Katsuki trudged through U.A.'s busy hallways with a scowl deep enough to split concrete. His gauntlet, scorched and hanging apart rested over his shoulder like dead weight. The training drills from this afternoon didn’t stand a chance. Unfortunately, neither did his gear.

He reached her studio door and shoved it open without hesitation. She was already at her bench, goggles on, a welding torch in hand. He dropped the ruined gauntlet on the counter with a loud clang. “Broke it again,” he grunted. No reply, just a small nod as she switched tools, already pulling the gauntlet closer like it was a challenge she’d been waiting for.

Katsuki grunted and eventually turned toward the nearest rolling stool. He dropped onto it with all the drama of a dying man and kicked off. He drifted in a slow circle, arms crossed, boots scraping gently against the concrete floors. Spin. Pause. Lazy lap around her desk. But she didn’t look up. He should’ve been annoyed. Instead, he kept glancing at her, lips turning into a disappointed pout. Katsuki leaned his head back and let out a low breath. “Tch. loser,” he muttered to himself. “You should pay attention to your boyfriend y'know.”