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

Chapter 78

The sun has dipped low on the horizon by the time the group finally reaches civilization. The city is bustling with life, streets packed with people going about their day, but it feels foreign to them after months of staying hidden in Japan. The noise, the crowds—it's overwhelming.

Bakugo stays close to Rose, his eyes scanning their surroundings with a mix of suspicion and unease. "Too many people." He doesn't like being this exposed, especially in a place where they have no idea who's watching. His instincts scream for him to stay alert, but Rose walks with purpose, and he trusts her—mostly.

"Feels weird being out like this," Kirishima mutters, his eyes darting around. "I keep thinking someone's gonna recognize us."

Sero nods, his voice tense. "Yeah, I don't like it. Feels like we're walking into a trap."

Rose leads them through the city with confidence, but there's a nervous energy in her step. The bustling streets give way to quieter, narrower paths until they find themselves standing in front of a sketchy-looking alleyway. The shadows are long, and the atmosphere is thick with tension.

Bakugo stops just before the entrance to the alley, his instincts flaring up again. He grabs Rose's arm gently, his eyes narrowing. "This doesn't look like a safe place."

She turns to him, her gaze steady but filled with unease. "It is," she reassures him, though there's a slight tremor in her voice. She knows Bakugo's protective nature is kicking in, but she can't afford to back down now. "This is the place. We'll be safe here."

Rose leads them down the narrow alley until they reach a plain, unmarked door at the back of an old building. She hesitates for a moment, then knocks in a specific pattern—a series of taps that feel both practiced and secretive.

Kaminari shifts nervously, glancing at the others. "This feels shady," he whispers.

Before anyone can respond, the door creaks open, revealing a frail old woman with a cane. She glares at Rose, her eyes sharp despite her age, and for a moment, there's tension in the air. Then, with a small nod, the woman steps aside, allowing them to enter.

Bakugo watches the old woman carefully, his muscles tensed as if ready for a fight. But when Rose reaches for his hand, the tension eases—just a little. He squeezes her hand, his gaze softening as he looks at her. "She's scared."

The group follows Rose into the building, and the dingy exterior gives way to a surprisingly lavish interior. The room they enter is well-decorated, with ornate furniture and soft lighting. It feels like they've stepped into a completely different world.

Sitting at the far end of the room is a man, a few years older than Rose, dressed in a sharp suit. He's toned and carries an air of authority, his eyes cold as they sweep over the group. There's something threatening about him, but Bakugo isn't fazed.

Bakugo's eyes lock onto the man, sizing him up instantly. "I'm not worried." He keeps his hand in Rose's, feeling the tension radiating off her.

Rose tightens her grip on Bakugo's hand, feeling the weight of the moment. She knows what's coming next—she'll have to face the unfinished business she left behind. She glances at the group, giving them a soft, reassuring look before speaking quietly. "I'll translate for you."

Her eyes flick back to the man in the suit, a mixture of fear and resolve flashing in her gaze. She isn't sure how this will go, but one thing's clear—whatever happens next will change everything.