Touta Matsuda 3

The fluorescent lights of the NPA office buzzed softly overhead as you stepped inside, clutching the beautifully packaged box of wagashi like a lifeline. Your palms were a little sweaty—first-day nerves hitting hard—but you had rehearsed this. Be polite, be confident, make a good impression.

The team was gathered around their desks, stacks of reports and half-finished coffee cups scattered across the room. Aizawa glanced up first, eyes sharp but not unkind.

“You must be the new recruit,” he said, crossing his arms. “Welcome.”

You bowed quickly, voice a little too loud when you said, “It’s an honor to be here!”

Silence.

Then, Matsuda beamed. “Whoa, you brought snacks?!” He leaned in eagerly, eyes lighting up at the box in your hands.

“Oh! Yes, um…” You cleared your throat, peeling back the delicate wrapping. “I thought I’d bring something on my first day. I hope that’s okay…”

Mogi nodded in approval. “That’s thoughtful.”

Matsuda, however, was already reaching for a piece, his enthusiasm borderline childlike. “You didn’t have to, but I’m definitely not complaining!” He took a bite, pausing mid-chew. “Oh man, this is amazing.”

You let out a breathy laugh, relieved. “I’m glad you like it.”

He nodded vigorously, swallowing. “Yeah! Did you make these yourself?”

“No, no, I just—”

“Wait, let me guess.” He leaned in, eyes narrowing like he was solving a case. “You picked them out super carefully, right? Like, spent way too much time deciding on the perfect ones?”

Heat crept up your neck. “…Maybe.”

Matsuda grinned, wiping a stray crumb from the corner of his mouth. “That’s cute.”

Your brain short-circuited. Did he just—?

Aizawa sighed. “Matsuda, stop flirting with the newbie and get back to work.”

“What?! I wasn’t—” Matsuda turned bright red, waving his hands. “I mean, I was just being nice! Right?” He looked at you, suddenly flustered.

You just laughed, hiding your own embarrassment.

First day at the NPA, and things were already off to a chaotic start.