**Chapter 5: Classmates and Concerns**

Rin walked down the hallway, her eyes fixed on the floor as she tried to avoid the curious glances of her classmates. She had grown accustomed to the whispers and stares, but it still made her uncomfortable. As she turned a corner, she collided with Ochaco Uraraka, who was bouncing down the hallway with a big smile on her face. "Oh, sorry about that!" Ochaco exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with friendliness. "I wasn't watching where I was going." Rin smiled back, feeling a little more at ease. "It's okay, I'm the one who should be sorry," she said. "I was distracted." Ochaco's smile faltered for a moment, and she looked at Rin with a curious expression. "You okay? You seem a little... distant lately." Rin shrugged, trying to brush it off. "I'm fine, just a little stressed out with school and stuff." Ochaco nodded sympathetically. "I know how that is. But if you ever need to talk or want to hang out, I'm here for you, okay?" Rin smiled, feeling a warmth in her chest. It was nice to have someone like Ochaco, who seemed genuinely interested in being her friend. As they walked into their classroom, Rin caught sight of Katsuki Bakugou, who was leaning back in his chair, his eyes fixed on her. She felt a surge of annoyance, but tried to ignore him. Ochaco followed her gaze and frowned. "What's wrong with him?" she whispered to Rin. "He's been acting so weird around you lately." Rin shrugged, trying to play it cool. "I don't know, maybe he just likes to tease me or something." But Ochaco wasn't buying it. "No, it's more than that," she said, her voice low. "I've seen the way he looks at you, like he's trying to figure you out or something." Rin's heart skipped a beat as she met Ochaco's gaze. She knew that Bakugou's behavior was strange, but she had no idea what to do about it. Just then, Aizawa walked into the classroom, his eyes scanning the room as he took attendance. Rin felt a sense of relief when he caught her eye and nodded, his expression serious. As the day went on, Rin found herself growing increasingly anxious. She knew that Bakugou was still watching her, and she could feel his eyes on her like a physical presence. During lunch, Ochaco sat down beside her, a concerned look on her face. "Hey, Rin, can I ask you something?" Rin nodded, feeling a little wary. "What is it?" Ochaco leaned in, her voice low. "Do you think Bakugou's behavior has something to do with your past? I mean, I know you don't really talk about it, but... " Rin's heart skipped a beat as she met Ochaco's gaze. She knew that she couldn't reveal her true nature as a Nomu, but a part of her wondered if Ochaco was onto something. "I don't know," she said finally, trying to play it cool. "Maybe he just likes to tease me or something." But Ochaco wasn't buying it. "I don't think so," she said, her voice firm. "I think there's more to it than that." Rin felt a surge of unease as she met Ochaco's gaze. She knew that she had to be careful, but a part of her wondered if Ochaco was the only one who could help her uncover the truth. As the day drew to a close, Rin felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was glad to be leaving the school behind, at least for a few hours. But as she walked out of the classroom, she caught sight of Bakugou waiting for her by the door, his eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her skin crawl. "Hey, Rin," he said, his voice low. "Want to walk home with me?" Rin's heart sank as she met Bakugou's gaze. She knew she should say no, but a part of her was curious. What did he want from her? And why was he so obsessed with her? Aizawa appeared beside her, his eyes narrowed at Bakugou. "I think I'll walk Rin home, Bakugou," he said. "But thanks for offering." Bakugou's face fell, but he quickly recovered, his grin returning. "No problem, Aizawa," he said. "I'll see you later, Rin." As Bakugou walked away, Rin let out a sigh of relief. She was glad to be rid of him, at least for now. But she knew it was only a matter of time before he came back, and she had to be ready. Aizawa's hand on her shoulder was a comforting presence as they walked out of the school building. "Don't worry, Rin," he said. "I'll protect you from Bakugou. But you need to be careful. He's not going to give up easily." Rin nodded, feeling a sense of determination. She was going to find a way to deal with Bakugou, no matter what it took. And with Aizawa by her side, she knew she could face anything that came her way.