~BNHA~ Burning Hunger Within

Chapter 19

As the first light of dawn slipped through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room, Izuku found himself drifting back from the edge of sleep, anchored by the warmth of Katsuki beside him. For a moment, he allowed himself to simply exist in this serene bubble they had created, away from the chaos that awaited them beyond these walls.

The quiet, so rare and precious, felt like a balm to Izuku's constantly racing thoughts. He reveled in the peace, the steady rhythm of Katsuki's breathing beside him, a reassuring reminder of the reality they shared, however fleeting this moment might be.

As if sensing his wakefulness, Katsuki stirred, his eyes blinking open to meet Izuku's gaze. There was a moment, timeless and suspended, as they simply looked at each other, the unspoken understanding between them more palpable than words.

"Morning," Katsuki murmured, his voice rough with sleep but his eyes clear and focused. It was in moments like these that Izuku was reminded of the depth of Katsuki's feelings, the unwavering certainty he carried about them.

"Morning," Izuku replied, his voice a soft echo. He watched as a small, content smile played on Katsuki's lips, a rare and unguarded expression that Izuku cherished.

"You good?" Katsuki asked, his concern clear even in his casual tone.

"Yeah, just thinking," Izuku admitted, his own smile bittersweet. The peace of the morning contrasted sharply with the turmoil inside him, the weight of his past and the uncertainty of his worthiness pressing down.

Katsuki reached out, his hand finding Izuku's, their fingers intertwining naturally. "You think too much, Izuku. We'll have plenty of time to talk about us after we finish taking Tomura down."

Izuku's heart clenched at the confidence in Katsuki's words, a contrast to the doubts that clouded his own mind. "I don't get how you can be so sure, Kacchan. How can we—"

"Stop," Katsuki cut in gently, his thumb stroking Izuku's hand. "There's no point arguing about the same thing. You'll see I always get what I want."

Izuku chuckled as he looked into Katsuki's determined eyes, not just the detective, but the boy he'd known since as far back as he could remember, unwavering and steadfast.

"Alright, Kacchan," Izuku whispered, the weight in his chest lightening ever so slightly. "I can never win against you."

Katsuki's response was a cocky a smirk grazing his features with an affirming squeeze of their linked hands. "You're finally starting to get it."

In the quiet that followed their mutual admission, the room seemed to hold its breath, basking in the new understanding that had woven itself around Izuku and Katsuki. They weren't ready to face leave their bubble just yet, so they lingered in each other's warmth.

Izuku, lost in thought, traced the lines of Katsuki's back with his fingers, a small smile playing on his lips. He was grateful for this, for Katsuki — his strength, his presence. It was a solace he hadn't known he'd needed until now. Katsuki, ever observant, watched Izuku with a keen eye, recognizing the shift in his demeanor, the unspoken thoughts that seemed to cloud his gaze.

Breaking the silence, Katsuki's voice was gentle, yet carried the undeniable strength that Izuku had always admired. "You've come a long way, Izuku. From the scrawny kid I remember to... well, this." He gestured with a slide of his hands down Izuku's abdomen, the muscles tight and still sore from his last fight.

Izuku's laugh was soft, tinged with a mix of nostalgia and irony. "Would you have believed it?" he mused, meeting Katsuki's eyes. There was a time when such a future seemed impossible, a distant dream shaped by the aspirations of a boy too stubborn to give up.