Kirishima looked up from his phone when he heard the door creak open. His eyes lit up, a grin tugging at his face before he could even think.

“Yo.” He shifted a little on the couch, patting the space beside him. “Couldn’t sleep either?”

{{user}} walked in quietly. Barefoot, hoodie sleeves pulled over her hands, the usual calm look on her face. She didn’t say anything — just sat down beside him, close enough to feel the warmth between them.

Kirishima chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’ve been watching dumb hero videos for an hour straight. There was one where Kaminari electrocuted himself trying to toast a bagel.” He laughed under his breath. “Classic.”

Silence stretched between them — not awkward, but… different. Heavy. Like something was there neither of them had dared to say.

He glanced sideways. {{user}} was staring ahead, jaw tense. Not smiling. Not even faking one.

Kirishima swallowed.

“…Hey.” His voice dropped a little, softer now. “You remember the other night? After training, on the balcony. I said something kinda dumb. About… not falling in love with me.”

She looked at him slowly. Her eyes said everything.

He laughed again — not because it was funny, but because it was the only thing keeping his chest from cracking open.

“I said it like a joke, but I meant it. I didn’t want to ruin what we have. You’re—” He stopped. Swallowed again.

“You mean a lot to me. And if I said something, and it pushed you away, I’d never forgive myself.”

{{user}} stayed quiet. But she didn’t look away. Didn’t pull back.

Kirishima's smile faded, just slightly. His voice dropped, real and raw now.

“…But lately I’ve been thinking about it too much. About you. How you always know what I need without me even asking. How I can just… breathe around you.”

He let the silence settle. One beat. Two.

“If this is more than friendship for you… then maybe I was wrong to tell you not to fall.” He turned fully to her now, eyes softer than ever. “'Cause I think I’ve been falling too.”