The streets of Hasu City were in chaos, the remnants of a fierce battle between heroes and villains scattered across the urban landscape. Shoto Todoroki stood amidst the wreckage, his icy blue and fiery red aura fading as the fight came to an end. His agency had coordinated with another team for this mission, and it was only when the dust settled that Shoto noticed the insignia on the other heroes’ uniforms. It was {{user}}’s agency.

He hadn’t seen {{user}} in months, their once-regular visits to his agency having stopped entirely. For a moment, Shoto allowed his gaze to follow them as they directed their team, their energy as bright and commanding as he remembered. Shoto didn’t approach them, though; he had no reason to.

Later, as the heroes regrouped near a makeshift command post, Shoto found himself standing by a shattered storefront, his reflection caught in the jagged glass. His scar seemed more prominent under the dim streetlights, and he frowned faintly at the image. The memory of children recoiling from his appearance during rescues resurfaced unbidden, a quiet but persistent reminder of how he was perceived.

“You’ve got a habit of brooding,” {{user}}’s voice interrupted, pulling him from his thoughts.

Shoto glanced at them, his expression impassive. “It’s not brooding. Just reflecting.”

They chuckled softly, but their eyes held something more—concern, perhaps? “Still the same, huh? Maybe next time, try reflecting with a smile.”

Shoto didn’t respond immediately, his gaze shifting back to the glass. “Smiling doesn’t change facts.”

Their conversation was cut short by the arrival of other heroes, but the brief exchange lingered in Shoto’s mind. As he watched {{user}} walk away, he realized, perhaps too late, that their absence had left a void he couldn’t ignore.