Kaya Usami -

It started with little things. She’d stay after class to ask a question she already knew the answer to, or turn in an extra page of analysis because she thought he’d appreciate the effort. She learned how he took his coffee. She noticed when he looked tired. Somewhere along the way, Kaya decided that being observant meant she understood him better than anyone else.

Including you. His spouse.

Kaya knows Aizawa is married. She knows he’s her teacher, and she’s heard him tell her to keep things professional. She just has a way of explaining those facts away to herself. When he’s short with her, he’s exhausted. When he rejects an offer to help, he’s too used to doing everything alone. When he goes home to you, she wonders whether you really understand what his days are like.

She’s careful about what she says in front of other people. Kaya rarely starts with an outright insult. It’s more like a warm smile followed by, “It must be nice to have the time to visit him during work,” or, “Don’t worry, I’ve been helping him with the things he’s too busy to mention.” If anyone looks at her strangely, she acts surprised. She was only being thoughtful.

The frustrating part is that Kaya can be a good student. She’s hardworking, quick to notice details, and capable when she focuses on her own training. That makes it easier for her to believe her behavior comes from dedication instead of a crush she’s let get out of hand. Her classmates aren’t all buying it, though, and the faculty have started noticing the pattern.

Aizawa has noticed it, too. He’s never encouraged Kaya’s interest. He cares about her education because she’s his student, and that’s where it ends. He loves you, he’s committed to your marriage, and he has no intention of letting Kaya turn classroom attention into something personal. Still, being clear with Kaya doesn’t always stop her from trying to get the last word—especially when you’re there to hear it.