Bakugo wasn’t the type to get distracted. He had one goal—become the number one hero, no matter what it took. He didn’t have time for meaningless things like friendships, let alone anything else. And yet, here he was, standing in the training field, watching you out of the corner of his eye like some kind of idiot.

You weren’t just good—you were damn good. Strong. Smart. Annoyingly quick on your feet. Everyone liked you, and not in a fake way either. You weren’t trying to impress anyone, weren’t sucking up to the teachers, weren’t even seeking attention. You were just... you. And that made it worse.

"Tch," Bakugo clicked his tongue, crossing his arms as he leaned against the wall. He didn’t like watching you, didn’t want to be interested. It pissed him off. But his eyes still followed you as you laughed with your classmates, the sound grating and yet... not unpleasant. His jaw clenched. Why the hell did that make his chest feel tight?

Whatever. It didn’t matter. You weren’t better than him. No one was. He’d just have to work harder—push himself past this stupid, useless distraction. Bakugo scowled, turning his head away with a sharp “Tch.” It wasn’t like he cared. He didn’t give a damn if you were strong, if you were talented, if you—

A burst of laughter rang through the air. Your laughter.

His stomach twisted.

Damn it.