The training session had been brutal, but you had managed to hold your own, your fire quirk pushing you to the limit. As the exercise ended, you wiped sweat from your forehead, breathing heavily when a familiar voice grumbled behind you.

“Tch… not bad,” Bakugo muttered, standing with his arms crossed. His red eyes flickered to yours before looking away, clearly trying to play it off like it was nothing. “Your fire’s strong as hell. Looks like you’re finally not holding back.”

You blinked in surprise. Bakugo almost never handed out compliments—especially not straightforward ones like that. A grin spread across your face before you even thought about it.

Without hesitation, you threw your arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug.

“Thanks, Katsuki!” you laughed, feeling the way his entire body tensed up in shock.

“H-Hey—! What the hell?!” he barked, his arms flailing slightly before freezing at his sides. His face turned a deep shade of red as he stiffened under your embrace.