Chereads / Consciousness and Forsaken Abilities / Chapter 41 - Chapter XXXV

Chapter 41 - Chapter XXXV

After a few weeks of separation, Bakugou decided to visit Kurmara after work. The wounds he had sustained during his hero duties needed attention, both new and old, and he knew Kurmara was skilled at tending to injuries after his visit last time. As he arrived at her place, Kurmara greeted him with a hushed tone, aware that her roommate Kamie was home. "Keep it quiet, Bakugou. Kamie's home," Kurmara whispered, her voice laced with a mix of caution and annoyance. Bakugou responded with a dismissive snort, walking past her towards the dining room. He took a seat in one of the chairs, urging her to get on with the task at hand. Kurmara huffed in frustration, closing the door behind her before disappearing into her room. She gathered everything she needed, her mind focused on the task of tending to Bakugou's wounds. Returning to the dining room, she found him sitting there, impatient. "You know the drill, Bakugou. Your shirt should've already been off," she stated matter-of-factly, her cheeks slightly flushed.

Bakugou, with a sly grin, leaned back in the chair and replied, "You just can't resist seeing my perfect physique, huh?" His words caused Kurmara to blush even deeper. "Just hurry up," she retorted, her voice a mix of embarrassment and amusement at his remark. With precision, Kurmara pulled a chair next to Bakugou, setting down her supplies. She carefully took hold of the scissors, their coolness sending a shiver through Bakugou as her soft hands worked on him. Tension lingered in the air as Kurmara focused on her task, delicately cutting and removing the bandages. As she tended to his wounds, Kurmara couldn't help but notice how Bakugou tensed under her touch. The mix of vulnerability and strength in his reaction added an extra layer of complexity to the moment. A silent understanding passed between them, unspoken emotions hanging in the air. The tension remained tangible as Kurmara continued her work, her concentration unwavering.

Every touch, every movement, carried a delicate weight as if their shared history and unspoken desires echoed in the room. After Kurmara cleaned around the deeper wounds she had stitched previously, she excused herself to her room to retrieve a small container of healing cream. As she returned, Bakugou asked curiously, "What's that for?" "It's a healing cream. Helps certain areas that take longer to heal," Kurmara explained simply. She applied a small amount of the cream to the sewn areas, causing Bakugou to hiss in surprise. "Sorry, it's cold," she apologized, her voice laced with a hint of sympathy. "Now you tell me," Bakugou muttered under his breath, waiting patiently for Kurmara to finish up. She sat back with a small sigh, closing the container that held the healing cream before putting it away in her room. Returning to the kitchen, she organized everything and climbed onto the counter to place the medkit there. Unbeknownst to Kurmara, Bakugou watched her intently as she balanced on the counter.

She was wearing an oversized shirt and shorts, her casual attire emphasizing her comfort. He admired her strength and determination silently, not wanting to disrupt her focus. However, when she slipped a little, he was by her side immediately, steadying her to prevent her from falling backward. Kurmura gripped the top of the cabinet tightly, her heart pounding in her ears as she whispered a shaky swear. She took a deep breath, aware of Bakugou's hands on the back of her thighs, just below her butt. The proximity and his touch made her face flush with heat. She managed to ask him for help to sit on the counter, her voice trying to sound as normal as possible to ignore the rush of sensations she felt. Bakugou assisted her, ensuring she was safely seated on the counter. He admonished her gently, his voice carrying a touch of concern. "You should've been more careful, dumbass," he remarked, the familiar edge to his words contrasting with his underlying care for her.

Kurmara nodded, acknowledging his words before closing her eyes briefly, taking another breath to compose herself. She shook her head slightly and looked up at Bakugou, realizing he was standing close to her. The scent of his cologne enveloped her senses, making her feel slightly dizzy. "U-uhm, Bakugou, I think... I think it's getting a bit late," she stammered, her heart beating faster. She couldn't maintain eye contact and had to look away from him, afraid her heart would betray her. His hand gently lifted her chin, causing her heart to skip a beat as she met his ruby eyes. Her gaze wandered from his eyes to his lips, and in that moment, every inch of her longed for a kiss. He began to say something, but Kurmara's attention was fixated on his lips. The desire to taste them consumed her thoughts, momentarily deafening any other words he spoke. The tension between them thickened, hanging in the air like an unspoken invitation.

