Paul's kindness is the quality in him Midoriya admires most. It grew in inhospitable conditions like impossibly composite wild lichen or the produce Raleigh painstakingly cultivates out of this hard land. It's what turned Paul from someone who needed help into someone Midoriya could call a friend. It draws Paul's feet closer here, and Midoriya understands the pull.

It's the type thing that makes Kaworu cut through his friends' nervousness and toss it aside. It fuels Midoriya's defiance against the rules of his own world, this world, and the one waiting for them. It surfaces, just for an instant, as a flash of challenge in his eyes as Kaworu's somber ones ask him for help, but the heat isn't directed at him. His hand gives his a reassuring squeeze.

This is important. It's probably the most important thing Midoriya will do today, but there are other important things too. Midoriya might be in civvies, but he's essentially at work. They're discussing a rescue with a team of people who don't all know each other. The others may not understand the secure but gentle press of Midoriya's scarred hand against Kaworu's or the concern drawn on Paul's brows. They may, however, understand the low efficiency in Midoriya's voice.

"I won't put us in danger with infighting." Something he saw happen during his provisional licensing exam. Good thing it was only an exam. "A Hero can't be a liability. The rescue will always be my top priority. We should finish the meeting. Or do you guys want to take a break?"