Where Our Hearts Fall

Chapter 8

Part 2 sports festivals!!

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The atmosphere in the arena was electric, and the tension was palpable after the Obstacle Race. With the adrenaline still coursing through her veins, Y/N couldn't help but feel her heart race in anticipation of what was to come. Midnight's announcement rang out loud and clear:

"Alright, everyone! It's time for the Cavalry Battle! This round will test your strategy, teamwork, and determination. The points you've earned in the previous round will be used for the teams, so make sure you keep them safe. You'll be assigned teams and the objective is to take down the other groups, steal their headbands, and add their points to yours!"

Y/N and Bakugo exchanged glances, both determined to win.

"Ready?" Bakugo said gruffly, already starting to strategize. He knew they were both in it to win it.

Y/N nodded. "Of course. We've got this."

The students were told to form groups, and as the clock ticked down, it was clear who would be teaming up with whom.

Bakugo was the first to make a move.

"Y/N, get on my back," he snapped. "We'll work together. Don't screw this up." His usual confidence was apparent, but there was a hint of something softer in his voice. He was serious about winning.

Before Y/N could respond, she heard a calm voice from behind her.

"Y/N, would you join my team instead?" Shoto Todoroki appeared, his usual stoic expression in place, but there was a glimmer of expectation in his eyes.

Y/N blinked in surprise. It seemed like both Bakugo and Todoroki wanted her on their team. She didn't know how to feel about this. She turned to Bakugo, who was watching her intently with a scowl on his face.

"Don't even think about it," Bakugo growled. "You're with me, Y/N. Got it?"

Shoto stepped closer, his voice measured and calm, but Y/N could feel the subtle challenge between them. "I believe our quirks would work well together, Y/N. We could use your wind quirk to control the battlefield, and my ice could be a strong defensive tool."

Y/N glanced between Bakugo and Todoroki. She felt a sense of pressure mounting. Both were strong, both had their strengths, but... she couldn't ignore the way Bakugo had been looking at her earlier, and how determined he seemed to want to win with her.

"You really think you can beat me?" Bakugo challenged, his fists clenched. The air around them practically crackled with tension.

Todoroki narrowed his eyes, his demeanor still calm. "I'm not interested in beating you, Bakugo. I just think Y/N's skills would complement mine better. No offense."

Y/N took a deep breath, trying to push aside the tension. She didn't want to make a scene, but she had to make a choice. She knew she couldn't let herself get caught in the middle of this rivalry.

Finally, she spoke, her voice steady but thoughtful. "Thanks for the offer, Todoroki, but I'm going with Bakugo. I trust him, and we've worked together before."

Bakugo's expression softened, just for a moment. He gave her a small, satisfied smirk. "Smart choice."

Todoroki nodded, seemingly unaffected by her decision. "Good luck then. I'll see you both on the battlefield."

As Shoto walked away, Y/N felt Bakugo's gaze on her. There was no doubt about it—he was pleased with her decision. But there was something else there, too—a mix of relief and maybe a little something more. She couldn't tell, but she could feel the change in his demeanor.