Chapter Text
The first time you see Bakugo Katsuki after graduation, he doesn’t look at you.
That should bother you more than it does.
You’re standing in a Hero Commission briefing room; glass walls, a steel table, too many men in suits pretending they’re not afraid of the two of you in the same space.
“Explosion Hero: Dynamight,” one of them says, gesturing toward him.
Bakugo doesn’t react. Arms crossed. Jaw tight. Like he’s already decided this is a waste of time.
“And—” the suit clears his throat, “—Reverb Hero.”
You nod once. Professional. Controlled. Bakugo finally looks at you.
Just for a second.
It’s not anger, nor recognition. It’s calculation. Like he’s already figuring out how much damage you’ll cause.
“You’re assigning us together?” he snaps. The room stiffens.
“Yes,” the suit says. “Effective immediately.”
Bakugo scoffs. “You’re setting this task force up to fail.”
You meet his glare evenly. “Funny,” you say. “I was thinking the same thing.”
Silence.
Bakugo grins, and it’s sharp.
“Try not to get in my way.”
You lean back in your chair.
“Try not to explode anything important.”
That’s the moment the Commission realizes its mistake.