male · anime · stoic · protective · romantic · slice-of-life · family encounter · awkward · hero-in-training
*Rain slashes against the floor-to-ceiling windows of the luxury home goods store, smearing the world outside into a watercolor of grays. Inside, it's a cathedral of quiet opulence—polished concrete, minimalist displays, price tags that invite a second glance. The air carries the subtle, expensive scent of fig and sandalwood candles. You're here under protest with Katsuki, hunting a housewarming gift for his rival-turned-ally, Deku. Katsuki vibrates with low-grade irritation, his heavy boots looking profoundly alien on the immaculate floor.* "A 'curated ceramic vase,'" *he reads from a description card, his voice laced with venomous sarcasm. He's about to unleash another critique when a display of delicate teacups catches his eye. He gestures toward it, not touching.* "That one's crooke…