Chapter 30: Bakugo x Mina
The sun hung low in the sky over U.A. High School, casting a warm, golden light across the training yard. The air was crisp, filled with the earthy scent of fallen leaves, the first hint of autumn settling in. Katsuki Bakugo, a fierce and determined individual, was in the midst of an intense training session, his explosions crackling in bursts as he practiced his moves. He was wholly focused, as always, on pushing his limits and mastering his Quirk.
Meanwhile, Mina Ashido, perpetually full of energy and enthusiasm, was rehearsing for her dance practice that evening. The vibrant pink of her hair seemed to capture the sunlight, glowing almost ethereally as she twirled and spun. Her movements were fluid and graceful, the leaves around her swirling up into the air like confetti. As she landed softly, her smile was bright, her laughter echoing joyfully in the fall air.
Bakugo, in a rare moment of distraction from his training, paused to watch her. He couldn't believe how stunning she looked dancing amidst the falling leaves, her playful spirit reflected in every movement. The combination of her exuberance and the picturesque backdrop made his heart skip a beat.
Mina, catching Bakugo's gaze lingering on her, felt a rush of warmth rise to her cheeks, mixed with a smirk of mischief. "What's wrong, Bakugo? You can't take your eyes off me?" she teased, her voice light.
"Shut up! I wasn't staring!" he shot back, crossing his arms defiantly, but the flush of embarrassment creeping up his neck betrayed him.
"Oh really? Because I saw you watching me dance. Face it, you're totally mesmerized!" Mina continued to prod, loving how flustered he was becoming.
They both knew that this playful back-and-forth was a staple of their friendship. Bakugo's pride seldom allowed him to admit when he was caught off guard, and yet Mina always seemed to find a way to push his buttons. "I'm not mesmerized! You just suck at knowing when someone's busy!" he grumbled, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Mina's eyes sparkled with a challenge. "If you're so sure, then how about I give you a show? Bet you can't handle it!"
Bakugo's smirk returned; he could play this game too. "Fine. You think you can distract me? I'll show you who's really focused here." He stepped closer, his confident demeanor shifting to a playful one as he cornered her against the wall, leaning in just enough to invade her personal space.
The teasing spark in his eyes made Mina's heart race, and suddenly, it felt a lot less like playful banter and much more intense. "Y-You think you're so tough, huh?" She stuttered, trying to maintain her bravado.
Bakugo leaned in, his face inches from hers. "Not tough, just better than you at not getting distracted." The smirk on his face suggested he enjoyed her flustered reaction immensely, and Mina was blushing profusely.
"Okay, okay! You win! Just… stop looking at me like that!" Mina managed to say, embarrassed but exhilarated at the same time. Bakugo, sensing he had her flustered, reveled in the win.
Later that evening, as Bakugo sat in his room, surrounded by books and papers while studying, he never noticed Mina sneak in quietly. She had concocted an idea for her little revenge, a plan to surprise him.
With a quick breath to steady herself, she hopped up onto Bakugo's lap, startling him out of his focused haze. Before he could register what was happening, she leaned in and pressed her lips against his. The shock hit him like one of his explosions, but instead of pushing her away, his instinct took over, and he kissed her back, surprising them both.
When they finally pulled away, both of their faces were flushed, a charged silence enveloping them. "I can't believe you just did that," he murmured, still processing.
Mina surveyed his stunned expression, her excitement bubbling beneath her playful demeanor. "Yeah, well, you were busy staring at me all day, right?"
Bakugo laughed quietly, realizing she had made a point. "I did stare," he admitted, looking into her eyes with newfound vulnerability. "Honestly, I've liked you for a while now."
Mina's heart swelled at his confession, and her smirk returned, victorious. "Took you long enough to say it," she teased before leaning in again, sealing their unspoken words with another kiss.
From that day forward, their friendship blossomed into something undeniably deeper, and all of the playful arguments turned into moments of tenderness. They were a force to be reckoned with—a perfect match, both fiery and passionate, and as vibrant as the leaves dancing in the fall.