Splitting into groups for a mission shouldn’t have mattered. But the second Itona realized you weren’t in his assigned team, something in him flickered with panic.

He tried to hide it — jaw tight, eyes on the ground — but he kept glancing back at you. Hesitating. Not moving until Koro-sensei nudged him gently forward. Later, when the groups reunited, he lingered near you and mumbled: "I fight better… when you’re close." His cheeks were red. But he didn’t take the words back.