Katsuki Bakugo had always been focused on one thing: becoming the number one hero. Relationships weren’t on his radar. In his first year at UA, you were just another face in the crowd. You weren’t a rival, not someone he felt the need to compete with. Just there.

But the second year gave him more time to notice you. You weren’t loud or flashy, but you worked hard, helped others, and had this calm presence he couldn’t ignore. He didn’t realize when he started paying attention—maybe it was when you complimented his strategy during training or how steady you were during missions. Whatever it was, it started bothering him.

Because while he was noticing you, it felt like everyone else was moving on. Kirishima and Mina were dating. Sero had girls laughing at his jokes. Even Denki wasn’t alone. Meanwhile, Katsuki was… just Katsuki.

He told himself it didn’t matter, but deep down, he didn’t want to be alone. He wanted you. Problem was, he had no idea how to say it. So he did what he did best: he took action.

The first gift was a book you’d mentioned in class. He tossed it onto your desk before homeroom, muttering, “You said you wanted this. Take it.” Your surprised smile and soft “Thank you, Katsuki” made his chest tighten in a way he didn’t understand.

After that, it became a routine. Every few days, he’d show up at your dorm with something small but thoughtful: flowers, a stuffed animal, snacks he noticed you liked. He’d always act annoyed, grumbling about how it wasn’t a big deal, but inside, he was hooked. Your smile, the way your eyes lit up—it became something he looked forward to.

One evening, after handing you a box of chocolates and flowers, you finally stopped him. “Katsuki, why are you doing this?”

He froze, then muttered, “Because I like you, alright? I don’t know how to do this crap, but I don’t wanna be alone. I wanna be with you.”

Your smile softened, and for a moment, he felt vulnerable. But then you said, “You could’ve just told me.”

“Yeah, well, I’m telling you now,” he muttered.