As December descended upon Musutafu, the air filled with the crisp scent of pine and the cheerful strains of holiday music. Snowflakes danced around the bustling streets as the Bakusquad gathered one chilly afternoon, their faces flushed with excitement and determination. With the spirit of the season tugging at their hearts, they stumbled upon a particularly enchanting scene—an ornate Christmas market nestled in a park, twinkling with fairy lights and vibrant decorations.
Mina bounced on her heels, her eyes sparkling like the ornaments above. "Okay, squad! We've been saving up for this moment, and I can feel the gift magic in the air! We need to make this the best Christmas ever!"
Bakugo, arms crossed and scowling slightly, grumbled, "Tch. We're not here to mess around. Let's just get this done and head back, or we'll end up wasting time just looking at stuff."
Denki chuckled, running a hand through his spiky hair. "Come on, Bakugo. It's Christmas! We need to have some fun while we shop! Besides, I owe my mom something special this year."
"Mhm! Holiday spirit! It's all about the vibes!" Kirishima added enthusiastically, his red spiky hair standing out brilliantly against the snowy backdrop. He turned to Jiro, who had already slipped on her wireless earbuds to the tune of carols. "What do you think, Jiro? You in for some holiday shopping?"
Jiro shrugged but smiled, "Sure, but I'm keeping it practical. Last year, I got my mom something that ended up being way too… festive. This time, it's a nice pair of headphones."
Sero, always one to lighten the mood, raised an imaginary glass. "To practical gifts! Now, who's up for a game? Whoever finds the worst gift has to buy drinks for the rest of us!"
Shinsou, leaning against a stall decorated with hand-knitted scarves, replied with a smirk, "I'll take that challenge. Just make sure to avoid anything with glitter, I don't want to end up stuck cleaning it for weeks."
"Let's do this!" Mina shouted, leading the charge toward the market's various stalls, her energy infectious. They split into pairs, determined to find the perfect gifts.
Bakugo paired with Denki, begrudgingly accepting that it was better to team up than to go it alone. As they roamed, Denki's excitement was palpable as he pointed out cool gadgets and unique trinkets. "Hey, Kacchan, what do you think about this portable charger for Hanta? It'll help him when he's hanging out with girls and his phone dies every time," Denki said, chuckling.
"Smart thinking, but that's way too flashy for him. Something more practical," Bakugo replied, eyebrow raised. He rolled his eyes but secretly enjoyed the process. They picked a more understated yet practical gift, fully aware that the more subdued Denki's interests were, the more they probably reflected their own tight-knit circle.
Meanwhile, Mina and Kirishima were drawn in by the bright colors of hand-painted ornaments. "I think my mom would love this! It's so cute!" Mina squealed, clutching a delicate glass ball which glinted like a rainbow.
Kirishima admired the craftsmanship, recalling the meaningful touch they could add to any home. "And these will remind her of you for sure! We should get matching ones for the boys, too!"
As the day wore on, laughter echoed through the market with playful moments and small mishaps. Shinsou proved himself the master of teasing, setting his sights on finding something to embarrass the others. He emerged with a hideous knitted sweater, a garish clash of colors that nearly stung the eyes. "Definitely winning the worst gift contest," he proclaimed, earning a round of groans and laughter.
Jiro came through for her mom with some high-quality headphones from a boutique shop, and even though they drained her wallet, she felt proud of her choice. Having handpicked every detail, the galore of thoughtful gifts transformed the holiday shopping into a meaningful adventure.
Before they knew it, dusk settled over the market, cloaking it in a warm, golden glow. The Bakusquad reconvened, bags in hand, excitement brimming as they shared stories of what they had found. Each item represented a bond and a sentiment—the very essence of the season.
Finally, after promising Shinsou they wouldn't take him for granted on drinks, they decided to indulge in some hot cocoa from a charming little stand. As they sipped the steaming drinks, the warmth seeped through them, and for a moment, it felt as if the world had condensed down to this one, beautiful memory.
"Next year, let's do this again. With maybe a little less chaos," Kirishima suggested, a playful smile on his face. The laughter cascaded again, echoing down the streets lined with shimmering lights, and the group of heroes knew this Christmas wouldn't just be about the gifts they bought but the memories they forged together.
"Alright, but if there is another glitter incident, it'll be your turn to clean it up," Bakugo shot back, but the warmth in his voice gave away how much he cherished their time together.
With smiles and hearts aglow, the Bakusquad celebrated not just the spirit of giving but the joy of friendship, the true gift of the season.