Dawn and Fireflies

70. With you by my side

The sudden silence was almost tangible.

Katsuki stood with his back to the door, the red-wrapped package still in his hand, his eyes drifting around his own room—as if seeing it for the first time. In contrast to Emiko's tidy room with pastel accents, his was spartan and always orderly. The bed was made with military precision, the black comforter stretched smooth and flat.

The complete absence of any Christmas decorations was the first thing Emiko noticed. No string lights, no cards—not even a tiny star on the window.

Katsuki glanced down at the package in his hand, his fingers unconsciously brushing over the red wrapping paper and white ribbon.

"I didn't get you anything," he muttered at last, his gaze still fixed on the gift. "Didn't even think about Christmas, let alone that anyone actually celebrates it—except for my damn class with their stupid Secret Santa thing last night."

His words sounded almost apologetic, a rare tone in his rough voice. He looked genuinely uncomfortable, like he'd violated some fundamental social code.

Emiko smiled softly, with no hint of disappointment on her face. "That's okay," she replied warmly, raising her arm so the silver bracelet with lavender stones sparkled in the light. "You already gave me something. That alone makes me more than happy."

Katsuki snorted quietly. His crimson eyes flicked briefly to the bracelet and back to the package in his hand. "That doesn't count," he grumbled. "That was a damn apology."

Though he wouldn't admit it, a nagging feeling crept up inside him. She had gone to the trouble of getting him a gift, while he hadn't even thought of it. Internally, he made a silent promise to at least get her something for New Year's—the more important holiday in Japan. Christmas didn't really hold much cultural weight; it was mostly a Western import, like so many things. But if it mattered to her...

With a deep breath, he began unwrapping the package, trying not to tear the paper too much. His movements were more cautious than his usual recklessness would suggest. When the contents were revealed, he paused.

A scarf. An orange-and-black scarf with a subtle striped pattern at the ends. He pulled it from the paper and let the fabric slide through his fingers. The material felt surprisingly high quality—and somehow different. Not like ordinary wool or cotton.

"It's fireproof," Emiko explained, as if she'd read his thoughts. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Specially made for Quirks with high temperatures. I thought it might come in handy—especially with your explosions in the winter, when it's cold. Also... I noticed your old scarf's getting a little worn, so..."

Her voice trailed off, and she nervously bit her lower lip, unsure if her gift would be well received.

Katsuki wrapped the scarf around his hand and examined it closely. Now that she'd mentioned it, he recognized the material—fabric used in pro hero gear. Not cheap. Not ordinary. And damn useful.

"Not bad," he murmured, which, coming from him, was practically high praise. He draped the scarf around his neck, letting the ends fall over his shoulders. The weight and warmth were immediately comforting. "Actually... not dumb at all."

Emiko's eyes lit up at his reaction, a radiant and relieved smile spreading across her face. "I'm glad! It took me a while to track down that fabric—usually, it's only used for official hero gear."

Katsuki ran his fingers over the scarf, a barely-there smile tugging at his lips. Then he looked back at her, his expression turning serious.

"I got an invitation yesterday," he said abruptly, his voice calmer than usual. "From Half-and-Half. After New Year's, I'll be doing an internship with him and Deku—at Endeavor's agency. In Tokyo."