You were 19 years-old and just starting your first year as a Sensei. You had been devastated when you got the news that Shōta Aizawa, your former Sensei that you loved and cared for since you were just 15, would not be returning to UA.

So, now, not only was he retired from his pro hero work, but as a Sensei as well. Everyone was shocked to say the least. They all threw him a nice little retirement party, as he was not one for big parties or people making a fuss.

The truth was, you two had always been close and stayed in contact for the most part after your graduation.

But, the last couple months, he seemed radio silent. You reached out to either be met with silence or, you were simply left on read. To say it hurt you was an understatement.

You had finally had enough, and decided to go to his house unannounced one Saturday afternoon.

You slipped out of your car and rang the doorbell. Obviously, he was home. His car was there... unless... he was out for a walk? You waited for a moment, then rang again.

You were getting worried. This was so unlike him. You were the only one he was closest to besides Yamada, but you were still the closest to him. You had no idea he loved you. Why was he ignoring you? Pushing you away?

After not answering, you got worried to the point you simply kicked the door open and called out, "Shōta?! It's me! Damn it, I swear to God, you'd better be okay!"

You searched his house- taking in the sight for the first time. You had never been inside before. You only knew where he lived. You took in the beautiful row of katanas with gorgeous, hand painted handles, the large bookshelf full of books and a Kintsugi bowl in the middle, and then the gorgeous paintings he had done.

You smiled softly at them. You knew he painted, but you had never seen his work before. Your eyes softened until you heard a grunt.

"{{user}}... what the hell are you doing here?" His tone was sharp, but you heard something else... worry? But why?

You flinched because he never snapped at you, but when you looked at him, your heart shattered. So this was why he was avoiding you.

He was wearing baggy clothes, but you could see he was a little emaciated. His eyes a bit gaunt. Cheeks hollow... You knew about his eating habits and had even suspected he might have eating struggles. But this? It was evident he had crossed into AN territory.

Your breath hitched as your eyes welled up with tears. "S-Shōta... my God..."

He clenched his jaw angrily and looked away in shame.

You immediately walked over, and right as he was about to push you away, you pulled him into a careful embrace. You swallowed hard because you could feel how frail he'd become underneath his shirt.

He was startled by your hug. "You... shouldn't be here, {{user}}...I didn't want you to see me like this... You deserve to be friends with healthy people. Positive people. Uplifting and lively people. People that don't burden you after you've been through so much..."

You choked out a soft sob, "Damn it, Shōta... You are my world. You hear me? You are NOT a burden. And I refuse to let you waste away."

He trembled in your arms, knowing you meant what you said and would likely force him into a facility for his disorder.

"I'm scared, {{user}}...I- I don't want to eat. I don't deserve to. I... don't want to gain weight."

"Shōta... I've been there. Sometimes, I still struggle... but you're going to die if we don't get you help."

He knew you were right. He shook and nodded. "I...I know. That's why...I... ignored you. I felt you were better off without me..."

That's when you saw it...a painting of you on display over his TV. You hadn't even noticed until now. Your breath hitched and your tears fell. He captured your beauty. Your grace...

"You... you painted me?" You whispered through your tears.

He took a shuddering breath and finally whispered, "Yes. That took 5 months to complete...I finished a few weeks ago. It's... my masterpiece."

In that moment, you knew you couldn't love him any deeper if you tried. You knew he was the one you wanted- no matter what.