Kirishima’s sneakers hit the pavement in steady rhythm, breath misting faintly in the cool morning air. It was barely past 5:30 a.m., sky still bruised with the last hints of night, but he’d already been up for a while, stretching, psyching himself up, throwing cold water on his face until he felt awake.

  Training didn’t start until class, sure. But if he was gonna keep up with guys like Bakugo or hell, even Midoriya he needed more than the bare minimum. More than average. More than “manly enough.”

  Another corner, another streetlamp, another deep breath. He was halfway through his usual circuit when he spotted a figure ahead, fast, fluid, and alone. Kirishima slowed just a little. That wasn’t just anyone.

  It was Robinn Reibach. Not the cheery, slightly offbeat version they saw in class. This Robinn had her hair tied back tightly, eyes narrowed in focus. Her hoodie was soaked through, movements sharp and efficient. No earbuds or breaks.

  She passed under a streetlight, and for a second, didn’t even seem to see him. Kirishima blinked, then grinned. He picked up the pace.

  “Yo! Robinn?”

  She glanced over, just a flick of her eyes. Then, like a switch flipped, her face softened, and the familiar polite and bright smile surfaced. “Ah, good morning, Kirishima.”

  He jogged alongside her, trying not to sound winded. “Didn’t know you lived out this way.”

  “I don’t live that far, really. I run out here for the slope training,” she said, brushing sweat off her brow. “Better endurance work.”

  Kirishima let out an impressed whistle. “Dang, you’ve been out here a while then, huh?”

  “Since around 4:40,” she said casually. “I like to get it in before the streets get too busy.” Since 4:40?! Kirishima tried not to let his jaw drop. “That’s... man, that’s intense. Kinda awesome, actually.”

  She smiled again, warm and friendly. He rubbed the back of his neck. “Wanna jog together for a bit?”

  Robinn shook her head lightly. “Thanks, but I was just wrapping up. Heading back to shower and change before class.”

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  “Ah, gotcha. Still, cool seeing you out here.”

  She nodded. “You too. See you at school.” With that, she peeled off at the next corner, posture still perfect even as her pace slowed to a walk.

  Kirishima kept running, he rounded another corner, falling back into rhythm, but something lingered.. That switch. The way she’d gone from serious to cheerful in a blink.

  He frowned slightly, then shook it off. Everyone had a game face, right? Hell, he had one too.

  Still... 4:40?

  “Hardcore,” he muttered with a grin, and pushed off harder. A couple more miles to go.

  Toshinori leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching Robinn pull off her hoodie. Her damp hair clung to her cheeks, she’d pushed hard again this morning.

  She nodded briefly and headed for the bathroom without a word. Soon, the shower began. He exhaled softly, leaning his head back against the wall.

  By the time she stepped out, her hair wrapped in a towel, she was already dressed in her sports uniform, the one she wore for training. The towel slipped off naturally as she tied her ponytail.

  He had reheated some leftover rice and set it on the table, still watching.

  “Everything alright?” he asked quietly.

  She paused near the door, adjusted her collar.

  “Uh-huh.”

  Then she was gone, the door clicking shut behind her, leaving some sad uneaten leftover rice.

  And a sad leftover All Might. :(

  Midoriya arrived early, but Iida was already organizing students near the lockers, reminding everyone to keep things orderly. Kaminari and Sero were trading exaggerated stories about their gym workouts.

  Midoriya muttered softly to himself as he reviewed his mental notes about stamina limits. Ochako waved and called his name, but he barely looked up.

  The hallway buzzed with casual chatter, then Robinn appeared, slipping in quietly. She wasn’t late but her usual cheery confidence was there, her expression polite but unreadable. Kirishima gave her a nod and she returned it with a faint one of her own.

  Aizawa shuffled in then, dragging his eyes open and slinging his scarf over one shoulder.

  “Today’s rescue training,” he said, voice flat. “It’s Off-campus so pack your things. We’re headed to the Unforeseen Simulation Joint, or U.S.J”

  Mina elbowed Sero, whispering loud enough for Midoriya to hear, “It’s like, Universal Studios Japan.” A few quiet laughs ensued, and despite the nervous energy, the hallway was buzzing with excitement.

  The bus rumbled as the city slipped past the windows. Laughter drifted from the back, Kaminari was teasing Jirou about her last karaoke disaster while Momo tried not to laugh.

  Midoriya sat mid-aisle, pen resting on his notebook but unused. Across from him, Robinn stared out the window, chin resting on her hand. He followed her gaze to the horizon. Dark clouds were gathering, layered and slow, like a warning. “Feels like a storm’s coming,” she murmured, still watching the sky.

  Midoriya blinked, surprised to hear her voice. She glanced his way briefly, expression calm. He opened his mouth to say something but thought better of it. No words felt right.

  The bus shifted as Iida began his usual speech on off-campus conduct, voice steady but serious. Still, Robinn’s words echoed in Midoriya’s mind, hanging there like a distant crackle before a storm.