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

Chapter 40

The days following the kiss have been quiet, but the atmosphere between Bakugo and Rose has shifted. It's not obvious to the rest of the group, but there are small moments that hint at the change. The teasing that once had a sharp edge is now softer, more playful, though both Bakugo and Rose are careful not to let anyone notice the depth of their connection.

Rose notices the subtle difference in Bakugo's behavior—how he lingers a bit longer when he's near her, the way his teasing seems less biting and more... protective, almost. They've slipped back into their usual dynamic, but there's an underlying tension now. She teases him lightly during training, and while his responses are gruff as usual, there's a flicker in his eyes that wasn't there before.

During a sparring session, Rose smirks as she dodges one of Bakugo's attacks. "Getting slow, aren't you, Bakugo?" she teases, her voice light but challenging.

Bakugo growls, but there's a hint of a smirk pulling at his lips. "You wish," he shoots back, his eyes narrowing. There's a spark of something unspoken between them, but he quickly turns away, not wanting anyone to catch on. He can't afford to be vulnerable in front of the others—especially with Todoroki involved in their next mission.

Later, Bakugo gathers the group in the common area, his expression more serious than usual. Kirishima, Kaminari, and Sero sit around, casually talking until Bakugo walks in, cutting through the noise with a sharp look.

"Listen up, dammit," Bakugo says, crossing his arms. "Todoroki's team needs backup on a mission. He asked for us." His voice is steady, but the mere mention of Todoroki puts him on edge. The last time they worked together, Todoroki and Rose had been flirting, and it had taken everything in Bakugo not to snap.

She glances up, noticing the slight tension in Bakugo's voice. The last mission with Todoroki had been fun—maybe a little too fun—and she remembers the look on Bakugo's face when she and Todoroki had been joking around. Now, she can sense his discomfort, though he's trying to hide it.

Kaminari raises an eyebrow, looking between Bakugo and Rosalia. "Todoroki, huh? Must be a big mission if he's asking for backup. What's the plan?"

Bakugo clenches his jaw slightly before responding. "He didn't give all the damn details yet, but it's big enough that he needs all of us. We're meeting with him tomorrow to go over the specifics."

The group nods in agreement, but Bakugo can feel his pulse quickening. He knows that working with Todoroki means more opportunities for Rose and Todoroki to interact, and the memory of their last mission together gnaws at him. He's not sure how to handle these feelings of possessiveness without tipping off the group.

"Dammit," he thinks, his eyes flickering to Rose for a brief moment before he forces himself to look away. "I can't let that bastard get too close to her again." He keeps his tone neutral as he continues, but the thought of Todoroki flirting with her again puts him on edge.

Rose notices Bakugo's brief glance at her, and while he's trying to stay composed, she can see the slight tension in his posture. "Is he... jealous?" she wonders, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She decides to say nothing for now, enjoying the quiet shift in their dynamic.