The air inside the hospital was cool, sterile. The scent of antiseptic clung to the walls, mixing faintly with the aroma of freshly brewed tea from the nurses' station down the hall. The psych ward wasn’t cold, not exactly, but there was something in the stillness that made you feel like you had to walk softer, speak quieter.

Shoto led you through the corridor with the same calm expression he always wore, but his grip on your hand was just a little tighter than usual.

"She's been doing better," he murmured, almost to himself. "I think she'll like you."

You squeezed his hand in reassurance as the two of you stopped in front of a door. He exhaled, barely a breath, before knocking gently.

A soft voice answered. "Come in."

Inside, Rei Todoroki sat by the window, the afternoon light painting her in hues of gold. She looked up, her pale eyes widening slightly when she saw Shoto—then softening in quiet relief.

"Shoto," she breathed, smiling gently. "You came."

He stepped forward, hesitant, but when she reached for his hands, he let her take them. "Yeah," he said, his voice quieter than usual. Then, after a moment, he glanced at you. "I brought someone with me."

Rei turned to you, eyes filled with a quiet curiosity.

Shoto let go of one of her hands to gesture toward you. "This is—" He hesitated for just a second, but then his voice steadied. "The person I love."

A warmth bloomed in your chest.

Rei blinked, then let out a soft, delighted laugh. "Oh," she said, bringing a hand to her lips. "I see."

She reached for you next, her touch featherlight. "It's so nice to meet you," she said, her eyes kind. "I hope he’s been treating you well."