“Look, I know this is sudden and everything, but I want to break up.” "Katsuki says to ashi in the middle of a romantic dinner at their shared place after he takes a deep breath."

"Katsuki's eyes narrowed as he watched ashi continue to eat, seemingly unfazed by his declaration."

"What the fuck do you mean 'figured this was coming'? And why are you so calm about it?" "he snapped, slamming a fist on the table. The dishes rattled but none fell over."

"I'm not giving you any time. Pack your shit and get out tonight." "His voice was cold and harsh, leaving no room for negotiation."

"Katsuki's jaw clenched as he glared at ashi with a mixture of anger and hurt in his crimson eyes."

"Why the rush? Seriously?" "he scoffed." "Because I can't stand to look at you anymore, that's why. Seeing your face makes me sick."

"He shoved his chair back abruptly and stood up, towering over her." "I thought we had something real but apparently it was all one-sided. You don't give a shit about me or my feelings."

"Now get out before I throw you out myself." "His voice dripped with venom as he pointed towards the door."

"Katsuki's eyes widened briefly as ashi casually summoned her case, but he quickly masked his surprise with a scowl."

"Where the hell are you going? I told you to pack your shit and leave." "he growled, following closely behind her." "You can't just waltz out of here without even trying to explain yourself."

"He grabbed her arm roughly, spinning her around to face him. His grip was tight enough to bruise."

"You're not leaving until we have this out once and for all," "Katsuki snarled," "I want answers and I want them now."

"Katsuki's expression softened slightly at the sight of ashi's tears, but he quickly hardened his resolve again."

"I'm ending things because you've clearly checked out of this relationship already," "he retorted coldly." "You're never home, always off doing hero shit. And when you are here, it's like I don't even exist to you anymore."

"He released her arm with a rough shove and crossed his arms over his chest defensively." "I can't keep living like this - waiting around for scraps of your attention while you pursue some fucking noble cause. It's not fair to me."

"So yeah, maybe I am the one pulling the plug...but only because YOU pushed me away first by being so goddamn selfish." "His voice cracked on the last word before he looked away angrily."

"Katsuki's jaw clenched as he watched ashi break down in tears, a pang of guilt twisting in his gut. He wanted to comfort her, to pull her into his arms and tell her everything would be okay...but he couldn't."

"You don't get it," "he said quietly," "It's not about the dinners or the baked goods. It's about you being present - really fucking present with me when we're together."

"He sighed heavily." "I know you've been busy lately but that doesn't give you an excuse to neglect our relationship completely. We need quality time too if this is going to work long-term."

"Pausing for a moment, Katsuki reached out tentatively before letting his hand fall back uselessly at his side."

"I'm sorry I hurt you by ending things like this," "he admitted gruffly," "...but I can't keep putting my life on hold for someone who clearly has their priorities all wrong."

"Katsuki's heart raced as he watched ashi walk away, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. A part of him screamed to stop her, to beg for forgiveness and promise things would change...but his pride wouldn't let him."

"Goodbye then," "he called out hoarsely," "I hope you find what you're looking for."

"The door clicked shut behind her and Katsuki slumped against the wall, sliding down until he was sitting on the floor. He buried his face in his hands as a shuddering breath escaped him."

"What have I done?" "he whispered brokenly," "...what if I've just made the biggest mistake of my life?"

"Katsuki sat on the floor for a long time, staring blankly at the wall as his mind raced. He replayed their argument over and over again, second-guessing every word he'd said."

"Eventually, he hauled himself up to his feet with a heavy sigh. The apartment felt empty and lifeless without ashi's presence - like all the color had drained from the world."

"Pacing restlessly around the living room, Katsuki's gaze landed on some of her things still scattered about - a sketchbook left open on the coffee table, an unfinished sculpture drying in its stand by the window..."

"A sudden burst of anger surged through him." "Fuck this," "he muttered," "...I'm not going to sit here moping like some lovesick puppy."

"He started gathering up her belongings haphazardly - tossing them into boxes or garbage bags indiscriminately. If she wasn't coming back for them soon then they were just clutter taking up space."

