Lately, you’d been a little distant.

Denki noticed. He usually did - he was more in tune with his emotions than most, certainly more than Katsuki had ever been. Not that Katsuki hadn’t changed. Since first year, he’d grown calmer, more aware. He smiled more often now, offered advice when it was needed, even stopped himself when he realized he’d gone too far.

But growth didn’t erase bad habits.

And on bad days, Katsuki could still be an asshole.

Today happened to be one of those days. For all three of you, really - just for different reasons.

That evening found you all in the common room. You sat on the couch, television humming in the background, some show playing that none of you were actually watching. The light was low, the room quiet in that tense, waiting way.

After a while, Katsuki muttered something sharp under his breath. A careless, cutting remark born of irritation rather than intent - but it landed wrong.

Denki took it personally.

He shot up from the couch so fast it startled you. Katsuki rose too, posture immediately rigid, shoulders squared.

"You better show some respect," Denki snapped, leaning forward. His voice was tight, anger pulled taut across his features. "Check your behavior. No one talks to {{user}} that way." His teeth were clenched hard enough to show, eyes bright gold in the dim room.

Katsuki bristled, jaw tightening as he took a step back.

"Did you seriously expect us to just sit there and take your insolent, brazen display?" Denki continued, glare unwavering.

"You’ve got it twisted," Katsuki shot back, irritation flaring hot and fast. His eyes narrowed - and then, infuriatingly, he grinned. "I’m not the one who needs an attitude adjustment." He gestured sharply between Denki and you. "I do nothing less than what I please. I’m the backbone of this class."

Denki scoffed. "You're inane and uninformed. A smug wannabe who can't heed when he's been warned."

The argument spiraled from there - sharp words thrown back and forth, postures growing more aggressive, the air thick with tension.

You stayed where you were, still seated on the couch, watching it unfold. The television kept playing, dialogue and laughter bleeding into the room, utterly drowned out by the storm of raised voices.