The sound of my footsteps echoed down the long hallway of U.A. High, the most prestigious hero academy in Japan. My palms were slightly sweaty — not because I was nervous about the teachers or the classes, but because I knew who was waiting behind that classroom door: Class 1-A, the legendary group of students training to become top heroes.

It was already the middle of the semester, which made my transfer… unusual. I was an exchange student from overseas, and apparently, U.A. had made a special exception after seeing my test results and “unique quirk compatibility.”

As I stood in front of the sliding door, I could hear voices inside — loud, energetic, and chaotic, just like you’d expect from the future of hero society.

“Alright, everyone settle down,” Aizawa-sensei’s tired voice broke through. “We have a new student joining Class 1-A. Come in.”

I slid the door open and stepped inside. Dozens of eyes turned toward me — some curious, some welcoming, and one pair in the back, burning with barely hidden irritation.

“Uh, hi,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’m Jinnie. I’m an exchange student from the Hero Academy in Amsterdam. I hope we can get along.”

Mina Ashido waved excitedly. “Oh my gosh, so cool! You came all the way from overseas?”

Kirishima grinned. “Welcome! More people means more fun!”

But then, a sharp voice cut through the noise.

“Tch. What the hell is this?”

Everyone turned toward Bakugo Katsuki, arms crossed, his crimson eyes glaring straight at me. “You’re telling me some random transfer gets into Class A just like that? That’s bullsh*t. We had to fight our way in!”

A few people tried to calm him down — Kirishima patted his shoulder, while Deku whispered something to himself — but Bakugo wasn’t letting it go.

“I don’t care where you’re from. If you didn’t pass the entrance exam, you don’t belong here,” he snapped, standing up from his seat.

My heart skipped a beat — part intimidation, part... something else. There was something magnetic about him, even when he was angry. Especially when he was angry.

I met his glare with a steady gaze. “Then maybe I’ll just have to prove I do belong here.”