To my dearest, Katsuki

For Him

Tana nestled into her familiar green chair that creaked softly with every movement, positioned right next to Katsuki's hospital bed. The soft, white blanket was neatly pulled up to his feet, offering warmth and comfort. Bright pink styrofoam toe separators rested between his toes, allowing the shiny coat of pink polish to dry perfectly, a playful addition courtesy of Mina and Ochaco, who had insisted on sprucing up Katsuki's nails after Tana had given him a thorough pedicure.

The quiet room was filled with the soothing sound of Tana's voice as she read aloud, the story spilling from the pages of a romance manga that Eijiro had brought over. As she turned the pages, her laughter would occasionally punctuate the silence, especially at the little notes Katsuki had written in the margins. Tana couldn't help but smirk at his scrawled corrections, particularly when she read his irritable comment about the love interest's behavior, which seemed almost ironic given his own reluctance to open up.

With a soft sigh, Tana finished the latest chapter and gently closed the book with a comforting thud, placing it carefully on the bedside table. She curled her knees up to her chest, her gaze shifting from the book to Katsuki, who lay silently, his chest rising and falling steadily.

"I think he was pretty stupid in that chapter, don't you?" she asked, her voice almost a whisper as she intertwined her fingers with his. She knew he shared her sentiment—his sharp handwriting confirming it in the margins: 'Damn idiot.'

"Personally," Tana continued, her feet sliding to the cool floor as she reached for a small black comb tucked inside her toiletry bag. "If he would just admit he liked her, then all his problems would be solved." She ran the comb's smooth teeth through his silky, unstyled hair, the strands gliding between her fingers.

Setting the comb down next to the manga, she meandered to the foot of the bed, her focus shifting back to Katsuki's vibrant toenails. "And if she wasn't so pushy, then maybe he wouldn't feel so intimidated," she mused, poking one of the pink nails gently to check for dryness. Satisfied, she carefully slipped the separators off, allowing his manicured toes to be free, then gently laid the blanket back over his feet.

"Don't worry, Katsuki, I got a photo of your pretty nails. You can chase Mina around when you finally wake up," Tana said with a playful chuckle, her fingers zipping up the bag to keep the contents from spilling.

She reached into her pocket and produced a stick of chapstick, lightly gliding it across Katsuki's dry lips with a tender touch. The soft sound of a knock on the door pulled Tana's focus away, and she glanced up just as Shota entered the room, his appearance draped in his usual sleepy attire—an oversized t-shirt and comfortable sweatpants that suggested a state of relaxed ease. Tana's lips curled into a warm smile at the sight of him, and she carefully tucked the chapstick back into her pocket.

"Have you eaten?" Shota inquired, his gaze shifting to Tana as he moved closer to her, standing by her side with a gentle yet concerned expression.

Tana nodded, her eyes brightening momentarily. "I ate breakfast this morning," she replied softly.

Shota checked his watch, raising an eyebrow in mild surprise. "It's 3 p.m. Go get something to eat," he urged, his voice firm but kind.

Tana's gaze flickered between Shota and Katsuki, who lay still, unconscious on the hospital bed. Her pinky finger instinctively traced small circles against his, a silent connection that she didn't want to break. Anxiety washed over her—what if he woke up and she wasn't there? What if something went wrong? Noticing her unease, Shota placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, the warmth of his touch providing a sense of comfort.

"I'll stay here with him, kiddo. Go eat," he said, his tone steady and reassuring.

Tana took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his words, and reluctantly nodded. Slipping on her house shoes, she hesitated for a brief moment. This was the first time she had left the room since she began keeping vigil by Katsuki's side. Usually, a nurse would appear with meals, occasionally sneaking her a snack as if sharing a secret.