[Third Person Pov]
As Tony, Melissa, and Momo made their way past the gates, the other students naturally parted for them, creating a clear path without needing to be asked. Their presence alone drew attention from nearly everyone in the area, conversations lowering or stopping entirely as eyes followed them.
Whispers trailed behind them wherever they went, students leaning toward one another as they murmured, stealing glances as if they were seeing something unreal up close. It felt similar to encountering a celebrity in person, which, considering their status, wasn't far from the truth.
Momo's expression grew slightly tense as she became increasingly aware of the looks directed at her—admiration, curiosity, even a hint of envy mixed in. She was a Yaoyorozu, someone raised with a reputation to uphold, and now also Tony's girlfriend, the most famous young man in the world at the moment. She was used to attention, had been her entire life, but familiarity didn't make it comfortable.
She let out a quiet breath, steadying herself as she walked. She knew this was something she would have to continue getting used to, the constant awareness of eyes following her every move.
Even so, she didn't allow any of that discomfort to show. Her posture remained straight, her movements controlled and graceful, maintaining a dignified, almost noble presence as she continued toward the main entrance.
Momo felt Tony's hand rest gently against her back, grounding her. She turned her head to look at him, meeting his eyes, and saw the small, reassuring smile he gave her. The moment she saw it, the pressure weighing on her seemed to ease, fading into the background.
She returned his smile, a softer one, as a thought settled in her mind. Out of all the eyes on her, all the attention surrounding her, the only gaze that truly mattered was his.
…
After making their way to the guidance counselor, they received their schedules for the semester and were quickly directed to their assigned classroom, which was already in session by the time they arrived.
Waiting just outside the door was their new homeroom teacher, Darren Cullen. He appeared to be a middle-aged man with a calm, almost lethargic demeanor, standing with a slight slouch as if conserving what little energy he had.
Where Aizawa gave off the impression of someone perpetually tired yet alert beneath the surface, Mr. Cullen seemed like someone who genuinely had no energy to spare. His white hair fell in loose waves, partially obscuring his face and adding to his overall disinterested appearance.
"So the three of you are in my class, eh? Well, you can address me as Mr. Cullen. From the looks of things, I'm your homeroom teacher." He spoke casually, his tone even as he shifted the clipboard tucked under his arm, lifting it slightly as he let out a yawn behind it. "Follow me. No point wasting energy introducing yourselves out here just to do it again inside."
He paused briefly before adding, almost as an afterthought, "Sorry about that. I'm not really a morning person."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and began walking into the classroom, expecting them to follow.
"Well, he certainly has character," Tony muttered under his breath, offering a stiff smile.
Melissa and Momo both let out quiet chuckles behind their hands as they followed after their new teacher.
The classroom wasn't arranged like a traditional one with neat rows of desks facing the front, but instead resembled a college lecture hall, with tiered seating that gave everyone a clear view of the lower floor.
Students were already inside, scattered across the seats, talking casually among themselves. Most conversations revolved around what they had done over the summer break, while others leaned into quieter discussions about the rumors surrounding the arrival of the famous transfer students.
Tony took a moment to glance around, quickly taking in the appearances of his new classmates. One boy stood casually perched on top of a desk, a large black scorpion tail curling from his back and swaying slightly behind him. Another had hair that moved like rushing waves, as if stirred by an unseen current. There was a pair of identical twins sitting side by side, their posture and expressions perfectly mirrored, and not far from them sat a girl with a glowing halo hovering just above her head.
His gaze eventually landed on Eric, who was leaning forward with his weight resting on his hands, an almost bored expression on his face as if none of this particularly interested him. When their eyes met, they both gave a slight tilt of their heads in acknowledgment before looking away.
"Quiet down, everyone. Don't make me raise my voice or repeat myself. We both know it wouldn't end well for you. Jaime, what have I said about standing on the desk? You have seats for a reason." Mr. Cullen spoke in a lethargic tone as he walked in with slow, heavy steps, his presence alone enough to quiet most of the room.
He motioned lazily toward the three of them as he continued, "As you can see, we have guests joining us today. Go on, you three, introduce yourselves."
Without another word, he made his way to his desk and sat down, leaving them standing at the front of the room where everyone's attention naturally settled on them.
Tony could feel their gazes clearly now. They weren't filled with awe or admiration like outside. Instead, they were sharp, observant, measuring. They were being evaluated.
He didn't mind it in the slightest. If anything, he preferred it this way.
Stepping forward, Tony wore a relaxed, confident smile, one that immediately made Eric let out a quiet sigh as he lifted a hand to massage his forehead.
"I mean, come on, do I seriously need to introduce myself?" Tony said, spreading his arms slightly as if presenting himself.
The boy with the scorpion tail—Jaime—leaned back in his seat with his legs kicked up on the desk, arms crossed as he scoffed. "Someone's clearly full of themselves."
"And yet you still know my name without me even having to say it," Tony shot back without missing a beat, his smile not faltering in the slightest.
"Oooh~ he got you there," Angel, the girl with the halo, snickered from her seat beside Jaime, clearly amused.
"Shut up," Jaime snapped, his tail flicking once behind him as he grumbled under his breath.
"But fine, I suppose I'll still introduce myself if that's what you all truly want," Tony continued, shifting his stance slightly.
A stream of liquid metal began to flow from his back, spilling outward in thin strands that moved with purpose. The material gathered behind him, rapidly assembling itself into the shape of his armor. It formed a complete figure that mirrored his posture exactly, standing just behind him like a reflection given form.
Both raised an arm at the same time, striking the same pose as if perfectly synchronized, the repulsors in its palm glowing brightly as energy built within them.
"My name is Anthony Stark, also known as Iron Man," he declared, his voice carrying easily through the room. "I'm sure it's your pleasure to make my acquaintance."
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