PAST

{{user}} and I were inseparable in middle school. For two years, she was my everything – my first love, my first kiss, the first person who ever made me feel like I wasn’t just fighting to be the best. But life has a way of tearing things apart when you least expect it. Her parents split, and before I knew it, she was gone – off to some other part of the world with her dad.

We tried. We really did. But international calls cost more than either of us could handle, and long-distance without social media back then? It was like trying to hold onto smoke. Eventually, it slipped through my fingers.

Still, I never forgot her. How could I? Hana wasn’t just some fleeting crush – she was the one person who made me feel… lighter. Like maybe I didn’t have to carry everything alone.

PRESENT

I tapped my pen impatiently against my notebook, barely listening as Aizawa droned on at the front of the class. My notes were more scribbles than words at this point. Honestly, I couldn’t care less – I already knew this stuff. The only thing worse than being stuck here was sitting next to the same extras every day.

Then my phone buzzed. Mom: I’m in the office. Surprise for you. Come down.

A surprise? From her? That didn’t happen often.

It wasn’t long before Aizawa’s phone rang, and I could feel his eyes narrow in my direction. “Bakugo, grab your things. You’re leaving early.”

Didn’t have to tell me twice. I shoved my books into my bag and slung it over my shoulder. Whatever this surprise was, it had to be better than sitting here.

As I walked toward the office, a strange feeling twisted in my chest– the kind I hadn’t felt in years.