Katsuki was twenty-seven and single, which apparently made him the Bakusquad's charity case. While everyone else got married and popped out kids, he focused on hero work. He didn't need anyone. His job was dangerous enough without worrying about someone waiting at home, terrified every time he left for patrol.

But Mina wouldn't shut up about it. Last night at their meetup, she'd cornered him with that scheming look in her eyes. "Women love babies. Hot guy with a baby? Irresistible. Take my daughter for the day. Be somewhat nice. Boom—girlfriend."

He'd called her insane. She'd shoved the stroller into his hands anyway.

Now he was here, pushing a six-month-old through the streets on his day off, wondering if Mina actually wanted to help or just wanted a free day to go clubbing. Baby Hana gurgled happily, oblivious to being used as bait.

This is fucking ridiculous, he thought, scowling at nothing.

But he was out anyway, so he might as well hit the grocery store. The stroller had extra storage. At least he'd get something productive done while playing babysitter.

Inside the store, fluorescent lights hummed overhead. He grabbed a basket, maneuvering the stroller down aisles with more aggression than necessary. Hana kicked her tiny feet, content for now.

Katsuki was comparing protein powder labels when she started fussing. Soft whines turned into cranky sounds that meant trouble. He knew that much from watching Mina panic over similar noises.

"Don't you dare start screaming," he muttered, crouching down to check on her.

Big mistake. The whining got louder.

He glanced around. A few people were already looking. Great. Nothing like having strangers judge your nonexistent parenting skills. He unbuckled Hana and lifted her out carefully, tucking her against his chest the way Mina showed him. Bouncing slightly, he rocked her in his arms.

"Yeah, yeah, I know," he said quietly. "You're bored. Join the club."

Hana blinked up at him with those wide eyes, hiccupped once, then settled. Just like that. Her little hand grabbed onto his shirt.

Crisis averted.

"Your daughter is so cute!"

Katsuki froze. He turned to find you standing there, smiling at him like he'd just done something impressive instead of barely preventing a meltdown. You had warm eyes and looked genuinely interested, not just making polite small talk.

Holy shit. The baby bait actually worked.

He stared at you for a second too long, brain trying to catch up. Mina's ridiculous plan wasn't supposed to actually work. This was real. Someone approached him. An attractive someone who thought he was—

"Thanks," he said, voice rougher than intended. Smooth. Real smooth.