Chapter 33 - Training Has Ended

The final match on the screen came to a dramatic end, the last two students collapsing in exhaustion as Present Mic shouted commentary with enough enthusiasm to shake the rafters. Aizawa finally stepped forward, his tired eyes half-lidded but his voice steady and clear as it echoed across Ground Beta.

"That concludes today's fight training. You all performed well—better than expected, even." A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "You're dismissed. Go change out of your hero costumes and return to the dorms. Get proper rest. You'll need it."

The entire class erupted in cheers—loud, triumphant, and relieved. Shoes scraped against the concrete as everyone began filing out, laughter and excited chatter filling the air. Kaminari slung an arm around Kirishima as they compared bruises. Jiro and Momo whispered about techniques they wanted to improve next time. Sero teased Mineta, who was still trembling from his match.

Yuuki stood slowly, stretching her sore arms. Mina immediately grabbed her hand.

"Come on, let's go!" she chirped, practically bouncing.

Uraraka fell in on Yuuki's other side, linking their arms together as the three made their way toward the changing rooms. The hallway buzzed with the lingering energy of the day, students talking over one another with stories, complaints, and victories.

Yuuki let out a long breath. "Fighting is... harder than it looks." She rubbed her shoulder where she'd taken one of Bakugo's earlier blasts. "My legs still feel a little wobbly."

"Oh, totally," Mina agreed dramatically. "It's like—bam!—and then—whoosh!—and then you're like, 'I have bones? Since when?' It's exhausting!"

Uraraka laughed softly. "At least you did amazing. Way better than you think, Yuuki. Everyone was so impressed."

Yuuki blushed at that, hands twisting nervously in her sleeves. "E-Everyone? Really?"

"Well..." Mina glanced back over her shoulder, smirking in the direction of a certain spiky-haired boy lagging behind the group. "Everyone... and someone."

Uraraka giggled instantly, catching on. "Oh yeah. Especially someone."

Yuuki blinked in confusion. "Wh—what? Who?"

Mina swung an arm around her and pulled her in close, whispering loudly, "Bakugo, duh!"

Yuuki instantly went stiff, face turning red as a strawberry. "W-What?! N-No, he—he yelled at me a lot! He always yells at me!"

Uraraka smiled knowingly. "Yeah... but he never lets anyone else yell at you."

Yuuki faltered her steps, eyes widening slightly. She hadn't thought about that. Not really.

Mina leaned closer, voice playful yet warm. "And he carried you. And stayed behind while you slept. And practically bit Iida's head off when he got too close! He's so obvious."

Yuuki's heart stumbled in her chest, a flutter of warmth spreading through her stomach. She hugged her oversized sweater tighter.

"I... I don't know," she whispered. "Bakugo... he's... intense."

"Exactly!" Mina said with a grin. "Intensely into you."

Yuuki covered her face with both hands as she walked, whining quietly. "Minaaaa, stoppp..."

Uraraka giggled and rubbed her back gently. "Whether it's true or not, he clearly cares about you a lot. And we're proud of you too. You were really brave today."

Yuuki peeked out from behind her sleeves, a small smile appearing. "Thank you... both of you."

As they reached the changing room doors, the girls pushed them open together. Behind them, further down the hall, Bakugo glanced up just in time to see Yuuki laughing between her two friends—soft, warm, safe.

He clenched his hands into fists in his pockets, his expression unreadable, before turning away with a low grumble and heading toward the boys' side.

•••

Yuuki finished pulling on her soft cream-colored sweater, the familiar fabric instantly calming her still-frayed nerves. Her jeans were comfortable, worn in all the right places, and she slipped into her shoes before taking a steadying breath. The changing room was quiet now—Mina, Uraraka, Jiro, and the rest were still getting ready, still chatting, still taking their time.

Yuuki hesitated for a moment, fidgeting with her sleeves. She replayed the days in her mind: the fight with All Might, being carried by Bakugo, the new hero costume Midoriya had made for her, the fight against Bakugo, fainting—again.Her face heated. There had been... a lot of Bakugo.

She let out a tiny sigh and shook herself before pushing the door open and stepping into the hallway.

When Yuuki entered the common room of Heights Alliance, she immediately felt all eyes shift toward her.

The boys had already gathered. Bakugo was slouched on the couch, arms crossed, scowl etched firmly in place; Kirishima sat on the floor leaning back against the coffee table; Midoriya hovered near the armchair with a notebook; Todoroki stood near the window with a glass of water; Kaminari lay upside down on the couch armrest for absolutely no reason.

For a split second, the room went strangely quiet.

Then Kirishima brightened instantly. "Hey! Yuuki! You're back!"

Midoriya rushed forward a step. "A-Are you feeling better? I mean, Recovery Girl said you should be fine now, but I—uh—I just wanted to make sure!"

Kaminari flipped upright and pointed dramatically. "She LIVES!"

Todoroki gave a small nod. "Good to see you're doing well."

Yuuki flushed at all the attention, waving her hands lightly. "I-I'm okay. A little tired, but... better."

She moved further into the room, smiling softly at the warmth of the boys' welcome. But her eyes drifted—just for a moment—toward Bakugo.

He had been staring since she walked in.

He didn't hide it. His eyes scanned her as if checking for any sign she was still hurt.

When Yuuki met his gaze, Bakugo scoffed and jerked his head away, mumbling something under his breath.

Kirishima grinned at the reaction and nudged Kaminari knowingly.

Midoriya, oblivious to the silent exchange, stepped closer. "If you need anything—water, snacks, anything at all—just tell us, Yuuki."

Yuuki tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, cheeks warming. "Thank you, Midoriya. That's really sweet."