that's just how it works [REWRITING]

Chapter Twenty six - Battle for the Points

. . .

   'And how the hell did I get roped into this?'

   Wait, stop. Stop. Let's back up a little.

   "Now then, I will explain the rules of the calvary battle. The time limit is fifteen minutes. Each team is worth the total of its members' points, and the riders will wear a headband with that number on their foreheads. Teams will try to grab each other's headbands until time runs out, and try to keep as many points as they can." Midnight's voice was loud across the stadium, as to ensure everyone heard. You crossed your arms across your chest, pursing your lips. 

   'This shouldn't be too difficult.'

   "Stolen headbands must be worn from the neck up. So the more you steal, the harder it'll be to manage them! And the most important thing is that even if your headband gets stolen, or if your team falls, you're not out!" Midnight grinned at the students in front of her, hand on her hip. You heard students muttering around you about strategies that could work. Midnight continued talking. "During the game, it'll be a cruel fight where you can use your Quirks. But it is still a cavalry battle. You'll get a red card for attacks that are trying to make people fall on purpose! You'll be removed immediately!"

   You ducked your head down to hide your grin. It honestly made you happy that Bakugou couldn't bully Midoriya for no reason. Although, that doesn't mean that Midoriya would be completely safe...

   "Now, you have fifteen minutes to build your teams. Start!"

   A timer started to count down, and you looked up quickly. Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed Midoriya obviously start planning. You glance around, gulping. Now, of course you wanted to be with Midoriya, but that was simply based on how much he meant to you. 'It's time to get serious.'

   You backed up away from Midoriya, slowly, as you didn't want him to see you walk away from him and potentially hurt his feelings. 'Softie.' You chastised yourself.

   Taking a deep breath, you surveyed your team options. You saw a small crowd of people gathered around someone, and at closer inspection, you saw Bakugou in the middle. You huffed, rolling your eyes. "Typical..."

   You turned to look around a bit more, considering the possibility of just going back to Midoriya, as he will accept you no matter what, when someone gripped at your wrist. You inhaled sharply, tensing as you swung your head around to glare at whoever it was. 

   "Team up with me, Smoky."

   A sigh left your lips, and you weakly tried to get out of Bakugou's grasp. "Why would you want to team up with me? You have a whole crowd back there eager to drool all over you."

   He 'tsk'ed and only tightened his grip on your wrist. "You're teaming up with me."

   You let out a long breath and slumped over. "Whatever... And what was with that nickname earlier? Smoky?"

   "It's meant to be a fucking insult!"

   "Whatever you say, Explodey..."

   "Excuse me?!"

   'Oh yeah, that's how I got roped into this.'

   You gasp and flinch as you feel Bakugou use his explosions to blast himself off of the little perch you, Kirishima, and Sero had made for Bakugou to ride. You call his name, concerned that this would disqualify your team. "Bakugou-Kun!"