The sun filtered through the curtains of Mina's room, casting a soft, golden glow on the disheveled bed and the girl sprawled across it. Her breathing was steady now, but her dreams were anything but peaceful. Images of Kaito swirled in her mind—his smile, the way his presence seemed to overwhelm her senses, and the inexplicable heat that lingered every time she thought of him.
When Mina finally stirred, she felt drained, both physically and emotionally. Her body felt heavy, her thoughts muddled. She groaned, sitting up slowly, and ran a hand through her hair, trying to make sense of the chaos in her mind.
"What's wrong with me?" she muttered to herself, her voice hoarse. She glanced around her room, her cheeks heating up as the memory of last night came rushing back. The intensity of her emotions, the way her body had betrayed her—it was unlike anything she'd ever experienced.
Mina shook her head, trying to push the thoughts aside. She couldn't let herself get stuck in this cycle. She had to focus, to figure out why she was feeling this way.
As she stood and stretched, her phone buzzed on the nightstand. She grabbed it, seeing a text from Uraraka.
Uraraka: Hey, you okay? You seemed really out of it yesterday. If you need to talk, I'm here.
Mina sighed, guilt pricking at her chest. Uraraka was just trying to help, but Mina couldn't bring herself to explain. She didn't even know how to begin.
Mina: I'm fine, promise. Just tired. Thanks for checking in.
Setting her phone down, Mina decided she needed a distraction. Training, studying—anything to get her mind off Kaito and the strange, overwhelming feelings he seemed to provoke in her. She splashed cold water on her face, hoping it would help clear her head, then changed into her training gear.
---
Down in the common room, the usual morning buzz of U.A. was in full swing. Students were chatting, grabbing breakfast, and preparing for another day of grueling lessons. Mina hesitated at the edge of the room, scanning the crowd for Kaito.
She spotted him near the kitchen, laughing at something Kirishima had said. He looked so casual, so completely unaffected, that it made her stomach twist. How could he be so normal when she felt like her world was spinning out of control?
"Morning, Mina!" Kirishima's cheerful voice broke through her thoughts, and she plastered on a smile.
"Morning," she replied, trying to sound as upbeat as usual.
"Feeling better?" he asked, his brow furrowed with concern. "You scared us yesterday."
"I'm good now," Mina said quickly. "Just needed some rest."
Kaito turned at the sound of her voice, his eyes meeting hers for a brief moment. Mina's heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to hold his gaze, to act like everything was fine.
"Glad to hear it," Kaito said, his tone warm but neutral. "We missed having you out there."
"Yeah, well, I'll make up for it today," Mina replied, her voice a little too loud in her effort to sound normal.
Kaito smiled, and it was like the air around her shifted. Mina clenched her fists, willing herself to stay calm.
"Looking forward to it," he said, then turned back to Kirishima.
Mina exhaled, feeling like she'd just survived a battle. She needed to figure out what was happening to her—and fast.