The midday sun dripped honey through the leaves of the cherry blossom trees, dappling the cafeteria tables with a mosaic of light and shadow. Ochaco Uraraka, hunched over a tray of lukewarm curry, barely noticed the gentle breeze stirring her pink hair. Her brow was furrowed, her chopsticks frozen mid-air, a half-eaten rice ball forgotten on its bed of greens.

Across from her, Mina Ashido chattered animatedly about the upcoming school festival, her voice a vibrant counterpoint to Ochaco's silence. Yet, Ochaco's mind was a million miles away. The Sports Festival was just a week behind them, and the memory of Deku's self-destructive fight with Todoroki still lingered. He'd won, yes, but at what cost? His arm was heavily bandaged, a constant reminder of the recklessness that fueled his victory.

Ochaco worried. Not just about his injury, but about the fire that burned in his eyes, the desperation that pushed him to the brink. She admired his determination, his unwavering spirit, but a pang of fear stabbed at her heart. How long could he keep going like this, sacrificing his own well-being for the sake of being a hero?

Lost in thought, she unconsciously activated her Quirk. The rice ball on her tray bobbed, then hovered inches above the plastic surface, a silent testament to her growing anxiety. A giggle broke her concentration.