As Kurmara felt Bakugou's hand gently hover over her thigh, dangerously close to a certain area, a swarm of butterflies took flight in her stomach.

The anticipation and longing were palpable in the air, their unspoken desires hanging on a delicate precipice. Feeling the weight of the moment, Kurmara placed a hand on Bakugou's shoulder, ready to speak or give in to her desires when suddenly, a noise echoed through the hallway. Her head snapped in the direction of the sound, her eyes widening as Kamie's bedroom door opened. In walked her sleepy friend, oblivious to the charged atmosphere that had filled the kitchen moments before. Kurmara's heart sank as she watched Bakugou quickly move away from her, creating a necessary distance. The warmth that had enveloped her dissipated, leaving her craving his presence once more. Her body yearned for his touch, for the closeness they had shared just moments ago. A voice in the back of her mind cursed Kamie for unknowingly interrupting the fragile moment that had ignited between Kurmara and Bakugou. Suppressing her disappointment, Kurmara mustered a smile for her friend, masking the turmoil within her.

She couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret as Bakugou distanced himself, the space between them growing with each passing second. Kurmura greeted her friend, her voice tinged with forced cheerfulness. "Hey, Kamie, what are you doing up so late?" Kamie looked between her friend and Bakugou, who stood shirtless on the opposite side of the kitchen. She looked back at her friend, her eyebrows raised, and she replied nonchalantly, "I got hungry." A small wave passed between Kamie and Bakugou, who rolled his eyes before walking over to the table to grab his shirt. Kamie took note of the stitches adorning Bakugou's body, her expression turning into a silent smirk as her gaze shifted back to Kurmara. She squinted her eyes at Kamie, a silent warning not to pry or reveal too much. She knew her friend's tendency to tease and didn't want the fragile moment they had shared to become a topic of conversation.

Bakugou, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, announced his departure, directing his words mainly to Kurmara. "I'm leaving." "Okay, thanks for stopping by," Kamie replied, her voice laced with a hint of amusement. Kurmara rolled her eyes at her friend's playful tone before hopping off the counter and walking with Bakugou towards the front door. As Bakugou walked out of the front door, Kurmara stopped him for a moment, her voice tinged with concern. "Hey, uh, if any of those stitches start to bother you, let me know, and I'll give you some of the cream, 'kay?" Bakugou shrugged nonchalantly, his response brimming with his characteristic nonchalance. Without saying a word, he walked off into the night, leaving Kurmara to mutter under her breath, "What an ass." She closed the door behind her, locking it securely. A mix of emotions swirled within her as she returned to the kitchen, where Kamie was preparing a small snack.

Kurmara couldn't shake off the lingering heat that had enveloped her during her encounter with Bakugou, nor could she ignore the curiosity brimming within her friend's gaze.

Kamie took a small bite of her food before curiosity got the best of her. "Sooo, what was boom boy here for?" she asked, her tone laced with playful intrigue. Kurmara glanced at her friend, her ears slightly heating up as she recalled the moments that had transpired before Kamie entered the kitchen. She took a deep breath, deciding to offer a partial truth. "I asked him to stop by so I could check on the injuries and wounds I patched up last time, about almost a month ago." Kamie nodded, seemingly satisfied with the explanation. For a brief moment, silence lingered in the air before her curiosity got the better of her again. "And what about how you were just sitting on the counter, and he was standing across from you still shirtless?" Kamie's eyebrows arched mischievously. Kurmara's face flushed with heat as she replayed the intense moments she had shared with Bakugou. She chose her words carefully, omitting the details of their passionate encounter.

