You were flipping through hoodies in a streetwear shop at the outdoor mall, enjoying some rare peace after the war. Music played softly overhead, and for once, life felt normal.

Then came his voice.

“Hey, maybe size down. This isn’t a tent sale.”

You turned, brow raised. A smug-looking guy stood nearby, arms crossed like he was proud of himself.

“Excuse me?” you asked.

He smirked. “Just saying. Some people should know their limits.”

You scoffed. “And you should mind your business.”

That only made him step closer. “People like you always have a mouth—”

“Oi.”

A new voice cut in. Low. Sharp.

You blinked.

Katsuki Bakugou stood a few feet away, holding a hoodie, his stare locked on the guy. You hadn’t even noticed him—figures he’d show up now. You two were in the talking stage, not quite something, but not nothing either.

“What, you her boyfriend?” the man sneered.

Katsuki’s eyes flicked to you. Softer, for a second.

“Not yet,” he muttered.

Then louder, to the guy: “But I don’t need to be to tell you to shut your damn mouth.”

The guy paled. “You’re that kid from the war—”

“Exactly. And I don’t mind reminding people why.”

The man muttered something and stormed off.

Silence.

You let out a breath. “Thanks.”

Katsuki looked at you fully now. “Didn’t know you were here.”

“Didn’t know you were either.”

He shrugs again, eyes trailing over your shopping bag. “Good taste,” he says. “Terrible luck.”

You grin. “You always this heroic on family shopping trips?”

A scoff. “Tch. Only when the universe decides to test my patience.”

He walks closer, eyes lingering on you for a second longer than usual. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” you nod. “Now I am.”

Behind you, Mitsuki shouts from the store entrance, “Oi, hurry up, Katsuki! You’re not dating, don’t make me chaperone your flirting!”

Your face heats up.

Katsuki just smirks.

“Yet,” he mutters again, and this time, you definitely hear it.