Where Our Hearts Fall

Chapter 23

It was one of those rare weekends where the training schedules were clear, and the entire Bakusquad was free for the day. Y/N had no idea what they were going to do when they gathered in the common room, but the idea hit her like a bolt of lightning when Mina excitedly threw out the suggestion.

"We should totally go to the arcade!" Mina said, practically bouncing in her seat.

"An arcade?" Y/N raised an eyebrow. "You guys are serious about this?"

Kaminari grinned, a spark of mischief in his eyes. "Oh, hell yeah, an arcade! You get to play games, eat junk food, and have a great time. What's not to love?"

"I'll go anywhere as long as I get to kick your ass at air hockey," Bakugo muttered from his seat, arms crossed, already sounding like he was challenging someone.

"Oh, it's on, Bakugo," Kirishima shot back with a grin, a competitive gleam in his eye. "Prepare to lose!"

Bakugo growled, his eyes already narrowing. "Shut your mouth, Red. I'm gonna destroy you." His voice was low and filled with that familiar fiery intensity.

Mina grinned and gave Y/N a playful nudge. "Oh, you're definitely gonna want to see this."

Y/N chuckled, shaking her head. "I'll just sit back and watch the destruction."

The group made their way to the arcade, the excitement palpable. As they stepped through the door, the sound of flashing lights, clanging machines, and the rhythmic beeps and boops of arcade games greeted them. Y/N could already feel the familiar thrill of being surrounded by games and prizes.

"Let's start with something simple," Y/N said, looking at the claw machines. "I've always been terrible at these, but I think today's the day I'm finally gonna win something."

"Oh, you're on!" Mina said, already heading toward a machine filled with stuffed animals. "I'm gonna take home the biggest stuffed bear in this whole place!"

The group split off into smaller clusters, each heading to a different section of the arcade. Y/N and Mina stood in front of the claw machine, while Kirishima, Bakugo, Kaminari, and Sero wandered to the racing game area.

Bakugo, naturally, had already found an air hockey table. He slapped his hands against the sides, challenging anyone to come up and face him.

"I'm taking this game. No one can beat me," Bakugo announced, shooting a glare at the group, daring anyone to challenge him.

"Y/N, you're up for this, right?" Kirishima asked, grinning.

"Bring it on," she replied with a grin of her own, ready to take on her fiery friend in an intense, friendly competition.

Mina turned to Y/N as the two of them watched the guys get their game faces on. "You know, I think we should get them back for all their trash talk. How about we get a picture with all the prizes we win?"

"Oh, I'm definitely in," Y/N laughed. "But if we're going to do that, I'm going to need to win at least one thing from this claw machine."

After a few failed attempts, Y/N finally managed to snag a small plush keychain—a victory in her eyes. Mina, on the other hand, had a stuffed tiger the size of her torso in her arms.

"I told you, I'm the claw master," Mina said, winking at Y/N.

Y/N raised an eyebrow. "I'll admit, you're good. I'm not sure I'm on your level yet, though."

They made their way to the air hockey table, where the guys were already setting up. Kirishima stood across from Bakugo, grinning ear to ear. "You sure you want to take me on, Bakugo? I'm ready to show you what real power is."