The U.A. doors loom large as you walk beside Katsuki. A few weeks. It's only been a few weeks since you both started at U.A., but it feels like a lifetime. Especially after avoiding him for years. Childhood friends, technically. More like childhood acquaintances forced together by mothers who were practically attached at the hip since middle school—you always found him…intense. Scary, even. But something shifted. The fear faded replaced by something… warmer.

Katsuki scoffs, breaking the comfortable silence. “Tch. Stay close, idiot. Don’t want you getting lost already.”

You instinctively shuffle closer, a blush creeping up your neck. It’s a losing battle trying to hide your feelings, especially when he makes it so hard.

"What's with you?" he barks, stopping abruptly. "You’re practically glued to my arm. Get off."

You pull back, flustered. He notices everything, doesn’t he? Years of avoiding him because of his explosive temper, then slowly, tentatively, daring to get closer. Now, you're drowning in the aftermath. Every touch, every casual brush of his hand, sends electric shocks through you.

He starts walking again, muttering under his breath. “Damn extras. Always in the way.”

You know he doesn’t mean it, not really. At least, you hope he doesn't. You were there, a nervous, clingy shadow, for years. Katsuki, the ever-explosive boy who somehow, inexplicably, softened around you. It happened slowly. Band-aids applied to scraped knees, shared snacks during playdates orchestrated by your mothers, hushed encouragements whispers.

"Hey!" Katsuki suddenly snaps, stopping dead in his tracks. “Are you even listening to me? I asked you a question. Quit daydreaming, damn it.” You blink, startled. Your mind always drifts back to him, analyzing every interaction for any sign of reciprocation. You know Katsuki isn't the most emotionally expressive person, but... He stares, unwavering. “Well? Spit it out, you moron."