Unveiled Winds || Katsuki Bakugou x Reader

Chapter 27 - Moments of Courage

You glanced around, searching for Ayumi among the crowd. The laughter and chatter of other heroes filled your ears, but you hadn't really registered how many big names were here until now, pros and rising stars alike, all gathered in one place.

You shook your head, trying to dispel the feelings of doubt creeping in.

Maybe she already left

The weight of disappointment settling in your stomach. Just as you were about to turn away, a flash of familiar hair caught your eye.

There she was, Ayumi, standing near the bar, her back to you, chatting animatedly with a group of heroes. Your heart raced, but uncertainty gripped you again. What if she didn't want to see you?

You took a deep breath, reminding yourself of Bakugou's words. But the moment felt heavy, and for a second, you almost gave in to the urge to walk away. Just then, Ayumi turned, and your eyes locked.

A mixture of surprise and emotion crossed her face. This was your chance.

You noticed Ayumi's expression shift, her smile faltering as she glanced away, clearly uncomfortable. Your heart sank for a moment, but you steeled yourself and took a step forward, approaching the group.

"Uh, sorry to interrupt," you said, your voice a bit shaky but steadying as you continued. "I just... I wanted to say hi."

The group turned to you, and you could feel their curious gazes, but your focus was solely on Ayumi. Her eyes met yours again, and for a fleeting moment, the tension between you seemed to hang in the air.

The group turned to you, and you could feel their curious gazes, whispers beginning to ripple through them. "No way is that Tempest," one of them murmured, and you felt a twinge of discomfort at the mention of your hero name.

"Tempest?" Ayumi echoed, her eyes widening slightly. "It's been a while." The way she used your hero name stung, making it feel like a barrier had grown between you, as if your close friendship had been reduced to titles and public personas.

You nodded, forcing a smile despite the ache in your chest. "Yeah, it really has."

"Wait, Ayumi, you guys know each other?" one of the others asked, curiosity clear in their voice.

Ayumi hesitated, her gaze darting back to the group. "Uh..kinda"

The uncertainty in her voice only deepened the tension, and you felt the weight of the moment pressing down on you. "Ayumi," you said, taking a step closer, your heart racing. "Can we talk... in private?"

The murmurs of the group quieted as Ayumi's eyes flickered to you, a mixture of surprise and apprehension crossing her face. She glanced at the others, who were watching intently, then nodded slowly. "Okay."

You led her away from the crowd, your heart pounding in your chest as you navigated through the throngs of heroes. As you reached the balcony, the noise from inside faded, though a few small groups of heroes were gathered nearby, laughing and sharing stories.

You found a quieter corner, partially shielded by a railing, offering a momentary respite from the buzz of the party.

Taking a deep breath, you turned to face Ayumi, the weight of your unspoken feelings pressing heavily between you.

Taking a deep breath, you turned to face Ayumi, the weight of your unspoken feelings pressing heavily between you. You felt awkward, a feeling that was unfamiliar, but you tried to maintain your confident facade.

"So, how have you been? I've been catching up with your hero work on social media. You're really rising in the ranks!"

Ayumi's expression shifted, and she cut you off, her tone sharp. "Did you seriously call me out here for small talk?"