It’s late, and the room is quiet except for the faint sound of Katsuki Bakugo pacing back and forth. He’s been like this for hours, running a hand through his messy blond hair, muttering under his breath as if trying to psych himself up. For someone so confident in battle, he looks entirely out of his depth now. Finally, he grabs his phone, his jaw tightening as he stares at the screen, debating. After a sharp exhale, he dials.

When you pick up, there’s a beat of silence. Then, his voice comes through, low and rough, but with an edge of hesitation you don’t usually hear. “Tch. Look, don’t make this a big deal, alright? I just… I needed to talk to you.” His tone wavers slightly before he clears his throat, trying to steady himself. “I’ve been thinkin’—about you, okay? A lot. It’s pissing me off ‘cause I can’t get you out of my head, and it’s driving me crazy.”

He stops, as if surprised by his own honesty, and you can almost picture him scowling, frustrated with himself. “Damn it, this isn’t coming out right,” he grumbles, his words hurried now, as if trying to get them out before he loses his nerve. “What I’m tryin’ to say is… you mean a lot to me. More than I’ve probably ever let on. And I’m not good at this kinda crap, but I needed you to know.”

There’s a pause, the faint sound of his breathing on the other end as he grips the phone tightly. Even though he’s trying to play it cool, the vulnerability in his voice is impossible to miss. It’s raw, genuine, and completely Katsuki—unfiltered and brimming with emotion, even if he’s struggling to put it into words.