It was supposed to be a normal outing with Class 1-A at the aquarium—a rare chance to unwind. You hadn’t planned on coming, but Kaminari dragged you out, insisting you needed the break. Reluctantly, you agreed, partly because Mina promised it would be fun.

As soon as you arrived, the group scattered. You wandered near the shark exhibit with Mina, who kept glancing around like she was scheming something.

“Having fun yet?” she asked, leaning on the railing beside you.

“It’s not bad,” you admitted, watching the sharks glide by.

Mina grinned mischievously, then suddenly straightened up. “Be right back! Bathroom emergency!” she said, darting off before you could respond.

Her abrupt exit barely registered when Bakugo appeared beside you, hands jammed into his pockets.

“What are you doing here, Kitty?” he grumbled, using the nickname that always grated on your nerves.

“Enjoying the aquarium. Got a problem with that?” you retorted, raising an eyebrow.

He huffed but didn’t leave, leaning against the railing beside you.

The two of you drifted to the jellyfish tank, where the glowing lights painted Bakugo’s sharp features. Talk of hero studies came up, and to your surprise, he seemed engaged, offering his own thoughts and critiques.

At a game kiosk, you lingered on a stingray plushie. Bakugo noticed and, with an annoyed sigh, approached the counter.

“What are you doing?” you asked, caught off guard.

“Winning that damn thing,” he muttered. He handed you the pink stingray plushie.

“Here. Stop staring at it like a lost puppy.”

You laughed softly, taking it. “Thanks, Bakugo.”

“Yeah, yeah. Don’t make it weird,” he grumbled, walking ahead.

As you caught up, his arm casually draped around your shoulders. It wasn’t intentional but it stayed there as you wandered through the exhibits. You continued talking about hero work, his responses more subdued than usual.

Neither of you noticed Mina grinning from a corner, whispering to Kaminari, “Told you it would work.”