Flamebound: Embrace the Heat ||BNHA||

.Chapter 12.

Chapter 12. The Sports Festival: Part Two.

After the race, the stadium buzzed with energy, the cheers and excitement vibrating in the air like static. The intermission had begun, and the audience took the opportunity to grab snacks, chat, and prepare for the upcoming event. Kaye took a deep breath, allowing herself a moment to decompress. The Flag Race had been intense, every muscle in her body still felt the lingering tension. But she couldn't let herself relax too much—the real challenge was yet to come.

The 1v1 matches.

Kaye's stomach twisted with a mix of nerves and anticipation. It was one thing to race through obstacles and work in a team. It was another entirely to face an opponent in a head-to-head battle, where victory depended entirely on her skill and quick thinking. She couldn't afford to be sloppy.

But before the final event began, she had some time to kill. She glanced around, trying to decide what to do when a familiar pink blur appeared beside her, almost knocking her off her feet.

"Kaye!" Ashido grinned, her vibrant smile lighting up her whole face. "Hey, girl! Wanna grab something to eat? I'm starving after that race!"

Kaye blinked in surprise, then smiled. "Sure, that sounds great, actually."

"Awesome!" Ashido grabbed her hand, tugging her toward the exit of the stadium. "Let's get out of here before the boys come and steal you away again."

Kaye let out a small laugh, the sound lightening her mood. She didn't realize how much she'd needed this—just a simple moment to hang out with one of her classmates, no pressure, no expectations. Mina was the perfect person for that, her enthusiasm infectious.

The two girls chatted as they wandered through the bustling festival grounds outside the stadium, the scent of fresh food wafting through the air. The festival atmosphere was alive with activity—vendors shouting out their wares, families laughing, and groups of students milling about. Kaye's wings fluttered with excitement as she took it all in.

"You know," Ashido mused as they walked, "I'm seriously impressed with you, Kaye. You were killing it out there during the race! I knew you were strong, but partnered with Bakugo? You two were an unstoppable powerhouse!"

Kaye's cheeks flushed a soft pink. "Oh, I don't know about all that," she said modestly. "I just—I didn't want to let him down, I guess."

"No way, girl!" Ashido insisted, waving a hand dramatically. "You're way too humble. I mean, come on, your quirk is crazy strong, and you have so much control over it! I've never seen anything like it. And Bakugo doesn't just work well with anybody—he's tough as hell. The fact that you two managed to win together says a lot."

Kaye bit her lip, the praise filling her chest with a strange mix of pride and doubt. She knew her quirk was strong—everyone reminded her of that constantly. But lately, she'd started feeling... unworthy of it. Like, no matter how much she trained, how hard she pushed herself, there was a part of her that just didn't measure up.

"Thanks, Ashido," she murmured softly. "That... means a lot, coming from you."

Ashido beamed, clearly pleased. "You're welcome! Seriously, you've gotta give yourself more credit. You're great, Kaye."

Kaye forced a small smile. "Well, so are you," she said sincerely. "I mean it, you did great out there. I was watching you during the maze and the flag race—you're so quick and agile. I was really impressed."

Ashido's eyes widened, and then she grinned, her cheeks darkening to a deeper pink. "Oh my gosh, really? You noticed me?"

"Of course I did!" Kaye laughed. "How could I not?"