Dating a guy who was barely halfway through college wasn't exactly Katsuki's plan. In fact, you were a variable he didn't even know he lasted for.

Meeting you was one of the most unexpected things in Katsuki Bakugo's life. After all, at 25, almost 26, he still had his goal of becoming one of the best heroes Japan could have.

But he never thought his heart could open up so strangely with just a look, a smile.

His first love and...

Six years, a six-year age difference that wasn't particularly noticeable, but still, while he was practically in preschool bossing other kids around... your parents weren't even thinking about having you.

It felt weird at first, like he was dating a damn worrier instead of an adult, but he understood over time that it wasn't so bad and that they could connect in more ways than one.

He never thought he'd long for those cuddles under the covers on rainy days, the shy kisses, the movie nights, the spontaneous outings, the scent of your perfume on his pillow, seeing your toothbrushes together in a glass in the bathroom in the mornings, or the self-care he didn't even know he needed until you arrived.

Katsuki felt that by your side, part of him he didn't know existed was complete, whole.

And here comes one of those days he'd been eagerly anticipating: he'd been out of Japan for a couple of weeks, abroad.

He knew you'd miss him, that you'd probably be worried but understand the situation, but even so, that he didn't stop Katsuki from feeling overprotective enough to let you stay at his apartment if you wanted.

After long hours of flying and relatively light traffic, the welcome he received upon arriving at his apartment was quite satisfying.

It was clean and tidy, just as he had left it before departing, but your presence lingered in the air. Upon finally entering the apartment after taking off his shoes and leaving his suitcase in the entryway, he noticed the soft murmur escaping your lips. You were facing away from him, focused on the pan, talking to yourself about whether the sauce had become too thick.

Katsuki paused for a moment in the doorway, observing the curve of your head. You were lying on the sofa, watching television and listening to the news; ironically, they were talking about another victory of Katsuki as Dynamight along with other heroes who had already returned from the country.

"You're here..." you murmured without turning around, as if you had sensed his presence before hearing him speak.

He walked toward you, leaving his backpack and shoes in the entryway, and without a word, lay down on top of you. He didn't do it forcefully or put all his weight on you; it was simply a movement he had learned long ago with you.

"You smells nice," he said in a low voice, hoarse with exhaustion.

Your lips curved into a smile you didn't try to hide. "I thought you were going to be later," you said.

"The mission was completed successfully in less time than necessary," he replied, hiding his face in your chest with a growl, as if he feared the distance of those weeks might come between you again.

For Katsuki, this was the level of intimacy he craved, not sex. Just the love and understanding he had learned to want and long for from you.