the tale of two lovers | katsuki bakugou x reader

chapter 4

Despite your frequent clashes with Bakugou, the bond within the group had deepened over time. Each of you had gradually adapted to the others' habits and idiosyncrasies. The journey started off rocky with Bakugou and you locking horns. But this leg of the journey had been surprisingly pleasant, filled with laughter and shared stories that knitted the group closer together. Sure, you and Bakugou bickered now and then, but it never escalated to anything more than heated words— at least, not yet.

Now, as the group finally reached the last stretch before Niniel's Veil, a sense of quiet anticipation settled over the camp. Tomorrow, you all would descend into the maddening forest. A place none of you could fully predict or prepare for. All of you are sitting by the campfire, the warmth of the flames cast flickering shadows on your faces. The night was calm, but you could feel the unmistakable worry around the group. Wrapping around each of you like the darkening forest surrounding the camp.

The group huddled close. Low chatter drifted through the night air, punctuated by the occasional burst of laughter or a solemn comment about the day ahead. The conversation circled around the forest that awaited them— the cursed thicket known as Niniel's Veil.

Denki, absently poking at the fire with a stick, broke the silence. "So, anyone else feeling a bit uneasy about tomorrow?" His golden brown eyes focused on the fire, carrying an edge of nervousness.

"Tomorrow's the big day," Kirishima replied, his fingers fumbling with the fabric of his tunic. The idle movement showed a small part of his restlessness. He grabbed a stick and poked at the fire alongside Denki, sending a few sparks crackling into the night air. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. But we've faced worse, right? We just need to stick together." There was a mix of excitement and apprehension in his voice.

Mina was sitting cross-legged next to you with a thoughtful expression. There's a pause before she nodded in agreement. "They say the forest shifts and changes its paths. You can go in with a map and still get hopelessly lost. We'll need to stay sharp." She shuddered, remembering the tales she's heard about the Veil.

Denki leaned back against a tree, casually tossing the stick he'd been using to stir the fire aside, letting it roll to a stop near the flames. He let out a heavy sigh as he verbally recounted the horror stories told about the thicket. "And the creatures that live there—supposedly, some of them are more dangerous than anything we've faced before."

Sero grinned and added, "Well, if nothing else, it'll be one hell of a story to tell. Assuming we make it out of there." A part of you wondered how Sero could always be so pragmatic. He seemed to be the most relaxed in the group. Or was he simply hiding behind a calm exterior? You couldn't really tell.

You looked down at the flickering flames, their light reflecting in your eyes. "It's not just about surviving," you said, your tone more serious. "It's about navigating a place that seems determined to trap us there. We need to be prepared for anything."

Mina glanced over at you, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "You've been through Niniel's Veil before. Got any advice for us?"

Advice? That wasn't something you could offer lightly. You hesitated, the weight of your previous journey through the Veil lingering in your mind. After a moment, you spoke slowly, choosing your words carefully.

"Advice isn't easy to give for a place like that," you began, eyes flicking to the evening sky as if it might help you find the right way to explain. Squinting at the night sky, focusing on the stars for guidance. "But... Do you guys actually know the story behind Niniel's Veil?" Slowly, you lowered your head and looked at the group, studying their expressions.

They exchanged glances, a collective shrug rippling through the group. Denki leaned forward slightly, intrigued, while Kirishima scratched his head. Bakugou, arms crossed, raised an eyebrow. It seemed that the history of the Veil piqued his interest. Though, it wasn't just him. One by one, they all shook their heads. You could tell everyone was at least slightly interested.