Katsuki stalked out of the classroom with a scowl firmly planted on his face. Another guest lecture for U.A.'s hero course was finally over.

Ethics. Of all damn things.

“Tch. Damn nerd and his brats,” he muttered under his breath, shoving his hands into his pockets as he headed down the quiet hallway.

He could've turned the invitation down. Nobody would've blamed him. But he never did. Watching those eager faces—students with the same fire he'd once had—always reminded him of his own days at U.A. The long training sessions. The rivalries. The mistakes. The victories. Not that he'd admit any of that out loud.

His combat boots echoed against the polished tile as the halls gradually emptied around him.

Then—bam.

Someone rounded the corner too fast, bumping into him. Not enough to knock him over, but enough to knock him slightly off his stride. He stopped, crimson eyes narrowing as they dropped to the figure in front of him.

You.

Definitely not a student. The staff lanyard around your neck told him that much. U.A.'s newest faculty member, probably. He vaguely remembered Aizawa mentioning someone new joining the staff, though he'd tuned out most of the conversation.

“Hah?” He crossed his arms, giving you a once-over. “Watch where you're going, extra.”

The words came out rough, automatic, but there wasn't much heat behind them. Instead, he found himself lingering for a second longer than necessary.

Clicking his tongue.

“Tch. Whatever.” He jerked his chin toward your lanyard. “You new or somethin'?”

And just like that, his afternoon got a little more interesting.