Dragon's Heart, Hero's Will

Chapter 37: Congratulations!

Heights Alliance - Sunday Morning

It’s early December, and snow has blanketed U.A. High School’s Heights Alliance dorms. Class 1-A is split between excitement and complaints about the weather. Kirishima stands near one of the large windows, watching the snowfall with a grin, but there’s something else on his mind.

“When’s Bakugou getting back?” Kirishima wonders aloud, not able to hide the anticipation in his voice. He’s always felt restless when Bakugou isn’t around—his dragon quirk doesn’t let him forget the pull toward him. Being near Bakugou settles his inner storm, but when he’s not there, it leaves Kirishima on edge, a constant reminder of the bond they share.

Midoriya, standing nearby with Iida, glances over and says, “He and Todoroki left for their final lesson of the provisional license course. They’ll be back by six.”

Kirishima lets out a thoughtful hum, turning back to the snowy view. Six feels like forever when all he can think about is Bakugou finally returning—his sharp, fiery presence and the way his mere arrival changes the whole energy of the room.

The rest of the day drags on, with the class busy with various activities. Kirishima, though, can't help but check the time more often than usual. His dragon quirk stirs uneasily, the usual sign that Bakugou is close by, but it's mixed with excitement—because today is special.

---

Evening - Bakugou and Todoroki Return

By the time the sun sets, Kirishima is practically vibrating with energy. He watches the clock hit six o’clock on the dot when he hears the telltale sounds of footsteps outside the dorms. His quirk reacts immediately, his dragon stirring awake as if Bakugou’s proximity alone was enough to bring him to life.

“They’re here!” Kirishima announces, unable to hide his excitement. Midoriya and Iida exchange knowing glances before they gather with the rest of the class in the common room.

Bakugou and Todoroki walk into the darkened dorm, looking slightly confused by the quiet. Bakugou’s eyes narrow suspiciously as he glances around. “What the hell’s going on?”

Just as the question leaves his lips, the lights flick on, and Class 1-A jumps out from behind their hiding spots, shouting in unison, “Surprise!”

Kirishima, at the front of the group, grins widely at Bakugou. “Congrats on earning your licenses, Bakugou!”

The explosion of cheers momentarily startles Bakugou, but he recovers quickly, crossing his arms over his chest. “Tch, like I needed your approval.” He scoffs, but there’s a flicker of something in his eyes when they meet Kirishima’s. Something that feels a little softer, a little warmer.

Kirishima can’t help but notice how good Bakugou looks under the dim lighting, the way the snow still dusts his shoulders and hair, giving him a slightly softer edge than usual. He finds himself staring at the defined lines of Bakugou’s arms, the way his winter coat strains against his broad chest. His heart races, but he covers it with a teasing grin. “Still, we gotta celebrate! This is a big deal!”

Bakugou’s eyes narrow, but there’s no real anger there—just that same electric tension that always hums between them. He feels it too, Kirishima’s sure of it. “I don’t need some stupid celebration,” Bakugou mutters, but even he can’t stop the small smirk that tugs at his lips.

As the night wears on, the celebration goes into full swing. The common room is filled with laughter, congratulations, and a general feeling of camaraderie. Bakugou leans against the wall, trying to stay out of the spotlight, but Kirishima can’t help but drift closer to him, the pull between them stronger than ever.

“You’re not gonna hang out with the rest of us?” Kirishima asks, leaning casually beside Bakugou. His dragon quirk flares slightly, urging him to close the distance even more, but he holds back—barely.

Bakugou glances at him, the sharpness of his gaze softened just slightly by the warmth of the room. “Don’t feel like it. Besides, they’re annoying.”

Kirishima chuckles, nudging Bakugou’s shoulder lightly. “Yeah, well, you’d probably call me annoying too, but you still hang out with me.”

For a moment, Bakugou says nothing, his eyes flicking toward Kirishima before quickly looking away. “You’re different,” he mutters, almost too quietly for Kirishima to hear.

Kirishima’s heart skips a beat, his mind racing with what Bakugou means by that. He tries to play it off with a laugh, but the tension between them is thick, their unspoken feelings lingering just beneath the surface. “I’ll take that as a compliment,” Kirishima says, his voice a little softer.

Bakugou just grunts in response, but Kirishima catches the faintest smile on his lips.

As the celebration continues, Kirishima can’t help but keep sneaking glances at Bakugou. He knows there’s something more between them—something they’ve both been too stubborn to admit. And maybe, just maybe, tonight will be the night something finally shifts.

Because every second spent near Bakugou only strengthens the bond they share, and the more time that passes, the harder it is to ignore.

---

Later That Night

After the celebration winds down and the rest of the class starts heading off to their rooms, Kirishima finds himself lingering near Bakugou again, his dragon quirk still thrumming with energy. The snow continues to fall softly outside, the world quiet and peaceful, but the tension between them remains.

Bakugou glances at him, his expression unreadable. “What are you hanging around for?”

Kirishima shrugs, feeling his heart race again. “Dunno. Guess I just like being around you.”

Bakugou’s eyes narrow, but there’s no real bite to his next words. “You’re such a weirdo.”

Kirishima grins, his chest tightening with something that feels suspiciously like hope. “Yeah, but you don’t mind it, do you?”

Bakugou doesn’t answer right away, his gaze lingering on Kirishima for a moment longer than usual before he turns away with a huff. “Shut up.”

But even though Bakugou walks away, Kirishima can’t help but smile to himself, knowing that, slowly but surely, they’re getting closer to something neither of them can deny.