COMFORT || K.BAKUGOU X READER

COMFORT || Unspoken Tensions

After the morning's chaos, the rest of the day at U.A. proceeded as usual-at least, as usual as it could be. Classes, training, a few unexpected explosions during hero studies (courtesy of Bakugo's temper), and the usual mischief from Kaminari and the others. But for you, the events of that morning still lingered, leaving a flurry of conflicting feelings swirling around your mind.

Bakugo had been avoiding eye contact with you all day, and each time you tried to approach him, he'd either walk away or act like he was suddenly engrossed in something else. Even during training, he'd snapped at you for "not keeping up," despite the fact that you were pulling your weight just fine seeing as you were one of the strongest in the class.

Part of you wondered if he was embarrassed-or, more likely, mad-about how much attention Kaminari's joke had stirred up. But another part of you remembered the way he'd looked at you last night, the softness in his voice when he'd shared his burdens with you. The contrast left you feeling both nervous and hopeful.

As evening settled over the dorms, you found yourself wandering through the hallways, a little aimless. You hadn't planned to look for Bakugo, but your feet seemed to have other ideas, carrying you to his door. You hesitated, debating if you should knock, or if he'd want you to, when the door swung open.

Bakugo stood there, looking as surprised to see you as you were to see him. His usual scowl softened for just a second before he composed himself, folding his arms and raising a brow. "What are you doing here?"

You opened your mouth, unsure of what to say, then settled on a simple, "I wanted to talk."

He sighed, rolling his eyes, but there was something gentler in his expression. "Fine. Get in here before Pikachu or someone else catches sight of you."

Stepping into his room, you felt a bit of déjà vu from last night. The atmosphere was tense, but you could tell he wasn't about to push you away. Bakugo leaned against his desk, arms still crossed, waiting for you to speak first.

"Look, about this morning..." you began, glancing away as you felt heat rising in your cheeks. "I know it was... awkward, and I didn't mean for everyone to make such a big deal out of it."

"Tch," Bakugo scoffed, but you noticed the faintest hint of red on his cheeks too. "Like I care what those shitty extras think. But..." He paused, searching for the words, his eyes flickering with that familiar but rare vulnerability. "I don't... usually let people in like that. It's... not my thing."

You gave him a small nod, understanding what he was trying to say. "I know, Bakugo. And I'm really grateful you trusted me enough to open up. I just... I want you to know that you don't have to carry all that weight alone. You can let people in when you need to."

He looked at you, eyes narrowing a little as if he was trying to decide if you meant it. "You don't get it," he muttered, his voice unusually quiet. "Everyone already has these expectations of me. They think I'm this strong, fearless guy who never cracks. But..." His voice trailed off, and he clenched his fists, a muscle in his jaw tightening.

You took a cautious step closer. "You don't have to be that all the time, Bakugo. It's okay to have doubts. No one's expecting you to be perfect."

He scoffed, shaking his head. "That's the problem. I don't want to be weak. I hate... feeling like that. And then... that sludge villain, and then the League... It just reminds me I'm not as strong as I think."

His words hung in the air, heavy and raw. This was Bakugo at his most unguarded, a side he rarely let anyone see, much less talk about.

You took a deep breath, your voice soft but steady. "Strength isn't just about never needing help, Bakugo. It's about being able to admit when you need it. And last night, you did. You let me in. That takes strength, too."

Bakugo's gaze wavered, and he clenched his jaw, looking down at his hands, as if your words had hit something deep inside. He was quiet for a long moment, his expression conflicted, before he let out a low, frustrated sigh.

"Just... don't go blabbing to everyone, okay?" he muttered, though there was a faint, almost grateful smile on his face. "I don't need all these damn extras thinking I've gone soft."

You chuckled softly, the tension in the room easing. "Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me, Mr. Tough Guy."

He rolled his eyes, but you caught the flicker of amusement in them. For a second, the awkwardness melted away, and it felt like you were just... friends. Maybe even something more, but that was a thought you weren't quite ready to explore.

The moment stretched between you, and you almost expected him to say something else, to maybe even let you see another sliver of that softer side. But before either of you could speak, there was a loud knock on the door, followed by Kaminari's voice echoing through the hallway.

"Bakugo! I saw Y/n go into your room again! You two planning another late-night rendezvous!?"

You froze, feeling the blood rush to your face as Bakugo's expression went from surprised to absolutely furious.

"SHUT UP, PIKACHU!" Bakugo bellowed, his voice so loud it probably shook the entire hallway. He stomped to the door, yanked it open, and glared at Kaminari, who was standing there with a sheepish grin and raised hands.

Kaminari shrugged, chuckling nervously. "Whoa, calm down, dude! I was just kidding-"

"You're dead meat!" Bakugo roared, already charging down the hallway as Kaminari bolted, laughing as he ran.

Watching the chase unfold, you couldn't help but laugh, the last of your embarrassment melting away as Bakugo's shouting faded down the hall. It wasn't the ending you'd expected, but somehow, it was exactly what you both needed.

As the dorm quieted down again, you smiled to yourself, feeling lighter than you had in days. Bakugo was complicated, fierce, and often a little too proud for his own good. But after everything, you knew that behind all of it, there was someone who cared deeply, who was willing to trust you with parts of himself he rarely showed.

And maybe, just maybe, that was enough for now.