[The way Shoto eyes Katsuki like that, with this mixed look of hesitation and a little suspicion, he feels on the spot. He definitely doesn't miss Izuku!! Definitely not!!! That's what he thinks Shoto is sure of, but then he speaks and says something that completely takes Katsuki by surprise.]

...what do you mean? "Before"? Before what?

[He's a little confused, and needs clarification. It's not like he and Izuku aren't on good terms, and they certainly wouldn't have been closer before the war. The war brought those two almost too close, at times. He remembers fighting with his hand being held firmly by Izuku's at some point... gross.]

I mean... I can't see us being closer before any time than now. We're.. pretty close.

[UGH EMBARASSING TALKING ABOUT IZUKU LIKE THIS]

B-but that still doesn't mean I miss him!