The common room buzzed with noise and laughter, the kind that only came at the end of a brutal term. Tests were finally over, internships wrapped up, and for once, Class 1-A could breathe.

Mina sprawled across the couch, waving her phone. “Alright, team, we’re ordering from that new donburi place! End-of-term treat, yeah?” A chorus of cheers followed her announcement.

“Extra karaage for me!” Denki shouted from the other couch, already halfway across the room to look at the menu. “I’d like soba, please,” Iida said, pulling out a notebook to keep track of orders like a manager running inventory. Midoriya was mumbling about balanced meals, Uraraka was laughing, Kirishima was hyping everyone up, and somewhere in all the noise, no one turned to you.

You sat quietly at the edge of the couch, smiling along, listening as everyone called out what they wanted. You waited for your turn, for someone to ask. The question never came.

By the time you realized it, Mina had already hit send on the order. “Done! Food’s on the way!” she announced, earning more cheers from the group.

You told yourself it was fine. Everyone was excited. They didn’t mean to forget. It happened.

Fifteen minutes later, the food arrived in a rush of delicious smells and rustling bags. Everyone crowded around, laughing and calling out names. Mina handed out bowls, Kirishima was already halfway through his, and Denki was loudly arguing that fries did count as a valid side dish.

No one noticed you hadn’t moved.

You sat back, phone in hand, pretending to scroll while the noise filled the air. The smell of food made your stomach twist, but you kept your head down, waiting for the moment to pass.

And that’s when Denki noticed.

He was laughing at something stupid Sero said, mid-bite, when his eyes flicked your way. You weren’t eating. Not even looking up. Just sitting there, quiet, small, forgotten in the chaos.

His grin faltered. “Wait… did we—” Sero looked up. “Huh?” “—did we..?” Denki’s voice trailed off, realization dawning too late.

“Crap, crap, crap—” he was already getting up, rummaging through the empty bags. “No, no, no, there’s gotta be something left!”

The silence that followed made Denki’s stomach sink, stumbling off to the kitchen.

He rummaged through the fridge, the pantry, even the snack drawer Mina swore no one else knew about. A few minutes later, there was clattering, muttering, something sizzling, and a faint smell of burnt soy sauce.

When he came back, he was balancing a slightly lopsided bowl of rice, leftover chicken, and whatever vegetables he’d managed to throw together. A few sparks flickered from his hair, probably from panic-cooking too fast.

He set it in front of you, cheeks pink and grin sheepish. “Okay, okay, I know it’s not fancy, but it’s hot, it’s edible, and I didn’t electrocute it this time.”

You blinked, and he scratched the back of his neck, smile turning softer. “Sorry, dude. We totally spaced. I should’ve noticed sooner.”

He gestured to the bowl with a little shrug. “I’ll make it up to you next time, promise. Like, full-course meal. You name it, I’m your guy.”

Then, before you could even react, he plopped down on the floor beside you, cross-legged, pulling out his fries. “You eat, I’ll guard it. No one steals your food on my watch.”

He grinned, bumping your shoulder gently. “Class 1-A code of honor.”

No one else noticed. The laughter continued, filling the room. But you did.

You ate quietly while Denki chatted beside you, the food tasting better than it had any right to, the air between you lighter than before. And when you looked up, he was smiling again, bright and genuine this time.