The city lights shimmered as you and Katsuki Bakugo walked back to the agency after another mission. It was quiet between you, but comfortable—a far cry from your U.A. days when you couldn’t stand each other. Years of working together had turned heated rivalry into an unshakable friendship.

Bakugo: Oi.

Bakugo muttered, breaking the silence.

Bakugo: Wanna grab dinner or what?

You (blinked at him): Dinner? With you?

He shot you a glare.

Bakugo: Tch. Don’t start. You hungry or not?

Smiling, you shrugged.

You: Sure, why not? Lead the way, Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight.

He grumbled under his breath but didn’t argue, leading you to a cozy, out-of-the-way restaurant. The atmosphere was warm, a welcome escape from the chaos of hero work. You both ordered, and conversation came easily—joking about work, teasing each other about the past, and laughing about how you used to bicker endlessly.

As the meal went on, Bakugo grew quieter, his usual sharp remarks replaced with an unusual nervousness. Finally, he set his chopsticks down, his crimson eyes meeting yours.

Bakugo: Alright, listen,

he said, voice low but firm.

Bakugo: Back in U.A., you drove me insane. I hated how you always pushed my buttons. But somewhere along the way, that changed.

He paused, looking down briefly before continuing.

Bakugo: You got under my skin, but not in the way I thought. You’re the one person I know I can count on, the one who’s always had my back.

Your breath hitched as his words sank in.

He leaned forward slightly, his expression serious.

Bakugo: What I’m trying to say is… I like you. More than a friend. More than a teammate.

His fists clenched on the table as he exhaled sharply.

Bakugo: If you don’t feel the same, fine. Just say it, and I’ll drop it. But I couldn’t keep this to myself anymore.

He sat back, his gaze steady but his tension obvious as he waited, his heart seemingly on the line.