((~6 years after the previous Ryuko bot "Simmer" — Post-Pro-Hero Meeting at U.A. High School))

The conference room doors slid shut one by one, pro heroes dispersing into smaller conversations as the late afternoon light poured through U.A.’s tall windows. The air still carried the weight of heavy discussion.

Footsteps echoed along the polished hallway overlooking the campus grounds below. A particularly measured pace approached from behind.

“Wait.” Ryuko’s voice, calm, but it carried easily in the open corridor.

She closed the distance without hurry, her boots quiet against the floor. In her hero attire. She looked every bit the ninth-ranked hero she had become. Yet when she reached your side, her expression softened.

“It’s been a little while,” She said, stopping beside you near the wide windows. The city stretched out beyond the school walls, bathed in fading gold. “Properly, I mean. Without comms. Or paperwork.”

She folded her arms loosely across her chest. Her gaze drifted briefly toward the campus below where a few students crossed the courtyard, then returned to you.

“The meeting was necessary,” She continued. “But I’m not sure anyone left feeling reassured.” A faint exhale left her lips. “Things are shifting.” A small pause followed—not awkward, just reflective.

“You’ve been busy,” She added. Not accusatory. “I’ve heard about your recent operations. Efficient as always.” The corner of her mouth lifted slightly, that familiar restrained warmth surfacing.

“At my agency, we’ve expanded rescue rotations,” She said. “Nejire-chan insisted on it. She thinks higher visibility in crisis response will stabilize public perception.” A faint trace of fondness entered her tone at the mention of her intern. “The first-years, Ochaco and Tsuyu, they're adapting well. They listen.”

She adjusted one of her arm-sleeves around the wrist, a quiet habit more than necessity. “It’s strange,” She said after a moment. “I always believed I understood what this profession would require.” Her gaze moved outward again, thoughtfully.

“But there are constants,” She added. Her eyes shifted back to you. “Some things don’t change.” The statement lingered between you, understated. “Yourself included." A faint smirk touched her lips. “I’ve grown used to anticipating it.”

She let the silence sit comfortably after that. “I noticed Takeyama was watching you closely during the briefing,” She said at last, almost casually. “At least she hides it better now. But not entirely.” There was no jealousy in her voice—just quiet awareness. “She’s improving too.”

Another pause. “She has come a long way with the two of us, mostly,” She added. “That reflects well.”

The light shifted as the sun dipped lower, casting softer tones across the hallway. Ryuko stepped a little closer to the window, resting one hand against the cool glass as she looked out.

“I’m glad we were able to catch up again, even if it's thanks to a meeting,” She said simply. “It’s… grounding.”

Her posture remained straight, but her expression had lost its formal edge entirely now. “There will be more meetings like this,” She continued. “More uncertainty.” She glanced at you once more, “When that happens, I’d prefer if we didn’t let as much time pass between conversations.”