COMFORT || K.BAKUGOU X READER

COMFORT || Paired Together

After the laughter-filled morning, training was back in full swing. Everyone returned to the grounds where Aizawa-sensei waited, clipboard in hand, looking as serious as ever. He didn't waste any time assigning groups, and by some twist of fate-or perhaps Aizawa's sense of humor-you found yourself paired up with Bakugo.

As he made his way over to you, Bakugo's usual scowl was in place, though his eyes softened ever so slightly when they met yours. "Better keep up, got it?" he muttered, though there was no real bite in his tone. He paused for a split second, gaze flickering as if he had more to say, but he quickly turned away, clenching his fists. "This isn't a field trip."

You rolled your eyes, fighting back a smile. "Same goes for you, firecracker. I'm not planning on slowing down just to make you look good."

Bakugo snorted but didn't argue, which was progress, considering his usual stubbornness. The fact that he didn't explode at the nickname either was crazy development. As Aizawa outlined the task-a course with multiple levels, designed to test control, strength, and endurance-you both sized it up, calculating how best to tackle each section.

The first obstacle involved a series of platforms suspended in midair, each of them at varying heights. The goal was to cross quickly, without hesitation, while dodging incoming targets set to throw off your balance.

"Try to keep up," Bakugo grunted before blasting off toward the first platform. He shot through the air, leaping and vaulting, explosions sparking beneath his hands to keep his momentum.

You summoned a stream of air, propelling yourself forward to land on the first platform beside him. With a twist of your hand, you directed small gusts of wind, using it to guide your jumps precisely where you wanted. Bakugo barely gave you a glance as he continued onward, but the subtle lift of his brows told you he was impressed, even if he'd never admit it.

The two of you worked in an unspoken rhythm. Whenever Bakugo launched himself forward, you'd follow close behind, bending either wind or fire to clear obstacles and targets in his wake. He'd handle the heavy, explosive force while you used more control and precision, a balance that worked surprisingly well.

As you reached the end of the platform section, the next part of the course loomed: a series of water jets shooting up from the ground, designed to throw you off course or drench you on the spot. Bakugo huffed, his face set in determination.

"Don't mess up, or I'm leaving you behind," he said, though you could hear the slight humor in his tone.

You rolled your eyes, reaching out with your hand and bending the water jets aside with quick, fluid motions, clearing a path for the both of you.

"Don't act like you don't need me~." You say as you easily bend the water. Bakugo sprinted forward, giving you a smirk as he passed by, though you couldn't help but notice the slight nod of approval.

"I don't, you just make it slightly simpler."

After dodging the water section, you moved onto the last leg of the course, a wide, rocky path that required both speed and strength to navigate. Rocks jutted up unpredictably, and bursts of steam filled the air, making visibility difficult.

As you began to sprint forward, a burst of steam shot up in front of you, blocking your path. You instinctively reached out, pulling moisture from the air and bending it away to reveal a clear path. Just as you moved to continue, however, you felt a hand wrap around your wrist, pulling you back. Your heartbeat increased at his touch.

"Wait a second," Bakugo muttered, looking around sharply. "Something's off."

You frowned, squinting through the mist. "What do you mean?"

"Look." He pointed toward a boulder up ahead, where a set of hidden jets were primed to release another wave of steam. "They're waiting to trap us in here. Don't get careless."

You nodded, feeling a warmth in your chest that he'd actually taken the time to warn you. "Got it. Let's time this together, then?"

Bakugo gave you a quick nod, his eyes serious. "Fine, but stay close. You mess up, it's on you."

"I'd say the same to you."

With a deep breath, the two of you moved forward together, Bakugo blasting through the rocks while you manipulated the ground beneath your feet, bending small tremors in the earth to keep balance as rocks shifted around you.

By the time you both made it through the final section, you were out of breath but exhilarated. Aizawa stood at the end, watching with a critical eye, his mouth curling slightly at the corners in what might've been the closest thing to a smile you'd ever seen from him.

"Well done," he said, giving a small nod. "You both handled that course well, especially considering your... collaborative efforts."

Bakugo rolled his eyes. "We're done here, right?"

Aizawa nodded. "For now. Go cool off." He gave a pointed glance at you. "Both of you."

You both walked over to a bench near the side of the field, and Bakugo immediately leaned back, crossing his arms with a grumble. You settled beside him, leaning forward to catch your breath.

"Not bad, for an 'extra,'" Bakugo muttered, his gaze fixed ahead. But his voice was softer than usual, and you felt a tiny smile tugging at the corners of your mouth.

"I'd say the same to you," you teased, nudging him with your elbow. "But I already know you'd explode if I gave you an actual compliment."

Bakugo's cheeks tinted the faintest shade of pink, though he quickly looked away. "Shut up."

For a while, the two of you sat there in silence, catching your breath and watching the other students tackle the course. The morning sun was warm, and you felt a strange sense of peace, almost like the quiet understanding between you two was enough.

After a few minutes, Bakugo shifted, glancing over at you with a serious expression. "You didn't need to cover for me back there. I can handle myself."

You looked at him, meeting his intense gaze. "I know you can. But we were partners, remember? I just did my part."

He snorted, looking away again, but you could tell he wasn't really upset. "Fine. Just don't expect me to return the favor next time."

You smiled, feeling your heart skip a beat at the fact that he hadn't completely dismissed your help. "Whatever you say, Dynamight."

Bakugo rolled his eyes, but you noticed the faintest smile tugging at the corner of his mouth before he quickly wiped it away. The quiet between you grew comfortable again, and for once, neither of you felt the need to fill it with words.

Maybe, you thought, this was your strange little way of understanding each other.