Sero's sister

Chapter 18: Playing with Fire

The next day felt like an opportunity Y/N couldn't pass up. After last night's charged interaction with Bakugou, she was even more curious about just how far she could push him. It wasn't just a game anymore—not after the way he'd looked at her, the way his hands had felt on her wrist. But there was something exhilarating about walking this line, and she couldn't resist the temptation to push him a little further.

When she walked into the common room that morning, Bakugou was there, sitting at the kitchen island with his usual scowl, eating breakfast. His eyes flicked up briefly when she entered, but he quickly turned his attention back to his food, his jaw set in that familiar, tense way.

Y/N smirked to herself. She knew she had gotten under his skin last night, and she wasn't about to let that tension fizzle out just yet.

She made her way over to him, her steps slow and deliberate. "Morning, Bakugou," she said, her voice light and playful as she leaned on the counter next to him.

He grunted in response, not looking up from his plate.

"Not very talkative today, are we?" Y/N teased, sliding a little closer, her elbow brushing against his arm. "Didn't sleep well?"

Bakugou's grip on his fork tightened, but he still didn't meet her gaze. "What do you want?" he muttered.

Y/N tilted her head, pretending to think for a moment. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe I just want to see how much I can mess with you before you snap."

Bakugou finally looked at her then, his eyes narrowing. "You really think it's smart to keep pushin' me, don't you?"

Y/N shrugged, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Why not? It's fun watching you try so hard to keep it together."

Bakugou's jaw clenched, and Y/N could practically feel the frustration radiating off him. She knew she was playing with fire, but there was something addictive about seeing him struggle like this—something about the way his usual confidence faltered when she got too close.

She leaned in a little more, her voice dropping to a softer, more teasing tone. "You look tense, Katsuki. You sure you're okay?"

He shot her a look that could've burned a hole through the wall. "I'm fine," he growled, though the slight edge to his voice told her otherwise.

Y/N chuckled softly, her hand brushing against his arm again, this time lingering just a bit longer. "If you say so."

Bakugou's eyes darkened, and for a moment, she thought he might push her away. But instead, he stayed still, his body taut like a coil ready to spring. His restraint was impressive, but Y/N could see the cracks forming.

"Keep it up, and you'll find out what happens when I stop holdin' back," he warned, his voice low and dangerous.

Y/N's heart skipped a beat at the intensity of his tone, but she wasn't ready to back down just yet. She leaned in even closer, her lips hovering just inches from his ear as she whispered, "Maybe that's exactly what I'm waiting for."

The effect on him was immediate. Bakugou's entire body stiffened, his hand gripping the edge of the counter so tightly his knuckles turned white. His breathing had grown shallow, his jaw clenched so hard she thought he might crack a tooth. The tension in the air was thick, palpable, and Y/N knew she was walking a fine line.

But that was the thrill of it.

"Y/N," he growled, his voice barely above a whisper, "you're playin' with fire."

Y/N smiled, her breath ghosting over his skin. "Maybe I like getting burned."

Bakugou's eyes flashed, and in an instant, he stood up from his seat, towering over her with a fierce, unyielding gaze. His proximity sent a jolt of electricity through her, and she felt her pulse quicken as he loomed over her, his intense presence practically swallowing her whole.

"You really wanna find out what happens when I stop holdin' back?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous, full of unspoken promise.

For a brief moment, Y/N hesitated, the weight of his words sinking in. She had pushed him to the brink, and now, she could see just how close he was to snapping. The heat between them was undeniable, and she knew that if she kept pushing, there would be no going back.

But instead of pulling away, Y/N leaned in closer, her voice barely a whisper. "Maybe I do."

Bakugou's eyes darkened, and for a split second, Y/N thought he might kiss her right there. His hand twitched as if he wanted to grab her, but at the last moment, he clenched his fists at his sides, fighting for control.

"Damn it," he muttered under his breath, stepping back abruptly.

Y/N blinked, caught off guard by his sudden retreat. She hadn't expected him to back down—not this time.

Before she could say anything, Bakugou turned on his heel and started to walk away, his shoulders tense. But just before he reached the door, he stopped and glanced back at her, his gaze sharp and full of warning.

"Don't think I'm lettin' you off that easy," he said, his voice rough with frustration. "You keep pushin' me like this, and I won't hold back next time."

With that, he stormed out of the common room, leaving Y/N standing there, her heart racing and her mind spinning.

She leaned against the counter, letting out a shaky breath as she processed what had just happened. She had pushed him farther than she ever had before, and now, she was left wondering what would happen the next time their paths crossed.

Because one thing was certain—Bakugou wasn't going to hold back forever.

And part of her wasn't sure she wanted him to.