**Chapter 69: The Green-Eyed Monster**

The green-eyed monster, a phrase that Katsuki had often used to describe the feeling of jealousy that crept up when someone you cared about gave attention to someone else. It seemed that phrase was about to become all too real for a few of our classmates. As Mina finished her story, the room fell silent once again, but this time it was for a different reason. Bakugo, Kirishima, Deku, Kaminari, Todoroki, and Shinso had all walked into the room, unaware of the conversation that had just transpired. But as they caught the tail end of Mina's story, their faces fell, and their eyes narrowed. Bakugo's eyes scanned the room, locking onto me with an intense stare. "Hawks asked you out?" he asked, his voice low and even, but with a hint of jealousy. Kirishima, always the loudmouth, spoke up next. "What the...? Why didn't he ask me out?" he exclaimed, his face scrunched up in disappointment. Deku looked like he had been punched in the gut, his eyes wide with shock and a hint of sadness. "Ves, I...I didn't know," he stuttered, his voice barely above a whisper. Kaminari, always the jokester, tried to lighten the mood, but his attempt fell flat. "Well, I guess Hawks has a thing for quiet, brooding types," he said, trying to make a joke, but his voice was laced with bitterness. Todoroki's face was a mask of calm, but his eyes betrayed his emotions. He looked... hurt. "I thought we were friends, Ves," he said, his voice soft, but laced with a hint of accusation. Shinso, always the observant one, looked like he was piecing together a puzzle. "This changes things," he said, his voice low and thoughtful. "Hawks is a powerful hero, and Ves... well, Ves is a talented writer." The room was filled with an uncomfortable silence as my friends processed the news. I could feel their eyes on me, and I knew that things were about to get complicated. Mina, still grinning from ear to ear, seemed to be enjoying the drama she had just unleashed. I sighed, trying to think of a way to diffuse the situation, but before I could say anything, Bakugo spoke up. "Ves, we need to talk," he said, his voice firm, but with a hint of possessiveness. Oh boy, this was going to be a long day.