The agency bustled with the usual activity, agents navigating through their tasks and interactions. Kurmara found herself engaged in a casual conversation with Mina near the coffee machine. "Hey, Kurmara! You won't believe the gossip I heard about when we were at the nightclub," Mina exclaimed, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Kurmara chuckled, "Oh really? I'm surprised you remember anything after we got completely shitfaced." Mina grinned, "How do you know how drunk we got?" "Because I don't get hungover like that," Kurmara replied with a smirk, and the two women laughed. As the laughter subsided, Mina leaned in with a sly expression. "I heard a little birdie say that you and Bakugou left the club together. What's the story there?" Kurmara sighed, her tone turning more serious. "Yeah, well, I was drunk and Bakugou offered to drive me back. It was just because I was too drunk to get there myself. Nothing scandalous, I promise." Mina raised an eyebrow, "Drive you back? Bakugou? Now, that's something. Are you sure there's nothing more to it?" Kurmara rolled her eyes.
"Mina, it's not like that. We're just colleagues. Besides, I barely remember the drive home." Mina winked, "Sure, sure. I won't press further... for now." As the two shared a knowing smile, Midoriya approached them with a concerned expression. "Hey, have either of you seen Iida? I've been looking everywhere for him." Both Kurmara and Mina shook their heads in unison. "Nope, sorry, Deku. Haven't seen him," Mina said, glancing around the room. Midoriya sighed, "Alright. Kurmara, did you finish the paperwork I asked for last time?" Kurmara nodded, her gaze focused on her desk. "Yeah, I got it done. It's on my desk if you want to follow me." Midoriya thanked her, and Kurmara bid farewell to Mina before leading Midoriya to her workspace. Kurmara led Midoriya through the bustling agency, their footsteps echoing in the hallway. Midoriya broke the silence, concern etched on his face. "How have you been, Kurmara?" She shrugged, offering a nonchalant smile. "I'm fine, just hoping to get on some patrols. You know me, always itching for action." Midoriya chuckled, "Funny you mention that. I was actually looking for Iida because we need to go over the patrol lists. But he's nowhere to be found."
Kurmara couldn't help but giggle. "Are you sure you checked everywhere?" Midoriya paused, looking at her for a moment before realization hit. He mumbled to himself, "Everywhere... maybe I missed something." Kurmara burst into laughter, a genuine sound that filled the hallway. Midoriya's face flushed slightly as he apologized, "Sorry, I tend to get a bit focused." "It's fine," Kurmara reassured him, still smiling. "I'm glad you're still the same Midoriya from our high school days." Midoriya's smile widened, "Yeah, some things never change. Let's get those papers so I can finish my hunt for Iida." They arrived at Kurmara's desk, and she opened one of her drawers, pulling out a folder. She handed it to Midoriya, who peered inside and found what he was looking for. "Thanks, Kurmara. I appreciate it. The patrol lists should be posted within the next thirty minutes," Midoriya said, gratitude in his voice. Kurmara nodded, "No problem. If you need anything else, you know where to find me." As Midoriya walked away, Kurmara found herself lost in her thoughts. She leaned back in her chair, her gaze drifting to the window.
The sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow on her desk. Her mind wandered back to her night at the club before getting smashed with Mina. The pulsating music, the rhythmic laughter, and the fleeting moments of joy lingered in her memory. For a brief time, the weight of hero duties had lifted, and she embraced the simplicity of being. A faint smile played on her lips as she reminisced about the carefree moments. However, the warmth of the memories contrasted sharply with the reality of the agency's current atmosphere. Just then, Bakugou approached her desk with his usual brash demeanor. "Oi, Odd-Eyes. Where's the paperwork I asked for?" Kurmara was brought back to the present. She opened another drawer and handed him the requested documents. "Here. Don't act like you're doing me a favor." Bakugou grunted in response, taking the papers. "Whatever. Just get your shit together, will ya?" Kurmara smirked, "Always a pleasure, Bakugou." As Bakugou stomped away, she returned to her thoughts. The agency buzzed with activity around her, yet Kurmara felt a sense of detachment. The day had taken an unexpected turn, and she couldn't shake the feeling that more surprises were in store.
