Shadows of the Mind

Chapter 10: Sparks and Shadows

The morning sun hung lazily over the UA campus, casting soft light through the dorm windows as the students of Class 3-A filed into the gym for their first training session of the week. The air buzzed with quiet anticipation, everyone mentally preparing for whatever Aizawa had planned. Kageko entered with Shinso by her side, their silent companionship a stark contrast to the rest of the class's chatter.

Kirishima's face lit up when he saw her. "Yo, Yamikaze! You ready to kick some butt today?" he called, jogging over.

Kageko gave a small nod, her expression neutral but not unfriendly. "We'll see," she replied, voice steady and measured.

Kirishima grinned, clearly intrigued by her composed demeanor. "You've got that mysterious vibe down, huh? Guess I'll have to work extra hard to keep up." He flexed an arm playfully, showing off.

From across the gym, Bakugo's sharp gaze locked onto the exchange, irritation curling in his chest. What the hell was that? It was just Kirishima. Why did it annoy him so much?

Kirishima's easy laugh filled the gym, and Kageko's lips twitched—just barely—into the ghost of a smile. Bakugo's scowl deepened. He hated how easily Kirishima could pull a smile out of people.

"Oi, Kiri!" Bakugo barked, his tone sharper than he intended. "Stop flirting and get your ass over here. Warm-ups."

Kirishima blinked, confused. "What? I'm just talking, man."

"Yeah? Well, save it," Bakugo muttered, shooting him a glare, though now quieter. The tension in his chest didn't ease.

They drifted to the other side of the gym, leaving Kageko already refocusing on her task. As they stretched, Kirishima cast Bakugo a sidelong glance. "You're acting weird, man. You jealous or something?"

Bakugo stiffened. "The hell are you on about?" he snapped, though the sharpness in his voice faltered.

"Relax, dude." Kirishima chuckled but held Bakugo's gaze for a beat too long, as if sizing him up.

"Tch." Bakugo clicked his tongue and returned to his stretch, his movements rigid. Jealous? What a load of crap. Why would he care if Kiri talked to her? She was just another classmate.

But the uneasy itch in the back of his mind didn't go away.

Aizawa stood at the front of the gym, hands stuffed into his pockets, his usual bored expression in place. "Pair up. Combat drills for the next hour. Focus on precision and control."

Kageko fell into step beside Shinso, their movements synchronized, as if they'd been doing this for years. Kirishima shot Bakugo a playful grin, completely unaware of the storm brewing beneath the surface.

"How about it, Bakubro? Wanna spar?"

Bakugo huffed, narrowing his eyes. "Fine. Just don't whine when I wipe the floor with you."

The gym filled with motion and the sounds of sparring. Kageko moved with effortless grace, her shadows swirling at the edges of her form like restless mist. A brief misstep caused the mist to flicker erratically, twisting around her in agitation.

Shinso gave her a knowing look mid-movement. "You good?"

Kageko clenched her jaw. "Yeah. Just a slip."

From across the room, Bakugo caught the strange flicker of her shadows, his frustration giving way to something else—curiosity. Her Quirk was reacting to something emotional. It wasn't just technique. He tucked that observation away for later.

Before Bakugo could think further, Kirishima's fist came dangerously close, forcing him to react. With a growl, Bakugo shot forward, his movements sharper, fueled by restless energy.

"You're going hard today," Kirishima teased, blocking the strike with a grin. "Someone in a bad mood?"

"Shut up," Bakugo muttered, the heat in his chest burning hotter.

Kirishima laughed. "You look pissed but probably don't even know why."

Bakugo's next attack landed with a small explosion, forcing Kirishima back a step. "You're annoying."

Kirishima dusted off his sleeve, grinning. "Just say you don't like other guys talking to her. It's cool, man."

Bakugo's heart thudded in his chest. The words hit like a punch to the gut. "Shut the hell up," he snapped, the heat rising to his face before he could stop it.

Kirishima shrugged. "I mean, she's cool. I get it."

"Whatever." Bakugo launched another strike, determined to burn away the knot twisting inside him.

The class spilled out of the gym, sweaty and exhausted. Kageko trailed at the back of the group, her sharp eyes scanning the space, as if making sure her shadows were behaving. She stayed silent, walking slowly beside Shinso as they made their way to the dorms.

"You're thinking too much," Shinso remarked, glancing at her sideways.

Kageko gave a curt nod. "Maybe."

"Bakugo bothering you?" Shinso asked, though his tone was more curious than concerned.

"He's... loud."

Shinso chuckled softly. "That's putting it mildly." His expression turned thoughtful. "Just be careful with him, Ko. He's got a temper—and I don't think he knows what to do with it half the time."

Kageko arched a brow. "I can handle myself, Toshi."

"I know." He gave her a small smile. "Just don't get caught up in his mess."

Kageko nodded, but his words stayed with her as they walked the rest of the way in silence.

The dorms were quiet by the time Kageko settled at her desk, her phone in hand. Shadows curled lazily around her, mirroring the simmering unease beneath her calm exterior. Her thoughts wandered—Kirishima's easygoing smiles, Bakugo's sharp gaze, Shinso's quiet concern.

She didn't want to notice Bakugo as much as she did. It annoyed her, gnawed at her nerves like an itch she couldn't scratch. He was unpredictable, loud, irritating—and yet, something about him lingered in her mind. A storm, waiting to break.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts.

Shopping Queen 👑: "We HAVE to go shopping again soon!! 💖👛"
Shopping Queen 👑: "Alsoooo... nickname time! What about Kazi? Or Keko? 🤔"

Kageko tapped back a quick response:

Shadow Queen 👑: "Kazi works. And you're Acid Babe now."
Shopping Queen 👑: "Yesss!! Love it! Changing it right now!"

A few seconds later, the chat names updated:

Acid Babe: "LOOK HOW CUTE THIS IS!! 🥰"
Kazi: "It's something, alright."

Kageko allowed herself the faintest smile. Maybe this place wasn't so bad after all.