The invitation felt heavy in my hands, embossed with swirling silver lettering that read: "U.A. High School Senior Prom: Enchanted Realms." My stomach did a nervous flip. Prom. The final, glitter-dusted exclamation point on our high school careers. And this year, the theme was… well, pure fantasy.
I fiddled with the corner of the invitation, picturing the gymnasium transformed. Fairy lights, paper dragons, maybe even a fake castle constructed out of cardboard and sheer adolescent enthusiasm. It was going to be… something.
The truth was, prom was a bit of a daunting prospect for me. I wasn't exactly known for my smooth dance moves or my natural charisma. But, I told myself, this was it. My last chance to experience this quintessential high school rite of passage with my friends. And besides, who could resist a theme like "Enchanted Realms?"
So, I spent the next few weeks meticulously planning my outfit. I finally settled on a deep emerald green suit, reminiscent of a forest elf, with subtle leaf embroidery along the lapels. It was definitely outside my comfort zone, but hey, if you can't embrace the absurd at a fantasy-themed prom, when can you?
The night arrived in a flurry of nervous energy. I met up with Ochaco, Tenya, and Shoto outside the gymnasium. Ochaco looked radiant in a flowing gown the color of twilight, with delicate silver stars scattered across the fabric. Tenya, ever the responsible one, had opted for a sleek navy tuxedo, but he'd added a touch of whimsy with a silver unicorn pin on his lapel. Shoto, surprisingly, was the most committed to the theme. He wore a doublet that was half ice blue and half fire red, a perfect representation of his quirk.
The gymnasium had truly been transformed. Fairy lights twinkled like captured stars, casting a warm glow on the room. Towering paper trees lined the walls, their branches adorned with shimmering ornaments. In one corner, a makeshift "dragon's lair" had been set up, complete with fog machines and a cardboard dragon that looked suspiciously like it was about to fall apart. The DJ, bless his heart, was blasting a mix of pop hits and the "Lord of the Rings" soundtrack.
We navigated the crowded dance floor, trying to avoid stepping on any toes (mostly mine). Ochaco pulled me into a fast-paced song, and I did my best to keep up, my limbs flailing in a way that I hoped resembled dancing. Tenya, predictably, was a surprisingly graceful dancer, his movements precise and elegant. Shoto, however, remained stoic and unmoved, politely declining every invitation to dance.
"Loosen up, Shoto!" Ochaco urged, grabbing his arm. "Live a little! It's prom!"
He just shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'm enjoying observing."
We spent the next few hours laughing, taking pictures, and generally soaking in the atmosphere. I even managed to win a raffle prize – a miniature replica of Excalibur. I felt a swell of happiness. This was it. This was what it meant to be young and surrounded by friends, celebrating the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
Later in the evening, I found myself a quiet corner near the refreshment table, nursing a glass of sparkling cider. The music had softened, transitioning into a series of slow, romantic ballads. Couples swayed on the dance floor, lost in their own little worlds.
A pang of loneliness hit me. I watched Ochaco and Tenya slow dance, their faces flushed with happiness. Even Shoto, standing nearby, seemed to be enjoying their happiness. I was happy for them, truly, but I couldn't help but feel like I was missing out on something.
Suddenly, a familiar voice cut through the music. "Deku."
My head snapped up. Standing before me, looking impossibly handsome in a black suit with a subtle, almost imperceptible dragon scale pattern, was Kacchan.
My heart pounded in my chest. Bakugo? Asking me to dance? This had to be a dream.
"What do you want, Kacchan?" I managed to stammer, trying to keep my voice steady.
He scowled, the familiar expression doing little to diminish the effect of his sharp jawline and intense red eyes. "Don't get any ideas, Deku. Just… dance."
He held out his hand, a gesture so uncharacteristic that I almost choked on my cider. I stared at his hand, then at his face, trying to decipher his intentions. Was this a prank? A dare?
But there was something in his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite name, that made me believe him. Hesitantly, I placed my hand in his.
He led me to the dance floor, and we joined the slow-moving throng of couples. The song was a ballad about star-crossed lovers, a theme that felt surprisingly appropriate.
Bakugo's hand rested lightly on my back, and I tried to ignore the electricity that seemed to spark between our skin. We didn't talk, but the silence wasn't uncomfortable. It was… charged.
He wasn't a bad dancer, surprisingly. His movements were deliberate and controlled, but there was a surprising gentleness in his touch. I found myself relaxing into his hold, letting the music wash over me.
I looked up at him, and for a moment, his gaze softened. It was a fleeting expression, quickly masked by his usual scowl, but I saw it nonetheless. In that brief moment, I saw past the explosive personality, past the years of rivalry, and saw the person underneath.
The song ended, and we slowly pulled apart. The silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken words.
"Well," Bakugo grunted, finally breaking the silence. "Don't go thinking this means anything, Deku."
He turned to walk away, but then paused, looking back at me over his shoulder. "You didn't look half bad in that elf costume, either."
And with that, he disappeared into the crowd, leaving me standing alone on the dance floor, a stupid grin plastered across my face.
As the night drew to a close, I stood with my friends outside the gymnasium, the air crisp and cool. We were all tired, but happy.
"That was… interesting," Shoto commented, his voice as dry as ever.
"Interesting is an understatement!" Ochaco exclaimed, nudging me playfully. "What was that about with Bakugo?"
I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Just… a dance."
But deep down, I knew it was more than just a dance. It was a moment, a fleeting glimpse of something unexpected, something that hinted at a future I couldn't quite imagine.
As I walked home that night, the miniature Excalibur clutched in my hand, I couldn't help but smile. Prom. It wasn't exactly what I expected, but it was perfect nonetheless. It was a night of friendship, laughter, and a surprising dance with the person I least expected. And as I looked up at the stars, I knew that the enchanted realm of U.A. High School was finally coming to an end, but the adventures that lay ahead were just beginning.