"I was just organizing the medkit above the cabinets, and he was getting ready to leave. That's all," she responded, trying to sound nonchalant. Kamie eyed her friend intently, sensing that there was more to the story. However, she decided not to press further for the time being, taking another bite of her food instead. Kurmara inwardly sighed with relief, grateful that she didn't have to divulge the intimate moments that had unfolded. Kurmara grabbed a drink from the kitchen as Kamie finished off her late-night snack. As Kamie cleared her small mess, she couldn't help but make a teasing comment. "Hope he stops by again because I can see why everyone teases you about him~" Kamie voiced, playfully nudging Kurmara a few times with a smile. Kurmara giggled and nudged her friend back. "I don't know what you could be implying," she replied, feigning innocence as she walked out of the kitchen toward her room. Kamie followed behind with a skip in her step, leaning in the doorway.

"If I didn't know any better, I would've thought you guys were about to kiss before I walked in," Kamie said, grinning mischievously at Kurmara. She stared at her friend for a moment, her expression a mix of surprise and amusement, before shaking her head and climbing into her bed. "Well, you're wrong. He wants nothing to do with me," she stated, maintaining a straight face. Her inner emotions, however, churned with a different story, a longing she couldn't easily admit. Kamie shrugged, undeterred by Kurmura's response, and gave her a knowing smile. "I don't know; I think he might have the hots for you, but you're just stuck looking at his asshole personality when he speaks to you." Kurmura scoffed at her friend's comment, dismissing it before settling down in bed. "Whatever you say, Kam. I'm tired, so goodnight," she replied, her voice tinged with a mix of amusement and exhaustion. Kamie chuckled and gave another smile. "I'm just saying, you should pay attention to his body language," she teased, doing a little dance that made Kurmura giggle.

"Goodnight, Kurmara. Have sweet, sweet dreams about that hunk of attitude~" Kamie added, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Oh my gods, Kamie, shut up and close my door," Kurmura laughed, playfully scolding her friend. Kamie laughed along and finally complied. "Alright, alright! Goodnight for real." "Goodnight," Kurmara replied, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort settle over her as she closed her eyes, thoughts of Bakugou mingling with her dreams.

* * *

A few days later, at the agency, Kurmara found herself approached by Iida, who informed her that she would be paired up with Bakugou for the patrol. She raised an eyebrow, slightly skeptical of the arrangement. "Why am I paired with Bakugou?" Kurmara questioned, her tone laced with mild frustration. Iida straightened his posture, his response earnest. "Well, everyone else is already on a team, and since you and Bakugou are available, I thought it would be beneficial to have you work together." She let out a sigh, a mix of annoyance and resignation. "Great, the last thing I needed..." As Iida left to attend to other matters, Kurmara couldn't help but feel a sense of unease about the upcoming patrol with Bakugou. She knew their dynamic was complicated, and she dreaded the potential clash of personalities and lingering emotions that could arise. After her conversation with Iida, Kurmara made her way to Deku, hoping he could provide some information about the patrol route.

She approached him and asked about the patrol papers, her voice tinged with a hint of frustration. "Deku, do you have the patrol papers? I need to know where we'll be patrolling," Kurmara requested, her tone indicating her desire for some clarity. He nodded understandingly, reaching for the stack of papers and sifting through them. Finally, he found the one designated for Kurmara and Bakugou and handed it to her. "Here you go, Hayashi. This should have all the details you need," he said, his voice gentle and concerned. As Kurmara glanced over the patrol route, he couldn't help but notice her frustration. He approached her with a sympathetic smile. "Hey, are you alright? I can tell you're feeling a little frustrated." Kurmara sighed, a mix of weariness and gratitude coloring her voice. "Yeah, it's been a rough day. Thanks for noticing, Deku." He nodded, his eyes filled with empathy. "I'm here if you ever want to talk about how you're feeling. Sometimes it helps to share your thoughts."

