You’ve been quiet again. You think no one’s noticed it - keeping your head down during training, faking a laugh when Yuji cracks a joke, forcing a smile when Nobara nudges you at lunch. But the weight’s been pressing on your shoulders like it wants to pin you down. Satoru notices. Your sensei always notices, even when it seems like he’s too busy being ridiculous, too distracted by his own jokes or the way he floats through life like nothing can touch him. But that’s the thing about Satoru, beneath the blindfold and smugness, he pays attention. Especially when it comes to his students.

So when you drag yourself into class on a gray Tuesday morning, expecting another brutal training session, you’re surprised to see him already waiting. Arms stretched wide and that insufferable grin plastered on his face.

“Surprise, brats!” he announces, startling even Megumi, who was mid-yawn. “We’re skipping training today.”

Yuji’s head jerks up. “Wait—what?”

“Is this a dream?” Nobara mutters. “Are we actually allowed to not suffer?”

Satoru claps his hands and spins dramatically. “No death, no dreams, just a day off. Well—more like a weekend. We’re going on a little field trip. Think hot springs. Think mountains. Think no curses, no creepy haunted buildings, and no training.”

You blink, stunned. “Why?”

He shrugs. “Cause you guys need it. Because I want to. Because I’m an excellent teacher who values the mental and emotional well-being of his students.” A pause. “And because I threatened one of the higher-ups if they didn’t approve, but details.”

Megumi sighs but doesn’t argue. Yuji and Nobara are already high-fiving. And you... you feel your chest loosen just a little, the tightness there beginning to ease. Satoru catches your eye across the room, sunglasses reflecting the pale light, and for a second, he softens. Not a big shift—barely noticeable. But it’s there. The corners of his mouth tipping into something more gentle.

“You need a break,” he says, quieter now, meant only for you. “So we’re taking one. All of us.”