My Hero Academia: New Students and Unexpected Love

Chapter 13: A Morning Clash

The next morning, the sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm glow over U.A. High as I arrived. The excitement from Tsuyu’s text still lingered in my mind, but today, I was focused on the present. I met up with Gino just outside the school gates, and we exchanged nods of acknowledgment.

"Yo, ready for today?" I asked, adjusting my glasses. The sky seemed a little brighter, the air crisp. We were both still riding the high of yesterday, and the prospect of hanging out with Kirishima, Mina, and Tsuyu later at the arcade was something to look forward to.

Gino grinned, his black clothes stark against the golden morning light. "You know it. It’s gonna be fun. But first, another day of classes."

As we walked together toward the entrance, we talked about what games we’d play, half-joking about who would win at the arcade. The mood was light, our steps confident.

Then, just as we rounded the corner, we heard that all-too-familiar voice.

"Look who it is," Bakugo’s sneer cut through the air like a blade.

We both stopped in our tracks, my heart sinking just a little. Of course he’d show up. Bakugo stood there, arms crossed, his usual scowl plastered on his face. The morning light didn’t soften him one bit. His sharp, explosive presence was as menacing as ever.

Gino stiffened beside me, his fists clenching at his sides. I could feel the tension radiating off of him.

"Bakugo," I muttered under my breath, trying to keep my cool. He was the last person I wanted to deal with right now.

"What, you two losers got something to say?" Bakugo barked, eyes narrowing as he looked between us. "Or you just gonna stand there, all quiet like scared little puppies?"

Gino’s eyes sparked with frustration, his quirk—electromagnetism—buzzing faintly around him. I could see it in his face: he wanted to retaliate, to stand up for himself. But we both knew better than to give Bakugo the satisfaction of an explosive confrontation.

I took a breath and stepped forward, standing between Bakugo and Gino. "We don’t have time for your nonsense today, Bakugo. Some of us actually have plans that don’t involve blowing up half the school."

Bakugo's scowl deepened, a low growl escaping him. "You think you’re tough just because you got a quirk that can light up your horns, huh? You and your little electric buddy here better watch yourselves. U.A. ain’t got time for weaklings."

I felt the fire simmering inside me, but I kept it in check. Gino stayed quiet, though I could tell he was one second away from losing his cool.

Before things could escalate further, a new voice called out.

"Oi, Bakugo!" Kirishima appeared from the other side of the courtyard, his usual wide grin present. "Leave them alone, man. We got class, remember?"

Bakugo shot a glare at Kirishima but didn’t say anything. With one last irritated glance at me and Gino, he scoffed and stormed off, heading inside the building.

Kirishima jogged up to us, throwing a thumbs-up our way. "You guys good?"

"Yeah," Gino muttered, finally relaxing his fists. "Thanks, man."

I let out a small breath of relief. "Appreciate it, Kirishima. Bakugo’s just… you know how he is."

Kirishima chuckled, giving us both a pat on the shoulder. "Yeah, he’s a handful, but you guys handled him well. Just ignore him. He’s all bark, no bite."

Gino smirked. "We’ll try. For now."

As Kirishima walked with us toward the classroom, the tension started to dissipate. The encounter with Bakugo had been a close call, but we managed to avoid a fight. And now, with the day ahead of us, all I could think about was getting through it so we could meet up at the arcade.

One thing was for sure—Bakugo wasn’t going to ruin today.