Kurmara looked at Midoriya, her expression softening. She gave a small sigh, a half-smile gracing her lips. "I might just take you up on that offer. Thanks." After she looked over the papers, Kurmara approached Bakugou, noticing that he was engrossed in some paperwork. She slid the patrol route in front of what he was looking at, catching his attention. He glanced up at her, his expression displaying a mix of annoyance and curiosity as he set the other paperwork down and focused on the patrol route she presented. "They have us going together today?" Bakugou asked, raising an eyebrow in question. Kurmara simply nodded, trying to keep things straightforward. "Yup. So let's go over it and start our route." Rolling his eyes, Bakugou reached for his phone and quickly took a picture of the patrol route. As they headed towards the elevator, Kurmara had to stumble a bit to catch up with his brisk pace. In the confined space of the elevator, she noticed that Bakugou was rapidly going over his phone, his attention divided between the patrol route and his device.

Once they stepped out of the elevator and through the glass doors, Bakugou finished whatever he was doing on his phone. Just then, Kurmara's own phone pinged with a message. She glanced at it and realized it was a message from him, containing the picture he had taken of the patrol route. "Uh, what's this?" Kurmara asked, looking at Bakugou as he started to walk away. "Hey!" she called out, stopping him in his tracks. Bakugou turned to face her, a single brow raised in a challenging manner. Kurmara gathered her thoughts before asking again, her tone a mix of confusion and determination. "What was that picture about?" Bakugou let out an exasperated sigh. "It's the route, duh. What, you can't read now?" Kurmara narrowed her eyes, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face. "No shit, it's the route, but why did you highlight two different ones?" Bakugou's response was matter-of-fact. "Because we're splitting it." Kurmara looked at him, bewildered by his response, her mind racing to understand his reasoning.

"Splitting it? What the hell do you mean? We have to stay together for all of it," Kurmara protested, her voice laced with frustration and confusion. Bakugou glanced back at her, his tone laced with a hint of impatience. "No, actually, we don't. Besides, I thought you'd figure out that it'd be faster." With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Kurmara dumbfounded and filled with a mix of anger and disbelief. She let out an exasperated groan, feeling the frustration bubbling inside her. Determined not to let his words deter her, she stormed off in the opposite direction, determined to focus on the task at hand. As she examined the area they were assigned to, Kurmara's anger gradually subsided, replaced by a determined resolve. She knew she had a responsibility to fulfill, regardless of the dynamics between her and Bakugou. Taking a deep breath, she chose the first location they would head to and set off, determined to give her best performance despite the challenging circumstances.

Kurmara managed to complete the first two routes of her patrol, encountering a few minor issues that were swiftly resolved. As she continued walking through the bustling streets of Musutafu, she greeted the familiar faces she passed, her mind occupied with thoughts of Bakugou and their complicated dynamic. She couldn't help but question why Bakugou was acting the way he was, especially considering their recent encounter when he had been close to her in her own home. It felt like a stark contrast to his current behavior, with his usual mean-spirited demeanor resurfacing. She thought they had moved past the constant bickering and hostility. As Kurmara navigated through the crowds, her thoughts swirled, searching for answers to the puzzle that was Bakugou. Why was he reverting back to his usual behavior? Had their previous moment meant nothing to him? It left her feeling a mix of frustration and disappointment, wondering if she had misread the situation entirely.

As she walked through the streets, lost in her thoughts about Bakugou, she suddenly heard an explosion nearby. Her instincts kicked in, and she immediately rushed towards the source of the disturbance. Utilizing her wind Quirk, she propelled herself above the buildings, using the higher vantage point to get a better view and reach the location faster. Following the smoke cloud, Kurmara swiftly made her way toward the scene, sending a message to Bakugou, informing him of the situation. She could hear people shouting and fleeing, warning others about the presence of a villain. Determined to assess the severity of the situation herself, she ignored Bakugou's advice to call for backup. As Kurmara arrived at the area, chaos ensued. People were rushing and exclaiming, trying to get away from the danger. The security alarm blared in the background, adding to the tense atmosphere. Kurmara quickly relayed the situation to Bakugou, but she didn't wait for his response as she focused on her immediate surroundings.

