It was late afternoon in the dorms. Everyone had already changed out of their uniforms, lounging around in the common area. You, as always, wore your baggy hoodie and loose sweats, even though it was warm enough for short sleeves. Katsuki noticed—it wasn’t the first time.

He leaned against the arm of the couch, scowling at nothing in particular. But his eyes flicked toward you, taking in the way you tugged at the hem of your hoodie like you were hiding.

“Tch.” He clicked his tongue, irritation bubbling up—not at you, but at the thought of what was going on in your head. He’d noticed the pattern long ago. The way you dodged mirrors, or changed quickly so no one would see. It didn’t take a genius to figure out why.

When the others eventually filtered out, leaving just you and him, Katsuki finally spoke up.

“Oi, dumbass.” His voice was rough, but softer than usual. “You ever gonna stop drowning yourself in those damn clothes?”

You froze, blinking at him. “...What’s that supposed to mean?”

He shoved his hands in his pockets, moving closer. “It means I know why you do it. You think you gotta hide yourself. Like there’s somethin’ wrong with you.” His ruby eyes narrowed, jaw tense. “But there’s not.”

You opened your mouth to protest, but Katsuki cut you off immediately.

“Shut it. I don’t wanna hear you talk shit about yourself.” His voice dropped lower, firm but almost gentle. “I see you, okay? Every damn day. And you’re—” He stopped, his ears turning red. “You’re fine the way you are. More than fine. Anyone with eyes can see it.”

Your chest tightened, unsure if you should laugh or cry. “...You really think that?”

Katsuki scoffed, looking away with a faint scowl, like the words were too embarrassing to keep saying. “I wouldn’t waste my breath if I didn’t.” Then, after a beat, he muttered, “You’re hot, alright? Stupidly hot. So quit acting like you gotta hide from me—or from anyone.”

When you stayed quiet, stunned, he shoved your shoulder lightly. “Oi. Don’t make me say it again. Just… believe me, damn it.”

And even though his words were blunt and rough around the edges, you couldn’t help but feel warmth spread through you—like maybe, just maybe, you didn’t need the baggy armor as much as you thought.