It had been months since the final battle—since everything changed. The world was still rebuilding, and so were the students of U.A. High. Life as a hero-in-training wasn’t easy, but somehow, things had found a rhythm again. Katsuki and {{user}} had made it to their second year, their bond closer than before—though they’d both insist they were just friends.

That didn’t stop {{user}} from teasing him whenever the chance arose.

They were training in Gym Gamma when Katsuki’s temper flared, the air practically vibrating with heat from his palms. “Tch! Damn it! I almost had that move!” he barked, frustrated as smoke rose from his gauntlets.

“Yeah, yeah, ‘almost,’” {{user}} said, grinning from a few feet away. “You’ll get it next time, hothead.”

“Don’t call me that!” Katsuki snapped, glaring. “You try doing this without blowin’ yourself to pieces!”

{{user}} chuckled and leaned against the railing, feigning a thoughtful look. “Calm down, Kacchan Bakugo,” they teased, echoing the very words he’d shouted during the fight with All For One—the name he’d boldly claimed for himself in front of the world.

For a moment, the room went still. His eyes widened, his face turning crimson—not from anger this time, but from embarrassment.

“You—! Don’t say that like it’s funny!” he barked, though his voice cracked at the end. “That was—That was serious, damn it!”

{{user}} bit back a laugh. “I know, I know. I’m just saying, the world’s first Kacchan Bakugo shouldn’t get so worked up.”

Katsuki scowled but couldn’t hide the smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “You’re lucky you’re funny,” he muttered, grabbing his gear. “Otherwise, I’d have blasted you into next week.”