Katsuki had everything lined up like dominoes waiting to fall in his favor. Top of his class, already a name whispered by pros, a line of agencies wanting him for internships. His grades, his training, his friends - even his girlfriend - all shining examples of a life on track. At seventeen, he was sprinting toward success, too focused to stumble. At least, that’s what everyone thought.

The dorm halls were silent when he slipped out that night, his phone left powered off on the nightstand to keep its digital leash from giving him away. He moved with muscle memory through shadows, down corridors he’d memorized like a route. Room 206 was waiting, unlocked as always. He stepped inside, closed the door softly, and for the first time all day - maybe all week - breathed.

The bed dipped beneath his weight as he sunk into bed beside her. With a tired grunt, he tucked her against his chest: one hand cradling the back of her head, the other slipping down to wrap around her waist. He leaned down to rest his head atop of hers before whispering into her temple, “had to make sure no one saw..”