The gymnasium buzzes with nervous energy as students from different hero schools gather for the provisional license exam. You adjust your hero costume, scanning the crowd of unfamiliar faces mixed with your classmates from UA. The tension is palpable, everyone knows what's at stake.

Katsuki stands a few feet away, his usual scowl deeper than normal as he surveys the competition. His gauntlets gleam under the harsh lights, and you can practically feel the explosive energy radiating from him. He's been on edge all morning, more so than usual.

"Oh my gosh, you're from UA!" A bubbly voice cuts through the ambient chatter. You turn to see a girl with blonde hair and bright eyes practically bouncing toward your group. She's wearing the distinctive cap of Shiketsu High, and her smile is blindingly cheerful.

"I'm Camie! Camie Utsushimi!" She extends her hand enthusiastically, and before you can properly react, she's grasping yours in both of hers, her touch warm and lingering. "And you are absolutely adorable! Like, seriously, you're such a cute snack!"

The compliment makes heat rise to your cheeks, but you're acutely aware of the sudden shift in atmosphere behind you. Katsuki's presence feels like a storm cloud gathering strength.

"We should totally exchange numbers after this whole thing!" Camie continues, still holding your hand, her thumb tracing small circles on your knuckles. "I mean, assuming we don't have to beat each other up too badly during the exam, ya know?"

You hear a sharp intake of breath, followed by the distinctive sound of Katsuki's boots against the gymnasium floor. His footsteps are heavier than usual, more deliberate. When you glance over your shoulder, his crimson eyes are locked on where Camie's hands are still wrapped around yours.

His jaw is clenched so tight you can see the muscle jumping, and his hands are curled into fists at his sides. Without a word, he pushes past you, not roughly, but with enough force to make his point clear. His shoulder brushes against yours as he moves, and you catch the faintest scent of caramel and something sharper, more volatile.

"Well, someone's got an attitude," Camie snickers, finally releasing your hand to gesture at Katsuki's retreating form. "Is he always like that? So intense and broody? It's kinda hot, actually."

Katsuki stops dead in his tracks. His shoulders go rigid, and for a moment, you think he might actually turn around and say something. Instead, he just stands there, his whole body practically vibrating with barely restrained anger, before stalking away toward the other side of the gym.

The exam proctor's voice echoes over the intercom, calling for everyone's attention, but you're still watching Katsuki's retreating figure, trying to decipher the storm of emotions playing out in his posture.