Unveiled Winds || Katsuki Bakugou x Reader

Chapter 32 - Tension

The next day was a blur of frustration and simmering anger. You'd barely said a word to anyone, brushing off concerned glances with a forced smile or a curt nod. The memory of Eclipse slipping through your grasp was a festering wound.

You replayed the events over and over, the rage building each time you saw his mocking grin in your mind's eye, taunting you. Why had he just vanished like that? It didn't make sense, and it only added to the fury of feeling so powerless.

Now, at the agency's gym, you were taking it out on the punching bag. Each blow was harder than the last, punches and kicks landing with a relentless fury that left your knuckles raw and your muscles aching.

Sweat dripped down your forehead, stinging your eyes, but you didn't stop. Couldn't stop.

The frustration, the anger, the self-doubt, they all fueled each strike, until you felt something inside you snap. With a guttural yell, you channeled your quirk, pouring everything into a final, explosive blow.

The impact sent the heavy punching bag flying off its chains, crashing into the far wall with a deafening thud.

You stood there, chest heaving, breath ragged, staring at the wreckage in front of you. Your fists were trembling, fingers still clenched tightly

Y'know," Bakugou's voice interrupted, half-teasing but with a serious edge, "if you keep destroying my gym, I'm gonna make you pay for it."

You clenched your fists, still catching your breath, refusing to meet his gaze. "Then get better equipment," you muttered, your voice tight. The truth was, you didn't trust yourself to look at him right now, not with everything racing through your mind.

Bakugou stepped closer, his presence somehow making the room feel smaller. "You gonna keep ignoring me, or are you finally gonna tell me what's eating at you?"

Your eyes stayed glued to the torn punching bag, your chest tightening with frustration. It wasn't just Eclipse. That alone was enough to make you feel furious and powerless.

But even now, you couldn't stop thinking about yesterday, about that kiss.

You swallowed, finally managing to say, "It's not just about Eclipse." Your voice came out steadier than you felt, though you still couldn't bring yourself to look at him. Your cheeks burned, and you hoped he didn't notice.

"Then what the hell is it?" Bakugou's tone was both demanding and hesitant, like he was treading on unfamiliar ground.

You shook your head, feeling your face grow hotter, and forced a tight smile. "Nothing. Just... drop it." You turned away, but it didn't help.

Your mind was still stuck on that moment, wondering why it happened, what it meant, and why it left you feeling so unbalanced. You hated that it was all so confusing, hated that you couldn't stop thinking about it.

You turned to walk away, needing space before you said something you'd regret. But before you could take more than a step, Bakugou's hand shot out, grabbing your wrist with a firm but careful grip.

"Don't walk away from me," he said, his voice a low, challenging growl. His grip wasn't painful, but it was unyielding. You froze, not daring to turn back and meet his eyes, the tension between you both almost tangible.

"Let go, Bakugou," you muttered, your voice strained. You didn't want to be here. You didn't want to face him, not now.

"No," he snapped, tugging your wrist just enough to pull you around to face him. "You've been dodging this all day, and I'm not letting you off that easy. What the hell's going on with you?"