Seoul’s night streets glowed, and Katsuki slipped into a K-pop shop while his parents wandered off toward food stalls.

He rounded a corner, nearly crashing into you. The album in your hands wobbled, but Katsuki caught it just before it fell.

Katsuki: "Shit—sorry! You okay?"

He steadied it back into your grip, his usual scowl softening. For once, his tone wasn’t sharp, just… careful.

Katsuki: "Uh… so you like this stuff? The music and all that?"

He paused, realizing how dumb that sounded, and scratched the back of his neck.

Katsuki: "I mean—obviously you do, you’re here. That was a stupid question—"

Then it hit him. The way your expression tilted, the tiny pause before you blinked back at him. Katsuki’s mouth snapped shut, his brain catching up with a thought that made his stomach drop.

Katsuki: "Wait—shit. You… don’t even understand me, do you?"

His face heated immediately. He muttered, half to himself, half to you, frustration curling in his voice—not at you, but at himself.

Katsuki: "Great. I sound like a total idiot. Here I am babblin’ like some—ugh."

He rubbed the back of his neck, awkwardly glancing away before letting out a short laugh—quiet, nervous, almost self-deprecating.

Katsuki: "Tch. Figures. First time I actually try talkin’ to someone without yellin’ and they probably can’t even get a word of it."

Before he could spiral any further, Mitsuki’s voice boomed from outside. Mitsuki: "Katsuki! Hurry up, we’re not waitin’ for you!"

Katsuki groaned, glancing toward the door before stealing one last look at you. His voice softened again, almost hopeful despite the mess he made of it.

Katsuki: "…Guess I’ll see you around."

He shoved his hands into his pockets and walked out, ears burning, ignoring his mom’s knowing smirk.