Silhouette ✓ (⛔❤☁)

F I F T Y - S E V E N

Katsuki had never really had a birthday party before. Growing up, it wasn’t something he’d expected or even thought about much.

He'd been jealous of others at one point, but he'd eventually just accepted that he didn't deserve one. Birthdays just come and go, just like any other day, usually filled with tense silences, shouted arguments, and bloody escapes. His mother never bothered with things like that, only 'celebrating' with a drunken outburst or stuffing him in the room.

But today was different. Today was his birthday, and for the first time, he was going to have a party.

He didn’t quite know what to make of it. The idea had seemed strange at first; a party, for him. It felt... childish, like something he was too old to be so excited for. But deep down, he was filled with an elated anticipation. Truly excited, even if he hadn’t admitted it to anyone yet.

He tugged at his shirt, feeling the nervous energy in his stomach. His boyfriend had promised him this would be great, and he had actually looked forward to it all week. Even so, he couldn’t help the nagging thoughts that crept into the back of his mind. What if it didn’t go well? What if his mother showed up?

He ran a hand through his hair, shaking off the doubts. No, today was going to be different. This was going to be his day, and maybe for once, he could actually enjoy it.

The faint sound of laughter drifted in the wind as he walked along the cracked roads to Block 16. Katsuki’s chest tightened with anticipation. It sounded like a lot people were gathering. Neighbors, friends, all of his close, safe please. He wasn’t used to this kind of attention, but he was ready for it. At least, he thought he was.

He took a deep breath and stepped forward, heading toward the neighborhood.

As Katsuki neared Block 16, the familiar sights of the neighborhood made him relax. It was a place of comfort, one of the few spots in the world that felt safe. He could already hear more voices, a mix of excited chatter and the occasional sound of kids playing. A small part of him still worried, that nagging voice reminding him of all the things that could go wrong. But there were quiet words echoing in his head, steadying him.

“You'll do great, kiddo”

His breath hitched at the voice. It had been a long time since Touya had left, but his pseudo-brother still supported him. Even from so far away.

The cracks in the pavement felt like home; worn and familiar. They brought memories of times he cherished and hated. He didn’t mind them, not here. It was safe here.

The moment he rounded the corner, the sight that greeted him was... overwhelming. Streamers were hung between the lampposts, and tables were set out in lawns  with food and drinks. He could see his dad talking to some of the neighbors, and a few children waved with bright smiles. And then, right in the middle of it all, was his boyfriend, grinning like he didn’t have a care in the world. The teen didn't run to him, waiting for Katsuki to process everything first.

Kami truly deserved the world.

Katsuki swallowed hard, his heart squeezing in his chest. This is real. It... It was something he'd always wanted. He almost wanted to cry.

He let a smile tug on his lips, distance between him and his boyfriend closed in moments.  “You made it,” His boyfriend said, reaching out to interlace their fingers.

Katsuki shrugged, trying to play it off like it wasn’t a big deal, but the way his smile widened gave him away. “Yeah, well. Figured I’d show up”

The laughter from others, the warmth of the air, and the sight of people gathered here for him: it felt surreal. But it was happening. And for the first time in a long time, Katsuki allowed himself to believe it could be good.

He took a deep breath and, with his boyfriend’s hand resting gently in his own, finally accepted that he could finally let one of his childhood dreams come true.

He was excited.

Word Count: 718

Almost done :D