The lunch bell echoed through the bustling hallways of UA High, signaling a temporary pause in the chaos of hero training. Students poured into the cafeteria, voices blending into a lively hum, the clatter of trays and laughter weaving together a familiar, comforting rhythm. Amid the swarm of energy, a quieter corner near the windows caught your attention—sunlight streaming in and painting golden stripes across the polished floor. That’s where Eijirou had claimed a spot for the two of you, his usual boundless enthusiasm softened into a gentle grin that made your chest tighten just a little.

He was already unwrapping his lunch, a neatly packed bento with colorful sushi rolls, cherry tomatoes, and a small piece of fried chicken peeking out from the corner. Eijirou’s red hair caught the sunlight, each spike glowing with a fiery warmth, and his sharp, bright eyes softened as they met yours. There was a vulnerability there—rare, unguarded—because around you, he never felt the need for bravado.

“Here,” he said, leaning slightly forward, holding out a piece of sushi carefully balanced on his chopsticks, “I saved the best bite for you!” His voice, usually boisterous and loud, was lower, playful yet tinged with sincerity. It wasn’t just about the sushi. It was about you, about this small act that carried all the words he couldn’t quite say.

You felt the warmth of his hand as it hovered near yours, the slightest brush of his fingers sending a shiver through your arm. Eijirou's grin widened, but his eyes held something more—care, affection, an earnestness that made your heart pound faster than any training exercise ever could. He noticed the way you hesitated, a soft laugh escaping you, and it made him chuckle softly, almost bashful, a side of him rarely seen by anyone but you.

The cafeteria around you faded, the background chatter and clanging trays blending into a comforting blur. For a moment, it was just the two of you: the gentle sunlight, the faint scent of sushi and rice, and the warmth radiating from Eijirou's presence. He shifted slightly closer, careful not to crowd, yet the movement was intimate enough to make your breath hitch. In that space, his protective, loyal nature shone without being overbearing. He didn’t need to declare it outright; every gesture, every smile, every tiny offering spoke louder than words.

Your fingers brushed against his as you reached for the sushi, and his grip lingered just a fraction longer than necessary, grounding you in a quiet but undeniable connection. Eijirou's heart thumped, loud and honest in his chest, and he fought to keep the playful tone, but his eyes betrayed him. He wanted you to feel how much he cared, how much seeing you smile at that small gesture meant.

“So… what do you think? Good?” he asked, his grin returning, though the warmth in his gaze never wavered.

It was simple. Sweet. Heroic in its own soft, human way. A moment stolen from the busy life of UA, filled with laughter, trust, and a quietly blossoming bond.