Conflicted Hearts: A Hero's Battle for Love

Chapter 40: Standing Together

Bakugo's POV:

Class finally ended, the tension lingering in the air like a suffocating fog. It was lunchtime, but my appetite was nonexistent. Instead, I found myself drawn to the dorms, a nagging feeling urging me to seek out Mina. She needed someone, and damn it, I couldn't just stand by and do nothing.

Ignoring the curious glances of my classmates, I veered away from the usual path, heading towards Mina's room. The Bakusquad noticed my departure, their voices trailing after me as they questioned my destination.

"I'm going to find Pinky," I called back over my shoulder, my tone leaving no room for argument. Mina was our friend, a vital part of our group, and she needed us now more than ever.

As we approached the dorms, a sense of urgency washed over the group, spurring us into action. But amidst the chaos of our hurried footsteps, I couldn't help but notice the absence of one particular individual.

Turning to glance behind me, I expected to see Deku trailing along, his presence a given in times of need. But to my surprise, he was nowhere to be found. Instead, I caught sight of him standing alongside Uraraka, a knot of resentment forming in the pit of my stomach.

What the hell was he doing with her? Mina needed him, and yet here he was, standing by while she suffered. Anger flared within me, hot and volatile, threatening to consume me from the inside out.

Clenching my fists, I fought to rein in my temper, the urge to lash out almost overwhelming. But as I met Deku's gaze, I saw something in his eyes that gave me pause. It wasn't indifference or apathy—it was emptiness.

For a moment, I hesitated, torn between my anger towards him and the realization that perhaps he was struggling too. But then, I shook my head, pushing aside any trace of sympathy.

If Deku wasn't going to be there for Mina, then we would. It was as simple as that. With a flick of my wrist, I flipped them off, a silent declaration of my disdain, before turning away to join the rest of the crowd.

As we approached Mina's room, a sense of determination settled over me. Whatever had transpired between Deku and Uraraka could wait. Right now, Mina needed us, and we weren't about to let her down.

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The air in Mina's room felt heavy as we all gathered around her. She sat on her bed, looking worn out as she talked about what happened earlier. I could feel my anger boiling inside me, but seeing Mina like this made me push it down. She needed us.

Looking around, I saw the familiar faces of my classmates. Kirishima was there, his expression serious as he held Mina's hand. Sero stood beside him, giving Mina a small smile to show he was there for her.

Kaminari leaned against the wall, listening intently to Mina's words. Kyoka sat close by, quiet but supportive.

But it wasn't just us from the Bakusquad. The rest of our classmates were there too, filling the room with their presence. From Todoroki to Yaoyorozu, everyone wanted to help Mina.

As we sat together, I felt a sense of pride. No matter what happened, we were there for each other. And nothing could break that.

Narrator's POV:

In the bustling classroom of Class 1-A, the absence of one of their own was keenly felt. Mina's usual spot sat empty, a stark reminder of the events that had unfolded earlier in the day. Despite the chatter that filled the room, a somber mood hung over the class, a silent acknowledgment of their friend's absence.

As Present Mic's lecture came to an end, the topic of conversation shifted to their plans for the afternoon. Suggestions were thrown around, from grabbing food at a nearby cafe to hanging out at the arcade. But it was Kaminari who surprised everyone by proposing something unexpected.

"After school, we should all go as a class and take Mina to the mall," he declared, his voice cutting through the noise of the room. "She could use some cheering up."

There was a moment of stunned silence before the rest of the class erupted into agreement. Even Deku, whom Bakugo had been avoiding since lunch, nodded in approval. It was a rare moment of unity, a testament to the bond that held Class 1-A together.

Amidst the enthusiastic chatter, Bakugo's mind raced with conflicting emotions. He hated crowded places, being surrounded by people he didn't know on all sides. But as he glanced around the room, at the faces of his classmates lit up with determination to support Mina, a sense of duty stirred within him.

He remembered the times Mina had been there for him, her infectious energy bringing light to even the darkest of days. She deserved to be surrounded by friends, to feel loved and supported in her time of need. And if that meant enduring the chaos of the mall, then so be it.

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Bakugo found himself standing at the classroom doorway, a sense of resolve settling over him. He may not have been thrilled about the idea of navigating through crowded aisles and endless queues, but for Mina, he was willing to set aside his discomfort

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