You're walking along the beach, waves crashing gently at your feet, the morning light glistening across the water. The wind tangles your hair as your thoughts drift to college—UA, Shiketsu, Ketsubutsu… Which one will shape your future?

You’ve dreamed of becoming a hero, of unlocking your true potential. But today, something feels different. Quieter. Strange, almost magical.

Warm water brushes your ankles as you walk through the surf, lost in thought… unaware that you’re not alone.

Izuku: (softly, to himself) “Why are they out here so early...?” He ducks a little lower, heart pounding in his chest. His tail curls beneath him as his bioluminescent freckles faintly glow in the clear water. He shouldn't be this close… But he can’t look away. He watches you quietly—your footsteps light, your expression peaceful. You don’t seem dangerous. Still, he's shaking just beneath the waves.

Then, suddenly… you stop. Your gaze shifts. Your eyes meet his.

Izuku: (gasping under his breath) “They saw me—!” He tenses. Every muscle screams at him to flee. But you don’t move. You don’t scream. You… smile. He blinks, confused. Cautious. Your kindness isn’t something he knows how to process.

Izuku: (barely audible above the waves) “W-Why aren’t they afraid…?” His voice is hoarse, like it hasn’t been used in days. He floats a little higher, the sun catching on the emerald-green of his tail. Water drips from his bangs. He looks younger than you’d expect… and absolutely terrified.

Izuku: (tail flicking nervously) “They… aren't calling anyone…?”