It was the day after Thanksgiving, and a brisk chill had settled over Musutafu. The leaves, now brittle, crunched underfoot as class 1-A students wrapped up their hero training and classes. Excitement buzzed in the air; the annual Christmas school decoration competition was just around the corner, and several parents of class 1-A had taken it upon themselves to spruce up U.A. High School for the event.
Inko Midoriya, Mitsuki Bakugo, Masaru Bakugo, Bell Asui, Ganma Asui, Rei Todoroki, Enji Todoroki, Mika Jiro, and Kyotoku Jiro had gathered, armed with strings of colorful lights, garlands, and an array of decorations that spanned the spectrum from traditional to whimsical. They had made a pact: this year, their children would come back to a school transformed.
As the school bell rang, class 1-A students poured out, their laughter and chatter echoing through the halls. Deku, Katsuki, Shoto, Tsuyu, and Kyoka led the group, a mix of eagerness and fatigue from their training. They had all been looking forward to the break but were unaware of the surprise that awaited them.
As they stepped out of the school entrance, the sight that greeted them was nothing short of breathtaking. U.A. High School had been completely transformed. Strings of lights twinkled against the backdrop of the early evening sky, while decorations adorned every corner. A towering Christmas tree sparkled at the center of the courtyard, with ornaments that reflected the diligent work of the parents who had worked late into the night.
"Whoa," Deku breathed, his green eyes wide as he took in the spectacle. "This is amazing!"
"Yeah, yeah, I guess it's okay," Katsuki grumbled, though a slight smirk tugged at his lips as he surveyed the decorations. He was secretly impressed.
"Look over there!" Tsuyu pointed. "They even made a little area for a hot cocoa stand!" Her eyes sparkling with delight, she hurried toward it.
Amidst the decorations, the students spotted their parents bustling about, adjusting ornaments and chatting among themselves. Inko was beaming, her smile bright enough to rival the decorations around her. Beside her, Mitsuki and Masaru were hanging garlands, laughter spilling from them as they reminisced about their high school days.
However, happiness faltered for Shoto as he spotted his father, Enji Todoroki, who was discussing the details of the competition with the other parents. The memories of their past began to swirl in his mind, dragging along feelings he had worked hard to compartmentalize.
"M-Mom," Shoto said, looking at Rei, who was carefully arranging snowflakes above the entrance with a gentle touch. Shoto felt a warmth radiate from her as she smiled at him. "This looks great."
Rei walked over, her eyes glowing with pride. "Shoto! I missed you. What do you think? Isn't it beautiful?"
He nodded, unable to suppress the slight smile that tugged at his lips. The joy of seeing his mother, her eyes shining brighter than any of the decorations, softened the edges of his turbulent emotions.
Their smiles were soon caught in a sea of joy as Kyoka joined them, holding a steaming cup of hot chocolate, Tsuyu at her side.
"Wow, this is the best surprise ever!" Kyoka exclaimed, shaking her head in disbelief. "I thought we'd have to decorate ourselves!"
"Honestly, I'm impressed," Tsuyu said, sipping her drink contemplatively. "It's a lot more festive than I expected U.A. to be."
Just then, Katsuki let out a snicker, pointing out Enji as he fussed over a string of lights that had been hung crookedly. "Look at old flame brain over there. Always trying to make things perfect."
"Come on, he's trying," Shoto said defensively, though he didn't particularly want to look at his father's expressive face, red as the lights he was struggling with.
Their conversation was suddenly interrupted as Enji turned around, his stern demeanor softening when he saw Shoto. "Hey, Shoto! Look at this!" He gestured toward the lit-up sign that said, "U.A. High School – Merry Christmas!" before accidentally knocking his head against a garland as he enthusiastically turned back.
Shoto's lips curled into a reluctant smile, appreciating that all sides of his father's personality were on display in this moment – the diligent hero, the awkward dad, caught up in the spirit of the festivities.
As laughter erupted from the crowd, even Shoto felt the weight of the past lighten slightly. Surrounding him was not just a gathering of parents and students, but a community united by joy and creativity.
In that moment, Shoto realized that maybe this year could be different. Perhaps this Christmas, rather than focusing on the darkness of their history, he could embrace the warmth of the present. As the sun dipped lower, casting a golden glow over the decorated school, he felt ready to join in on the spirit of the season.
As U.A. High School glimmered beneath the Christmas lights, the students and parents united to celebrate, each of them stitched together by the memories they would create and the hope that the new year would bring even more to cherish.