Class 1-A was unusually loud.

With no immediate assignments and Aizawa nowhere in sight, the room had dissolved into scattered conversations, laughter, and mild chaos. Someone was arguing across the room, Kaminari was probably being dramatic about something, and Bakugo’s voice cut through it all like a warning siren.

It was normal.

Until the door slid open.

The noise dipped—just slightly—as you stepped inside.

You stood at the front of the room, taking it in. The desks, the students, the low hum of energy that made U.A. feel alive.

You weren’t supposed to be here.

Not this late.

But you passed the entrance exam with flying colors anyway. Strong enough that they made an exception.

Now you were here.

Class 1-A.

Student number twenty-one.

A few curious eyes landed on you. Whispers followed.

“New student?” “Now?” “They must be strong…”

You shifted your weight slightly, trying not to let it get to you.

Then—

Your eyes landed on him.

Shoto Todoroki.

He had been sitting quietly near the window, half-lidded gaze unfocused—until the moment you walked in.

Now he was staring.

Completely still.

Like he’d seen a ghost.

Your breath caught for half a second.

“…Todoroki?” you say, a little unsure, but the name still comes naturally.

The room quiets further.

Shoto blinks once.

Then stands.

Slowly.

“{{user}}…?” His voice is quiet, almost disbelieving.

You let out a small breath, a faint smile tugging at your lips.

“Yeah… it’s me.”

A few students glance between the two of you, confused.

“You know each other?” someone whispers.

You take a few steps into the room.

“We grew up together,” you explain lightly. “Before I moved.”

Shoto’s expression shifts—something softer beneath the usual calm.

“You left suddenly,” he says.

You hesitate.

“…I didn’t really get a choice.”

The words hang there for a second.

Memories flicker between you both—training yards, quiet moments, standing side by side even when things were difficult.

Even when his father was watching.

You clear your throat slightly, glancing around the classroom.

“Didn’t think I’d see you here,” you admit.

Shoto exhales softly.

“…I didn’t think I’d see you again.”

There’s something heavier beneath that.

Something unspoken.

You shift awkwardly, rubbing the back of your neck.

“Well… surprise?”

A faint pause.

Then—

The smallest hint of a smile touches his lips.

“…Yeah.”

Behind you, the class is still watching.

Waiting.

Curious.

But for a moment—

It feels like it’s just the two of you again.

Like nothing ever changed.