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The early afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the agency windows as Sero, Mina, and Denki gathered around Kurmara's desk. They exchanged playful banter, and Mina couldn't resist bringing up the latest gossip. "Guys, you won't believe what I heard about Bakugou and Kurmara," Mina began with a smirk. "What's the latest gossip with Miss Multi-Quirk?" Denki queried, a mischievous grin playing on his face. Kurmara, engrossed in her work, looked up with a groan and a raised eyebrow. "Ugh, Miss Multi-Quirk? Seriously, Denki?" Denki chuckled, "You know you love it, Kurmara. Anyway, spill, Mina." Mina leaned in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "So, rumor has it that Bakugou drove our dear Kurmara home after our night at the club." Sero raised an eyebrow, "Really now? Bakugou playing the gentleman? That's hard to believe." Kurmara sighed, anticipating the questions that were about to follow. "It's not that big of a deal. I was too drunk to make it on my own, so he offered me a ride. That's all." Denki wiggled his eyebrows, "Just sharing a ride, huh? Anything more scandalous happen?"
Sero joined in, a playful smirk on his face. "Yeah, Kurmara, did Bakugou make a move?" Kurmara rolled her eyes, "No and no. Can we move on now?" Mina, always eager to join the banter, continued, "Come on, Miss Multi-Quirk, don't leave us hanging. What was it like being alone with Bakugou?" Sero chimed in, "Yeah, Kurmara, we need all the juicy details. Did he say anything romantic?" Kurmara sighed, feeling the pressure from her curious colleagues. "It was just a ride home, guys. Nothing romantic or exciting about it. Now, can I get back to work?" Denki grinned, "Aw, come on, Kurmara. You can't blame us for being curious. Bakugou isn't exactly known for being Mr. Nice Guy." Sero added, "True. It's a rare sight to see him doing something considerate. What's his angle?" Kurmara shook her head, "There's no angle. We're just colleagues. Now, please, let me focus." Mina, sensing an opportunity for more teasing, looked at Kurmara with a sly smile. "Or is there something you're not telling us, Kurmara?" Denki chimed in, "Yeah, spill the beans, Miss Multi-Quirk. We won't judge."
Kurmara sighed, "There's nothing more. We're just colleagues. Can we drop this already?" Denki added, his question carrying a spicier tone, "Come on, Miss Multi-Quirk, don't tell me things didn't get interesting when he was at your place. Did Bakugou try to make a move?" Kurmara blushed at the unexpected turn of the conversation, playfully shaking her head. "No and shut up, both of you. It was nothing like that." Sero, with a smirk, added his own spicy twist, "Yeah, Kurmara, don't hold back. Did Bakugou turn on the charm when he was in your house?" Kurmara, flustered and astonished by their questions, chuckled nervously. "No, and seriously, shut up." Mina, sensing a lingering mystery, couldn't resist one more question. Mina chuckled, "Oh, come on, Kurmara. The suspense is killing us. Do you like Bakugou?" Kurmara shot Mina a playful glare. "No, Mina, I don't. Now, can we get back to work?" Mina grinned, "Oh, I'm not convinced, but fine, we'll drop it for now." The banter continued, and Kurmara found herself caught in the crossfire of her friends' teasing.
Despite her attempts to divert the conversation, it seemed like her colleagues were determined to uncover the mysteries of her relationship with Bakugou. Sero raised an eyebrow, "Alright, Hayashi, we'll leave you alone... for now. But if anything interesting happens, you know where to find us." Denki added with a wink, "And Miss Multi-Quirk, you'll be the first one we come to for the scoop." Kurmara shook her head, chuckling at their persistence. "You guys are incorrigible." As her friends dispersed, Kurmara couldn't help but smile. The banter, though sometimes overwhelming, was a testament to the camaraderie they shared. She returned to her work, musing over the unexpected attention her routine ride home had garnered. Little did she know, the rumors and playful teasing were far from over. After about ten minutes to herself, Uraraka walked over to Kurmara's desk, greeting her warmly. Kurmara welcomed the bubbly presence of her friend, grateful for the distraction. Uraraka, perceptive as ever, could tell that Kurmara had been the target of the teasing trio.
