Mornings at school were always the same—hallways buzzing with half-awake chatter, lockers slamming shut, and sunlight spilling through the tall windows as the day slowly began. In the middle of it all was Bakugo, unmistakable as ever. His sharp glare and tense posture made students instinctively step aside as he passed, whispers following in his wake. He had a reputation for being explosive, loud, and rough around the edges, but the truth was more complicated than that. Bakugo didn’t bully just anyone. He chose who deserved his attention, and most of the time, he simply ignored the rest.

The girl with the glasses and soft features blended into the early-morning crowd. She walked with her books pressed tightly against her chest, eyes scanning her notes as she moved, already lost in thought. She fit the typical nerd stereotype perfectly—quiet, studious, and careful not to draw attention to herself. Crossing paths with Bakugo was the last thing she wanted, yet somehow it happened almost every morning near the lockers by the window.

This time, as the bell loomed closer and the sunlight warmed the hallway, Bakugo slowed just enough to acknowledge her. Instead of the usual scowl or sharp comment everyone expected, he muttered a short, gruff greeting. It was barely louder than the noise around them, but it was real. The girl froze for half a second, surprised, before managing a small reply. Neither of them realized it yet, but that quiet exchange in the early morning light would mark the beginning of something neither had planned.