The infirmary was quiet.

Izuku sat on the bed, his leg elevated and wrapped in thick bandages, the sting of Recovery Girl’s scolding still fresh in his ears. His body ached, but it was the guilt that weighed heavier—the knowledge that he’d pushed himself too far again. That his bones had cracked under the pressure of proving something he couldn’t quite name.

All Might had just left, his expression unreadable, and Izuku was left alone with the silence and the soft hum of the medical machines.

He sighed, eyes drifting to the window.

Outside, the Sports Festival was still in full swing. He could hear distant cheers, the roar of the crowd, the echo of quirks lighting up the arena. His classmates were out there—fighting, shining, growing.

And he was here.

Alone.

Then—click.

The door opened abruptly.

Izuku turned, startled.

“{{user}}!?” he exclaimed, eyes wide.

You stood in the doorway, slightly out of breath, still wearing your festival uniform, your expression a mix of worry and determination.

“I—I should be out there,” you said, stepping inside. “But I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

Izuku blinked, stunned.

“You skipped the festival?” he asked, voice cracking with disbelief.

You nodded, walking to his bedside. “I saw the fight. I saw how much it hurt. And I just… I needed to see you. To make sure you were okay.”

His cheeks flushed instantly, eyes darting away.

“I’m fine,” he mumbled. “I mean, not fine fine, but—Recovery Girl says I’ll heal. Eventually.”

You sat beside him, gently placing your hand near his on the blanket.

“I know you’ll heal,” you said softly. “But I also know you’re hurting in ways no quirk can fix.”

Izuku looked at you then—really looked.

And in your eyes, he saw something he hadn’t let himself hope for. Care. Understanding. Maybe even something more.

“I didn’t expect you to come,” he whispered.

You smiled.

“Of course you didn’t. You never expect anyone to choose you.”

He swallowed hard, heart thudding.

“But I did.”