Chapter 10 - Don't Be Late

Yuuki took her time packing up. She placed her pastel-colored pens neatly into a small pouch, stacked her notebooks in perfect order, and tucked them carefully into her backpack. She always liked to take her time—she hated rushing, and it gave her a moment to calm her nerves before the next part of the day began. But today, her hands trembled slightly. Her heart was already starting to race, because the evening was drawing closer, and with it came her "study session" with Bakugo.

As she zipped up her bag, Uraraka leaned over her desk, smiling warmly. "So, Yuuki," she said in her usual gentle tone, "what time are you going to Bakugo's room tonight?"

Before Yuuki could answer, Mina came bouncing over, her bright pink hair swaying as she grinned mischievously. "Yeah, when's the date, huh?" she teased, winking dramatically. "You gotta tell us all the details!"

Yuuki's cheeks flushed pink almost instantly. "I-I don't know yet," she stuttered, clutching the strap of her backpack nervously. "H-he said he'd text me... later." Her voice came out soft and unsure, her hazel eyes darting down toward the floor.

Mina gasped. "Ooooh, mysterious," she said playfully, elbowing Uraraka. "He's making her wait for it!"

Uraraka giggled, shaking her head. "Mina, stop teasing her. She's already nervous enough."

Yuuki let out a soft, shy laugh, her fingers playing with the hem of her sleeve. "I'm just... a little scared," she admitted quietly. "I don't want to mess up or say something dumb."

Uraraka's eyes softened. "Hey, you'll be fine, Yuuki. You're sweet, and Bakugo knows that. Just be yourself, okay?"

Mina nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! And if he yells at you, I'll yell at him myself!"

That made Yuuki giggle, even if it was a nervous one. "Please don't do that..." she said, shaking her head softly.

As the three of them made their way toward the door, the room was still buzzing with noise. Midoriya and Todoroki were talking quietly near the window, comparing notes. Jirou and Yaoyorozu were discussing something about the written exam, while Kaminari and Sero were joking about who'd flunk first. It was loud, chaotic, and full of life—the kind of energy that made U.A. feel like home.

But over all that noise came a familiar, rough voice.

"Come on, Red, you're goin' down this time!"

Yuuki turned her head and blinked. At the back of the classroom, Bakugo was locked in an arm wrestling match with Kirishima, both of them looking absolutely determined. The table between them creaked under the pressure of their strength, sparks of heat flickering faintly from Bakugo's palm as Kirishima's arm hardened into its rocky form.

"Yeah right, bro!" Kirishima grinned, teeth bared in excitement. "You're not winning that easy!"

"Watch me," Bakugo growled, his eyes narrowing in that fiery, confident way that always made Yuuki's chest tighten.

Around them, half the class had gathered, cheering and laughing, shouting out who they thought would win. Kaminari yelled encouragement to Kirishima, while Sero was recording it on his phone. Even Aizawa, still at his desk, sighed deeply but didn't bother to stop them.

Yuuki couldn't help but stare for a moment. Bakugo looked so sure of himself—so full of energy and drive, like nothing could ever scare him or shake his confidence. It was something she admired quietly, even if he intimidated her more than anyone else.

Then, as if he could sense her gaze, Bakugo's red eyes flicked up—and locked right onto hers.

Yuuki froze instantly, her breath catching in her throat. His expression didn't change much, but there was something sharp and unreadable in his eyes, like he'd noticed her watching and wasn't going to let it go.

She squeaked softly and turned away quickly, clutching her bag tighter against her chest. Her face burned as she pretended to adjust her notebook, her heart hammering like it wanted to leap out of her chest.

Behind her, she heard a sudden slam as Bakugo forced Kirishima's hand down against the table, winning the match in an explosive finish.

"Ha! Told ya, dumbass!" Bakugo barked triumphantly, smirking as Kirishima laughed and rubbed his sore hand.

Mina rolled her eyes as she glanced back. "Ugh, typical Bakugo," she muttered with a playful grin. "You'd think winning would humble him just once."

Uraraka giggled. "He'd never let that happen."

Yuuki smiled softly, though she didn't say anything. She was too busy trying to calm her racing heart.

As the girls walked out of the classroom together, Yuuki glanced back just once.

Bakugo was still at his desk, arms crossed, laughing faintly with Kirishima and Sero. But for a brief second—just before she turned away—his eyes flicked toward her again, catching her gaze.

Her breath hitched.

And though she quickly looked down and hurried to catch up with Mina and Uraraka, her cheeks stayed pink the whole way down the hall.

•••

Back in her dorm room, Yuuki stood in front of her open closet, her heart racing so fast it felt like it might burst. The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the window, painting her room in soft gold, and every few minutes she'd pace from the mirror to the bed and back again, holding up different outfits, trying to decide which one was right.

She must have changed her mind at least ten times. One outfit felt too casual, the next one felt too dressy. She didn't want to look like she was trying too hard—but she also didn't want to look like she didn't care. It wasn't like she was going on a date or anything... they were just studying. But still. It was Bakugo.

She held up a soft lavender sweater and tilted her head. It was cozy and comfortable, but cute enough that she didn't feel plain. She paired it with a short pleated skirt, white ankle socks, and her favorite slippers—the ones shaped like little cats. Her hair, usually loose, was pulled back into a low ponytail with a scrunchie that matched her sweater. She gave herself one last look in the mirror, adjusting a strand of hair that had fallen in front of her face.

"Okay, Yuuki..." she whispered to her reflection, taking a deep breath. "You can do this. It's just studying... he's not scary. Well, okay, he is scary, but you can handle it."

Her phone buzzed suddenly on the bed, and her stomach flipped. She scrambled to grab it, half afraid, half curious. The screen lit up with a new message from a name that made her breath catch:

Bakugo 💥: "Be at my dorm by 6. Don't be late, got it?"

Yuuki blinked down at the message, rereading it twice. The way he texted was so him—short, blunt, and bossy. No emojis, no greetings, no punctuation beyond what was absolutely necessary. Just pure Bakugo energy.

She sat down on the edge of her bed, hugging her phone to her chest for a moment before typing out a reply. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard nervously before she started typing.

Yuuki 🧸: "O-okay! I'll be there right at 6! Thank you for inviting me to study with you... I'll do my best!"

She hesitated, biting her lip, then added quickly:

Yuuki 🧸: "I won't be late, promise!"

After she hit send, she covered her face with her hands and let out a tiny squeak of embarrassment. "Oh no, that sounded so awkward," she groaned softly, peeking between her fingers to see if he'd read it yet. Her heart skipped when she saw the little "Read" sign appear almost immediately.

A moment later, another text popped up.

Bakugo 💥: "Tch. Just don't make me wait around."

She smiled faintly, her cheeks pink. That was... probably the closest thing to "I'll see you then" that she'd ever get from him.

She set her phone down beside her and looked at the clock. It was 5:12. She still had a little time before she had to leave, but she couldn't sit still. She kept brushing her hair, checking her reflection, fixing tiny things that didn't even need fixing.

Every so often, she'd look at the time again, her nerves tangling tighter. She couldn't tell if she was more excited or terrified. Maybe both.

When the clock finally hit 5:45, Yuuki slipped into her shoes and grabbed her small notebook and pencil case. Her teddy bear sat propped up on her bed, watching her with its stitched-on smile. She gave it a quick squeeze before leaving.

"Wish me luck," she whispered.

Then, with her heart fluttering like a trapped butterfly, she stepped out of her room and headed down the hallway toward Bakugo's dorm.