Kuri's fingers glowed faintly, her molecular quirk simmering at the edges of her control, as she reached toward Bakugo, her voice quiet and hesitant. "S-sorry… I like you a lot, Katsuki, and… I guess my quirk does, too." A blush rose on her cheeks as she explained, "My brother keeps saying it's normal, but… it's kind of embarrassing. I mean, my molecules tend to react when I'm around you… if you've noticed…"

Bakugo smirked, amused. "Yeah, I've noticed, birdie. I looked it up, too." His voice softened a fraction. "I missed you."

She stared at him, wide-eyed. "You… noticed? And looked it up?! And said nothing?" She swatted his shoulder in playful outrage. "That's it! Your new name is Baka-go!"

He chuckled, shrugging off her playful smack. "Didn't wanna embarrass you, alright?"

Her blush deepened, and she covered her face with her hands, voice muffled as she asked, "How often… does it happen? When my quirk reacts to you?"

"All the time," he replied with a smirk, watching her cheeks grow even redder.

Without thinking, her hand reached up, brushing along his cheek with a light touch. "Katsuki?" she whispered, looking into his eyes. "Sorry… I just needed to touch you. To make sure this is real. You here, holding me… after you did research on my quirk."

Bakugo's hand covered hers, his thumb tracing gentle circles over her knuckles. He gave her a rare, soft smile. "Yeah, I don't mind it at all."

"Gah!" she exclaimed, burying her face against his chest, overwhelmed. "Quit doing that! I'll die if you keep smiling like that!"

He chuckled, then tilted her chin up and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

"K-Kat!" she gasped, wide-eyed, but melted as she shyly kissed him back.

"Mine," he murmured, grinning before he kissed her again, deeper this time.

"Mmph!" she whimpered softly as his warmth washed over her, her hands pressing against his chest, grounding herself in the strength and steadiness of him.

When he finally pulled back, he looked at her with a sincerity that made her heart skip. "I like everything about you, Kuri," he said, his voice low.

Kuri blinked in surprise. "You… what?!"

"You heard me," he replied, looking a bit bashful but unwavering.

She stumbled slightly, nearly losing her balance, but his steady hands held her shoulders, keeping her upright. "Just… shut up already," she muttered, flustered.

He raised an eyebrow. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," she muttered, hands gripping his shoulders for balance. "Just… shut up, would you?"

Without warning, Bakugo swept her up in his arms, ignoring her squeak of surprise.

"H-Hey!" she protested, playfully batting at his shoulder. "Put me down!" But even as she said it, she leaned into him, finding comfort in his warmth and strength.

He carried her to the bed, setting her down gently before sitting beside her, keeping her close. "Yeah, yeah. You need to be careful." His voice held an uncharacteristic softness as he added, "Let's just… stay here. Cuddle or whatever."

Kuri wanted to argue, but the warmth and safety she felt in his arms won out. She let herself curl closer against his chest, her arms wrapping around him. "Mmm… warm, Katsuki," she murmured, her voice drowsy.

"Yeah, that's right," he whispered, holding her tighter. "I'll keep you warm."

A spark of boldness rose in her as she leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "Do you even know…" Her hand rose to trace his jawline, grounding herself in his steady presence. "How special you are to me?"

He smirked, a hint of teasing in his eyes. "Oh? How special am I, huh?"

She nuzzled her cheek against his, her smile soft. "The fact that you're so strong, so powerful… yet you still have to ask why I like you. That's what makes you different, Katsuki. That's what makes you special."

For a moment, he was quiet, his gaze softening as he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her protectively. "Good," he murmured, his voice low. "'Cause you're stuck with me, cutie."

Xx

Deku stood in the prep room, anxiously bouncing on his heels as he mentally rehearsed for his next fight. Suddenly, he felt arms wrap around him from behind, and he stumbled forward with a surprised yelp. "Ah! W-whoa!" He turned to see Reiko, her arms still draped around him, her smile lighting up the room.

She squeezed him tighter, her expression softening. "Missed you too, Deku," she murmured, her voice warm.

Deku's face flushed, and he felt a shiver run down his spine. "I… I can feel… everything." His hands gripped her arms tightly. "You're… so soft…"

"Feel everything?" she asked innocently, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief.

Deku's face turned an even deeper shade of red. "Shut up," he muttered, pulling away in a huff. "You know exactly what you're doing to me."

Reiko's smile only grew wider as she blinked up at him, feigning innocence. "Do I?"

Deku let out a small growl of frustration, crossing his arms. "Don't be coy with me," he grumbled, cheeks still flushed.

She giggled softly, "Sorry."

His expression softened, and he let out a sigh. "I'm not angry with you… just… frustrated." He cast his gaze downward, muttering almost to himself, "I've… never been hugged by a girl before."

Reiko's eyes widened. "Never?"

Deku shook his head, looking up at her shyly. "Never…"

She beamed, her arms wrapping around him again. "Well then, I'm honored!"

Deku laughed nervously, his heart pounding as he looked at her. "Do you… want a kiss?"

"Yes!" she replied eagerly, her eyes bright with excitement.

He leaned in, pressing his lips to hers in a gentle, tentative kiss, his heartbeat quickening as she kissed him back.

When they finally broke apart, Deku gave her a shy smile. "C'mon. Let's get back to our rooms… unless…" He trailed off, his gaze flickering back to hers with a hopeful glint.

Reiko raised an eyebrow. "Unlessss?"

"Unless you want to… cuddle with me for a while?" He added quickly, "No hands, promise."

She lit up, nodding enthusiastically. "Yes! Please?"

He smiled, extending his hand with a slight bow. "Come with me, then, milady."

Reiko giggled, slipping her hand into his as they sat down. Once seated, Deku pulled her close, holding her carefully. "This okay?" he asked, his voice soft.

Reiko nodded, nuzzling into his chest. "Yes."

Deku relaxed, wrapping his arms around her, feeling the warmth and comfort of her embrace. "Good," he murmured. "Then I can… enjoy myself."

Reiko let out a soft laugh. "Yes, you can," she whispered, cuddling closer.

Deku's grin turned playful as he tightened his hold around her. "You knew what you were doing, didn't you? With your… soft… you know…"

Reiko's cheeks flushed, but she just laughed, snuggling closer as they drifted into a warm, comfortable silence.