The next day came too quickly for Kairo.
Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains of his modest apartment, catching on the chrono-symbols etched along his uniform's sleeve, folded neatly on the desk. He sat at the edge of his bed, staring into the mirror with quiet focus. The faint golden flicker in his iris faded as he released the brief hold he'd kept on time—to savor a moment of stillness before everything resumed.
But stillness was a luxury U.A. rarely allowed.
He slipped into his uniform and adjusted the holographic dial embedded on his forearm. The symbols pulsed faintly as if sensing his intent. Outside, the streets of Musutafu bustled with morning activity. Kairo stepped out, hands in his coat pockets, and warped the distance between himself and U.A. with a subtle shift of space. To him, the world folded like pages in a book.
---
U.A. High – Classroom 1-A
The atmosphere was lively when he entered. Laughter, chatter, and the distinct energy of competitive youth filled the room. Kairo's arrival quieted the class for a heartbeat before conversations resumed in bursts of curiosity.
"Yo, transfer guy! Kairo, right?" Kirishima grinned. "You were cool yesterday!"
"He teleported like nothing," Sero added, wide-eyed. "Is that warp gate tech?"
Kairo shook his head politely. "Not quite."
Bakugo scoffed from the back. "Tch. Showoff."
"Don't mind him," Kaminari whispered. "He says that about everyone."
Momo approached with a calm smile. "Good morning, Kairo. I reviewed your placement results. Your coordination with Eraser Head was impressive."
He gave a small nod, his tone measured. "Thanks. You weren't too bad yourself with that cannon construct."
She blinked in mild surprise—was that a compliment?
Before anything more could be said, Aizawa entered with his usual sleep-deprived glare.
"Quiet down. We're starting."
---
Training Field Gamma – Joint Simulation Combat Exercise
"This session is designed to test real-time adaptability in squads," Aizawa announced. "Pairings have been randomized. The goal: subdue your opponents or capture the target dummy in the central sector."
"Pairings?" Mina tilted her head. "With who?"
A screen flickered to life, displaying the matchups.
Team 3: Kairo & Momo
Opponents: Midoriya & Uraraka
Kairo arched a brow, subtly glancing at Momo, who gave a confident nod. "Looks like we're working together again."
They exchanged a silent understanding. Both analytical. Both adaptable. It would work.
---
Kairo's POV – Mid-Combat
The simulation began with a burst of motion. Kairo bent time slightly around their movement, allowing both him and Momo to shift faster through the terrain. Not full manipulation—just enough to blur them like phantoms to anyone watching.
Midoriya came at them first—predictable, even with One for All's sheer speed. Kairo blinked behind him, tapping the air, and space folded just enough to redirect Midoriya's momentum into a controlled skid.
Uraraka floated debris toward them from above, trying to obscure their view. Momo conjured a smoke grenade launcher while Kairo pulled her behind cover.
She was impressive—quick-thinking, steady under pressure. Her quirk worked best with time to prepare, but she adapted to the field with almost surgical precision.
Kairo extended a ripple of warped space around the dummy in the center zone and tightened it like a sphere.
"Target secured."
Moments later, All Might's voice rang through the speakers. "Victory: Team 3!"
---
After the Simulation
As the teams filtered back to regroup, sweat and adrenaline still fresh, Momo approached Kairo, a towel over her shoulders.
"You work with precision," she said, handing him a water bottle. "And you think several steps ahead."
"Comes with the power," Kairo replied, though his voice softened a bit. "But you trusted me easily. Most don't."
She smiled slightly. "I trust what I observe. You're not reckless, just reserved."
That made him pause. Reserved. Not cold. It was an oddly comforting distinction.
She continued, "You're good at masking your intent. But you don't push others away. That says something."
He hesitated, then gave a subtle nod. "Thanks… Momo."
The way her name rolled off his tongue surprised even him.
---
Later That Evening – Kairo's Apartment
The city outside buzzed with neon life, but inside his apartment, Kairo sat in silence. His coat hung on the back of his chair, chrono-symbols dim. The faint hum of electricity filled the room, accompanied by a ticking sound—though no actual clock ticked.
He replayed the day.
Momo's trust. Midoriya's heart. Bakugo's fire. The way they all moved—not as perfect warriors, but as students determined to grow.
They're different from the people I knew. The people I lost.
He moved to his desk and activated the holographic image. A frozen frame flickered into view—three figures from a different time. Smiling. Unaware of what was coming.
"Don't get attached," he muttered. "You'll only lose them."
But even as he said it, Momo's calm eyes and warm words lingered in his thoughts.
As he lay down, pulling the blanket over himself, Kairo allowed time to resume naturally. No distortions. No pauses.
Just peace.
For now.
---