"Hey Kurmara, were those guys bothering you again?" Uraraka asked with a sympathetic smile. Kurmara dramatically groaned and leaned back in her chair. "Yes, and they wouldn't shut up about the Bakugou thing! Save me, Ochako!" Uraraka burst into laughter, unable to contain her amusement. "Oh, Bakugou, huh? They really don't know when to quit, do they?" Kurmara rolled her eyes playfully, "Nope. It's a never-ending saga with those three." Uraraka chuckled, "Well, you know you can always count on me to rescue you from their antics." Kurmara smirked, "You're my hero, Ochako." "I'm sorry they're still messing with you, though." Uraraka apologized and Kurmara shrugged, "Eh, I'm used to it by now. They mean well, in their own weird way." Uraraka, curious, leaned in. "So, anything interesting happening in your life, or are they just fixated on the Bakugou drama?" Kurmara sighed, "Just the usual. Bakugou gave me a ride home, and now it's the talk of the town." Uraraka grinned, "Ah, the infamous ride home. I heard about that. You sure you're not hiding any juicy details from me?"
Kurmara smirked, "No juicy details, Ochako. It was just a ride." Uraraka laughed, "Alright, alright. I believe you... for now." Changing the subject, Kurmara asked, "Anyway, is there anything you need help with or want to talk about?" Uraraka nodded, "Well, there were a few complaints about the patrol list. Someone wasn't happy." Kurmara chuckled lightly, "I might have an idea who that someone is." Uraraka raised an eyebrow, "Really? Care to share?" Kurmara smirked, "Let's just say our resident speedster, Iida, might be the source of those complaints. He's quite particular about organization and schedules." Uraraka laughed, "Ah, Iida being Iida. We should go check the list together. You up for it?" Kurmara nodded, "Definitely. I've been sitting for too long anyway. Lead the way, Ochako." As they walked towards the main office, Uraraka continued the conversation. "So, anything else exciting happening in your life, aside from the Bakugou saga?" Kurmara thought for a moment. "Not really. Same old hero work, paperwork, and occasional run-ins with those three troublemakers."
Uraraka grinned, "Well, at least your life is never boring. Anything on the horizon?" Kurmara shrugged, "Who knows? Hero life is unpredictable. But hey, that's why we love it, right?" Uraraka nodded, "Absolutely! The unpredictability keeps things interesting." They reached the main office, and Uraraka pushed the door open. "Let's see what's up with that patrol list. Maybe we can smooth things over for Iida." Kurmara nodded, "Agreed. Let's hope there's nothing too chaotic on that list." As they entered the office, the two friends found themselves engrossed in a conversation about hero life, sharing stories and laughs, unaware of the surprises awaiting them as they delved into the intricacies of hero duty and schedules. As the women entered the office and approached the large board displaying patrol pairings, Kurmara's eyes quickly scanned the teams. A groan escaped her lips as she discovered that Bakugou was once again paired with her. "Seriously?" she muttered to herself, her frustration evident.
She examined the other patrol teams, but her attention was soon captured by the names of the third team. A puzzled expression crossed her face as she read through the list. It can't be... no, it must just be an accident or a coincidence... she thought. "What's wrong?" Uraraka asked, gently poking Kurmara's arm. Tilting her head, Kurmara apologized, "S-sorry," before pointing to her patrol team. "I'm just confused as to why I got paired with *him*." Uraraka chuckled, "Looks like Iida caught wind of the gossip." Kurmara rolled her eyes, dismissing the idea. "Iida isn't one for gossip, remember? Plus, Bakugou complains all the time about me when we get paired together," she explained. Uraraka nodded in understanding, pointing behind her. "Maybe you can tell that to Iida." Kurmara looked behind her and saw Midoriya and Iida engaged in conversation. Probably about the pairings... she thought with a sigh. Uraraka patted her friend's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry too much about it. Maybe it's just a one-time thing. Iida's pretty reasonable; he'll understand." Nodding, Kurmara replied, "Yeah, you're right. I'll go talk to him and clear things up."
Approaching Iida and Midoriya, Kurmara overheard snippets of their conversation, detecting Iida's concern about patrol efficiency. Clearing her throat, she drew their attention. "Hey, Iida. Mind if I have a word?" she asked, trying to keep her tone casual despite the confusion. Iida turned towards her, glasses glinting. "Ah, Hayashi. What can I do for you?" Kurmara hesitated but decided to address the issue directly. "I noticed the patrol pairings, and, um, I was wondering why I got paired with Bakugou." Iida adjusted his glasses, his expression serious. "It was a strategic decision. I believe your combined strengths will contribute to the efficiency of the patrols." Kurmara raised an eyebrow. "Efficiency, huh? You do realize Bakugou and I don't exactly have the smoothest partnership, right?" Iida nodded. "I am aware of your previous interactions. However, I believe in the growth and adaptability of our hero team. This pairing is an opportunity for collaboration and improvement." Midoriya added, "Iida has a point, Kurmara. Maybe this is a chance for you two to find common ground."
