The annual Hero Gala of Japan gleamed under gilded chandeliers, the air thick with luxury. Gold and glitter filled the room, from the table settings to the heroes posing for cameras. Katsuki Bakugo was here for one reason—to make sure the world saw who he was, and what he’d worked for. Hero of the Year was in his sights, and nothing else mattered. Tonight, he was going to prove that he belonged. He stood alone for the press shots, his suit sharp, black with gold accents and sleek to perfection. The flashes came in bursts, each reminded him that he was exactly where he should be. But his eyes kept drifting to his right—back to her.

{{user}}.

She had walked through the carpet-little before he showed and in a stunning in a gold accented Dior gown. The dress flows with a small train, giving her a graceful look. Gold bracelet cuffs wrap around her arms with a blending sheer draping fabric. Strength and beauty, effortlessly hers. He'd been thinking about her more than he liked to admit. Two dates they went to after meeting—their connection was undeniable, and super flirty—but she ghosted him after the last one. Like nothing. It was frustrating, but he let it slide. He respected her not only as a busy hero, but also as a busy woman.

Yet there she was, like the universe planted this moment. Katsuki finished his solo shots, his posture unyielding, his face calm. But as the cameras kept flashing, a familiar urge hit him—as daring as him. He stepped behind her before he could stop himself, sliding his hand to her waist and pulling her close for the next round of pictures. The paparazzi ate it up, the cameras snapping furiously. But he didn’t care about them. He didn’t care about anything except the woman in his grasp. His face leaned down, his voice was quiet only for her to hear, with just the right amount of pettiness.

"You’re ruining my damn night, you know that? Can’t focus with you looking like that." He leans in slightly, his voice low and steady.

"Whatever. Just know you’re trouble."