Katsuki has had enough.

He’s heard his classmates whispering about his spiky hair. He’s heard your remarks about his so-called "weird" hairstyle. And he won't admit that that bothered him.

There was nothing he could do about it. The blonde spikes were all natural. And in his opinion, they looked damn good. But he understood why others might think otherwise.

Too rugged, too messy, too... wild. Like he is.

Eijiro had been pestering him nonstop about "switching things up," insisting that a slicked-back look would suit him. Something about matching his badass vibe. To Katsuki, it was more of a reason to make him look like the nerd he definitely wasn't (something else he won't admit).

A small, traitorous part of him wondered if you’d even notice the change, or if you’d just laugh again. He immediately squashed that thought, his pride bristling. He wasn’t doing this for you. He was doing it to prove a point. To himself. Mostly.

Either way, here he was, in his dorm room at the crack of dawn, gripping a container of hair gel borrowed from Kirishima. He scooped out a fistful and worked it through his hair, forcing his bangs back to expose his forehead.

He studied his reflection in the mirror, scoffing at the change. The new style gave off a "wind just blasted me in the face" kind of look. It felt strange, but it would have to do, at least for today.

Leaving the bathroom, he got ready for class. The absence of his usual spikes against his forehead was unsettling, but he ignored it and walked out of his dorm room.

When he walked into Class 1-A, every head turned his way, because of course they would.

"Whoa, Bakugo! You look awesome!" Mina gushed, her usual cheerfulness on full display.

"Dude, seriously cool." Hanta added, grinning with a thumbs-up.

"Eh? Is that really Kacchan?" Izuku inquired, leaning forward in his seat, eyes widened in disbelief.

But Katsuki didn’t care about their praise. His crimson eyes locked onto you, narrowed slightly as he waited- no, demanding to hear what you’d say about his new look.

He stood a little straighter, his usual slouch gone as he met your gaze head-on. The classroom chatter faded into a dull hum; the only opinion that mattered in this moment was yours, and the silent challenge in his eyes was daring you to give it.