Where Our Hearts Fall

Chapter 11

Three weeks had passed since the Sports Festival, but Class 1-A had yet to settle back into its usual rhythm. Friendships had shifted, ambitions had been reignited, and for some—emotions had grown complicated.

Y/N and Todoroki had been spending more time together, quietly sharing jokes, exchanging training ideas, and supporting each other in class. It was hard not to notice the way they seemed to be getting closer. Bakugo certainly did.

That morning, Bakugo glanced over to see Todoroki and Y/N standing by the windows. She laughed at something Todoroki had said, and Todoroki gave her a rare, soft smile in return. Bakugo's jaw tightened as he watched, irritation stirring in his chest. He didn't know why he felt so annoyed—it wasn't like he cared who she talked to, right?

Still, his frustration simmered until Kaminari noticed his clenched fists. "Uh, Bakugo? You're kinda... burning a hole in the floor."

Bakugo scoffed, trying to shake it off. "Yeah? Maybe I'm just getting tired of people wasting their time." His voice was loud enough for Y/N and Todoroki to hear, and they turned in his direction.

Kirishima leaned in, smirking. "Man, you've been glaring at them all week. It's okay if you're—"

"Shut it, Kirishima." Bakugo's tone was icy, his eyes never leaving Y/N and Todoroki as they continued talking.

Later that Day: Training Grounds

Aizawa had them split into pairs for sparring. When he called out that Y/N would be training with Todoroki, Bakugo's irritation exploded.

He shot a glare at Todoroki, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Great. That'll be fun to watch. Y/N barely breaking a sweat against the guy who thinks he's too good to use half his power."

Y/N frowned at him. "Bakugo, what's your problem?"

"My problem is watching you waste your time. If you want a real challenge, try someone who'll actually push you to improve."

Todoroki's expression remained calm, though his voice held an edge. "And what makes you think I'm not giving her a challenge, Bakugo?"

Bakugo let out a short laugh. "Because, Todoroki, you're always holding back. You think I don't see how you're 'training'? You're going soft on her. Or maybe you're just soft, period."

Todoroki's eyes narrowed, and he took a step forward. "If I'm soft, I'd hate to see what that makes you. Jealous, maybe?"

The words hung in the air, and Bakugo's fists clenched. "Jealous?" His voice was low, dangerous. "Why would I be jealous of you, Half-and-Half?"

Y/N stepped between them, trying to defuse the tension. "Hey! This isn't helping anyone. It's just sparring."

But Todoroki didn't back down. "If it's really 'just sparring,' maybe Bakugo should mind his own business."

Bakugo smirked, his crimson gaze fierce. "Trust me, I will. As soon as I see you can keep up with her."

He shot Y/N one last heated glance. "Next time, I'm your partner, Y/N. Maybe then you'll see what real effort looks like."

Kirishima, standing nearby, sighed. "Man, you two need to calm down before someone blows something up."

But Bakugo just scoffed, ignoring him. With one last glare at Todoroki, he stormed off, his heart pounding with an emotion he couldn't quite place.

After Bakugo stormed off, his fiery energy radiating from every step, Y/N couldn't help but watch him leave, a swirl of confusion and unease swirling in her chest. She tried to shake it off, her mind refocusing on the conversation with Todoroki. But before she could think much longer, a familiar voice cut through the air.