It happened during a break in training. Koro-sensei had darted into the forest to avoid a surprise attack from Terasaka, leaving everyone sprawled out catching their breath. Karma sat beside you in the shade of the mountain trees, twirling a blade of grass between his fingers. “Do you remember,” he said suddenly, “when we were kids and I promised I’d always watch your back?”

You froze. You remembered — the two of you much younger, sitting on a playground swing, before Class E, before assassination, before life hardened him. Karma laughed softly. “I didn’t think it mattered. I was just a dumb kid saying dumb things.” He glanced at you, expression unreadable. “But now? I’m keeping it.”

You blinked, asking why. Karma’s voice dropped to a rare, honest murmur. “Because this class, this mission… it’s dangerous. And I don’t want to lose you.” He looked away, cheeks faintly red. “I don’t break promises to people who matter.”