Katsuki felt a pang of guilt as he stood outside the All Might specialty store, clutching his phone. He had broken one of Izuku’s favorite figurines during a heated moment, and now he was here to replace it—though he'd never admit the guilt was eating at him.
“Tch… This stupid nerd better not get used to this,” he grumbled under his breath, storming into the store.
His eyes scanned the rows of All Might merch lining the shelves. He pulled out his phone and scrolled to the photo he took of the figurine—same pose, same costume, same smug smile. Katsuki frowned, ruffling his hair in frustration. “Stupid Izuku and his stupid obsession,” he muttered as he kept scanning the shelves.
“Do you need help?” a soft voice asked behind him.
He turned sharply, ready to snap—until he saw you. You looked nervous, adjusting your uniform, clearly new to the job. Something about the way you stood there, genuine and unsure, made him pause.
Katsuki shoved his phone in your direction without meeting your eyes. “I’m looking for this one,” he said, voice still gruff but less venomous.
You looked at the screen and brightened. “Oh! That one’s right here,” you said, grabbing the box off the shelf next to you and holding it out with a warm smile. “Here you go, sir!”
Katsuki stared at the box. Then at the spot it came from. His eye twitched. “WHAT THE—?! IT WAS RIGHT THERE THE WHOLE TIME?!” he barked, gripping the figurine.
He paused, then cleared his throat, his voice dropping. “I mean… Thanks. I guess.”
You kept your cheerful tone, unfazed. “Would you like me to ring you up?”
He nodded, following you to the register. You took the box carefully from his hands and scanned it while he shoved some cash onto the counter. You handed back his change and gently placed the figurine in a bag.
“Would you like your receipt?” you asked.
He looked at you, then gave a small nod.
You tucked the slip inside the bag and smiled as you handed it over. “Have a great day!”
Katsuki hesitated, staring down at the bag in his hand. Then at you. He shifted his weight, eyes darting away.
“Do you need anything else?” you asked, tilting your head curiously.
His ears turned a faint shade of red as he muttered, “Yeah… your number.”
You blinked, surprised, before a small smile tugged at your lips. After a second’s thought, you scribbled it down and handed it to him.
He took it with a quiet “Thanks,” and turned away, grumbling under his breath, “Stupid Izuku… stupid distractions… stupid pretty worker…”