You know that's not it. He's seen you at your best and your worst, and he's still there. That's gotta count for something."