When the Leaves Begin to Fall

Chapter 3: Friends' Intervention

In the aftermath of their heartfelt confession amidst the vibrant chaos of the Fall Festival, Izuku and Katsuki found themselves in a newfound realm of uncertainty and unexplored emotions. The weight of their unspoken affections lingered, casting a tender glow upon their once-ordinary friendship. As they meandered through the festival grounds, their steps lighter and their hearts more intertwined than ever before, a subtle shift in the atmosphere was palpable.

Unbeknownst to them, their friends, Todoroki, Uraraka, and Iida, had been stealthily observing the whirlwind of emotions unfold between Izuku and Katsuki. With a shared understanding and a mischievous glint in their eyes, they conspired in hushed whispers, devising a plan to nudge the two oblivious lovebirds further down the path of romance.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the festival, Izuku and Katsuki found themselves seated on a secluded bench, their shoulders barely brushing against each other, their gazes filled with a newfound tenderness that seemed to transcend mere words.

Izuku mustered the courage to speak, his voice barely above a whisper. "Kacchan, I never imagined... I never thought we'd be here, like this," he admitted, his fingers tracing patterns on his lap, his heart threatening to burst with the overwhelming rush of emotions.

Katsuki exhaled softly, his eyes fixed on the intertwining branches of the nearby trees. "Yeah, well, you always manage to surprise me, Deku," he replied, his voice softened by an unfamiliar gentleness. "I guess... I've always known, deep down."

Their shared moment of vulnerability was interrupted by the arrival of Todoroki, Uraraka, and Iida, who approached them with knowing smiles and twinkles in their eyes. Izuku's heart skipped a beat, the sudden intrusion threatening to unravel the fragile peace that had settled between him and Katsuki.

"Deku, Kacchan, mind if we join you?" Uraraka chimed, her voice carrying a playful lilt that belied the mischievous glint in her eyes.

Izuku's cheeks flushed, and he exchanged a quick glance with Katsuki, who seemed equally flustered by their friends' sudden appearance. "Sure, Uraraka, of course," Izuku stammered, his mind racing with the realization that their friends might have caught onto their newfound affection.

Todoroki's ice-blue gaze locked onto them, his demeanor composed yet harboring a warmth that seemed to radiate from within. "You know, it's a beautiful night. Perfect for sharing your feelings," he stated, a knowing smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Iida's voice rang out, firm yet laced with a hint of playful determination. "Indeed, the stars seem to be aligned tonight. Wouldn't you agree, Izuku, Katsuki?"

Izuku's heart thudded in his chest, his cheeks burning with a mix of embarrassment and anticipation. He stole a glance at Katsuki, whose expression had shifted to a mix of annoyance and reluctant amusement.

"What the hell are you all talking about?" Katsuki grumbled, his attempt at maintaining his composure faltering slightly.

Uraraka giggled, her eyes dancing with mirth. "Oh, nothing, nothing at all. Just enjoying the festival and the company of our dear friends," she teased, her gaze flickering between Izuku and Katsuki with a knowing glint.