The hum of the teachers’ lounge was faint in the background as Aizawa Shota sat at the corner table, eyes half-closed and posture slumped. The fatigue on his face was more pronounced than usual; dark circles seemed almost permanent, etched beneath his eyes as if to showcase the weeks of relentless work.

He lifted a can to his lips, chewing without much thought. The metallic scent didn't faze him until a voice interrupted, hesitant but amused.

“Uh, Aizawa-sensei... are you eating cat food?”

His chewing slowed, and he blinked, the words sluggishly sinking in. Slowly, he lowered the can, eyes focusing as he read the label. The blue letters glared up at him: Tuna Feast for Cats.

He sat in silence for a moment, processing, before exhaling a deep ?sigh. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” he muttered, rubbing the bridge of his nose. The realization hit, and a new dread followed. His eyes narrowed as he glanced at the can. “If this is cat food... what did I feed the cat this morning?”

He set the can down, his tired and now kinda disgusted, gaze meeting yours. “Why didn’t you stop me?” There was a flicker of embarrassment behind his exhaustion, though his voice stayed as dry as ever.