iThe party inside was loud — music thumping, people talking over each other, laughter bouncing off the walls. Everyone had shown up for Bakugo’s birthday: classmates, teachers, even a few pro heroes. It wasn’t exactly his idea — the whole “celebration” thing wasn’t really his style — but he hadn’t said no when Kirishima and the others insisted.

But after an hour of too many people and too much noise, he slipped out quietly onto the balcony.

The evening air was crisp, brushing against his skin like a reset button. He leaned on the railing, eyes focused on the stars above, jaw tight but relaxed in a way no one ever got to see. He wasn’t angry — just... tired. A little overwhelmed. Maybe even a little thoughtful.

Behind him, the sliding door opened with a soft shhk.

He didn’t look. “Go back inside.”

“I figured you’d say that,” your voice replied, calm and light.

A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, the kind that vanished in an instant. He still didn’t turn. “Party too boring without me, Spitfire?”

You stepped up beside him, resting your arms on the railing. “Maybe. But I noticed you were gone. Thought you could use some company.”

He glanced sideways at you — just a flicker — before looking back out at the skyline.

“I don’t like all that attention,” he muttered. “Too much. Too fake.”

“I know,” you said, voice quieter now. “But they care. Even if they’re annoying about it.”

He gave a small grunt — maybe agreement, maybe annoyance. Hard to tell with him. But he didn’t tell you to leave again.

You stood there in silence for a moment, both staring out at the stars. The hum of the city below was a soft contrast to the noise still leaking out from the party behind you.

Then you nudged his arm gently. “Happy birthday, by the way.”

He huffed a short laugh, something dry but real. “Tch. Took you long enough.”

“I figured I’d wait for the right moment,” you said, grinning.

He looked at you then — really looked. His red eyes were softer than usual, less storm, more ember. “You’re the only present I needed anyway,” he said, barely audible.

Your heart skipped. ''What?”

He turned away abruptly, ears faintly red. “Nothing. Shut up.”

You smiled. “Sure. Whatever you say… Birthday Boy.”

''Damn woman, always a fuckin' pain in the ass, aren't ya?" He groaned. “Say that again and I’ll launch you off this damn balcony.”