Unveiled Winds || Katsuki Bakugou x Reader

Chapter 29 - Illusions and Shadows

The three of you stood outside the target building, a rundown warehouse that supposedly housed Shadow Requiem's latest operations. Bakugou laid out the plan with his usual intensity, pointing at a blueprint spread out in front of you.

"Listen up," Bakugou barked, his eyes sharp and focused. "Bubble brain, you're sticking with Y/N. You'll use your illusion quirk to help cover her while she gets us inside. I'll go in from the opposite side and create a distraction when needed. If things go sideways, regroup at the extraction point."

Camie gave a quick salute, flashing him a bright smile. "You got it, Kats!" she said with a wink, her tone playful. "Just give me a shout if you need any rescuing, okay?"

Bakugou rolled his eyes but didn't say anything. You couldn't help but sigh, a quiet sound that you hadn't meant to let slip, but Bakugou's sharp gaze caught it immediately.

"What's with the attitude?" he asked, brow furrowing slightly as he looked at you.

You shrugged, glancing away as you tried to mask the frustration in your voice. "It's just... this is like the fifth infiltration mission we've done in the past few months that's led to nothing. Every time, we come up empty-handed, no closer to figuring out what they're planning. So yeah, I'm not exactly getting my hopes up this time."

Bakugou's expression softened for just a second, almost imperceptible. "Tch. I get it. But we're not giving up until we know what Shadow Requiem is building, and why they need those quirk enhancement weapons." His eyes narrowed, determination burning behind them. "We'll break through eventually. We have to."

Camie nodded along enthusiastically, placing a hand on your shoulder. "Cheer up, Y/N! We're, like, so gonna crush it this time. I can totally feel it!" she said, flashing a bright, reassuring smile.

You tried to match her energy, forcing a small smile back, but the doubt still lingered. With each failed mission, it was becoming harder to shake off the nagging feeling that you were all running in circles. Still, as you watched Bakugou's unwavering focus and Camie's unyielding optimism, a flicker of hope sparked within you, despite yourself.

"Alright," you said, taking a deep breath. "Let's just get this over with."

Bakugou gave a firm nod, his gaze steady on you. "Just follow the plan and keep your head on straight," he said, before adding, almost reluctantly, "I'm counting on you to have Camie's back in there. We're relying on her illusions to get us through, so don't let anything mess that up."

You bit back a retort, feeling a flicker of annoyance at his tone. It wasn't that you didn't understand the importance of the mission, you did. But the way he put all his trust in Camie while acting like you were just along for the ride grated on your nerves.

Camie grinned, completely oblivious to the tension. "Don't worry, Kats! I've got this, and with Y/N by my side, we're like the ultimate dream team!" she said, giving you a playful nudge.

You forced a smile, nodding, but inside, you couldn't shake the doubt. "Right," you muttered under your breath, more to yourself than to anyone else. "Ultimate dream team."

Bakugou gave you one last look, his eyes searching yours as if he was trying to read what you weren't saying. Then he turned away, adjusting his gear. "Let's move out," he ordered.

You nodded, swallowing down the jumble of nerves and doubt as you followed Bakugou and Camie toward the edge of the compound. The three of you moved in silence, staying low as you approached the perimeter fence. The night air was cold, and every sound seemed amplified, from the rustle of leaves underfoot to the distant hum of generators powering the facility.