Amethyst. (Katsuki Bakugo x Reader)

PART 17 - The Calm Amidst Chaos

Shoto and I stepped back into the ballroom, leaving the cool night air behind. The steady noise of conversation and occasional bursts of laughter filled the space. Shoto's eyes scanned the room in his usual quiet, observant way.

I followed his gaze to where Katsuki stood, deep in conversation with a group of pro-heroes. His posture was tense, but focused. It was clear he wasn't here to socialize—he was here to figure out exactly where he wanted to intern. His intensity showed, but that was Katsuki. He didn't do anything halfway.

"He's not here to chat," Shoto murmured, more to himself than to me. "Typical Bakugo."

I nodded. Katsuki wasn't the type to waste time, especially not when it came to something as important as his future as a hero. He wasn't about to sit around and make small talk—he wanted results, and he wanted them now. That intensity was one of the things that made him so dangerous.

Shoto's eyes shifted across the room, landing on Fumikage and Tenya, who had just arrived with a few students from other schools. They were mingling with the pros, each trying to make their own connections, to carve out their own path in the hero world. I could see the gears turning in Shoto's mind. He might not say it, but I knew he was thinking the same thing I was: everyone here had a plan, a direction.

Everyone but us.

The good news was, our father, Endeavor stood surrounded by high-ranking pros. His voice boomed as he spoke, his large frame casting a shadow over the group. He hadn't looked our way yet, which was a relief. No need for a forced family moment tonight.

"You should go talk to some of the pros," Shoto said quietly, glancing over at me. His tone was neutral, but there was a softness in his eyes. "There's time, but... you should decide soon."

I bit my lip, glancing around the room again. "Yeah, I know."

He gave me a small nod and didn't push further, letting me take my time. Still, he was right—if I didn't start thinking about my internship now, I'd get left behind.

I hesitated for a second before forcing myself to move. But as I walked through the room, I could feel the weight of the stares around me. The pros I didn't know were whispering, casting sideways glances in my direction. The ones I did know avoided me, probably thinking I was too complicated or dangerous to be their intern.

By the time I reached the bar, I wasn't in the mood for any more fake smiles or half-hearted conversations.

"Hey, Dove."

I turned at the sound of the familiar voice, finding Hawks leaning casually on the bar next to me. His easy grin and relaxed posture were as charming as ever, but I could see the sharpness in his eyes, always calculating, always watching. Fumikage, clearly eager to be Hawks' intern, gave me a polite nod before stepping away, probably to mingle.

"Lookin' a little tense there," he teased, though his tone had a hint of concern. "Big night getting to you?"

I shrugged, trying to smile back. "Just... figuring things out."

Hawks took a sip from his drink, his gaze flicking around the room before settling back on me. "Yeah, well, this place isn't exactly full of saints. Most of 'em are just here to stir up gossip."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Tell me about it."

He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "You know who's not? Best Jeanist. Take a look."

I followed his gaze and saw the hero standing near the far wall, tall and poised, his presence commanding without being overbearing. He wasn't talking or even watching me. He just stood there, calm and composed, a silent observer. No whispers, no judgment.