As Kurmara attempted to express her concerns, Iida interrupted with a stern tone, "Hayashi, the team arrangements have been finalized. You will need to make it work with your current pairing." Frustration etched across her face, Kurmara tried to speak up, "Iida, I understand the need for efficiency, but Bakugou and I—" Iida cut her off, his voice unwavering, "I have considered all factors. The decision is final." "But Iida—" she began, only to be cut off once more. "No more adjustments will be made, Hayashi," Iida stated firmly, using her last name to emphasize the seriousness of his decision. Biting her tongue to restrain her mounting frustration, Kurmara nodded reluctantly. Without uttering another word, she turned away from Iida and walked out of the office, her frustration palpable in every step she took. Uraraka, concerned, tried to talk to her, but Kurmara brushed her off. "Not now," she muttered as she made her way back to her desk.
Bakugou always found a reason to ignite a heated exchange whenever they were paired together, resulting in intense arguments. Kurmara sighed, resting her head on her desk, as memories of recent interactions with him flooded her thoughts. Images of him in her house and faint recollections from their night at the nightclub last week flashed through her mind. Why do we always end up arguing at work, yet this undeniable tension lingers between us? Kurmara pondered, recalling the persistent gossip surrounding her and Bakugou over the last two years. Reminiscing about their after-hours encounters, a small smile formed on her lips before another sigh escaped her. "Just don't dwell on that and give this patrol a shot," she voiced to herself, sitting up and gazing at the pictures on her desk – snapshots of her friends from high school to their first night at one of the famous nightclubs. She smiled before letting out another sigh. "I just have to get through this," she declared aloud.
A heartbreakingly familiar voice interrupted her thoughts from behind. "Get through what?" the voice sounded, and Kurmara immediately sat up straight. Turning around, she felt her breath catch in her throat. Standing there — right there — was Kirishima. She was at a loss for words, unsure of how to feel amid everything happening around the agency. Kirishima was in his hero costume, his muscles visible, and Kurmara scrambled to look at something else, her eyes landing on his hair and face. His face held a familiar soft expression, revealing his enduring fondness for her. Despite the black on his roots indicating the need for a touch-up, his hair still retained its fiery red hue. She finally stood up and faced him completely, unsure of what to say, but now she knew for sure what to feel, and they all flooded together – disbelief, shock, irritation, and hurt. He walked closer to where Kurmara stood, stopping only a few feet away, and flashed her that same warm smile.
She could feel the tears starting to form behind her eyes, forcing herself not to succumb to the sadness. Instead, she chose to focus on a different emotion – irritation. "Hey, gem," he finally greeted, using that nickname he chose for her that would normally make her melt. "Do not call me that," she told him with slight irritation, making sure to keep her emotions under control. "You can either call me by my hero name or by my last name, but not that," Kurmara told him firmly, letting the irritation show. His smile disappeared as he nodded. "You're right, I'm sorry," he apologized, but she knew there was more he wanted to say. However, she didn't want to be near him any longer. "I have a patrol soon, so if you need anything, you know where to find Iida," she prompted as she turned to leave, but he grabbed her hand. "Wait, please," he said, and she turned around before returning her hand. "Hurry up, I have to go," she told him, and he hesitated momentarily. "It's just..." he began, and she narrowed her eyes.
Just as he was about to say anything, Uraraka came down the hall. "Kurmara-" she stopped, and she turned to her friend, who had a shocked look on her face. Kurmara walked away from Kirishima, linking arms with her friend before turning her head back to him. "We have to go, goodbye, Kirishima." She departed before walking down the hall and out the doors to where everyone else was. "What happened?" Uraraka finally asked, taking the lead to the locker area. "He just showed up out of nowhere," Kurmara voiced with a shaky sigh. In the locker area, Uraraka glanced around to make sure they were alone before leaning against the lockers, her expression filled with concern. "Are you okay, Kurmara? That seemed... intense." The blonde and brown-haired woman sighed, sitting on one of the benches. "I don't even know. It was just... unexpected. I thought I left that part of my life behind after we broke up. Ochako put a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. "Do you want to talk about it?" Kurmara looked up at her before shaking her head.
