Sero's sister

Chapter 25: A New Challenge

After the joint training session ended, the students from both classes began making their way back to the locker rooms. There was an air of exhaustion and satisfaction as many discussed the day's exercises, sharing stories of close calls and successful maneuvers. Y/N walked alongside Tokoyami, the two of them discussing how they had meshed well during the drills.

"Your quirk creates a good opportunity for Dark Shadow to act," Tokoyami noted, his voice calm but clearly impressed. "A well-coordinated partnership."

"Thanks," Y/N replied, a sense of pride swelling in her chest. "You're pretty quick with those counterattacks. It made it easier to catch our opponents off guard."

As they reached the entrance to the locker rooms, Y/N caught a glimpse of Bakugou and his teammates not too far behind. He was listening to Kirishima go on about some maneuver, nodding occasionally but clearly less interested in the conversation than he was in her. She could feel his eyes drift toward her, almost as if he was checking to make sure she was okay after the little incident with Monoma earlier.

Before heading into the girls' locker room, she gave Bakugou a small wave. He responded with a curt nod, but his eyes lingered on her for a moment longer than usual.

Later, as the students gathered in the common area for a bit of free time, Mina and a few other members of Class 1-A and 1-B were chatting around one of the tables. Y/N joined them, dropping into a seat next to Mina, who immediately perked up and turned to her with a playful grin.

"So, what was that earlier?" Mina asked, her tone laced with curiosity. "You and Bakugou looked like you were about to team up and take down Monoma."

Y/N shook her head, laughing softly. "Nah, Monoma just likes stirring up trouble. Katsuki knows that. I think he just wanted to make sure I wasn't letting it get to me."

"'Katsuki,' huh?" Kendou teased from across the table, raising an eyebrow. "You've definitely got him wrapped around your finger."

"Oh, please," Y/N replied, rolling her eyes. "You all know he's not that easy to handle. If anything, he's the one keeping me on my toes."

Mina nudged Y/N's shoulder playfully. "Well, you're doing a great job with him. I think we've all noticed he's been a little... calmer lately. If that's even possible for him."

Just as Y/N was about to respond, the door to the common area swung open and Bakugou walked in, accompanied by Kirishima and Sero. His eyes immediately scanned the room and landed on Y/N, who gave him a small, knowing smile. He didn't waste time joining their group, taking the seat beside her.

"What's all this gossiping about?" he asked, though he already seemed to know. His tone wasn't angry—more like mildly curious, with a hint of amusement.

"Nothing much," Mina said innocently. "Just talking about how you've been a little less scary lately, Bakugou."

Bakugou snorted, crossing his arms. "Tch. Don't start thinking I'm going soft just because I don't yell at extras every five minutes," he said, but his gaze shifted toward Y/N, his expression softening slightly.

Kirishima leaned forward, grinning. "I dunno, man, I think you might actually be enjoying having someone around who can keep up with you."

Y/N felt a blush creep up her cheeks at Kirishima's words. She knew he was only half-joking; there was some truth to it. Bakugou's competitive nature meant he thrived in a relationship where he was challenged, and she had definitely given him that.

"Anyway," Y/N said, steering the conversation in a different direction, "we're supposed to have another joint training session next week. I think it's a capture-the-flag exercise this time. Should be interesting."

"Yeah, especially if we get to go up against each other," Bakugou added, his lips curling into a smirk. "I wouldn't mind seeing what you've got up close."

The playful challenge in his voice made Y/N's heart flutter. "Careful what you wish for, Katsuki," she replied, matching his smirk. "You might end up regretting it."

Mina let out a dramatic sigh. "Okay, you two are literally making me gag. It's cute, though," she added with a giggle. "But seriously, Y/N, don't hold back. If you take down Bakugou in front of both classes, you'll be a legend."

"Like I'd let that happen," Bakugou shot back, though there was no heat in his tone. He glanced at Y/N, the corner of his mouth lifting ever so slightly. "But give it your best shot."

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of chatter and laughter, but Y/N couldn't help but feel a bit of excitement for the upcoming training. It wasn't just about winning; it was about proving herself alongside someone who constantly pushed her limits.

As the night wore on, she found herself alone with Bakugou for a moment as the others dispersed. He stood close, his usual gruff demeanor softening when he looked at her.

"You did good today," he said quietly, the sincerity in his voice catching her off guard. "You always do."

Y/N felt her heart skip a beat, and she gave him a genuine smile. "Thanks, Katsuki. It means a lot coming from you."

For a moment, they simply stood there, the comfortable silence between them saying more than any words could. The connection they had forged over the past weeks had grown deeper, and even though they thrived on their rivalry, there was also an understanding that went beyond the competitive banter.

"Next week," she said, breaking the silence, "don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're my boyfriend."

Bakugou's eyes sparkled with a familiar intensity. "Good," he replied. "I wouldn't want it any other way."