Lightning in the Ashes (Katsuki Bakugou x OC Fem)

Chapter 2: The Storm Within

The sun dipped low in the sky as Valerie walked through the UA hallways, the buzz of her first day still ringing in her ears. She was exhausted, not from the classes or the overwhelming introductions, but from keeping herself together. It had been a whirlwind—new faces, new responsibilities, and the ever-present reminder of her past swirling in her mind.

"Oi!"

The sharp voice cut through the noise of students leaving class, and Valerie didn't need to turn around to know who it was. Katsuki Bakugou.

She sighed softly and turned to face him. He stood a few feet away, arms crossed, his eyes narrowed in challenge. Behind him, Kirishima and Denki were hanging back, watching with curious expressions, clearly familiar with Bakugou's tendency to challenge anyone who caught his attention.

"Fight me," Bakugou demanded, his voice rough and determined.

Valerie raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "I'm not interested."

The Duo behind him fell into a fit of laughter at Bakugou;s blank face fro her response.

Bakugou's scowled. "What? Scared I'll fry you?" He took a step closer, sparks of nitroglycerin crackling at his fingertips. "Come on. I saw how you handled Mineta earlier. That wasn't anything. I want to see what you've really got."

Valerie's eyes flicked to the ground, the shadows of her thoughts looming closer. "Not everything is about fighting," she said calmly, her voice steady, despite the storm still brewing inside her. "Especially not today." Denki stepped forward and stood beside Valerie concerned at how low her mood had dipped through the day.

Bakugou grunted, clearly unsatisfied. "Tch. You're just scared. I don't care if you're new or if you've got some fancy lightning quirk. If you're gonna be in this class, you better learn how to back it up."

Silence.

Before he could press her further, Mina bounced up beside Valerie, throwing a friendly arm around her shoulder.

"Let it go, Bakugou!" Mina said with a playful grin, steering Valerie away from the tension. "You'll get your chance to fight Val, and so will everyone soon enough! But right now, it's time to relax. I'm showing Val to the dorms."

Bakugou growled in frustration, but he didn't push it. Instead, he stomped behind them, his heavy footsteps echoing as he trailed them on the walk back to the dorms.

The air between them was thick with unspoken tension as they crossed the campus. Mina, as always, kept the conversation light, but Valerie couldn't help but feel Bakugou's presence just behind her. His eyes seemed to burn into her back as if daring her to turn around and face him again.

When they reached the dorms, Mina led Valerie up to her room. "Here it is!" she said brightly, swinging open the door. "Nice and cozy, right? You'll feel right at home."

Home...

Valerie glanced around the small but comfortable room, grateful for the privacy. "Thanks, Mina," she said softly.

"No problem!" Mina flashed her a smile. "I'll let you settle in. If you need anything, my room's just down the hall."

As soon as Mina left, closing the door behind her, Valerie exhaled deeply and leaned against the doorframe. Finally, she was alone. The weight of the day crashed over her like a tidal wave, dragging her under.

The room was quiet, but her mind wasn't. Memories she had tried so hard to keep buried surfaced, flooding her senses with sights, sounds, and emotions she had been running from. Her breath quickened as the walls seemed to close in around her, and she sank down to the floor, resting her back against the door.