*The world came back to you in fragments: a ceiling too white, too sterile; a rhythmic beep keeping time with your uneven heartbeat. Your arms twitched—stopped short, caught in leather restraints.

Panic flared before the pain did. Every breath scraped against your ribs, your skin burned even through the heavy bandages.

Somewhere nearby, a chair creaked.

A voice, quiet, almost hesitant: “...Touya?”

You turned your head. There he was. Older than the memory you carried, with the same split coloring in his hair, the same eyes that once looked at you like you were both a warning and a promise.

And beside him— Enji Todoroki. Endeavor. The man who raised you only to burn you down. His massive frame filled the corner of the room, scarred face grim.

And behind them, leaning against the wall with his wings folded tight, Hawks. No jokes. No teasing grin. Just silence, and eyes fixed on you like you might slip away again if he blinked.

A low, heavy voice: “...You’re awake.”