Tokoyami's POV

The locker room buzzed with laughter and chatter as everyone prepared for the hot springs. Kaminari, naturally, had taken it upon himself to roast me yet again.

"Hey, Tokoyami, are you gonna bring the 'emo aesthetic' into the springs too? Maybe the steam will help clear up all that dark energy."

The others chuckled, though I merely adjusted my scarf and remained silent. Words weren't necessary when it came to Kaminari's antics; his sense of humor often spoke for itself. Still, Tsuyu's voice cut through the noise, calm and unaffected as always.

"Leave him alone, kero," she said, her big eyes flicking toward Kaminari. "You can't take a joke either."

The room erupted into laughter, Kaminari holding up his hands in mock surrender. I caught a faint smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth. Tsuyu had a way of diffusing situations that I appreciated.

As everyone continued preparing, I slipped out of the room unnoticed. I wasn't particularly fond of crowded spaces or loud banter—it wasn't my style. Quiet moments, away from prying eyes, were far more appealing. I figured joining the boys In the hot spring later when the other people left would be the better option. The reception lobby was empty, dimly lit with the soft glow of string lights draped across the ceiling. A table in the corner was laden with treats: chocolates, cookies, and a small dispenser of hot cocoa. I hesitated but stepped forward, drawn by the simplicity of the moment.

"You didn't think you'd escape me, did you, kero?"

I turned to find Tsuyu standing in the doorway, her hands tucked into her jacket pockets. She tilted her head, her gaze curious.

"Didn't expect you to follow," I replied, my voice low but steady.

She shrugged, stepping closer. "You're always so reserved, even after all this time. I wanted to see why."

I didn't respond immediately, instead pouring myself a cup of cocoa. She joined me, selecting a few chocolates and plopping them onto a napkin.

"You're not very good at blending in, you know," she said, her tone light. "But that's not a bad thing."

I glanced at her, unsure how to respond.

As if sensing my hesitation, she continued. "I've learned that doing the right thing doesn't make you a hero, and doing things deemed 'bad' doesn't make you a villain. It's not that simple."

She sighed, her gaze growing distant.

"Us too!" Dark Shadow suddenly burst out, startling both of us.

"Dark Shadow!" I hissed, mortified. The mischievous entity retreated slightly but not without a chuckle. "What? She's nice. I like her!"

Tsuyu laughed softly, the sound cutting through my embarrassment. "He's talkative tonight."

"He's always talkative around you," I muttered, trying to shove Dark Shadow back into my body. My face burned as I avoided her gaze.

We sat in silence for a moment, sipping our cocoa. Then, Tsuyu's voice broke through, quieter now. "Have you noticed how Yaoyorozu's been acting?"

I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"She seems overly cautious, like she's afraid of something. It's not like her."

I nodded, realizing she was right. Momo had been uncharacteristically tense.

"Its not like danger's her middle name" She completely ignored my statement then her brow furrowed, and she touched her temple. "Lately, I've been having...flashes. Random memories. They don't make sense, and they give me these awful migraines."

"Flashes of what?" I asked, concern creeping into my voice.

"Fights," she said quietly. "Blood. A villain—someone talking about how Yaoyorozu's quirk could be useful in the right hands. But it's all jumbled, and every time I try to think about it, it hurts."

She winced suddenly, clutching her head. Before I could react, she stumbled, nearly dropping her cocoa.

"Tsuyu!" I caught her, steadying her before her knees buckled.

"It's fine," she said through gritted teeth, her voice shaky. "Just...a headache. I'll be okay."

I didn't believe her for a second. "You're not okay. Come on, I'll help you to the hot springs. The warmth might help."

Before she could argue, I placed her arm around my shoulder and supported her weight as we made our way to the springs. She was lighter than I expected, and though she kept murmuring that she was fine, I could see the pain etched across her face.

When we reached the edge of the springs, she leaned against a nearby bench, her breathing steadier now. "Thanks, Tokoyami. I mean it."

"It's nothing," I said, stepping back to give her space.

"No, really," she insisted, her voice soft. "You didn't have to help, but you did. That means a lot to me."

Before I could respond, she leaned forward and kissed my cheek. The gesture was brief, but it left me frozen in place, my face heating up.

"See you, Tokoyami," she said, her tone as casual as ever as she stepped toward the springs.

Dark Shadow burst out immediately, cackling. "Did you see that? She likes you!"

"Shut up!" I growled, shoving him back into my body.

"You're blushing!" he teased, refusing to be silenced.

I stormed off, muttering under my breath, Dark Shadow's laughter echoing in my ears.

But even as I left, I couldn't stop the faint smile tugging at my lips.