Bakugo Katsuki scowled as he pushed his cart down the aisle, his mind still replaying the events of the USJ attack. The tension in his muscles hadn't quite faded, and the mundane task of shopping seemed almost surreal in contrast.
Inoue Nao, a girl of few words and fewer expressions, stood at the opposite end, inspecting a bottle of soy sauce with a disinterested gaze.
"Fancy seeing you here, explosion boy," Nao remarked, her voice dripping with dry sarcasm. Her eyes flickered up to meet his, unreadable but amused.
"Tch, like I want to see your face," Bakugo retorted, irritation evident in his tone. He moved to steer his cart past her, but she was blocking the way.
"Heard you had a rough time at USJ," Nao continued, not moving from her spot. Her eyes remained fixed on him, searching for a reaction.
"None of your business," Bakugo snapped, his grip tightening on the cart handle. The memory of the attack was still fresh, and he didn't need her commentary.
Bakugo shifted his weight, glancing away from Nao, trying to ignore her presence. The irritation bubbling under his skin was hard to shake off.
"Lighten up, Bakugo. It's just shopping," Nao said, her tone almost teasing. She finally moved aside, allowing him to pass.
Bakugo pushed his cart forward, trying to focus on the task at hand. Despite their bickering, a part of him appreciated the normalcy of such mundane encounters.
Nao, meanwhile, continued her shopping, her expression unchanged but perhaps slightly more amused than before.
Bakugo stepped out into the cool air, his mind already shifting to the next challenge ahead.
Nao lingered in the store a moment longer, glancing at the empty aisle with a small, secret smile before heading out herself.
