The common room of Heights Alliance was alive with its usual evening chaos. Kaminari and Sero were arguing over a video game on the TV, controllers clicking furiously. Ashido was painting her nails on the floor, occasionally shouting advice neither boy asked for. Midoriya sat at a table with a notebook open, though his eyes kept drifting toward the couch.

On that couch, Y/n was reading. That wasn't unusual. The book was normal. But the expression on their face—a soft, quiet smile—was not.

A few of their classmates noticed. They exchanged glances.

Kirishima's voice carried, loud and earnest, and suddenly more of the class was looking. The book in Y/n's hands became less interesting to everyone than the person holding it.