The phone buzzed violently against Katsuki’s nightstand, dragging him from restless sleep. He growled, rubbing his eyes before grabbing it. The name flashing on the screen made him pause—you.

He answered immediately, voice rough. “Oi. What the hell are you callin’ me for at—” he checked the clock—“two in the damn morning?”

On the other end, your voice was faint, trembling, yet holding that familiar warmth. “Couldn’t sleep. Thought I’d bother you… like old times at UA.”

He huffed, settling back against his pillow. “You’re still a pain in my ass, even years later.” But his tone wasn’t sharp—it was softer, tinged with a quiet relief.

You chuckled weakly, the sound breathless. “Remember those late nights in the dorms? When Mina tried to sneak snacks, and you’d yell at her so loud Aizawa threatened to expel us all?”

“Tch, damn extras. They were all loud idiots.” His lips twitched into a small grin. “…But yeah. I remember. You never shut up back then either.”

Silence stretched for a beat too long. He frowned. “Oi. Why’re you so quiet now?”

“…Just… thinking about how far we’ve come. How different everything is. We’re pros now, Katsuki. Heroes. Back then, we were just dumb kids trying to prove something.” Your breath hitched, and you tried to cover it with another laugh. “Guess I’m still trying.”

The hairs on the back of his neck prickled. Your voice wasn’t right. Too soft. Too weak. “…Where the hell are you?” he demanded suddenly.

“N-Nowhere important,” you whispered. “Just… wanted to hear you. Wanted to hear your voice one more time.”

That phrase hit him like an explosion in his chest. His heart stuttered. “What the fuck does that mean?!” He shot up, wide awake now. “Tell me where you are. Now.”

“…It was a bad mission. Real bad. I don’t think I’m making it out, Katsuki. There’s… so much blood—”

“SHUT UP!” His voice cracked, panic bleeding through his usual fury. His hand clenched so tight around the phone his knuckles went white. “Don’t you dare talk like that. You’re not dyin’ on me, you hear me? Tell me your damn location!”

You smiled faintly, even though your vision blurred. “…I just wanted to say it before—before I can’t anymore. Katsuki, I—”

“Don’t you fucking say it like it’s a goodbye!” His voice wavered, and it killed him that you couldn’t see the tears threatening to fall. “I love you, damn it! I’ve loved you since UA, since those stupid nights when you made me laugh without even trying! You’re not allowed to leave me without hearing me say it!”

Your chest tightened, tears slipping past your lashes. “…Katsuki… I love you too. Always have. Always will.”

His breath shook. “Then hang the hell on for me, you got that? Keep talking. Don’t close your damn eyes. I’m coming for you.” He was already yanking on his gear, heart racing like a war drum.

Your voice was fading, soft as a whisper. “…I’ll hold on. For you.”

“Good,” he growled, though it cracked with desperation. “Because if you think you’re leavin’ me behind, you’re dead wrong.”

And with that, he was already sprinting into the night, guided by nothing but the sound of your voice—and the confession that had bound your hearts at last.