COMFORT || K.BAKUGOU X READER

COMFORT || Shifting Dynamics

The days turned into weeks, and your training with Bakugo became a staple of your routine. The bond between you both was undeniably growing; each session was filled with both fierce competition and genuine collaboration. The teasing banter continued, but there was an undercurrent of something deeper-a connection that was starting to shift the dynamics between you.

One afternoon, after an intense training session that left you both exhausted, Bakugo plopped down on a bench, wiping the sweat from his brow. You joined him, reaching for your water bottle, and glanced sideways at him.

"You know, you're actually getting pretty good at this teamwork thing," you said, taking a sip.

"Yeah, yeah. Don't start acting like I'm some softie," he grumbled, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice.

"I won't if you keep it up," you replied playfully. "But I've got to admit, it's nice having a partner who can actually keep up with me."

Bakugo shot you a glare but didn't deny it. Instead, he leaned back against the bench, crossing his arms. "Just make sure you're not using me to boost your own ego- which is way to high you shitty extra."

"Oh, please. You're way too much for my ego to handle," you shot back, earning a snort from him.

As you both sat there, a comfortable silence settled between you, and you could feel the warmth of the afternoon sun on your skin. You let your gaze wander across the training grounds, watching as classmates practiced nearby. But then, your thoughts drifted back to the conversation you had weeks ago-the one where you had opened up about your aspirations and fears.

"Hey, Bakugo," you began, hesitating for a moment. "What do you think it means to be a hero?"

He turned his head to you, his expression shifting from playful to serious. "What do you mean?"

"I mean... like, what does it mean to you? Is it just about power and being the best? Or is there more to it?"

Bakugo frowned, clearly mulling over your question. "It's about being strong enough to protect people. To do what needs to be done, no matter the cost." He paused, his gaze growing distant for a moment. "It's not just the flashy stuff. It's about facing the real dangers."

You nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "But what about when it gets personal? When it feels like you're not just fighting for the world, but for the people you care about?"

Bakugo glanced at you, his expression unreadable. "That's... harder." He let out a slow breath, looking away. "It makes you vulnerable. You can't just blow everything up without thinking about the consequences."

"Ironic coming from you explodo boy~... just kidding..."

A heaviness settled between you as you realized how much he was revealing. "You mean like with All Might? You feel guilty about that, don't you?"

His jaw tightened, and he shifted uncomfortably. "That's different."

"Is it?" you pressed gently, not wanting to push him too far but feeling the need to understand. "You're allowed to feel that way. You can't carry everything by yourself, Bakugo."

He remained silent, staring off into the distance. The weight of your words seemed to hang in the air, and you could see the internal battle he was fighting-struggling with feelings he didn't want to acknowledge.

"I just... I don't want to be weak," he finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "If I let my guard down, I could lose everything. I can't let that happen."

Your heart ached for him, knowing how deeply he cared beneath his tough exterior. "You're not weak for feeling things, Bakugo. It doesn't make you less of a hero."

He looked at you then, the intensity in his gaze piercing through the momentary vulnerability. "You really think that?"

"I know it," you replied firmly, feeling a surge of determination. "You've faced so much and still keep fighting. That's strength."

Bakugo's expression softened just slightly, a mix of surprise and gratitude flickering in his eyes. For a moment, the air felt charged with something significant-an understanding that transcended words.

But before you could dwell on it, the moment was interrupted by the sound of laughter and footsteps approaching. A group of your classmates strolled by, and Kirishima caught sight of you both.

"Hey, lovebirds!" he called out teasingly, grinning from ear to ear.

You felt your cheeks heat up as Bakugo shot a glare at Kirishima, clearly irritated by the interruption. "Shut up, you idiot!"

Mina winked, clearly enjoying the teasing as well. "Looks like someone's getting all cozy with the future number one hero: Lord Explosion Murder!"

"Seriously, guys!" you protested, trying to deflect the attention away. "We were just training!"

Kirishima laughed. "Yeah, right. You're both blushing!"

Bakugo turned a shade darker, a mix of embarrassment and anger crossing his face. "I'm not blushing! You're all just annoying!"

You couldn't help but laugh at the sight of him all flustered, and it seemed to defuse the tension that had built just moments before. It was the perfect blend of friendship and rivalry, and you knew Bakugo secretly enjoyed the camaraderie, even if he wouldn't say it.

As the group continued to tease you both, you felt a sense of warmth swell in your chest. There was something undeniably special about this moment-about being surrounded by friends, about the way Bakugo looked out for you, and the way you were starting to understand each other more deeply.

After a while, the laughter faded, and your classmates headed off to the dorms, leaving you and Bakugo alone again.

"Don't listen to them," he muttered, trying to regain his composure. "They don't know what they're talking about."

You smiled, your heart racing at the thought of what lay between you both. "I know. But it's nice to see that they care about us, too."

Bakugo rolled his eyes, but you could see the corners of his mouth twitching up again. "Whatever. Just don't let them get to you. You're not some sidekick."

"I'm not," you said confidently. "But I'm also not just a partner, Bakugo. I'm your friend. And friends look out for each other."

He looked at you, and for the briefest moment, you saw that wall of defenses crack just a little further. "Yeah, well... I guess it's not the worst thing ever," he admitted, a reluctant smile creeping onto his face.

You beamed at him, feeling a rush of affection at how far he had come, and how far you both had traveled together to the point that he would admit your his friend. There was still a long way to go, but in that moment, you felt hopeful. Hopeful about your friendship, about your training, and maybe even about the potential for something more.

As you headed back to the dorms, a sense of warmth lingered in the air-an unspoken promise of what was yet to come. And you couldn't help but wonder just how much closer you and Bakugo would grow, both as heroes and as friends.