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

Chapter 47

It's been a month since the intense mission with the hero who had the mirror quirk. Rose has fully recovered, and during that time, her relationship with Bakugo has shifted. The group no longer questions the way Bakugo and Rose are with each other—they just know that something is there. While the two haven't made anything official, it's clear from Bakugo's constant protectiveness and the subtle way they interact that they're together in their own way.

Rose sits on the couch in the common area, her legs tucked under her as she scrolls through the mission details on her phone. Her heart feels lighter these days—things between her and Bakugo have become more comfortable, more open. They've grown more intimate, slowly peeling back layers of vulnerability with each other. And while the group hasn't asked any questions, they know.

Kaminari lounges on the other side of the couch, glancing at her every now and then with a knowing smirk. He doesn't need to say anything—everyone's noticed how Bakugo no longer hides his protectiveness over her. It's almost a given now.

The group gathers in the common area for a meeting about the upcoming mission. Kirishima, Kaminari, and Sero sit around the table, discussing the details. Bakugo stands at the head of the table, his arms crossed, his usual scowl in place. But his eyes flicker toward Rose, who sits next to him, her focus on the mission file in front of her.

Bakugo's chest tightens as he listens to the mission details. His mind is racing, thinking back to the last time they faced a high-level threat—the hero with the mirror quirk. He knows she is strong, capable of handling herself in a fight, but that doesn't stop the nagging feeling in his gut. "What if something happens again?"

"Rosalia, you're sitting this one out," Bakugo says abruptly, cutting through the conversation. His voice is firm, leaving no room for argument. The others look up, a little surprised by his tone, but they don't question him. They know better than to get involved when it comes to the two.

Her head snaps up, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What?" she asks, her voice steady but laced with disbelief. "I'm not sitting this one out, Bakugo. We've been over this."

Bakugo's gaze hardens. "You don't need to be out there after what happened last time. I'm not risking you getting hurt again."

The group watches the exchange in silence. It's clear that Bakugo isn't hiding his protectiveness over her anymore, and though it's unspoken, the group understands. They've gotten used to the subtle dynamic between the two—how his usual tough exterior softens around her, how she knows how to handle him. No one questions it, even though it's not something they've officially discussed.

Kirishima exchanges a quick glance with Kaminari, but neither of them says anything. They know this is between the two, and while it's not fully out in the open, it's obvious that Bakugo's protectiveness goes beyond just being a teammate.

She lets out a slow breath, her heart racing as she locks eyes with Bakugo. "You can't keep me out of this, Bakugo," she says, her voice firm but gentle. "I know you're worried, but I can't just sit back. I'm part of this team."

Bakugo's jaw clenches, his hands tightening into fists at his sides. He knows she's right, but the thought of her getting hurt again makes his blood boil. "You almost drained yourself last time," he growls, his voice low but filled with emotion. "I'm not letting that happen again."

The group exchanges glances, but no one interrupts. They can see that this is more than just Bakugo being his usual bossy self—this is about something deeper. They know the two aren't ready to lay everything out in the open, but it's clear that their relationship has shifted.

Kaminari leans back, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. "Looks like Bakugo's gone all soft," he teases, though there's no malice in his tone. It's more of an observation than anything else.

Bakugo glares at Kaminari, but there's no real bite behind it. He knows the group isn't going to question him. They understand the unspoken dynamic between him and Rose—how much she means to him, even if he hasn't fully admitted it out loud.

Her gaze softens as she looks at Bakugo. She knows he's only trying to protect her, but she also knows she can't just sit on the sidelines. "I'll be careful," she promises, her voice soft but determined. "But I'm not sitting this one out."

Bakugo lets out afrustrated sigh, his eyes locked on hers. He knows he can't win thisargument—not with her. "Fine," he mutters, though his tone is still protective."But you stay close to me. Got it?"