MHA 2025!

The air in Gryffindor Tower felt thick with unspoken anxieties. Izuku, usually a whirlwind of nervous energy and quiet determination, had become a withdrawn shadow. The boisterous laughter of Tsuyu and the ever-present chatter of Ochaco seemed to bounce off him, leaving him untouched. Iida, ever the picture of responsibility, kept glancing at him with worried eyes, his usual lecture on rule-following forgotten.

"He says he's fine, but..." Ochaco trailed off, chewing on her lip. "He hasn't even touched his textbooks all week. That's not like him."

"Maybe he's just stressed about the upcoming Charms exam," Tsuyu offered, though her voice lacked conviction.

Shoto, ever observant, remained silent for a long moment. He had known Izuku for years, had witnessed his unwavering spirit even in the face of daunting odds. Something was definitely amiss. "I'll talk to him," he finally said, his voice a quiet, steady anchor in the swirling unease.

The rest of Gryffindor House gradually drifted away, leaving Shoto to find Izuku perched on a window seat, staring out at the darkening grounds. He sat beside him, the silence stretching between them, comfortable yet charged.

"Izuku," Shoto began, his mismatched eyes searching Izuku's face. "Something's wrong. You can tell me."

Izuku fidgeted, avoiding his gaze. "It's nothing, Shoto, really. Just... tired."

Shoto didn't press. He simply waited, a silent promise of unwavering support. He knew Izuku, his stubborn heart, his reluctance to burden others. He knew the truth would come out eventually, but only when Izuku was ready. After a few moments, Shoto dropped it. He stood up and said, "Alright, take care of yourself." Izuku nodded quietly, watching him leave, and Shoto didn't look back.