"Not right now, We have to focus on getting ready for patrol. I have to get ready before Bakugou gets pissed and comes looking for me." As they walked out of the lockers, she couldn't shake the lingering thoughts of Kirishima's unexpected appearance. Once they were back in the main office, Iida was standing in the middle, all eyes on him. "What's going on?" Kurmara asked Sero and Mina when then two women joined them. "I don't know, Iida just called attention for everyone." Hanta shrugged. "Yeah, he just said that he has something important to tell everyone. It could be anything," Mina responded. The atmosphere in the room felt charged with anticipation. Iida cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention. "Thank you all for gathering. I have an important announcement," Iida began, his tone serious and commanding. Kurmara exchanged puzzled glances with her colleagues. "I recently received information that might affect some of you," Iida continued, glancing at Kurmara briefly before addressing the entire room.
"Everyone, I would like to welcome a new addition to our group. Now some of you may already know this person." A murmur of curiosity swept through the room as Iida stepped aside, revealing the person who had caused this unexpected gathering. The hush that fell over the room was palpable as all eyes fixed on the figure entering. The suspense hung in the air as the individual walked into the room, leaving everyone on edge, eager to discover the identity of the newcomer and the impact they would have on the dynamics of the agency. Kurmara's heart dropped as she realized that this was real. No... this can't be happening... Her mind raced as she chewed on the inside of her cheek. "Hello, everyone," Kirishima greeted with a smile, and the room erupted in excited chatter as everyone rushed over to welcome him. She stood there, her heart beating hard in her ears, and the room felt like it was spinning slightly. He was back at the agency for real this time, and she couldn't believe it.
The sight of him, the sound of his voice, and the reality of his presence overwhelmed her.
Kurmara felt her breathing starting to quicken, and an unsettling panic gripped her. As the room buzzed with excitement, she turned to leave, unable to handle it anymore. The air felt heavy, and each step she took echoed the rapid thudding of her heart. A small panic attack crept in, and she needed a moment alone to gather herself before facing the unexpected surge of emotions that Kirishima's return had stirred within her. The corridor provided little solace, but she needed space. Leaning against the cool corridor wall, Kurmara took deep breaths, attempting to regain control over her spiraling emotions. She closed her eyes, trying to block out the overwhelming sensations. The chatter from the main office seeped through the walls, a constant reminder of the unexpected turn her day had taken. She couldn't stand being inside so she headed towards the stairs that lead to the bottom floor. She walked out of the building, the sound of the bustling city filling her ears and the warmth of the sun on her head.
The chaotic symphony of the city started to drown out the remnants of the panic attack that had gripped her moments ago. She looked around the streets, taking in the sights of people walking the sidewalks and cars driving down the street. Taking a deep breath, Kurmara leaned against the wall of the agency, seeking refuge in the shade. She closed her eyes, trying to find solace in the familiar sounds of the city. The panic attack had started to subside, leaving her feeling emotionally drained. As the city buzzed around her, Kurmara couldn't escape the flood of conflicting emotions. She thought she was over this. Over him. Then why was it still so hard for her? Frustration boiled within her, and she let out a sigh as she shook her head quickly, her hair fluffing up in the process. "This is so dumb," she muttered to herself, looking up at the trees that neighbored closely to the agency. The shade provided a momentary respite from the overwhelming emotions that Kirishima's return had stirred within her.
Kurmara heard a familiar voice and looked to her left to see Bakugou walking towards her. "Oi, what're you doing out here?" he asked. "Just... getting some air. It was getting a little, erm, crowded in there, yeah?" She tried to downplay her small panic attack, but he just snorted. "Yeah, keep tellin' yourself that." He leaned against the wall next to her, and she rolled her eyes, looking back to the street and paying attention to the sounds of the city. They stood there for a few minutes before Bakugou stood straight again and turned towards her. "Don't we have a patrol to do, Odd-Eyes?" he queried as he began to walk past her. She watched him for a moment before quickly following him. "Why the hell do you even still call me that?" Kurmara finally asked as they walked down the sidewalk. He didn't respond at first, just continued walking, which made her roll her eyes, figuring that it was just a nickname he gave her like everyone else. After all, he called Uraraka Pink Cheeks because of the subtle blush on her friend's cheeks.
