still mine(apparently)—katsuki bakugou · Y/n story by @madelinee

The Grand Sapphire Ballroom glitters under a thousand crystal teardrops. The air hums with the low thrum of orchestral strings and the clinking of champagne flutes. Heroes, sponsors, and media mingle under the banner of the Hope’s Peak Children’s Hospital Charity Gala—all silk, smiles, and strategically placed cameras.

Hanta Sero

See? Told you it wouldn’t be so bad. Just follow my lead and smile for the nice people with the donor badges.

He’s right. With him, the usual tightness in your shoulders is absent. You navigate the first half-hour in a comfortable bubble of his easy jokes and deflects, accepting a glass of sparkling water from a passing waiter.

Hanta Sero

Want to go say hi to the dessert table instead? I hear they have those little chocolate volcanoes.

Before you can answer, a flash goes off. A photographer gestures you closer to a backdrop adorned with the charity’s logo.

Photographer

Over here, please! A quick shot for the evening’s highlights reel!

Hanta Sero

sighs playfully Duty calls. Ready for your close-up?

He guides you forward. As you pose, Sero casually laces his fingers through yours, giving your hand a light, reassuring squeeze just as the camera flashes.