As the crisp autumn breeze swept through the trees, Y/N felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness bubbling in their stomach. This was their first Thanksgiving with Mina, and the thought of meeting her parents made them both anxious and thrilled. They had been dating for nearly a year now, navigating the ups and downs of their third year at U.A. High together, and Y/N knew this holiday meant a lot to Mina.
Mina, with her usual bright smile and infectious energy, glanced at Y/N as they walked hand-in-hand. "You ready for this?" she asked, her voice a playful lilt that suggested she was both teasing and reassuring.
Y/N took a deep breath, nodding, though they couldn't hide the flicker of uncertainty in their eyes. "Yeah, I think so! But what if your parents don't like me?"
Mina let out a soft laugh, squeezing Y/N's hand tighter. "Don't even worry about it! My parents are super chill. They just want everyone to have a good time. Plus, I've told them a lot about you. They're excited to meet the person who makes me happy!"
The two continued their journey, the vibrant colors of fall surrounding them, contrasting with the warmth of Mina's enthusiasm. After a short train ride and an even shorter walk, they arrived at Mina's family home—a cozy, two-story house adorned with pumpkins and colorful leaves. The scent of something delicious wafted from inside, filling the air with warmth that promised comfort.
As they stepped through the door, a wave of aromas hit Y/N: roasted turkey, spices, and something sweet. Mina's parents greeted them with open arms. Her mother, a woman of vibrant energy matching her daughter's, pulled them into a warm hug. "You must be Y/N! We've heard so much about you!"
Y/N felt their face warm as they returned the hug, the tension easing with every smile from Mina's family. Mina's dad—a jovial man with an infectious laugh—clapped Y/N on the shoulder. "Welcome! We're glad to have you here. Let's get you settled in."
The living room was decorated with cheerful fall colors, a large table set for the feast ahead. Y/N marveled at the array of dishes that filled the table: mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and of course, the centerpiece—a golden-brown turkey, perfect and inviting.
"Dinner will be ready soon! Why don't you two set the table?" Mina's mom suggested, handing them a stack of plates. "And after dinner, we'll play some games. Family tradition!"
Y/N shared a glance with Mina, who nodded eagerly. They set to work, arranging the plates and utensils with a sense of teamwork that made Y/N smile. As they placed the last fork down, Mina whispered, "See? Not so bad, right?"
Before long, they all gathered around the table, hands held, and words of gratitude shared. Mina's father led the prayer, thanking everyone for being together, and Y/N couldn't help but feel a warm sense of belonging wash over them. When it was their turn to speak, Y/N shared their gratitude for Mina and the bond they had built over the year, grateful for being welcomed into their family's Thanksgiving.
Dinner was a riot of laughter and joy, stories shared and moments cherished. Y/N felt the ease of the atmosphere wrap around them, the warmth of the family enveloping them like a cozy blanket. Mina made faces at them across the table, causing Y/N to break into fits of laughter, only amplifying the joy around them.
After the meal, they all gathered in the living room, squeezing into the love seat and the rug as games began. They played charades, where Mina showcased her talents for dramatics, making everyone crack up with her exaggerated gestures. Y/N felt included, sharing in the laughter, lightly teasing Mina for her silly interpretations.
As the evening wore on, the sun dipped below the horizon, and the soft glow of fairy lights outside began to twinkle in the darkness. Y/N and Mina found a moment of quiet together on the porch, the cool breeze whispering through the trees.
"See? I told you they'd love you," Mina said, leaning her head on Y/N's shoulder.
Y/N smiled, feeling relief wash over them. "I had such a great time. I'm really glad I came."
Mina's eyes sparkled in the dim light, and she turned to face Y/N, her expression softening. "You're part of my family now, you know? I want to share all my traditions with you."
Y/N felt their heart swell, wrapping an arm around Mina as they enjoyed the delightful moments shared that day. "I'm more than okay with that," they replied, their voice filled with affection. "I can't wait for more holidays with you."
That Thanksgiving marked the beginning of many more shared moments. As they stood close, watching the stars twinkle in the vast sky, Y/N realized this holiday had given them not only a taste of Mina's family life but a deeper understanding of their bond—one that was destined to grow and shine brightly, just like the stars above.