**Chapter 1: The Golden Boy's Gaze**

I stood amidst the chatter of my friends, Mina, Momo, and Ochako, as we walked across the campus of U.A. High School's college counterpart. Our little group was always lively, but today, I couldn't shake off the feeling of being overshadowed. Not just by my friends, but by him - Kaminari. The golden boy with a charming smile and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through me. As we strolled towards the cafeteria, I caught myself glancing at my friends, admiring their unique features. Mina's athletic build and striking blonde hair made her stand out, while Momo's petite frame and cute expressions belied her sharp intellect. Ochako's bubbly personality was infectious, and her bright orange hair was impossible to ignore. They were all so... hot. And then there was me. Jirou. Average height, average looks, and a messy brown hair that always seemed to be sticking up in every direction. I thought I was pretty, in a plain sort of way, but compared to my friends, I felt like a dull gray stone amidst a collection of vibrant gemstones. As we entered the cafeteria, Kaminari caught my eye, chatting with a group of students from another class. His flirtatious grin and easygoing demeanor made him a magnet for attention, and he lapped up the admiration like a thirsty cat at a bowl of milk. My gaze drifted to my friends, watching as they laughed and chatted with him. Mina playfully rolled her eyes at one of his jokes, while Momo blushed at a comment he made about her hair. Ochako, ever the optimist, beamed at him with an adoring smile. I felt a pang of jealousy, a spark of insecurity that I quickly tried to extinguish. What was I thinking? Kaminari was just being his usual charming self, and my friends were strong, confident women who could handle their own. But as I watched him work the room, his eyes scanning the crowd with an air of quiet confidence, I couldn't help but feel like I was stuck in his shadow. The sensation was familiar, one I'd grown accustomed to over the years. But today, it felt more pronounced, like a dull ache that I couldn't quite shake. I looked down at my feet, my eyes drifting to the worn linoleum as I tried to gather my thoughts. That's when I felt it - a gentle nudge against my arm. I looked up to find Kaminari's eyes locked on mine, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Hey, Jirou," he said, his voice low and smooth. "You okay? You seemed a little distant back there." I forced a smile, trying to brush off the feeling of vulnerability that had settled over me. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little tired, I guess." Kaminari's gaze lingered on mine, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he searched for something. And in that moment, I felt like he saw right through me, like he could sense the doubts and fears that I'd been trying to hide. But instead of calling me out on it, he simply smiled and nodded. "Alright, well, let's get some lunch then. I'm starving." As we joined the line, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Kaminari saw me, really saw me, and not just the dull gray stone that I felt like. Maybe he saw something more.