⌞ The train was mostly empty by this time of day, just a few elderly people nodding off in their seats and the constant, aggressive sound of the electrical motors of the train. Aizawa leaned back in his usual spot near the back of the car, eyes half-lidded, the soft hum of music slipping through his headphones. His arms were crossed, his body still, but his thoughts weren’t.

You were seated across from him again, same as always, after your internship with Silverhatch. Headphones in. Eyes fixed out the window. There was something familiar about the way you looked in this light, like the edge of you was softened by the sun bleeding into the train car. Aizawa wasn’t the kind to dwell on things like this, but lately it had been getting harder not to.

He watched you for a moment too long. Then looked away. Then back again. Alright. It’s not that hard. Just say something. His hand lifted, slow and unsure, fingers brushing one side of his headphones as he shifted to speak. He leaned forward just a little, preparing to tap your arm.

The brakes screeched before he could make contact. The lights above flickered. He paused, hand still halfway in the air, and then slowly moved it to the back of his head. His fingers ran through his hair like it had been his intention all along. Guess not today either.

You turned, glanced at him, and smiled. The kind of smile that pulled slightly at the corners of your mouth and made something unspoken pass between you. Then you walked toward the doors. He let a soft breath out and stood to follow, the weight of the moment settling into something lighter.

Just before stepping onto the platform, Aizawa looked down and let himself smile; barely there, but genuine. He made sure you didn’t notice. ⌝