Using her water and wind, Kurmara directed her Quirks to disperse some of the smoke, creating a clearer path inside the building. Carefully navigating around unconscious individuals strewn about, she ventured deeper into the structure, her senses on high alert, ready to face whatever awaited her inside. As Kurmara proceeded deeper into the building, the blaring sound of the alarm gradually faded into the background. She remained vigilant, her eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger or those in need of help. The adrenaline coursed through her veins, heightening her senses. Suddenly, Kurmara sensed movement, causing her to react swiftly, barely evading a strike from an assailant who then attempted to flee. Determined not to let them escape, she shouted in pursuit, her footsteps echoing through the corridors as she gave chase, weaving through the building with agility and determination. As she raced after the individual, Kurmara's focus intensified.

She called out to them, her voice filled with authority, demanding them to stop. The urgency of the situation fueled her pursuit, her muscles working in harmony as she navigated through the twists and turns of the building, determined to apprehend the culprit and ensure the safety of others. As Kurmara closed in on the fleeing individual, they resorted to using their Quirk in an attempt to shake her off. With nimble movements, they maneuvered through the building, seeking an escape route. Bursting through a door that led into an alley, they swiftly leaped onto the sides of adjacent buildings, their agile form disappearing from Kurmara's sight. Not one to be deterred, Kurmara utilized her Quirk to propel herself swiftly to the top of the building. From her elevated position, she scanned the surroundings and spotted the culprit a mere three feet away. Determined to apprehend them, she darted forward, the chase continuing across the rooftops. The fleeing individual attempted to maintain distance, skillfully maneuvering through the obstacles that dotted the rooftop landscape.

Kurmara, relentless in her pursuit, shouted for them to stop, her voice echoing against the cityscape. With each stride, she closed the gap, her determination unyielding. However, just as Kurmara was about to capture the culprit, an unexpected turn of events disrupted the chase. Out of nowhere, an unknown person tackled her, catching her off guard. A struggle ensued between the hero and this mystery individual, their combined efforts adding an unforeseen layer of complexity to the situation. As Kurmara managed to kick the person off of her, she swiftly regained her footing. However, before she could fully react, the assailant charged at her, wielding a weapon with malicious intent. Acting on her training and reflexes, Kurmara successfully disarmed the individual and skillfully took them down, apprehending them with precision. Just as she began to catch her breath, Kurmara heard a voice calling out her name. She turned her gaze to see Bakugou heading towards her, his expression filled with concern.

Before she could call out to him, something sharp sliced through the air, narrowly missing her. Reacting swiftly, Kurmara dodged the attack, but the assailant exploited their Quirk to stab her, causing her to gasp in pain. Bakugou's shout reverberated through the air as he unleashed his Quirk against the assailant, engaging in a fierce battle. Kurmara's focus wavered between the intensity of the fight and the searing pain in her side. She looked down to find the source of the pain, her vision blurred as blood stained her hand. "Bakugou," she called out weakly, mustering what strength she had left. He turned towards her, coughing from the smoke cloud left by the fleeing assailant. She struggled to maintain her balance, her words barely audible amidst the chaos. "You're an idiot, you know that, right?" Bakugou huffed, his voice laced with a mix of frustration and concern. Kurmara could barely comprehend his words, her head spinning and her heart pounding.

"I... I thought I could handle it," she stammered, her voice shaky. The world around her began to blur, and she leaned into him for support, feeling lightheaded and vulnerable. "What the hell is wrong with you?" Bakugou's voice held a note of worry, albeit masked by his characteristic brashness. He tried to help her stand upright, but Kurmara's senses were fading, her body betraying her. "I... I don't know... I just got lightheaded suddenly, and..." she trailed off, struggling to form coherent sentences. Her head spun with dizziness, and she felt weak and helpless in his presence. "You're fucking bleeding," Bakugou stated bluntly, his gaze fixated on an area of her body. Kurmara followed his gaze and saw blood staining his hand. Panic surged through her, but before she could react, her vision dimmed, and she collapsed. With quick reflexes, Bakugou caught her, lifting her gently into his arms. "Don't pass out on me now, dammit," he muttered, his voice laced with a mix of urgency and concern.

