Toshinori was already up when his alarm buzzed at 5:00 AM. He turned it off with a sigh, though he hadn’t really needed it. His body didn’t demand much sleep these days, just maintenance. The kind of maintenance you give a failing car you still drive out of stubborn pride.

  From the small kitchenette, he heard the quiet clink of ceramic and metal. She was already up too.

  Of course she was.

  He stepped out, draping a blanket over his shoulders like a robe, and saw Robinn standing by the stove. Not cooking, just pouring water into a thermos.

  “You’re already back from your run?” he asked, voice rough.

  She nodded without turning. “Shorter route. Didn’t want to risk burning out my legs today.”

  Practical, as always. Or at least, she sounded practical. He watched her carefully screw the cap onto the thermos and set it next to a plate of toast she probably wouldn’t finish.

  They sat together and ate a quiet breakfast. No news or music. Just the smell of coffee and the soft hum of city traffic waking up.

  Finally, Toshinori spoke.

  “You know I trust you,” he said. “But... don’t do anything reckless today.”

  She paused mid-bite.

  “We’ve talked about this,” she replied evenly and slowly “I’ll be careful.”

  “That’s what worries me, our definitions of careful are very different” he muttered.

  She smiled at that. Small, sharp, and unreadable.

  By 6:00 AM, she was lacing her shoes, gym bag slung over one shoulder. Already in uniform, hair tied up, thermos in hand.

  “You’re not leaving yet?” she asked.

  “I’ll be there soon. I just need a little more time.”

  Robinn gave him a little nod.

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  Then she was gone.

  She had him worried, but he couldn’t exactly tell her to let Young Midoriya shine.

  She already did, once, and it wasn’t by choice.

  And he knew she’d never let it happen again.

  “It’s hard to choose who to root for,” he muttered, slumping back into the couch.

  Midoriya’s palms were already sweaty and he hadn’t even made it out of the locker room.

  The prep room was smaller than expected. A few tables, some benches, a wall of lockers. Everyone in their gym uniforms, everyone was doing something, stretching, fidgeting, hydrating. The quiet buzz of adrenaline hummed beneath the surface like a power line.

  He paced a little. Tried to steady his breathing. It’s fine. You trained for this. All Might believes in you.

  “Midoriya.”

  He froze, turning to face him. “Hey, Todoroki... what’s up?”

  Todoroki stood tall, arms at his sides, gaze cool and flat. His tone was casual, but the words weren’t.

  “From an objective standpoint, it’s fairly clear that I’m stronger than you. However, you’ve got All Might in your corner, helping you out. I’m not here to pry, but know that I will beat you,” Todoroki said, staring daggers at Midoriya.

  The room went still for a beat.

  Kaminari blinked. “What’s with all these declarations of war lately??”

  Kirishima stood up from where he’d been hunched over a bench. “Yeah, what’s the deal?” He crossed the room and lightly clapped a hand on Todoroki’s shoulder. “Why are you picking a fight now, man? We’re about to start.”

  Todoroki brushed him off with a glance, already turning to leave. “We’re not here to be each other’s friends. This isn’t a team effort.”

  Midoriya hesitated. Then...

  “Wait, Todoroki.” His voice cracked slightly, but he kept going. “I don’t know why you think you need to say that to me. And yeah, of course you’re bette-”

  “Hey, Todoroki.”

  A new voice cut in, smooth and confident.

  Robinn had been standing nearby, leaning against a locker, sipping from her thermos like she was watching a slow movie. She stepped forward now, full of calm charisma and quiet intensity. Taller than Todoroki. Taller than most of them.

  Still smiling, but her eyes were sharp.

  “Why are you just challenging Midoriya?” she asked, voice light but charged. “You think the rest of us aren’t even worth your time?”

  Todoroki blinked, caught slightly off-guard. Midoriya looked at her like she’d walked in from a different scene.

  Robinn stepped in closer. She wasn’t looming, just present. Big stage energy. Not a threat, but a statement.

  She extended her hand. “So give it your all, okay? Just don’t underestimate anyone.”

  Todoroki stared at her hand for a second. Then shook it.

  “Fine.”

  He walked away, expression unreadable.

  Behind Robinn, Midoriya opened his mouth, then closed it. Whatever he’d been about to say died in his throat.

  Bakugo scoffed from the corner.

  Robinn turned to face the rest of the room, casually capping her thermos. Her tone shifted to a slightly lighter one.

  “That also goes for all of you! Let’s give it our all...”

  She paused, just briefly, and something changed behind her smile.

  “...and win.”

  That last word rang out, bright and defiant. Like she meant it for herself more than anyone else.