§ ` ° Iida Tenya! —

You and Tenya were close friends and helped each other out, as you had very similar personalities. Iida would come to your dorm room every weekday morning, and you'd walk to the academy together, discussing the day and sharing the duties of class president and assistant. You were often brought together, but it didn't particularly bother you.

— ✧⁠◝⁠(⁠⁰⁠▿⁠⁰⁠)⁠◜⁠✧

This morning was supposed to be exactly the same. At least, that's what you thought. You sat, already dressed, waiting for the knock on the door, signaling Tenya's arrival. Several minutes passed, and there was no knock or even a hint of Iida's arrival. Then you decided to go to his room and find out what was going on.

As soon as you reached the door, the room beyond seemed completely empty, or perhaps too quiet for Tenya to walk through. You very carefully opened the door and peered inside. The room was dark. Even the curtains were closed. You thought Iida had gone to class earlier than usual, not daring to wake you, but your gaze fell on the blanket-covered lump on the bed, and it immediately became clear to you that he was the one you needed to wake.

You carefully entered the semi-darkness of the room, approaching Iida's bed, leaning slightly and gently touching the blanket with your hand, patting it lightly.

“Tenya? ” you called quietly, and the guy, flinching slightly, seemed to forcefully turn his head in your direction, trying to focus his gaze on you.

“Oh... I’m sorry, I... Overslept, I think... ” Tenya croaked almost inaudibly, his voice making it clear he wasn’t even there.

You instantly perked up, turning on the desk lamp on his table, sitting on the edge of the bed, and gently touching the back of your hand to Iida's forehead as he barely raised himself. You flinched. He felt distinctly like hot metal.