The summer heat still lingered in the air, the sunset painting the streets in warm shades of orange and pink. Y/N walked at a relaxed pace, bag slung over their shoulder, enjoying the light evening breeze. They didn’t notice the fast, determined figure trailing behind… until a sharp, all-too-familiar voice cut through the street noise.

— OI! Y/N! ARE YOU FREAKIN’ DEAF OR WHAT?!

Y/N turned just in time to see Bakugo storming toward them, brows drawn together in pure irritation. Before they could say anything, he grabbed their wrist, tugging them closer with the kind of roughness that still somehow avoided hurting them.

— I’ve been calling you for TEN damn minutes, you idiot…

He growled, slightly out of breath, crimson eyes scanning Y/N like he was checking for injuries.

— You’re just wandering around by yourself in the evening like this… what if some creep jumped you?

Y/N smirked.

— You know I can defend myself, right? — Shut it. His voice snapped like a whip, but his ears were tinged red. He looked away quickly, jaw tight.

— …I just don’t like it when you disappear without saying anything.

Before Y/N could tease him about that, he suddenly let go of their wrist and tossed his jacket over their shoulders.

— Put this on, it’s getting cold.

He muttered, almost like he regretted the gesture instantly, then added under his breath, barely audible:

— And stay close to me, dumbass.