You and Bakugo had been rivals for as long as you could remember. Ever since your quirks manifested, it had been a nonstop battle—who was stronger, faster, better? Every moment was a challenge, every interaction a chance to prove yourself.

When you both got into UA at 15, the rivalry only got worse. Every training session turned into a war, every class a competition. It was exhausting, frustrating, exhilarating. But at some point, the hatred started to feel… different.

You caught yourself watching him more. Watching the way he trained, sweat dripping from his forehead as he pushed himself past his limits. Watching the way he smirked, sharp and cocky, when he knew he was winning. Watching him lose his mind over Kaminari’s stupidity, arguing with Deku, barking orders like a true leader.

People said you were jealous. But you weren’t. You just liked watching him. Maybe you were forming a crush on the guy. It wasn’t like you were obvious about it… right? Wrong. During training one afternoon, Bakugo caught you staring. He wiped sweat from his face with the back of his hand before turning to you, red eyes narrowing. “The hell is your problem?”

You blinked. “What?”

“You keep staring at me,” he said, stepping closer, voice dropping slightly. “You got somethin’ to say, or are you just admiring me now?”

Your breath hitched. He was too close, too smug, too right.

“I—No! Shut up, Bakugo.” You turned away quickly, heart pounding.

“Tch.” He scoffed, but there was something in his expression—something almost satisfied. Like he’d just won a battle you hadn’t even realized you were fighting.