By the time homeroom and the two grueling hours of P.E. ended, most of Class 1-A was dragging their feet toward the locker rooms. Shirts clung to backs, hair was damp with sweat, and conversations had slowed to breathless fragments.

  Except Robinn.

  She looked like she’d barely broken a sweat. Her expression hadn’t changed since they started, still that same casual grin, like this had all just been a morning jog. Even the serious types like Todoroki and Iida couldn’t help but glance at her now and then. Not suspiciously. Just... trying to figure her out.

  Midoriya pulled off his gym shirt with a wheeze. She didn’t even look tired. How strong is she? His brain was already cataloging everything he’d seen, her running form, her reaction speed, how she’d lifted her partner during a drill like it was nothing. She hasn’t even used her Quirk once... right?

  She hadn’t been flashy. If anything, she’d made sure not to be. After changing, Robinn retied her hair in that tight ponytail, quick and practiced, just as Uraraka sidled up with a hopeful grin.

  “Hey, Robinn! We were gonna head to the cafeteria... wanna come with?” Midoriya half-expected her to decline. She didn’t seem the type to- “Sure! Lead the way,” Robinn said, as cheerfully as if she’d been waiting for the invitation.

  She walked with them, Uraraka, Midoriya, Iida, and Tsuyu, a small knot of students that had slowly started to feel like a friend group. Robinn kept pace in the middle, polite and present, but slightly detached. She wasn’t unfriendly. But she wasn’t inserting herself, either.

  Uraraka chatted beside her, mostly filling the space with small talk. Robinn nodded along, laughing lightly when appropriate, but not adding much. Tsuyu watched her quietly. Iida, ever formal, kept sneaking glances her way like he was mentally preparing a list of questions.

  Midoriya stayed mostly quiet, trailing just behind. His mind was spinning. She’s strong. And calm. But something’s off... she reminds me of someone but I can’t place it.

  When they entered the cafeteria, Robinn’s eyes finally lit up a little. She scanned the line, walked straight to the high-calorie options without a hint of hesitation, and stacked a tray with protein-heavy food: grilled meat, rice, boiled eggs, miso soup, more rice. No dessert.

  At the table, Robinn sat and dug in. No pause or effort to look elegant. She just... ate enthusiastically. Not quite messy, but fast. Like every bite had a purpose.

  Uraraka raised an eyebrow, smiling. “Whoa, you’ve got an appetite!”

  Robinn wiped her mouth quickly, still grinning. “Training burns a lot of fuel.”

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  Iida adjusted his glasses. “That’s very true. A proper intake is essential for building muscle mass and stamina. Very responsible of you.”

  “Thanks,” Robinn replied, not breaking stride.

  Robinn was still eating, smiling faintly, nodding along to whatever Uraraka was saying about cafeteria favorites.

  Midoriya lowered his chopsticks, staring at her tray again. She’s here for a reason, he thought. People don’t just transfer into U.A. out of nowhere. So why now?

  And why does she feel familiar?

  Midoriya leaned forward a little as they ate, his chopsticks paused mid-air. “Hey, uh... Robinn? Mind if I ask you a few things?”

  She looked up mid-bite, chewing. She gave a slight shrug and a curious smile. “Shoot.”

  He hesitated, mentally lining up his questions like a checklist. “So... where were you before U.A.? I mean you transferred in kinda late, right?”

  She nodded, finishing her food before answering. “Yeah. I was studying abroad in the United States.”

  Midoriya’s eyes widened. “America? That’s... wow, that’s pretty rare, right? Was it a hero course?”

  “Kind of. It wasn’t a full program like U.A., but I had mentors. Training. Focused stuff.” She waved her chopsticks vaguely. “But I transferred here because of family reasons.”

  Midoriya tried not to overanalyze. Failed.

  He moved to the next item. “What’s your training routine like? I saw you in P.E. you weren’t even winded.”

  Her grin widened. “It’s intense.”

  “I get up around 4:30. Morning run, Strength, cardio, flexibility drills until breakfast. Then technical drills, combat, evasion, endurance tests. Then theory work, if I have time. Evenings are sparring or more endurance. Then cooldown, food, sleep. Repeat.”

  Midoriya gawked. “That’s... that’s your daily routine?”

  She nodded, still smiling like it was the most normal thing in the world.

  “Do you ever... y’know, hang out? Watch movies? Play games?” Midoriya asked still dumbfounded.

  Robinn tilted her head, as if genuinely thinking about it. “Not really. I mean, if there’s time, maybe?. But there usually isn’t.”

  It wasn’t arrogant. She wasn’t bragging. She just said it plainly, stating a fact. Midoriya’s mind reeled. No breaks? That’s... hardcore. “Okay, so,” he said, lowering his voice a little. “You don’t have to answer this if you don’t want to, but... what’s your Quirk?”

  He tried to sound casual, but it came out way too eager. Robinn didn’t look offended. She just smiled again, slightly lopsided but proud smile this time. “You’ll see it soon enough.”

  Uraraka, who had been eavesdropping between bites, chuckled. “That’s mysterious.”

  “It’s not meant to be,” Robinn said. “It’s just easier to show than explain.” Midoriya nodded slowly, but his brain was screaming. That means it’s complicated. Or powerful. Or dangerous. Or all three. Why’s she hiding it? Or is she just saving it?

  He realized he was staring again and quickly looked down at his tray. “One more question.”

  “So... why U.A.? Why now?”

  Robinn paused for the first time.

  “Because it’s where I need to be. And because I have something to prove.” She said it lightly, but something in her tone made Midoriya’s chest tighten. She wasn’t smiling now, but she wasn’t frowning either. Just... serious. Then it passed. The grin returned, and she speared another piece of grilled meat. “And honestly? I just really wanted to train somewhere that doesn’t hold back.”

  Midoriya nodded, slowly. His curiosity was satisfied, on the surface, at least. But something about her still didn’t add up. He glanced down the table. Uraraka and Iida were chatting. Tsuyu was sipping her juice quietly.

  And Robinn? Still smiling, focused and still a mystery.