Chapter 125: Reunion
The air in Mina Ashido's meticulously decorated apartment buzzed with a chaotic energy that only a reunion of Class 1-A could generate. Fairy lights twinkled, casting a rosy glow on the heart-shaped balloons bobbing against the ceiling. A playlist filled with cheesy love songs (Mina's specialty, of course) thumped softly in the background.
It had been seven long years since they'd all graduated from U.A. and then, after grueling years, finally from college. Seven years of saving the world, carving out their own Pro Hero identities, and living lives that had, for the most part, been lived apart. Mina, ever the optimistic spark, had decided enough was enough. It was February, the month of love, and she was damn well going to spread some joy and reconnect her found family.
"Think of it as a 'Hero Valentine's Bash!'" she'd boomed over the phone to a reluctant Bakugo. Miraculously, he'd agreed, grumbling about "pink bullshit" but agreeing nonetheless.
The first to arrive was Kirishima, his signature shark-toothed grin splitting his face. He enveloped Mina in a bone-crushing hug. "Mina! This is so manly! I haven't seen some of these guys in ages!"
Next came Midoriya, his eyes wide with nervous excitement. "This is... incredible, Mina. You really went all out." He fiddled with the hem of his sweater, a habit he hadn't shaken off, even after reaching the top as one of the most respected heroes in Japan.
As more and more familiar faces streamed in - Ochako, radiating warmth and determination; Iida, still prone to frantic hand gestures and lectures about punctuality; even Todoroki, looking surprisingly relaxed for once - Mina's heart swelled.
She'd deliberately kept the theme overly romantic. Love wasn't just about couples, she reasoned. It was about friendship, family, and the unwavering support they'd always given each other. But, she also hoped… well, she wasn't blind. She'd seen the glances, the lingering touches, the unspoken words that had always hovered between some of her classmates. Maybe, just maybe, this reunion would finally spark something.
Bakugo arrived fashionably late, scowling as usual, but Mina noticed the subtle softening of his expression as he took in the scene. He immediately gravitated towards Kirishima, engaging in a boisterous argument that was, underneath it all, a sign of genuine affection.
The night unfolded in a whirlwind of laughter, shared memories, awkward confessions, and surprisingly delicious, heart-shaped pizza courtesy of Yaoyorozu, who'd mastered the art of gourmet-level cooking with her Quirk.
Mina watched Todoroki and Yaoyorozu share a quiet conversation in the corner, their shoulders brushing. She saw Denki and Jiro playfully bickering over the music, their hands bumping as they scrolled through the playlist. And then, there was Midoriya and Ochako, their eyes meeting across the room in a moment of undeniable tenderness. Mina grinned. Things were moving in the right direction.
But it was a conversation she overheard between Kirishima and Bakugo that truly made her night.
"This is actually pretty great, Bakugo," Kirishima said, a hint of wonder in his voice. "Mina really outdid herself."
Bakugo scoffed, but a ghost of a smile played on his lips. "Tch. Don't get any stupid ideas. Just… it's good to see everyone." He paused, then added almost inaudibly, "Especially you, Shitty Hair."
Kirishima's face lit up. "You too, Bakugo."
Mina melted. Okay, maybe her plan was working too well. She nearly choked on her punch when she saw Mineta, surprisingly well-behaved, actually offering flowers he conjured to Tsuyu. While she knew that probably wouldn't go anywhere it was great he was trying to be more mature!
As the night drew to a close, and goodbyes were exchanged amidst promises to stay in touch, Mina felt a profound sense of satisfaction. She had brought her family back together, reminded them of the bond that had been forged in the fires of U.A., and, hopefully, nudged a few hesitant hearts in the right direction.
Cleaning up the confetti and discarded heart-shaped balloons, Mina smiled. The world needed heroes, yes. But it also needed love, connection, and a little bit of cheesy fun. And she, Mina Ashido, was just happy to provide it. Even if it meant having to listen to Bakugo complain about "pink bullshit" for the next week. It was totally worth it. After all, spreading love was her superpower, and she wouldn't have it any other way.