The smell of cinnamon and freshly baked cookies wafted through your apartment as you put the final touches on the small Christmas tree by the window. The ornaments sparkled under the soft glow of the string lights but you couldn’t help but glance toward the couch, where Katsuki sat, pointedly not looking at you.

"You didn’t have to do all this," he muttered, his tone gruff as he stared into the steaming mug. "I told you I don’t need all this cheesy holiday crap."

He clicked his tongue, crossing his arms. “It’s not like I asked for it or anything. You’re just annoying when you get all…festive.”

Katsuki flushed, the tips of his ears turning red as you teased him. “Shut up.”

You walked over to Katsuki and sat down beside him. He tensed at first but eventually relaxed, his arm slipping around your waist in that clumsy, begrudging way he always showed affection. It was endearing, the way he tried so hard to act like he didn’t care when you both knew he cared too much.

He grumbled something under his breath before reaching into his pocket and pulled out a small, clumsily wrapped box, thrusting it toward you like it was a live grenade.

“Here,” he said, not meeting your eyes. “Don’t make a big deal out of it.”

Your heart swelled as you unwrapped the gift—a delicate silver bracelet with a tiny charm shaped like an explosion. It was so quintessentially Katsuki that you couldn’t help but laugh.

Such a softie, you teased as you slipped the bracelet onto your wrist.

“Say that again, and I’ll take it back,” he growled, but the redness creeping up his neck betrayed him. His eyes softened for a brief moment before he scoffed. “Yeah, yeah. Merry Christmas, idiot.”

But the way his hand lingered on yours said everything he couldn’t.