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

Chapter 42

The night air is heavy as Bakugo, Rose, Kirishima, Kaminari, and Sero arrive at Todoroki's warehouse, the familiar location looming before them. As they approach, Bakugo instinctively keeps Rose close by his side, a protective hand hovering near her, though he tries to keep his possessiveness subtle. She doesn't mind—she wants to stay close to him too. The tension from their earlier conversation lingers, but there's a sense of unspoken understanding between them.

As they step inside, Rose glances around the warehouse, her mind already on the upcoming mission. She's aware of how closely Bakugo is sticking to her, his presence a comforting weight at her side. "I don't mind it," she thinks, feeling a flicker of warmth. But she knows Todoroki will be there, and she's prepared for him to notice the shift between her and Bakugo.

Bakugo stays quiet as they enter the meeting area, his eyes immediately scanning for Todoroki. The last time they were here, he had to watch Todoroki and Rose flirt openly, and the thought of it happening again sets his teeth on edge. He can feel the tension in his chest tightening, but he forces himself to focus. "This is about the mission," he tells himself, though keeping his cool won't be easy.

Todoroki is already waiting, arms crossed as he leans against a table filled with maps and intel. His eyes flick to Bakugo's group as they enter, but they linger on Rose for a moment longer than necessary. He gives a curt nod to the group before diving into the details of the mission.

"We have a target," Todoroki says, his voice steady as he gestures to the map. "A hero we need to neutralize. He's a high-value target, and if we can capture him, it'll give us leverage." He glances at Rose again, noticing how close she is to Bakugo, but doesn't comment on it—yet.

She listens intently, her eyes scanning the map. She can feel Bakugo's presence next to her, but she forces herself to focus on Todoroki's words. The mission is important, and she's determined not to let any personal tension get in the way. Still, there's a part of her that's on edge, knowing Todoroki is likely to approach her later.

Bakugo stands rigid, his gaze fixed on the map, though he's acutely aware of Todoroki's gaze lingering on Rose. His jaw tightens, his fists clenching at his sides. He hates this—having to work with Todoroki while the guy is clearly interested in her. But for now, he says nothing, keeping his focus on the mission.

After the briefing, the group disperses slightly, discussing roles and strategies. Bakugo sticks close to Rose, but as Todoroki moves in her direction, she gives him a subtle glance, signaling that she's got this. Bakugo stays within earshot but steps aside, though his eyes remain locked on Todoroki.

Todoroki approaches her with his usual calm demeanor, though there's a glint in his eyes as he leans in slightly. "You've been quiet," he says, his tone casual but probing. "Haven't heard from you in a while. You stop messaging me for a reason?"

Rose's heart skips a beat, but she keeps her expression neutral, not wanting to tip him off about what's really going on. She glances briefly at Bakugo, who's watching them from a distance, before turning back to Todoroki. "I've been busy," she replies smoothly, her voice even. "And I'm not interested, Todoroki."

Todoroki raises an eyebrow, his gaze flickering between her and Bakugo. He doesn't miss the way she glanced at Bakugo before answering, and a small, knowing smirk plays at the corner of his lips. "Not interested, huh?" he muses. "Could've fooled me."

Bakugo's patience snaps at the sight of Todoroki's smirk. He strides over, his posture tense, and stands slightly in front of Rose, his eyes narrowing at Todoroki.

"Back off, icy-hot," Bakugo growls, his voice low but filled with warning. He doesn't care if Todoroki notices the shift between him and her now—he's had enough of Todoroki pushing his buttons.

Todoroki's smirk widens, his gaze flicking between the two again. "Looks like someone's getting a little possessive," he says calmly, though his tone is edged with amusement. "Didn't realize things had changed."

Rose feels the tension between the two men spike, and for a moment, she's not sure how to diffuse it. Todoroki has clearly picked up on something, but he's not backing down, even with Bakugo bristling in front of him. She steps forward, placing a hand on Bakugo's arm to calm him.

She states firmly, "Let it go, Bakugo. He's not worth it."

Todoroki's eyes flicker to her hand on Bakugo's arm, and understanding dawns on his face. His smirk softens into something more serious as he steps back, his gaze locking with Bakugo's.

"So that's how it is," Todoroki says quietly, his tone no longer teasing but more thoughtful. "Makes sense now. But don't think I'm backing off, Bakugo. Not until she says it."

Bakugo's fists clench, his entire body coiled with barely suppressed anger. He hates that Todoroki is even entertaining the idea that Rose might still be interested in him. "I told you to back off," Bakugo growls, his voice sharp. "She already said she's not interested."

Rose steps between them, her voice firm but calm. "I meant it, Todoroki," she says, looking him in the eye. "Drop it."

Todoroki studies herfor a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a slight nod, he stepsback, though the tension between him and Bakugo remains thick. "Fine," he saysevenly. "But I'm not the only one who's noticed the change between you two. Don'tthink it's going to stay private for long."