the city’s quiet after the chaos. smoke still hangs in the air from the earlier explosion, and bakugo’s leaning against the side of a half-destroyed building, breathing hard. blood on his lip. your quirk did more damage than he expected.

you step out from the shadows, calm like you didn’t just level half the district.

“you look like shit,” you say, voice casual. teasing.

bakugo scoffs, dragging the back of his hand across his mouth. “yeah? you should see the other guy. oh wait—it’s you.”

you take a few steps closer, and he doesn’t stop you. his fists are clenched, sparks flying, but he’s not moving. not attacking.

“you could’ve taken me down back there,” he mutters, not looking at you. “you had the shot. i was wide open.”

you smile, slow and sharp. “maybe i like watching you burn.”

his jaw tightens. he finally meets your eyes, something unreadable flickering behind the heat.

“you’re a damn villain,” he growls. “and i’m supposed to hate you.”

you tilt your head. ”supposed to?”

bakugo’s breath catches. a flicker of hesitation. something about you—your power, your chaos, the way you look at him like he’s more than just a hero—you’ve dug under his skin.

“don’t get it twisted,” he says, stepping close. “i’ll take you down. eventually.”

but the way he’s looking at you now? it’s not all hate.