Haunted | Bakugo x Reader

08

You stared up at the massive screen, heart pounding as the brackets for the quarterfinals flashed across it. There it was—your name, glaring in white, paired with Todoroki's. A chill washed over you, as though you were already standing in the path of his ice. You weren't oblivious; you'd seen his power, seen the control and intensity he wielded, and it was enough to make your stomach twist. This wasn't just another training exercise or practice fight. It was Todoroki, and you knew you'd need a plan—a good one.

You took a step back, immediately weaving your way toward the exit. You couldn't stay here, couldn't listen to the chatter of your classmates, not with the weight of the match pressing on you. The murmurs and excitement of the arena dulled to white noise as you focused on slipping away, heading somewhere quiet where you could think. But as you made your way down the hall, you felt it—a steady, heavy gaze following your every move. You didn't need to look back to know it was him. Bakugo's eyes bore into your back, as if he could read the anxious thoughts racing through your mind. But you didn't stop, didn't acknowledge it. You needed space, and he seemed content to just watch you go.

Once you were alone, you let out a slow breath and tried to shake the nerves rattling your thoughts. Your gaze drifted upward, watching the light filter in from the high windows, and for a moment, the tension faded as you slipped into the familiar comfort of a memory.

Kazuo. He couldn't have been older than six, his bright, wide eyes glued to the television as he bounced in excitement, dragging you to sit beside him. It was the U.A. Sports Festival, and he was practically vibrating with energy, a wide grin lighting up his face. "One day, that'll be us up there! You'll see!"

He was so small, so full of life and innocent wonder. You remembered the way he laughed, his eyes lighting up as heroes clashed and students poured their hearts into each battle. "I'm gonna be the best hero ever, Sissy" he'd said with a determined nod, "and you have to be there with me. Promise?"

You'd laughed, ruffling his hair, and nodded. How could you have ever said no to that? Kazuo, with all his dreams and hopes, had been pure, untouched by the harshness of the world. He was good—too good. And he'd never deserved to go, never deserved the fate that had taken him away so cruelly. The guilt hit you like a punch to the chest. You should have been the one to go that night, not him. If anyone was meant to—

"Y/N L/N." A familiar voice pulled you back, yanking you from the spiraling depths of your thoughts. You turned, and there he was, the Number Two Hero himself, Endeavor, standing before you with an unreadable expression.

The imposing figure of Endeavor loomed in front of you, his presence pulling you sharply out of the memory and back into reality. Your first reaction was... unease. There was something off about him, something heavy in his presence that you couldn't quite place. It gnawed at you, an unsettling feeling creeping up your spine as you met his intense, piercing gaze.

"I know your parents," he began, his tone flat but commanding. "I've had to work with them before, so I'm aware of what you're capable of." He paused, his eyes narrowing as he studied you, as if evaluating every inch. "When you face my son, I expect you to give it your all. If you hold back, you'll face my punishment."

His words were like a slap, blunt and chilling. Your heart skipped a beat, a flicker of fear sparking somewhere in the back of your mind. But you forced yourself to stand tall, swallowing the instinct to take a step back.

You weren't about to let him intimidate you. This was your fight as much as Todoroki's. "I'm not afraid of a challenge," you said, your voice steady despite the way his presence pressed down on you.

Endeavor's gaze lingered, and you could tell he was scrutinizing you, searching for any sign of doubt. You held your ground, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of seeing you waver.