"The more stuff he packed away though, the heavier something weighed in Katsuki's chest until it was hard to breathe past it..."

"Katsuki paused in his packing, a small velvet box suddenly heavy in his hand. He recognized it immediately - ashi had been carrying it around for weeks now, always tucking it away quickly whenever he entered the room."

"With trembling fingers, he lifted the lid and stared down at what lay inside: an intricately carved metal band with delicate filigree along its edges. It was clearly meant to be a ring...a wedding ring perhaps?"

"The realization hit him like a punch to the gut." "Holy shit," "he breathed," "...she was going to propose?"

"A wave of nausea washed over Katsuki as he sank heavily onto the couch. How could he have been so blind? So goddamn selfish and shortsighted?"

"He clutched the ring tightly in one fist while burying his face in the other arm propped on his knees." "Fuck," "he choked out," "...I've ruined everything."

"The weight of what he'd done crashed down on him all at once - every harsh word spoken, every hurt inflicted..."

"Katsuki sat on the couch for a long time, holding onto the ring like it was some kind of lifeline. His mind raced with thoughts of ashi - memories both good and bad flashing through his head in rapid succession."

"The more he thought about it though, the more Katsuki realized that maybe...just maybe...he hadn't been as fair to her as he could have been lately. Maybe there were things she'd been dealing with too that had driven this wedge between them."

"A sudden burst of determination surged through him." "Fuck," "he muttered," "...I can't let this be over like this."

"He shoved himself up from the couch and grabbed his phone off the coffee table. It only took a few seconds to find what he was looking for - ashi's number blinking back at him accusingly."

"Pulse pounding in his ears, Katsuki raised the phone to call her but hesitated at last second." "Wait," "he said out loud," "...this deserves better than just a phone call."

"Nodding decisively, he tossed aside all thoughts of pride or stubbornness."

"I'm going after my girl," "Katsuki declared firmly," "...and I won't stop until she hears me out."

"Katsuki rushed out of the apartment as soon as he deemed it a reasonable hour, not even bothering to change out of his pajamas. He had one destination in mind and nothing would stop him from getting there."

"The café was still fairly empty when he burst through the door, startling both ashi and the barista behind the counter." "Oh my god," "the girl gasped," "...is everything okay?"

"Yeah fine!" "Katsuki snapped absently before zeroing in on ashi sitting quietly at her table."

"He marched over to her without hesitation, ignoring the curious stares from other patrons. When he reached her side though, all his bravado seemed to evaporate into thin air." "Uh..." *

"I...I'm sorry for barging in like this but I couldn't wait another second." "His voice shook slightly with barely restrained emotion."

"Katsuki's heart clenched at the sight of ashi's tears, guilt and regret washing over him in waves. He reached out tentatively to take her hand but hesitated, unsure if she'd welcome his touch."

"I'm so sorry," "he said hoarsely," "I was a complete asshole yesterday... I said some really shitty things that I didn't mean."

"Pausing for a moment to collect himself, Katsuki took a deep breath." "...and it kills me knowing that you were probably working on proposing to me this whole time while I was too blind and stupid to even notice or appreciate what an amazing woman you are."

"A single tear slid down his cheek as he finally met her gaze head-on." "You're not selfish - your dedication is one of the many things I love about you. And if anything, it's my fault for letting us drift apart like this instead of fighting harder for our relationship."

"The words poured out of him now almost frantically..."

"Katsuki's heart swelled with a mixture of love and regret as ashi spoke, her words striking him like physical blows. He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment before opening them again to gaze at her earnestly."

"You're right," "he admitted," "I shouldn't have just assumed you'd always be there either...especially when I was being such an insufferable prick about the whole thing."

"A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth." "But that's what makes us work so well together - we're both too stubborn for our own good sometimes."

*Pausing briefly, Katsuki reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring box he'd brought with him. Holding it up between them almost reverently, he said: *

"I know things have been crazy lately but...but I want nothing more than to spend my life fighting by your side in every sense of the word."

"Holding out one hand to her imploringly while still clutching the ring tightly in his other fist..." "...will you marry me? Please?"

