Dragon's Heart, Hero's Will

Chapter 32: Let It Flow! School Festival!

The clock strikes 10:00 AM, and the stage curtains pull back, revealing Class 1-A ready to perform. Bakugou kicks things off explosively.

“Let’s go, dammit!” he shouts, his voice ringing through the festival grounds. His explosion cues the rest of the class, and the performance begins with electrifying energy. Kirishima, grinning, leans forward from his spot and yells at Bakugou to "make it a good one!" as the music kicks in.

The crowd, initially skeptical, is soon swept up by the sheer intensity of the show. Kyoka’s fingers fly across her bass, Kaminari and Tokoyami shred their guitars, and the whole class pulls out all the stops. Even the students who had come to criticize can't resist the infectious energy radiating from the stage.

From behind the drums, Bakugou is in his element, setting the tempo with fierce intensity. He occasionally glances over at Kirishima, who works the effects, making Shoto’s ice shavings look like stardust under Yuga's lights. For a brief moment, their eyes meet, and Bakugou's chest tightens. How the hell does Kirishima manage to look so damn cool doing something so simple? It irritates him more than he wants to admit, but he can't deny it either.

Meanwhile, Kirishima can't stop watching Bakugou. The way he dominates the drums, pouring his all into the performance, makes Kirishima's heart pound. It's not just admiration anymore—it's something deeper. His dragon quirk stirs restlessly, urging him closer to Bakugou, like it recognizes something instinctive in their connection. Being around Bakugou makes him feel invincible, like they’re bound by something neither can fully explain.

As the performance reaches its climax, Kirishima finds himself entirely focused on Bakugou. The cheers of the crowd fade into the background, leaving only the two of them and the unspoken bond they share. Kirishima feels his quirk hum in contentment, as if Bakugou's energy completes something inside him.

Bakugou, too, is riding the high of the performance, but there's a different kind of thrill simmering beneath the surface. It's infuriating how much Kirishima affects him, how just one look can make something twist deep inside him. As the performance comes to an end, he glances at Kirishima again and feels that familiar pull. He’s hooked, and though he'd never say it out loud, he can't shake the feeling.

The crowd erupts in cheers, and even the upperclassmen who had come to criticize can’t help but be impressed. Bakugou stands, chest heaving, a triumphant smirk spreading across his face. Victory feels good, but this time it’s not just about proving himself—it’s about the team.

Kirishima jogs over, still grinning. “Told ya you’d kill it, man!”

Bakugou rolls his eyes but can’t suppress the tiny smirk tugging at his lips. “Tch, whatever. You weren’t too bad yourself, shitty hair.”

Their eyes meet again, something unspoken passing between them. It’s so easy to fall into this rhythm, like they’ve been doing it forever. Bakugou might never admit it, but Kirishima’s presence grounds him in a way nothing else can.

---

After the concert, Class 1-A is flooded with praise as they clean up. Even the upperclassmen who came to criticize admit they were impressed. Katsuki revels in their praise, crossing his arms with a smug smirk. "Damn right we killed it," he mutters.

Kirishima chuckles beside him. “Guess you did more than just blow them away, huh?”

Bakugou shoots him a glare, but it lacks its usual edge. Kirishima’s teasing never truly gets under his skin anymore. In fact, Bakugou is starting to realize just how much Kirishima can get away with—and how much he enjoys their back-and-forth.

Later, Kirishima suggests they check out the obstacle course. "Bet I can beat you," he says, eyes twinkling with excitement.

Bakugou raises an eyebrow, his competitive streak flaring. “You’re on, shitty hair.”

They take off, laughing as they race through the course. For once, there’s no pressure, no need to prove anything to anyone. It’s just them, enjoying the moment like they always do.

By the time they finish, both panting and grinning, Bakugou realizes something. No matter how much he fights it, Kirishima is always there, always pushing him forward, and that’s something he can’t—won’t—ignore anymore.