Dark Reciprocation (Katsuki Bakugo x OC)(Villain Bakugo)

Chapter 23

Rose arrives at a low-key bar, where Todoroki is already waiting for her. The atmosphere is relaxed, the dim lighting casting a warm glow over the room. It's not a fancy place, but it's quiet enough for them to talk and enjoy a drink without drawing attention.

Todoroki raises an eyebrow as Rose walks in, offering her a small grin. "I didn't think you'd actually show up."

Rose smirks, "I said I'd come, didn't I? What, don't trust me already?"

Todoroki takes on a playful tone, "Oh, I trust you. I just didn't think you'd be able to tear yourself away from Bakugo and the others."

Rosalia rolls her eyes as she sits down across from him. "I think I needed a break from Bakugo more than anything."

Todoroki laughs softly, "Can't blame you there. He's... intense."

Rose teases, "You're not exactly a walk in the park yourself, Todoroki."

He grins, "Maybe, but I'm a lot more fun than Bakugo."

She laughs, feeling the tension of the last few days ease up slightly. "He's easy to talk to," she thinks, taking a sip of her drink. "At least I don't have to deal with all the complicated feelings with him."

As the night goes on, the drinks keep flowing, and Todoroki's flirting becomes more blatant. He leans forward, his tone playful but smooth.

Todoroki teases, "You know, I've been wondering something."

Rose raises a brow, "Oh? What's that?"

He grins, "How does a girl as strong as you end up hanging around someone like Bakugo? You could do better, you know."

Rose's cheeks flush slightly at his words, but she keeps her composure. "I'm not sure 'better' is the word I'd use, Todoroki."

His grin widens, "Come on. I'm just saying, if you ever get tired of all that explosive attitude, I'm always around."

She laughs, trying to brush off the compliment, but the blush on her cheeks betrays her. "Careful, Todoroki. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were trying to steal me away."

Todoroki responds playfully, "Maybe I am."

She teases, "You'll have to try harder than that."

As the conversation continues, Rose finds her mind drifting back to Bakugo despite herself. No matter how much she tried to enjoy the night, her thoughts kept circling back to the tension between them—the way he looked at her earlier, the way his energy felt when she took it.

"Why am I thinking about him?" she wonders, taking another sip of her drink. "I'm here with Todoroki, and all I can think about is Bakugo. This is ridiculous."

Todoroki notices the shift in her expression and raises an eyebrow. "You okay, Rose? You seem distracted."

Rose forces a smile, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... a lot on my mind."

He leans back in his seat, "Well, I hope I'm not adding to the stress."

Rose laughs softly, "No, you're fine."

But even as she says it, her thoughts drift back to Bakugo again.

A few hours later, Rose heads back to the group's hideout. The streets are quiet, and the night air helps clear her head a little, but she's still wrestling with the complicated feelings that keep bubbling up. As she steps inside the hideout, she's greeted by the sight of the guys—Kaminari, Kirishima, and Sero—waiting up for her in the common area.

Kaminari grins as soon as he sees her. "Hey! Look who's back! How was your little date with Todoroki?"

Rose rolls her eyes playfully, "It wasn't a date, Kaminari. It was just drinks."

Kirishima laughs, "Sure, just drinks. You're blushing, by the way."

Rosalia groans and tosses her jacket onto the couch, trying to brush off their teasing. "You guys are ridiculous. I'm going to bed."

Sero grins, "Come on, tell us a little about it. How was Todoroki? Was he charming?"

Rosalia shakes her head, heading toward her room. "He was fine. We just talked. Nothing special."

Kaminari calls out after her, "So, does that mean you're sticking with Bakugo?"

Rose turns and smirks, "I didn't say anything about sticking with anyone."

Kaminari grins, "Oh, sure. But we all know what's going on."

As she heads to herroom, Bakugo watches from the hallway, having overheard the conversation. Hisexpression is hard to read, but the possessiveness is still there, simmeringjust beneath the surface.