"Katsuki grunted as ashi tackled him to the floor, but he wrapped his arms around her tightly and held on for dear life. He didn't care that they were in a public place or that people were staring - all that mattered was having her back in his arms again."

"Yes," "he choked out between laughs and tears," "I did... I found it when I was packing up your stuff last night."

"Pushing himself up onto one elbow so he could look at her properly, Katsuki cupped her face tenderly." "...and if you'll still have me after everything, then yes - absolutely I will marry you."

"Holding the ring box aloft with trembling fingers..." "...let's do this right though, okay? Will you please let me put this on your finger like it should be?"

"The whole café erupted into cheers and applause at their romantic reconciliation while Katsuki slid the ring onto ashi's finger with shaking hands."

"Katsuki returned the kiss with equal fervor, pouring all his love and regret and hope into it. When they finally broke apart for air he rested his forehead against hers, eyes closed in bliss."

"You don't have to change everything overnight," "he murmured," "we'll figure it out together...just like we always do."

"Pushing himself up to a sitting position with ashi still in his lap, Katsuki brushed her hair back from her face tenderly." "...and I promise I'll be more understanding about your work too - you're amazing at what you do and people need that light in their lives."

"A beatific smile spread across his face as he gazed down at the ring on her finger." "...I can't believe this is real...that you actually want me despite my many flaws."

"Katsuki's heart clenched at the hopeful vulnerability in ashi's voice. In that moment, he knew with absolute certainty that no matter what happened between them, he would always be her home."

"Yes," "he said firmly," "you can come home...and stay there this time."

"Holding out a hand to her imploringly..." "...please? I don't want to spend another night without you."

"The ring on his own finger suddenly felt heavy and significant - a symbol of the promises they were making to each other right here and now." "...I love you so much Asuna. More than anything."

"Katsuki squeezed ashi's hand tightly as he helped her to her feet, never wanting to let go again. He kept hold of it all the way out of the café and onto the street outside."

"The sun was shining brightly overhead but Katsuki barely noticed - his world had narrowed down to include only him and ashi." "I can't wait for you to become my wife," "he said softly," "...and I promise that this time I'll be a husband worthy of you."

"Pausing on the sidewalk with one hand still clasped in hers..." "...shall we head home then? Start figuring out how we're going to make this work?"

"A small hopeful smile played around his mouth as he looked at her expectantly."

"Katsuki's heart swelled with love and relief at ashi's words. He nodded eagerly, still holding onto her hand like a lifeline."

"Yes...yes absolutely," "he agreed," "I'll come with you to get your things if that's okay? I don't want us out of each other's sight again for even a second."

"The ring on his finger felt like it was glowing as he gazed down at their joined hands." "...and then we can spend the whole day together just... being us again."

"Pausing briefly before glancing up at her with a small smile..." "...maybe start planning our wedding too? See what kind of trouble we can get into when we're not busy saving the world?"

"A mischievous glint appeared in his eyes, hinting at all sorts of naughty possibilities."

"Katsuki groaned and buried his face in ashi's hair, trying to hide from the reality of their very public reconciliation." "Ugh...you're right," "he mumbled," "...I should probably call my parents too. They'll be thrilled that I'm finally settling down."

"Picking up her hand again with a wry smile..." "...and if we're lucky maybe they won't even mention how long it took me to pop the question after you proposed first."

"The mischievous glint returned to his eyes as he leaned in closer." "...but before all that boring grown-up stuff - what do you say we go back home and break in our new engagement properly?"

"A wicked grin spread across his face at the implication, making no secret of just how much he was looking forward to celebrating this moment privately with ashi."

"Katsuki snatched the phone out of ashi's hand with a mock scowl, but there was no heat behind it - not when he could still feel her ring on his finger and see the love shining in her eyes."

"Yes ma'am," "he teased," "whatever you say...responsible one."

"Holding up the phone to show that he was already dialing before leaning down for a quick kiss." "...I'll be waiting by the car. Don't keep me long!"

"The words were barely out of his mouth before Katsuki had spun around and jogged off towards where they'd parked earlier, leaving ashi standing alone on the sidewalk with an amused smile playing about her lips."