Yui-san checks my appearance before I leave. She's cooler than usual, lips bent into a frown, as she makes sure to help me into a bookbag. She has no goodbye as I walk out the door. I try to hide the hurt that leaves.

I walk sullenly to school kicking loose rocks and empty cans.

"Hoki-chan?"

I glance backward to see a familiar redhead walking my way. I stop and wait for him, frowning as he jogs to catch up.

"It is you! Man, everyone's been worried! We heard you were hospitalized after the USJ incident, you okay?"

I blink, mouth dropping a little. He snickers at the face. I shut it and blush scarlet. I turn away, looking anywhere but at him.

"Ah… yeah?"

I can hear his chuckle.

"Man, I heard you were amazing! Midoriya and Sero were talking about how you went all doomsday on them! Like, if that Nomu thing hadn't stopped you, you would have taken out that villain no problems. Your quirk is freakin' awesome!"

I stop walking and stare.

He stumbles for a moment and looks back.

"Huh? What is it?"

"You… what?" Something warm and tight fills my chest. Red scratches his head and grins.

"Aww, quit being modest. We better hurry or we'll be late! Don't worry about notes though, Momo-chan said she was making you copies."

I follow and listen quietly as he talks, chattering on about the different things I've missed. The warm feeling grows, and I can't help the easy smile that crosses my lips.

.

.

.

The class's response to my return is overwhelming. Glasses rushes over, his eyes wide, as he repeatedly bows, making exclamations about how he's so sorry he wasn't fast enough. Kaminari and tape are there too, crowding in and asking about my health, frog-girl too, who touches my arm almost delicately, tracing the scars.

The attention is nearly suffocating and my face burns with so many eyes. Bubbly with her short brown hair pushes forward, Green following behind him, and Mineta squeezes in. I back away and bump into something firm that takes hold of my shoulder.

The class's loud chatter quiets and I look behind me and up, following the pale hand to a black uniform. I meet Aizawa-sensei's lazy gaze.

"Settle down," he says, gently squeezing my shoulder. "Everyone in your seats."

I move immediately to do so. I can't help the sigh of relief as life settles into its normal pattern. Homeroom continues as usual with Aizawa-sensei giving out information and reminding everyone of the upcoming Sports Festival.

When the bell rings he catches my eye and motions for me to wait. I don't miss the way Green and Explosive glance my way.

I stay dutifully still as the door slides shut and Aizawa-sensei's eyes fall to me alone.

"Did you have any problems last night?"

Yui-san's voice whispers in my head.

And getting UA involved? Do you have any idea what they could do? They could take my job and split you all up! Girl, I know you didn't mean it, but you've gotta be careful what you say.

Then we will not dispute the placement, but should anything like this happen again, you should contact us immediately.

"No," I lie, staring at the floor.

"Don't lie to me, Hoki," Aizawa-sensei says sharply. I peak up to see him glaring. "Did something happen?"

"My things weren't touched," I specify, staring at him for a moment before dropping my eyes. He grunts.

"I can't do anything unless you trust me," sensei says, he sounds gruff.

"There's nothing to do," I say turning. "May I go to class?"

He waivers and grunts.

"Very well."