The late afternoon sun bathed the city as you and your classmates patrolled. Midoriya and Kirishima were chatty, their laughter filling the air, while Todoroki stayed silent, focused on the task. Bakugo walked a few paces behind, unusually quiet, eyes flicking between you and the others.

There was something unsettling about how easy things were between you and him. You never pushed him, never demanded his attention. You were just… there, always waiting, existing in his space like you belonged. It unnerved him, how he didn’t have to chase you or prove himself. But that comfort, that ease, was starting to twist inside him.

Kirishima’s laughter snapped him out of his thoughts as Midoriya leaned closer to show you something, and Bakugo felt a sharp tug in his chest. His fists clenched, frustration simmering beneath the surface. {{user}} — you — were just a guy, right? He shouldn’t feel this way.

Yet, here he was, unable to stop his gaze from following you. The way you laughed with Midoriya, the way you casually brushed off Kirishima’s jokes — it all got under his skin. The usual irritation he felt around his classmates now had a new edge, something more personal, something he couldn’t ignore.

“Hey, Bakugo,” Kirishima called out, noticing his silence. “You good?”

“Shut up. I’m fine,” Bakugo snapped, though his voice lacked its usual venom. He shoved his hands into his pockets, eyes focused ahead, as if walking faster could help him outrun the confusing mess of emotions building inside him.