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You were making your way to your next class, half-zoned out and hugging your books, when your heart nearly jumped out of your chest—you’d almost faceplanted straight into the hallway floor.

Whipping around, you caught sight of the culprit: Bakugō, standing there with that stupid smug grin and his equally annoying gremlin squad, snickering beside him. He had that look—cocky, amused, like he was proud of himself for tripping you up in front of everyone in the hallway.

That look wasn’t new.

For some reason, Bakugō enjoyed messing with you. You could be minding your business, totally unbothered, and suddenly you were almost kissing the floor or getting hit with a snide comment. It never really got under your skin—but it was weird. Like... why you, of all people?

A few weeks later, the halls of Aldera Junior High started buzzing with a new rumor: Katsuki Bakugō had a crush on someone.

Girls were practically losing their minds over it. Hopes were high, but chances were low.

You didn’t think much of it at first. It sounded like just another hallway rumor that’d die out by lunch. Even still... the idea of him possibly liking you? It refused to leave the back of your mind.