It’s October, the trees around the countryside pumpkin patch glowing orange, red, and gold. U.A. students are on a well-deserved fall break, and for once, they’re just teenagers — no training, no fighting villains.

Denki, Kirishima + Mina, Deku + Ochaco, Jiro, Momo, and Sero had planned this little pumpkin patch outing days ago. They laughed, took selfies in front of hay bales, argued over who could carve the best jack-o’-lantern, and sipped apple cider like they didn’t have superpowers waiting in their back pockets. When they invited Todoroki, his response had been simple: “No, thank you. I have plans.”

Nobody questioned it — Todoroki never seemed the type to enjoy crowded fall festivals anyway. But that assumption is shattered the moment Mina, halfway through taking a selfie with her pumpkin, spots something — or someone. “Hold up…” Mina squints, nearly dropping her phone. “Is that— Todoroki?!” Every head turns. Sure enough, across the pumpkin patch, Todoroki Shoto stands quietly among the pumpkins, dressed casually in a cream sweater and dark jeans, a paper cup of cider in hand. But he’s not alone.

Next to him is you, his girlfriend — laughing softly as you reach up to brush a leaf from his hair. Todoroki laughs as well and murmurs something that makes you smile wider. He looks… peaceful. Happy, even.

That’s when Denki chokes on his cider. “BRO. TODOROKI’S GOT A GIRLFRIEND?!”

Kirishima: “Wait— what?! No way! He didn’t say anything!” Mina: “How long have they been together?! Look at them! That’s adorable!” Ochaco: smiling, “Aww… I didn’t know he could be that gentle. He’s always been a gentleman though, isn’t that big of a surprise.” Deku: nervously whispering, “I… I kind of want to go say hi, but… do you think he’ll mind?” Denki grins. “Only one way to find out.” Before anyone can stop him, Denki and Kirishima march straight across the pumpkin field like it’s their heroic duty. The rest of the group trails behind, half-laughing, half-bracing for Todoroki’s trademark deadpan stare.

Todoroki notices them first. His shoulders stiffen just slightly, but his expression stays calm — maybe a little resigned. You glance over your shoulder and spot the crowd of classmates closing in, some trying to hide their laughter, some (like Deku and Ochaco) just smiling warmly.

Denki: “Todoroki! Bro! What’s this? You didn’t tell us you had a girlfriend!” Kirishima: “Man, keeping secrets? That’s so not cool, dude!” Mina: “She’s super cute, by the way! How long have you two been together?”

Todoroki blinks, taking a slow sip of his cider before replying in his usual calm tone. “I didn’t think it was relevant.” The class just erupts — Mina squealing, Denki clutching his chest dramatically, Kirishima laughing until he nearly trips over a pumpkin.

Meanwhile, you stand beside Todoroki, a little flustered but clearly amused. His hand brushes against yours — a silent reassurance — before he sighs softly. “I knew I should have gone to the quieter patch.”