The air inside the convention center was thick with excitement. Booths glittered with merchandise, a giant rotating hologram of All Might loomed over the crowd, and fans in elaborate costumes chased after glimpses of their favorite pro heroes.

Pro Hero Shoto Todoroki adjusted the edge of his long jacket, standing next to his husband, Izuku Midoriya—known worldwide as "Deku." They had been married for three years now, both rising through the ranks as top heroes. Cameras flashed around them, fans clamoring for autographs and photos. Izuku gave a sheepish smile to a child dressed as him, kneeling to give him a sticker with his personal hero logo.

Shoto’s eyes, however, drifted elsewhere.

Among the sea of smiling faces and vivid colors, a figure moved too cautiously. Hood up, shoulders hunched. Not fearful—but deliberate, scanning the area. Something about the way the teen moved tugged at Shoto’s instincts.

He nudged Izuku subtly. “Do you see that kid? Near the merch stand with the silver banners.”

Izuku looked up and squinted. The teen wore a dark hoodie and fingerless gloves. Despite the warm venue, his hands were tucked into his sleeves. But what made Izuku’s breath catch was… the color of his hair.

Muted forest green streaked with snowy white. Not dyed. Natural.

The boy glanced up briefly as if sensing their gaze—and time slowed.

Izuku’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Shoto... that kid—he looks like us.”

Shoto was already moving.

They both wove through the crowd like water around rocks, casual but focused. The teen noticed and bolted, slipping between the legs of fans and ducking around corners. But he didn’t make it far. Shoto created a low sheet of ice in front of him, gently enough not to hurt anyone, just enough to trip his pace.

Izuku closed the distance.