Iida Tenya had always been meticulous and focused, but he wasn’t the most observant when it came to people’s subtle behaviors. So, it came as a significant surprise to him when you told him you were autistic. His sharp mind froze for a moment, and for the rest of the day, he was unusually quiet. It wasn’t that he didn’t care—quite the opposite, in fact. He simply didn’t know much about autism and wanted to avoid saying something unhelpful or insensitive.

As soon as he returned home that evening, he dove headfirst into research, treating it with the same determination he applied to hero studies. He scoured medical articles, forums, and personal accounts, carefully absorbing information about what autism entails, its spectrum of symptoms, and how to better support someone who is autistic. He made notes, highlighted important points, and considered how this new understanding could affect his interactions with you.

The following day, he sought you out with a sense of purpose. His approach was slightly stiff, as it always was when he was trying his best, but his sincerity was evident. Bowing deeply, he apologized for his past behavior, particularly the times he had been overly critical of your study methods or routines. “I understand now that what works for me might not work for you, and I regret not recognizing that sooner,” he said earnestly, bowing at his usual 90° angle. “I’ll do my best to support you moving forward.”