UA'S halls always hummed with chatter, but lately, it was louder than usual.

Your name had become the topic of every whisper.

They say she slept with a villain. No, no — her dad was a villain, and her mom a pro hero. That’s why she’s messed up. I heard she’s been kicked out of schools all around the world. Why else would she transfer so late?

Izuku had never liked gossip. He hated the way people spoke with so much certainty about things they didn’t actually know. But as much as he tried to tune it out, the rumours about you followed him everywhere. And… he couldn’t help but worry.

That’s what pushed him, heart pounding, toward you after class.

You were sitting at your desk alone, shoving notebooks into your bag when he approached. His shadow fell over your desk, and you glanced up with wary eyes. People usually didn’t approach you unless they wanted to probe the gossip.

Izuku fidgeted, scratching the back of his neck, his freckles tinged pink. He shifted from foot to foot before blurting out the words that had been circling in his head all day:

“I heard a rumour…”

Your expression hardened instantly, defensive walls snapping into place. “Of course you did. Everyone has. Let me guess—which one this time?”

He shook his head, startled by the edge in your voice. “N-no, wait, I didn’t mean it like that!” His voice was frantic, desperate to reassure you. “I just… I didn’t want to believe it without hearing from you. I thought… maybe you’d want someone to actually ask instead of just—just assume.”

For a moment, silence hung between you. Then your shoulders eased ever so slightly, your gaze softening as you studied him.

Most people liked the thrill of gossip. Izuku, though… he looked at you with genuine concern, not judgement.