The air was thick with tension as Bakugo stepped into the arena, his jaw set and eyes blazing with a fury that had only intensified since Deku's match. Across from him stood Todoroki, his usual fire and ice barely flickering. Bakugo could see the weariness in Todoroki's stance, the lingering defeat in his gaze after his battle with Deku. Part of him reveled in that weakness—it meant Todoroki wouldn't be at his full strength, and Bakugo could finally prove himself as the best. But another part of him felt cheated, robbed of a fight that would have forced him to unleash everything he had.

The match began with the crack of the referee's signal, and Bakugo launched himself forward, his explosions sparking violently. He didn't waste time; every movement was calculated, every attack relentless. He pushed Todoroki hard, giving no room for mercy. Todoroki barely raised his ice to shield himself, and his flames didn't come at all. Bakugo's fists slammed into ice that shattered on impact, and he couldn't help the frustrated growl that escaped his lips.

"Fight me, damn it!" he yelled, his voice carrying over the stadium. "What, Deku beat you down so bad that you're just gonna give up?"

Todoroki's gaze flickered, but he remained distant, almost mechanical, as he summoned another wall of ice. Bakugo tore through it like it was paper, charging straight toward him. Blow after blow, he forced Todoroki back, demanding a fight he wasn't getting. It wasn't enough—not like this. Not against an opponent who wasn't even trying.

With a final explosive attack, Bakugo sent Todoroki sprawling to the ground, ice shards scattering around them. The crowd erupted in cheers, but Bakugo barely registered it. He stood there, chest heaving, fists clenched, the victory feeling hollow. Todoroki lay defeated at his feet, but Bakugo felt no satisfaction. This wasn't the win he had wanted, and the bitterness gnawed at him as the referee raised his hand to declare him the victor.

Later, standing on the podium, the emptiness only deepened as All Might approached to award him the first-place medal. Bakugo's face twisted, frustration simmering just beneath the surface as All Might placed the medal around his neck. "You did well, young Bakugo," All Might said, his voice encouraging. But Bakugo could only stare, his hands clenched at his sides as his frustration turned to a low, barely contained rage. He felt cheated, mocked by a win that hadn't tested him, hadn't allowed him to prove his worth.

As the crowd clapped, he let out a growl, ripping the medal from his neck. "What's the point of this if he didn't even try?! This… this wasn't a real fight!" His voice was a mix of anger and desperation, spilling out in front of everyone. He wanted them to know, to understand that this wasn't the victory he'd sought.

Before he could spiral further, Kuri appeared by his side. She approached him quietly, ignoring the crowd's murmurs and the shocked expressions around them. Without a word, she placed a gentle hand on his cheek and leaned up, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek.

"Enough," she whispered, her voice calm yet firm.

Bakugo's eyes widened, his breath catching as he looked down at her. Her gaze was steady, her touch grounding him in a way that cut through the anger clouding his mind. He felt the tension ease from his shoulders, his clenched fists relaxing at his sides. For a moment, there was only her, and the chaotic swirl of emotions faded to a quiet calm.

He took a deep breath, his grip on the medal loosening as he nodded, meeting her gaze with a newfound clarity. He swallowed, his expression softening as he slowly placed the medal back around his neck, this time allowing it to stay. Kuri gave him a small, reassuring smile, and he felt the last of his anger drain away.

All Might's approving nod caught his attention as he moved on to award the next medal, and Bakugo stood a little taller, his frustration tempered. He didn't need to yell or prove anything more—not to anyone else and especially not to himself. Kuri's quiet strength beside him reminded him that he had won, even if it hadn't been the way he wanted, and he could accept that victory with grace.

As they left the podium, Kuri's hand slipped into his, and for the first time all day, Bakugo allowed himself to breathe easily.