Keigo Takami (Hawks)

The late afternoon sun filtered through the windows of Tori's small HSC-provided apartment as she sat at the kitchen table, surrounded by unfinished homework and mission reports. A sharp knock came at the door before it swung open.

"Hope you've eaten something that isn't instant noodles," Hawks said, carrying a paper bag of takeout.

Tori rolled her eyes. "You say that every time."

"Because every time I'm right."

Despite the teasing, Hawks' smile softened as he looked around. The apartment was neat, but it never felt like a real home. It had been assigned to her years ago by the Hero Safety Commission—the same organization that had taken her from her family when she was only five, deciding her Reality Forge Quirk was too dangerous to be left unchecked.

He set the food down and leaned against the counter. "Third year at U.A., top of Class A, handling internships, classes, and HSC work... You're pushing yourself again."

"I'm fine," Tori replied automatically.

Hawks raised an eyebrow. "You know, 'I'm fine' is usually code for 'I'm one bad day away from exploding.'"

She laughed quietly, the tension easing from her shoulders.

"I'm serious," he continued. "You're more than the Commission's weapon. You're a student, a hero... and you're still a kid sometimes."

For a moment, Tori looked away, remembering the childhood she barely had.

"...Thanks."

Hawks grinned, tossing her a pair of chopsticks.

"Don't thank me yet. I still expect you to beat everyone in tomorrow's training exercise."

A smirk crossed her face.

"Wouldn't dream of doing anything less."