Dare To Love You (Bakugo X Reader)

"As you know, the sixteen remaining contestants will be combating one-on-one in a tournament-style competition!" Ms. Midnight announced, pacing the stage, "Now, let's see who you are up against."

Before she could announce the first name, Ojiro raised his hand.

"Um, excuse me. Sorry, but I'm withdrawing."

What?!

The whole stadium gasped deafeningly, then fell silent in shock. The hush was quickly broken when the stands broke out in lively whispers.

"Ojiro, no way! This is could be your big break!" Midoriya gawked.

"It just wouldn't be right. I barely remember anything from the cavalry battle until the very end. I . . . think it was that guy's quirk," he pointed to the purple-haired guy I was on a team with.

I thought back on the last challenge and remembered that Ojiro did seem pretty glazed over. He didn't seem mentally present.

I gathered that Shinso's power must have something to do with hypnosis.

I was pretty sure I wasn't hypnotized, but I may as well have been.

I was too busy glaring at Bakugo instead of finding a team, so I got stuck essentially being a wheel of the scary purple dude's chariot.

"I know this is a great opportunity," Ojiro continued, "I wish I could take advantage of it, but my conscience won't let me."

His words tugged at my heart, startling me a little. The way his words dripped with emotion . . . he meant it. 

I almost couldn't process how vulnerable he was being, especially with the whole world watching.

It caught me off guard how much I felt the same.

My legs began to move without my choosing to. My conscious self seemed to take a backseat to impulse as I took a step forward.

What do I think I'm doing?! I thought to myself.

Before I could raise my hand, something stopped my arm from lifting, jerking me back into reality.

I looked back and saw that Bakugo was gripping my forearm. I noticed that his grasp was firm . . . but also gentle, as if he was scared I would break.

"Don't even think about it," he snarled.

He pulled me back to his side and took my hand in his, allowing our fingers to tangle together effortlessly.

"Why the hell were you trying to forfeit?!" he hissed into my ear.

His warm breath hit my ears and sent tingles down my spine. Despite my best efforts, my heartbeat quickened, and my face turned scarlet.

Seriously, Y/n?! All it takes for you to melt into a little puddle is his VOICE? Get it together!

"Why the hell do you care?" I teased, keeping my gaze on everything but him.

"Because I want you to at least make it far enough to fight me," he breathed, almost . . . seductively?

I turned to him, surprised by how close he was. His sultry gaze quickly got me flustered once more.

"Why?" I murmured.

He leaned over and brushed his lips against my ear.

"What better way to . . . claim you as mine . . .

" . . .Teddy Bear."

His low, raspy voice shook me to the core, making my legs turn to jelly. I feared I might have died if my heart skipped any more beats.