Lightning in the Ashes (Katsuki Bakugou x OC Fem)

Chapter 16: Lightning and Fire

After the most unforgettable weekend with Katsuki, Valerie floated through the following days, her heart swelling with a mix of excitement and nerves that left her in a constant daze. She'd never imagined how close they would grow, or how a simple camping trip could change everything between them. The intimate moments they'd shared at the waterfall remained a cherished, vivid memory, still etched into her mind and evident on their skin. Valerie's thighs bore the faintest bruises from his touch, and Katsuki wore the marks of her kisses along his collarbone like a secret only they could understand. The memories left them both blushing and smiling whenever their eyes met, causing more than a few curious stares from their classmates.

It wasn't long before Mina dragged Valerie into the girls' dorm for a Friday night sleepover. The air was buzzing with anticipation as the girls gathered, eager to catch up, laugh, and share their latest secrets. The upcoming Hero Gala was just around the corner, and everyone was buzzing with talk about who they'd invite as their date. As the girls swapped stories, Valerie felt her cheeks warm when Mina nudged her, eyes alight with mischief.

"Come on, Val," Mina said, giving her a teasing grin. "What's going on with you and Bakugo? Don't try to deny it!"

The girls leaned in eagerly, waiting for Valerie to spill, and with a shy smile, she finally spoke. "I... I think I'm falling in love with him." The words felt heavy yet relieving, her vulnerability shining through. She hadn't voiced it before, not even to herself, but saying it out loud made everything feel real.

Mina and Jiro exchanged wide-eyed looks, both of them swooning. "Aww, Val!" Mina squealed, pulling her into a hug. "I'm so happy for you. He really does seem different around you."

Jiro chimed in with a gentle smile. "Yeah, you bring out a side of him no one's ever seen before. That takes something special."

Touched by her friends' support, Valerie felt a rush of gratitude for their kindness. "Thank you, both of you. It's kind of scary, but amazing at the same time," she admitted, giving them a warm smile.

With a mischievous glint in her eye, Mina leaned closer, and without hesitation, she let slip, "Well, I might have a little crush myself... on Kirishima."

Both Valerie and Jiro erupted into giggles and squeals, immediately encouraging Mina to take a chance and ask him to the Gala. The idea seemed to terrify and thrill Mina in equal measure, her cheeks blazing pink.

"Come on, Mina, go for it! Don't chicken out!" Valerie urged her, grinning widely.

"You know what?" Mina said, taking a deep breath as she psyched herself up. "I'll do it right now! But only if you dare me," she added with a smirk.

Without hesitation, Jiro dared her, "Mina Ashido, I dare you to go to Kirishima's room right now, ask him to the Gala, and give him a kiss on the cheek!"

The girls erupted into excited whispers and laughter as Mina, adrenaline-fueled, tiptoed down the hall with them sneaking behind her. She knocked on Kirishima's door, her heart pounding, and the moment he opened it, his surprised expression met Mina's bright eyes. She stood on her tiptoes and planted a quick kiss on his cheek before blurting out, "Will you be my date to the Gala?"

Kirishima's face turned bright red as he stammered, "Y-Yes! Yes, of course!" His wide, toothy grin betrayed his excitement, even as Katsuki emerged from behind him, arms crossed with a raised eyebrow.

"What's going on here?" Katsuki demanded, his tone edged with suspicion as he took in Mina's pink cheeks and Kirishima's flustered grin.

The girls giggled and sprinted away before Mina could answer, leaving Katsuki to shake his head with a smirk as he clapped a hand on Kirishima's shoulder. "Man, you're as whipped as I am," he muttered, but the gleam in his eyes betrayed his amusement.