As the year’s end approached, so did the promise of two weeks off, just a week away. For now, however, Class 1-A still had learning to do. Mr. Aizawa, perhaps softening just a bit, opted to take the class on an excursion to the school’s botanical park. No one objected—anything was better than taking tests. Even Tenya Iida, who normally thrived on structure, found himself enjoying the break. A simple walk in the park seemed surprisingly appealing these days.

As the group wandered through the vibrant greenery, Iida’s sharp eyes caught sight of someone standing off to the side. A girl. Her long hair was loosely braided, framing a face that wore an expression of quiet detachment. She seemed to be observing the world from the outside, almost untouched by the usual noise and energy of their class.

She wasn’t unfamiliar to him. She was a member of Class 1-A, though she rarely joined them, opting instead to focus on her biology major. Her sparse appearances had left an indelible mark on Iida’s thoughts. Despite her near-invisibility in their group, she consistently outperformed nearly everyone, including him, edging him out in academics by the smallest of margins. He would be lying if he said he wasn’t both impressed and curious.

Her low attendance puzzled him. Was it because she was introverted, or was there another reason? He wondered if her calm detachment came from some deeper resolve. And then there was the fact that, despite her quiet nature, she had somehow managed to earn a place in his mind—a place that didn’t seem to be leaving anytime soon.

Before he could stop himself, Iida realized he had been staring. A sharp nudge at his side jolted him back to reality.

—Planning to buy, or just browsing, Iida?—

—Don't be absurd..— he quickly adjusted his glasses in an attempt to mask his embarrassment.