"Do you seriously not know why I call you that?" Bakugou finally spoke up, and Kurmara jumped before saying, "Uh, no, I don't," which only made Bakugou snort. As they walked towards their patrol route, Bakugou finally decided to answer Kurmara's question about the nickname. "Odd-Eyes, huh?" he mumbled, a smirk playing on his lips. "It's 'cause your eyes are different colors, dumbass." He gestured toward her eyes, one of which was a vibrant gold while the other was a striking blue. Kurmara raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Oh, really? Never noticed." She couldn't help but smirk back at him. Bakugou huffed, clearly not buying her act. "Yeah, right. You knew damn well." They continued their patrol in a comfortable yet tense silence, occasionally exchanging glances that spoke more than words. The city buzzed with activity around them, but a subtle undercurrent of tension lingered between the two heroes. Bakugou watched Kurmara for a moment before he finally spoke up.
"What about you and Kirishima?" he asked, his tone laced with a sharp curiosity. Kurmara's steps faltered for a split second, her heart racing as she went silent. Without turning to face him, she started walking ahead, attempting to keep her composure. However, Bakugou, driven by a mix of curiosity and a subtle concern, caught up with her and grabbed her wrist, halting her. She swallowed hard, her eyes avoiding his intense gaze. The tears threatened to surface, and her heart pounded in her chest. Taking a shaky breath, she shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Nothing. Just old history," she mumbled, trying to keep her voice steady. Bakugou stared at her for a moment, as if trying to read between the lines. Bakugou held her gaze for a moment longer, and despite his gruff demeanor, there was a flicker of something in his crimson eyes when he noticed the sadness on her face. It was a subtle recognition, an acknowledgment of her unspoken turmoil.
His hand lingered for a moment longer on her wrist before he let go, taking a step back. Kurmara continued walking, her eyes fixed on the path ahead, the golden and blue hues reflecting the inner storm of emotions. The city sounds surrounded them once again, the bustling noise acting as a backdrop to their unresolved feelings. Bakugou stayed silent, occasionally glancing at her profile. The usual banter between them seemed to have vanished, replaced by a heavy atmosphere. After a while, he spoke up again, this time with a hint of softness that rarely surfaced. "You know, if anything is bothering you, you can say it," he muttered, almost grumbling the words. Kurmara nodded, acknowledging his unexpected concern. Yet, she remained reticent, not ready to unravel the complexities of her emotions, especially not with him. "Okay," she replied, her voice carrying the weight of unspoken history. Under the midday sun, Kurmara and Bakugou continued their patrol, the cityscape bustling with activity.
The warmth of daylight painted their surroundings, casting long shadows on the sidewalk. Despite the sunlight, an unspoken heaviness lingered between them, like a storm waiting to break. As they walked side by side, Kurmara stole occasional glances at Bakugou, her mind still wrestling with the unexpected encounter with Kirishima. She couldn't shake the feeling of vulnerability, the past threatening to resurface. Bakugou, on the other hand, seemed unusually subdued, the intensity in his eyes replaced by a more contemplative expression. After a stretch of silence, Bakugou broke it again, this time his tone a bit more measured. "I ain't prying, but you sure as hell look like something's eating at you." Kurmara sighed, contemplating whether to share her thoughts. The city noises enveloped them, providing a semblance of privacy amidst the urban chaos. Finally, she spoke, her voice carrying a mix of reluctance and acceptance. "Yeah," she admitted with another sigh, "I uh, actually saw him earlier.."
Bakugou arched an eyebrow, curiosity lighting up his features. "Who?" "Kirishima," she replied, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. Bakugou's expression shifted, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "Kirishima? The hell's he doing here?" Kurmara shrugged, her discomfort palpable. "No idea. He just showed up out of nowhere before everyone else saw him." A brief silence enveloped them, the ambient sounds of the bustling city creating a background hum. The revelation that Kirishima was already in the picture before the official announcement added an extra layer of surprise and complexity to their patrol. Under the unrelenting gaze of the midday sun, Kurmara and Bakugou embarked on their patrol, navigating the city's vibrant streets. The urban landscape sprawled before them, alive with the energy of a metropolis in perpetual motion. Shadows elongated across the sidewalk as the sun played its radiant game with the towering structures.
