Silhouette ✓ (⛔❤☁)

F I F T Y - N I N E

As the party carried on, Katsuki found himself surrounded by more laughter and conversation than he could have imagined. It was overwhelming at times, but in a good way. People cared enough to be here, and for once, he let himself enjoy it.

He received many gifts, all at different times, places and from different people.

Mineta and his mother had given him leather gloves. His friend had whispered a quiet 'a don't have to use bandages anymore'. Neither of them explained the statement to anyone else, but he knew a few of them understood.

The rest of his 'squad' excitedly showcased matching charms. Each of them got a letter. 'F', 'R', 'I' 'E', and 'N'.

When asked where the 'D' in 'friend' was, they'd slyly told him that 'D' stood for 'Dadzawa' and that their teacher had the final letter. He almost died in embarrassment.

Mr. and Mrs. Kayama waited for the crowds to disperse before giving their gift. The couple had always looked out for him, ever since he started spending time on Block 16, back when home hadn’t been much of a home at all. They treated him like family.

Mrs. Kayama had immediately opened her arms when they were close enough. “Hi honey” She pulled him into a tight hug. He stiffened slightly out of habit, but the warmth of her embrace melted away any discomfort. She had always been safe, warm. She represented everything he wished his mother was.

So yes, he'd mentally adopted himself as their son long ago. He told no one of the thought, of course. No one but Touya.

"Sixteen already" Mr. Kayama said with a smile. "I still remember when you were this tall"

Katsuki grinned, stepping back from Mrs. Kayama’s hug but staying close. "Can’t be a kid forever” he muttered, though there was a softness in his voice that hadn’t been there before. He really loved them.

She tilted her head, studying him with a fond look. "Have you decided?"

Katsuki shrugged. The woman asked it to everyone who had a birthday party. "Still figuring it out"

What was he supposed to wish for?

Mr. Kayama crossed his arms, giving a nod. "You've got time. Here, we put a little something together for you"

Katsuki swallowed hard, his throat tightening with emotion he wasn’t ready to show as he was handed a hand-bound book.

"You’re family to us, Katsuki" Mrs. Kayama said gently. "We’ve watched you grow. This's some of your favorites"

"Thanks" He said, his voice quieter now. He wasn’t good at expressing this kind of stuff, but they understood. They always did.

He flipped through the handwritten recipes. It was everything he loved. Towards the last pages, he paused. This... This one wasn't his favorite. This was Touya's favorite desert.

Katsuki's throat was tight, heart squeezing as he stared down at the paper. There was a little note at the bottom.

'You'll be 16 when you read this, so I'll definitely be long gone, but happy birthday to my little Purote. I love you very much'

The messy signature was something only he and a few could read. Touya Todoroki. He rarely used the last name.

Katsuki choked, a quiet sob bubbling up as he clutched the book close. Mrs. Kayama pulled him close, allowing him to bury himself into her embrace.

Touya had left this for him. Had left behind something tangible and just for him.

"Thank you" Katsuki managed to say, his words choked and watery.