"Let Me Help You"

Four.

After all the matches had been completed, the students were given some free time as All Might had to step out. The arena buzzed with chatter as the students shared their experiences and observations about the training. Despite the lively environment, Dazai walked straight to his desk, his movements calculated and calm, contrasting with the frenetic energy around him. He sat down, still in his PM outfit. Though it differed little from the school uniform—just the red tie distinguishing it—he wore it like armor, a barrier between him and the world.

The classroom felt distant, like a scene playing out behind glass. Conversations swirled around him, voices blending into an indistinct hum. His presence was an anomaly, drawing glances, whispers, and curiosity, but he remained focused on nothing in particular, his face blank yet somehow impenetrable.

A sharp voice broke through his reverie. "Hey!"

Dazai raised his head to see a boy with fiery red hair approaching, his steps confident and earnest. Mina and a few others followed behind him like a tide of enthusiasm. The boy grinned wide, radiating friendliness and curiosity.

""I don't know what was going through your mind during that match," the red-haired boy said, his voice tinged with excitement, "but you knew exactly what you were doing, huh? You didn’t talk much or even fight very long. And, seriously, I haven’t even seen your quirk yet!"

Dazai tilted his head slightly, studying the boy with sharp, calculating eyes. Before he could respond, another voice chimed in.

"I can’t believe you held your own against Bakugo! That guy’s crazy strong!" exclaimed a boy with perfectly square teeth. Dazai recognized him from homeroom—the one who always seemed so cheerful.

"You did a great job fighting!" Mina added with a bright smile, her eyes shining with admiration.

Other students joined in with their own remarks, each one layering praise on him. For the first time in his life, Dazai felt an unfamiliar sensation: warmth spreading through his chest like a foreign sunbeam. These words—kind, encouraging, genuine—were utterly alien to him.

He couldn’t remember the last time someone had complimented him. Couldn’t remember a time anyone had spoken to him with admiration instead of disdain or fear.

The red-haired boy broke through his thoughts again.
"I’m Eijiro Kirishima!" he announced proudly. "We were watching your training results while you guys were in the locker rooms. You’re awesome, man!"

"Hi! I’m Hanta Sero," said the boy with the perfect teeth, giving Dazai an easy smile.

"And I’m Denki Kaminari! I just gotta say—you were so awesome! You looked cool and worked so effortlessly!" Kaminari’s grin stretched wide, his enthusiasm palpable. Dazai found himself vaguely amused by the boy’s exuberance, though he couldn’t quite voice it.

"I’m Tsuyu Asui," a girl with large, expressive eyes and a calm demeanor added. "But you can just call me Tsu."

"Hey, Sato!" another voice interjected, belonging to a tall, broad-shouldered boy.

"My name’s Mineta!" piped up a tiny boy, practically bouncing with energy. His high-pitched voice grated on Dazai’s ears, and his face remained impassive as he recalled the boy’s earlier remarks about his bandages. Mineta was a nuisance, and Dazai’s opinion of him hadn’t changed.

"Would you look at that!" Mina chimed in, nudging him playfully. "You’re so popular already. Why don’t you stop with the loner act and hang out a bit?"

Dazai’s reply was sharp and direct. "No thanks. You’re too loud." His finger pointed to Aoyama, who let out an exaggerated gasp. "I don’t like you," he continued, turning his gaze to Mineta. The boy huffed in annoyance. "And you talk too much," he added, directing the comment at Uraraka, who chuckled good-naturedly.