Determined to keep her safe, he carried her inside the building, propping her against the wall with her back supported. "It... it hurts," Kurmara managed to say breathlessly, her voice filled with pain, as she pressed a trembling hand against the injured area. Bakugou briefly walked away from her, keeping a vigilant eye for any signs of pursuit. The last thing they needed was for those thugs to track them down. Satisfied that they weren't being followed, he returned to Kurmara's side, crouching down beside her. "Lift your shirt," he instructed, his tone firm yet concerned. Kurmara complied, her hands shaking as she lifted the blood-soaked fabric, exposing her wounded stomach and side. Both of them uttered an expletive upon seeing the depth of the laceration. Kurmara let the shirt fall back over the wound instinctively, but Bakugou gently lifted it again. "Hey, what are you—ah!" Kurmara gasped as she felt the cold rush of water being poured over the wound.

Bakugou's impatience was evident as he worked swiftly to clean the injury. Sensing Kurmara's discomfort, he then focused on finding something to cover the wound. "Do you have anything to cover this with?" Bakugou asked, his voice tinged with urgency. Kurmara nodded, motioning toward her bag, which was conveniently placed next to him. He rummaged through her bag, searching for a solution, and pulled out a spare T-shirt. He stretched the fabric of the shirt until it ripped, creating a makeshift bandage. Without hesitation, he pressed it harshly against Kurmara's wound, disregarding the hiss of pain that escaped her lips. "That hurts!" she complained, but Bakugou didn't remove his hand. He maintained the pressure, his focus unwavering. "Dammit, why do you have to be so rough?" Kurmara queried, her voice laced with both annoyance and discomfort, but Bakugou remained silent, his attention solely on her injury. "Hold this," he instructed, his voice firm as he gestured for her to place her hand over the torn fabric.

Kurmara complied, taking hold of the makeshift bandage, while Bakugou swiftly tore another piece from the shirt. Skillfully, he wrapped it around her back, securing it to the first piece and tying it tightly. "It's tight," Kurmara voiced, feeling the pressure of the improvised bandage against her skin. "It's supposed to be tight to keep it in place," Bakugou responded, his voice laced with a hint of concern, despite his gruff tone. He then pulled out his phone, typing quickly before returning it to his pocket. Kurmara glanced at him, a mixture of pain and gratitude evident in her eyes. "What did you do?" she asked, her voice wavering slightly. As Kurmara leaned against the wall, her body weakened by the combination of pain and blood loss, Bakugou remained vigilant, scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. "I sent messages for backup, something your stupid ass should've done as I said," Bakugou retorted, his voice dripping with frustration.

"I told you I thought I could handle it." "Yeah? Well, look what happened," He replied, rolling his eyes at her. "You're fucking bleeding all over because you couldn't handle it, now could you?" "I really don't need to hear your stupid mean ass right now in case I'm on the verge of death," she added, her tone laced with sarcasm and frustration. Bakugou's face grew closer to hers, his features filled with intensity. "Yeah? Then what? Do you know how many times I've dealt with you fucking dying while on patrol?" he retorted, his voice filled with a mix of anger and concern. "That's why I can't stand being stuck with you when you act like this while we work. You're a complete ass when we work, then another when we aren't," Kurmara shot back, her gaze locked with his. As tension crackled in the air, she couldn't help but study his features, her attention drawn to his lips, recalling the moments of closeness they had shared before.

