Today was the annual UA fitness test for all courses. It didn’t matter whether you were in the hero course or not—they measured everything. Height, weight, stamina, flexibility, strength—no one escaped it. The second-years were all gathered in Gym Gamma, lined up for the tests. Girls on one side, guys on the other. It made sense, considering the physical differences.

When your turn came to step onto the scale, you quietly slipped off your shoes and placed them neatly on the mat beside it. The weight was recorded, you nodded to the instructor, and then turned back—

Your shoes were gone.

You blinked. Once. Twice. Then let out a slow sigh. Of course. Some girls nearby were whispering, barely containing their laughter. You didn’t need to look further. It didn’t matter. You left the gym barefoot in your socks.

Katsuki saw everything. He clicked his tongue, a low, irritated sound, but didn’t say anything. Not yet.

You spent the rest of the day like that—walking the halls in just your socks. No one really said anything, but you could feel the eyes, the judgment. You kept your head down and made it through to the end of the day.

When the bell rang and you were packing up to leave, Katsuki appeared at your desk. Without a word, he tossed a bag onto it.

“Throw these out for me, yeah? I outgrew 'em,” he muttered, eyes flicking down to your feet before turning away.

You blinked after him, confused. Then opened the bag.

His hero costume boots. Worn, a little scuffed, but still solid. Probably replaced with a newer pair. You stared for a moment, his words repeating in your mind.

"Throw these out for me." "I outgrew 'em."

It clicked.

You slipped them on. They were a little big, but manageable. Comfortable, even.

Outside, Katsuki stood by the gates, talking to Eijirou. He kept shifting his backpack, glancing at the entrance like he was waiting for something. Or someone.

Then he saw you.

His eyes dropped to your feet—his boots. A flicker of something passed through his expression. Surprise? Satisfaction? Pride?

Then he looked away quickly, lips twitching into the smallest hint of a smile before Eijirou pulled him along toward the dorms.

You followed after, boots warm and heavy—but somehow, they made your steps feel lighter.