As they walked side by side, the atmosphere crackled with unspoken tension, and Kurmara couldn't shake the echoes of her encounter with Kirishima earlier. The weight of unsaid words hung between her and Bakugou, a tempest waiting for the opportune moment to unleash. Amid the whirlwind of activities, Bakugou, ever keen on Kurmara's demeanor, couldn't ignore the signs of her inner turmoil. The city's rhythm, accompanied by the distant hum of traffic and the shuffle of pedestrians, formed the backdrop to their silent exchange. Bakugou, breaking the invisible barrier, probed Kurmara, "Hayashi, something's been gnawing at you. Out with it." Kurmara, maintaining her professional composure, deflected his inquiry, "We're on patrol, Bakugou. Stay focused." Bakugou huffed, "I'm not losing focus. Just talk." Their terse and charged dialogue became a dance of restraint and vulnerability. Despite the urgency of their hero duties, Bakugou couldn't resist the urge to unravel the mystery beneath Kurmara's stoic exterior.
"The hell are you avoiding?" Bakugou pressed, a glint of frustration coloring his tone. Kurmara, deliberately focusing on the mission at hand, gave him a sidelong glance, "Not now, Bakugou. We've got work to do." Their interactions, marked by terse exchanges, created a dissonance against the backdrop of the city's constant activity. The duo seamlessly handled reports, thwarted criminal activities, and rescued citizens in need. Yet, the unspoken undertones simmered beneath the surface, transforming their partnership into a complex tapestry of emotions. The metropolis, indifferent to the internal struggles of its heroes, continued its rhythmic pulse. The sun began its descent, casting warm hues across the cityscape as day transitioned into evening. Bakugou, still grappling with Kurmara's elusive responses, couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story. As they patrolled, the city became both witness and stage to their silent drama, the unfolding complexities hidden behind the facade of heroism.
The shadows grew longer, mirroring the intricate dance of emotions that remained unspoken, yet pulsating beneath the surface. As the sun began its descent, casting an amber glow over the city, Kurmara and Bakugou found themselves with two more routes to traverse before completing their patrol. The waning daylight painted the buildings in warm hues, creating a serene ambiance that contrasted sharply with the unspoken tension between the two heroes. The city, now transitioning from the hustle of the day to the calm of the evening, witnessed their continued journey through its bustling streets. However, the silence that persisted between Kurmara and Bakugou began to wear on them, each step amplifying the awkwardness for Kurmara and the irritation for Bakugou. Kurmara's attempt to focus solely on their mission only heightened the sense of unease. The city, now bathed in the soft hues of the setting sun, served as a silent witness to the complex dynamics at play between the two heroes.
As they moved through the remaining routes, the fading daylight cast elongated shadows across their path. The city's symphony of sounds — distant conversations, traffic, and the occasional street musician — created an audible backdrop to their shared patrol. Yet, the absence of conversation accentuated the palpable tension, intensifying with each passing minute. Bakugou, usually outspoken and assertive, found himself irritated by the silence, and the city's ambient noise served only to amplify his frustration. Kurmara, on the other hand, struggled with the awkwardness of the situation, her attempts to avoid any discussion about Kirishima only fueling the discomfort. As they approached the end of their patrol, the city lights flickered to life, replacing the natural glow of the sun with the artificial luminance of street lamps and storefronts. The nocturnal transformation of the cityscape signaled the nearing conclusion of their duty, yet the unresolved matters between Kurmara and Bakugou lingered beneath the surface.
With the city now draped in the twilight hues, Kurmara finally came to a halt, her eyes scanning the remaining two routes of their patrol. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she internally prepared to address Bakugou about their next move. Turning to face him, she deliberately avoided making eye contact, her gaze fixated on the route details instead. "We've got two routes left," she began, her voice carrying a subtle hesitancy. "One heads towards the shopping district, and the other goes by the convenience store near the outskirts." However, before she could gauge his reaction, Bakugou's terse voice cut through the air. "I'll take the route by the convenience store," he declared, striding past her without a second glance. Kurmara watched him go, her expression a mix of sadness and frustration. She let out another sigh, resigning herself to the situation, and turned to complete the final route leading towards the convenience store. Despite the city's lights fully illuminating the streets, something was unsettling about the route, an uneasiness lingering in the air that she couldn't quite put her finger on.