As Bakugou looked back at her, his eyes softened, but the familiar hardness remained etched on his face. He opened his mouth to ask her something, but before the words could escape his lips, Kurmara closed the small gap between them. In a surge of boldness, she pressed her lips roughly against his, seeking solace and connection. He reciprocated with equal fervor, pulling her closer to him. She gripped his shirt tightly as their lips melded together, the intensity of their kiss heightening with each passing moment. His tongue pressed against her lips, seeking entrance, and she eagerly granted it, allowing him to explore her mouth with a hunger that mirrored her own. As the heat of the kiss slowly dissipated, Kurmara reluctantly pulled away, her breath ragged and her mind buzzing with a mix of desire and confusion. "Fuck," she breathed out, her eyes still closed as she tried to collect herself. For a brief moment, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them entangled in that heated exchange.

But reality soon crashed back in as Kurmara's hand instinctively pressed against her wounded area, momentarily forgetting about the pain that had taken a backseat to the intensity of their connection. "Come on, you can't stay like this," Bakugou's voice cut through the haze, and he swiftly picked her up, causing her to let out a small hiss of pain. Curious about their destination, Kurmara questioned, "Where are we going? Where are you taking me?" His response was sharp and direct, filled with the usual abrasive tone she had grown accustomed to. "Obviously to help out the situation you ended up in," he retorted, his frustration barely concealed. She pursed her lips, realizing that she had forgotten about the injury in the midst of their impulsive moment. A voice in her mind chastised her for her actions, reminding her of the consequences. She let out a small sigh, trying to push aside her conflicting emotions.

"We're not that far from the agency," she murmured, her words laced with a tinge of resignation. "No shit," Bakugou replied, his tone laced with a touch of annoyance. "That's where we're going, but it's going to take a while to walk there. Especially since I'm carrying you." His words hung in the air, accompanied by a subtle hint of his usual biting sarcasm. Kurmara couldn't help but mutter to herself, "Surprised you can..." Before she could finish her sentence, Bakugou interjected, clearly having caught her comment. "If you expected me to comment about your weight, think again." The statement held a mixture of defiance and a hint of something else that made Kurmara's heart flutter momentarily. "What, you think it's rude or something to say the truth?" Kurmara snorted, a hint of defiance in her voice, and Bakugou couldn't help but roll his eyes in response. "Of course it is. Besides, you'd have to be a complete asshole to say something about a woman's weight. Especially to her face after hearing her comment about it," he retorted, his words laced with a hint of exasperation.

She shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You'd be surprised at how many people aren't afraid of being beaten down by a woman for saying something like that." "They all deserve it then," Bakugou chuckled, a rare moment of amusement breaking through his usual tough exterior. But the moment was short-lived as Kurmara winced, reminding him of her injury. "Don't laugh until you're patched up. Why haven't you healed up either? I thought your Quirk allowed you to heal?" he questioned, his concern seeping through his words. She let out a sigh, explaining, "It does, but it's only internal, and if I'm resting. It's like when you take a nap when you have a headache, you wake up still tired but the pain is gone." He raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in his gaze, but he didn't push further as they continued walking towards the agency. "Why don't you just-" Bakugou interrupted her with a serious tone. "Do you really want to risk getting injured more?" His question cut through the banter, highlighting the importance of caution and self-preservation in their line of work.

Kurmara fell silent, her playful demeanor fading as she realized the gravity of his words. She took a deep breath and shook her head. "No, I don't. I guess I just... I don't always think things through when the adrenaline kicks in," she admitted, a hint of vulnerability creeping into her voice. Bakugou's expression softened slightly as he glanced at her. "Well, you better start thinking. We've got a job to do, and I won't let you mess it up even more," he said, his tone a mix of concern and determination. She nodded, acknowledging his point. "You're right. We need to focus on the mission. I'll be more careful from now on," she promised, her resolve firming as they continued their journey towards the agency. As they walked, a subtle warmth spread through Kurmara's chest and a fluttering sensation in her heart made her pause. She brushed off the sensation as a reaction to the intense situation, but a growing realization tugged at her thoughts. Could it be possible? Did she actually like Bakugou?

The idea lingered in her mind, making her face and ears flush as she buried her face into his shoulder. The pain in her side momentarily forgotten, she grappled with the newfound emotions that seemed to bubble up unexpectedly.