Dragon's Heart, Hero's Will

Chapter 39: Unleashed Potential and Unspoken Tension

Winter break is over, and Class 1-A is back in full force, buzzing with energy as they gather for another day of training. The crisp morning air bites at their faces, but the excitement brewing between the classmates is enough to keep everyone on edge. Especially Kirishima.

Kirishima stands in the middle of the training grounds, his breath visible in the cold air. His eyes drift—again—over to Bakugou. He knows he shouldn’t stare, knows he should be focusing on the training, but his damn eyes seem to have a mind of their own lately. Bakugou’s hero costume looks even tighter today, the fabric clinging to the broad lines of his chest and shoulders. It’s enough to make Kirishima’s dragon stir restlessly, the beast within him recognizing something in Bakugou's strength that makes Kirishima’s heart race.

The dragon always reacts like this around Bakugou. Every time Kirishima watches him fight, sees the raw power Bakugou exudes, that primal side of him is drawn in. It’s frustrating, really, because it’s not just about strength anymore. Not when every look, every sharp word from Bakugou makes his pulse spike.

He’s snapped back to reality by the loud, booming voice of Iida.

“Happy New Year, everyone! Let’s make this a successful term and show off what we’ve learned!”

Kirishima tries to focus on Iida’s speech, but his mind keeps wandering back to Bakugou. When did he start looking at him like this? His dragon growls softly in his mind, restless. It wants to be closer to Bakugou, drawn to his power, but there’s something more to it now—something deeper that Kirishima can’t quite put his finger on.

“Oi, shitty hair,” Bakugou’s gruff voice snaps him out of his thoughts. He’s standing a few feet away, scowling, arms crossed over his chest. “Quit spacing out and focus.”

Kirishima blinks, then flashes a grin, hoping the blush creeping up his neck isn’t too obvious. “Yeah, yeah, I’m ready.”

Bakugou huffs, his sharp gaze lingering on Kirishima for a moment longer than necessary before he turns away. Kirishima lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. This is getting ridiculous.

The class begins showcasing their new techniques from their work studies, and Kirishima watches as one by one, his classmates step up to demonstrate. Mina’s Acidman is impressive, and Aoyama’s Navel Saber draws cheers from the group, but Kirishima’s attention is elsewhere. He’s waiting for Bakugou’s turn, anticipation building in his chest.

Finally, Bakugou steps forward, his movements sharp and confident as ever. His explosions light up the training grounds, powerful and precise. Kirishima can’t tear his eyes away, captivated by the sheer force of Bakugou’s abilities. His dragon quirk responds immediately, roaring to life inside him like a predator drawn to its prey. Kirishima bites his lip, fighting the urge to let the dragon take over. It’s always like this with Bakugou—his presence makes it harder to control the beast.

Bakugou’s eyes catch his for a brief second, and Kirishima feels his heart skip a beat. That tension, the one that’s been building between them for months, crackles in the air like static electricity. It’s unspoken, but it’s there, simmering beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to break free.

When Bakugou’s demonstration ends, Kirishima can’t help but feel a little breathless. He’s supposed to be focusing on his own training, but Bakugou has a way of drawing all his attention without even trying. Damn it, Eijiro, pull yourself together, he thinks, forcing himself to focus on the rest of the class.

As the training session wraps up, the class gathers around All Might to discuss their upcoming hotpot party. Kirishima nudges Bakugou with his elbow, grinning. “So, you gonna show off some more at the party, or was that just a warm-up?”

Bakugou scowls, but there’s a faint smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “Tch, I’ll show you who needs warming up, dumbass.”

Kirishima chuckles, but there’s a heat rising in his chest that has nothing to do with Bakugou’s teasing. His dragon quirk is thrumming again, more insistent this time, and Kirishima knows it’s not just about the training. It’s something about the way his heart races whenever Bakugou is near, the way his thoughts drift to Bakugou more often than they should.

He swallows hard, trying to push the feeling down, but it’s getting harder to ignore. One day, maybe, he’ll be able to figure it out. But for now, he falls back into his usual rhythm with Bakugou—bantering, teasing, all while that tension simmers beneath the surface, waiting for the moment when it finally boils over.

---

The day passes quickly, and by the time the hotpot party is in full swing, Kirishima is feeling more relaxed. The warmth from the food and the laughter of his friends helps to settle the restlessness in his chest, but it doesn’t take long for his attention to wander back to Bakugou. He’s sitting across from him, scowling as usual, but there’s something about the way the firelight flickers across his face that makes Kirishima’s breath catch.

“Oi, shitty hair, you’re staring again,” Bakugou snaps, eyes narrowing.

Kirishima blinks, then laughs sheepishly. “Nah, man, just thinking about how much you’ve improved. You’re gonna blow everyone away this term.”

Bakugou scoffs, but there’s a flicker of something in his eyes—something almost like pride. “Damn right I will. You better keep up, Kirishima. Don’t make me drag your sorry ass behind.”

Kirishima grins, feeling that familiar warmth spread through his chest. Yeah, he thinks, this is how it’s supposed to be. He’s not sure what’s waiting for them in the future, but he knows one thing for certain—no matter what happens, they’ll face it together.