Lightning in the Ashes (Katsuki Bakugou x OC Fem)

Chapter 9: The Arcade

The arcade was alive with neon lights, a dizzying display of flashing colours and sounds bouncing off the walls. Valerie's excitement was palpable, her eyes catching sight of her favorite game—Skee-Ball. With an excited tug on Bakugou's arm, she pulled him toward it.

"This one's my favourite," she said, her face lit up in a wide grin.

Bakugou raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Of course, you like something simple."

"Simple but fun," Valerie corrected, already grabbing a ball, her focus sharp. She lined it up and sent it rolling up the ramp. The ball bounced off the rim and landed in the 30-point hole. Not her best, but respectable.

Bakugou crossed his arms, watching with a look that was half-amusement, half-admiration. "Not bad," he muttered.

Valerie chuckled. "Better than you could do, I bet."

He scoffed, narrowing his eyes but not bothering to argue. He liked watching her like this—focused, competitive, fully immersed. It was one of the things about her that pulled him in, the quiet intensity she had in everything she did.

After a few rounds of Skee-Ball, Valerie's attention shifted to the corner of the arcade, where a motorcycle racing game caught her eye. "Let's try that one next!" she exclaimed, tugging at Bakugou again.

He eyed the game, giving her a teasing smirk. "You think you can handle it?"

"Bet I can beat you," she grinned confidently.

She hopped onto one of the bikes, gripping the handlebars as the game revved to life. The countdown flashed, and when it hit zero, she hit the gas, taking off down the virtual racetrack. But as the first turn approached, she realized it was harder than it looked. She wobbled wildly, nearly tipping off the machine more than once.

Bakugou chuckled under his breath, shaking his head. "You're gonna fall, dumbass."

"I got this!" Valerie shot back, though her unsteady grip said otherwise.

Before she could crash completely, Bakugou stepped up behind her, his presence steady and solid. He slid onto the bike behind her, his chest pressing against her back. His hands covered hers on the handlebars, and his grip on her waist was firm but gentle, grounding her.

"Lean into the turns," he muttered in her ear, his breath warm against her skin, sending an unexpected shiver down her spine.

Valerie's heart raced, but it wasn't just from the game. The heat of his body against hers, the way his voice rumbled so close—it made it hard to concentrate. But she listened to him, leaning with him, their movements synchronized. Together, they navigated the sharp turns, Bakugou's hands guiding her with confident precision.

"See? Easy," he said, his tone softening, his voice quieter now.

Valerie grinned, her pulse quickening for reasons far beyond the virtual race. They crossed the finish line, first place flashing on the screen, but Valerie barely noticed. She turned to look at Bakugou, realizing just how close they were—faces inches apart, his breath mixing with hers. The moment stretched, electric, her eyes locking with his.

Her voice was soft, almost teasing. "Guess I just needed a good teacher."

Bakugou's eyes lingered on her, something unreadable flickering in them. The arcade noise faded away, and for a second, it felt like they were the only two people in the world.

Valerie, caught in the heat of the moment, started to step off the bike, but her foot caught awkwardly, and she stumbled forward. Before she could hit the ground, Bakugou's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her up against him. Her breath hitched as she felt his strong grip, his face inches from her neck.