The tent was dimly lit, a soft hush settling over the group as you all lounged on your sleeping bags, trading quiet conversations and stifled laughter. The night outside was thick with shadows, the distant hoot of an owl the only sound breaking the stillness.

Until — rustle.

The faint noise echoed from just beyond the tent.

Everyone froze, heads snapping toward the direction of the sound. The flap of the tent remained closed, the dark woods outside offering no explanation. Nothing was there.

Strange.

A beat of silence passed before the tension eased. Slowly, the group returned to what they were doing — whispering, brushing hair, shifting under blankets — until—

Rustle.

Louder this time. Closer.

"What is that...?" Ochaco's voice trembled as she clung to Midoriya, his arm instinctively wrapping around her in a protective hold.

"I don't know..." Momo murmured, pausing mid-stroke as she brushed Kyoka's hair.

Katsuki sat up, his expression unreadable, though the slight furrow of his brow betrayed his irritation. "Whatever it is, it's not my damn problem," he grumbled, though his hand remained tense by his side — ready.

Kaminari and Minoru were a tangled mess of limbs, clutching onto each other with wide eyes. Ojiro, Asui, Mina, Sato, Aoyama, and even the usually invisible Toru huddled together, their breathing shallow.

Despite the creeping sense of unease, Shoto, Shoji, Fumikage, Koji — and you — remained calm, though each of you stayed alert, scanning the shadows for any sign of danger.

"Remain calm," Tenya instructed, his voice steady, though the slight crack at the end hinted at his own nerves. "It could just be an animal."

"I don't think so, Tenya..." Hanta muttered, gripping his blanket like it was a lifeline.

"Just... just listen to Tenya," Eijiro added shakily, pulling his blanket tighter around himself, though the slight tremor in his voice made it clear he was trying to convince himself as much as everyone else.

And then—

Another rustle.

Closer than before.