Lightning in the Ashes (Katsuki Bakugou x OC Fem)

Chapter 10: Storm Front

TW- Mentions of Panic attack

It had been about four weeks since Valerie and Bakugou's first official date at the arcade, and things had settled into a comfortable rhythm between them. They hadn't made a big announcement about their relationship, but the subtle changes were enough to let the rest of Class 3A catch on.

Valerie and Bakugou shared small moments here and there—walking to class together, Bakugou silently handing her a drink when he thought she looked tired, Valerie sparking a playful bolt of lightning at him to get his attention when he was lost in thought.

Mina and Kirishima had barely kept it together when they saw Bakugou slinging an arm over Valerie's shoulders casually one afternoon after training. Mina had almost burst into a squeal, while Kirishima had to stifle a proud grin. "Our boy's finally growing up!" Mina had whispered dramatically.

Valerie, meanwhile, was still getting used to Bakugou's softer side. He wasn't openly affectionate like some of the other guys, but there were moments—like when he would grip her hand during a stressful moment or when he stood protectively close to her on patrol—that made her heart race. And when they were alone, those moments became even more intimate. He'd kiss her forehead or pull her into his lap when they were sitting in the common room, and for someone as brash as Bakugou, it was the sweetest thing she'd ever experienced.

In quieter moments, like when they studied together or hung out at night, Valerie found herself feeling truly at ease with him. Bakugou's gruff exterior softened in those instances, and he often muttered things like, "You're doin' fine, Sparky," when she got frustrated with her assignments or her training. He'd even begrudgingly allowed her to rest her head on his shoulder when they watched movies late at night, and although he'd act like it was no big deal, Valerie caught the tiny smirk on his face whenever she did it.

But beneath all the peace and quiet, something darker was brewing. The news had been buzzing about a villain known as "Hurricane," who had resurfaced after previously slipping through the cracks by Valerie, Katsukiand Izuku.

His ability to control storms and cause massive destruction had already thrown the city into panic. The last few days had been filled with tension, and everyone in 3A knew it was only a matter of time before they were called to respond.

Valerie had been on edge too. She'd caught herself fidgeting more, her fingers sparking with nervous electricity whenever the topic of Hurricane came up. Bakugou noticed, of course, and one evening while they sat in the dorm common room, he nudged her shoulder and muttered, "Quit worrying, Sparky. We've got this."

Valerie smiled weakly, but the unease never fully left her.

---

The city was in chaos. The villain Hurricane had resurfaced, and this time, his rampage was even more destructive. Buildings crumbled, streets were flooded with debris, and civilians screamed as they ran for cover. Amid the chaos, Valerie stood frozen, her eyes wide with fear. Her hands trembled, sparks of electricity flickering between her fingertips as she struggled to contain the storm brewing inside her.

"Aizawa-sensei!" Midoriya shouted, his voice urgent. "What's happening?"

"Everyone, stay alert!" Aizawa's voice rang out, commanding and authoritative. "There's been a large villain attack downtown. We need to mobilize immediately."

Within moments, the class was on high alert. The students donned their hero costumes, adrenaline pumping as they prepared for what could be a most challenging day against a formidable opponent. The name of the villain they faced today was already sending chills down their spines: Hurricane.