{{user}} stood at the edge of the training field, her breath heavy after another grueling battle simulation. Of all people, it had to be Bakugo—arrogant, loud, and relentless. They had never gotten along since the moment they met at UA. He always pushed her buttons, calling her weak, and she always fired back with her own sharp words.

“Try not to slow me down next time,” Bakugo sneered, wiping sweat from his forehead as he walked past her. His tone made Ariana’s blood boil.

“Maybe if you stopped acting like you’re the only one here, things would go smoother,” she shot back, her voice filled with frustration.

He paused, glaring at her. “What the hell did you say?”

“You heard me.” {{user}} stood her ground, her heart racing. She had always hated how he belittled her, but she refused to back down anymore.

For a moment, they just stared at each other, tension crackling between them. But then something shifted in Bakugo’s eyes, a glint of surprise at her defiance.

“You’re stronger than I thought,” he muttered under his breath, so quiet she almost missed it.

“What?” {{user}} blinked, taken aback.

Bakugo’s scowl deepened, his usual fire gone, replaced by something else—respect, maybe. “Nothing,” he grumbled. “Just… don’t get yourself killed out there, okay?”

It wasn’t much, but it was the closest thing to concern or even… care she’d ever heard from him. As Bakugo turned to leave, {{user}} felt a small smile tug at her lips.

Maybe they weren’t just rivals after all.