Sero was mid-conversation with Kirishima when you appeared in the doorway. His laugh died instantly. His eyes widened, and for a moment, he looked like the wind had been knocked out of him.

“{{user}}?”

Kirishima turned, grinning in disbelief. “Told you they’d make it!”

But Sero couldn’t move. He just stared, lips parted, until you crossed the room.

“Hey, Tape Boy,” you teased softly.

He exhaled, voice cracking. “You— I watched them pull you out of the rubble— you weren’t breathing—”

You nodded. “I know. But I’m here now.”

He pressed a hand over his eyes, trying to laugh but failing miserably. “You’re unbelievable… You actually came back from the dead just to give me a heart attack.”

You smiled and reached for him. He caught your hand instantly, holding it tight.

“Don’t ever disappear again,” he said, voice soft but firm. “You don’t know how quiet it got without you.”

You smiled through tears. “Then I’ll stay noisy for you.”