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

Chapter 35

It's been a few days since Rose and Bakugo's tense conversation, and she's has been throwing herself into refining the interference plan. She's seated at a table in the hideout, sketches and notes scattered around her as she works. Her phone buzzes every so often with texts from Todoroki, who has been keeping up a steady stream of conversation.

She glances at her phone as another text from Todoroki pops up. It's a simple message, but there's an undertone of casual flirtation in everything he sends. She types a quick response, her mind drifting back to the mission and the tech they'll need. "Focus on the plan," she tells herself, but the pull of his messages is hard to resist.

As she works, she feels the now-familiar craving for Bakugo's energy stirring again. It's becoming more frequent, harder to push away, but she distracts herself by texting Todoroki. "It's just the quirk," she tells herself. "It's not... anything else."

Later in the afternoon, her phone rings, and Todoroki's name flashes on the screen. She hesitates for a moment before picking up. His smooth voice fills the silence, playful but curious.

"So, how's planning coming along? Need a distraction?"

Rose smiles despite herself, leaning back in her chair. "It's coming along. Might take a bit more time, but I'm making progress." She can't help but notice the ease in their conversations—how effortlessly they flow, even with the flirting.

Todoroki's tone shifts slightly, more teasing. "You should take a break. I know a great spot for dinner—incognito, of course. What do you say? You could use a night off."

She hesitates, glancing toward the closed door of the training room where Bakugo has been training. The craving for Bakugo's energy pulses again, but she pushes it down, reminding herself that she can manage it. "A night out won't hurt," she thinks. "Alright, I'm in. But we're going fully incognito."

Todoroki chuckles through the phone, "Of course. I'll text you the details."

While Rose prepares for her night out with Todoroki and leaves, Bakugo is in the training room, throwing himself into a grueling session. He's been trying to clear his mind, but every thought eventually circles back to her. The fact that she's been texting and talking to Todoroki only fuels his frustration.

"Dammit," he thinks, launching another explosion at the practice dummy. "Why can't I get her out of my head?" Each blast is more forceful than the last, his movements growing more erratic. The sound of explosions echoes through the hideout, but he barely registers it—his mind is too focused on Rose and the idea that she's out with Todoroki.

As the frustration builds, Bakugo snaps. With a roar of anger, he unleashes a massive explosion, destroying the training equipment around him. His chest heaves as he stares at the wreckage, his fists clenched, eyes wild with fury. "I'm losing it," he thinks, his breath coming in sharp gasps. "Why do I even care?"

Kirishima, hearing the explosion from the common area, rushes into the training room to find Bakugo standing amidst the wreckage, his body tense and his eyes blazing with barely restrained anger. Kirishima's expression is filled with concern as he steps forward carefully.

"Bakugo, man, what the hell's going on?" Kirishima asks, his voice calm but firm. "You're gonna tear the place apart."

Bakugo glares at Kirishima, his teeth grinding. "I don't need a lecture right now, Kirishima."

Kirishima crosses his arms, undeterred by Bakugo's anger. "I'm not here to lecture you. But this—this isn't normal. You've been off for months, and now you're blowing up everything. What's going on? Is it about Rose?"

The mention of her makes Bakugo's temper flare even more. "This isn't about her," he snaps, but even as the words leave his mouth, he knows it's a lie. His hands shake with the force of his anger, and he can't stop the next words from spilling out. "I don't know what the hell is happening anymore."

Kirishima steps closer, his voice softer now. "Bakugo, it's okay to admit that you care about her."

Bakugo grits his teeth, "It's not like that. She's just—" He cuts himself off, his fists clenching again. "It's complicated. I don't need to care. I can't care."

Kirishima nods slowly, understanding but not pushing further. "Maybe you don't need to, but you already do. And that's what's messing with you."

Bakugo's shoulders slump slightly, the weight of his own confusion crashing down on him. He doesn't say anything for a moment, his mind racing. "Why can't I just focus?" he thinks, his anger simmering but less explosive now.

Meanwhile, Rose meets up with Todoroki at a small, tucked-away restaurant in the city. Both of them are dressed incognito, blending in with the crowd as they take a private table in the corner. The atmosphere is light, Todoroki's charm on full display.

She laughs softly at something Todoroki says, but even as she smiles, her mind keeps drifting back to Bakugo. "Why does this feel so wrong?" she wonders. The craving for Bakugo's energy is stronger tonight, and it's making it hard to enjoy the evening.

As the night goes on, Todoroki's flirting becomes more overt, his interest in her clear. He reaches across the table, his fingers brushing hers, and for a moment, she feels the warmth of his touch. But it's not the same. It's not what she needs.

"You seem distracted," Todoroki says, his voice smooth but curious. "Is everything okay?"

Rose forces a smile, her chest tight with the confusion swirling inside her. "Yeah. Just... a lot on my mind."

As Todoroki continuesto talk, Rose realizes that no matter how charming or easygoing he is, it's notenough to distract her from what's really going on. "It's not him,"she thinks, her heart heavy. "It's Bakugo."