Smoking cats - shinsero

Final Chapter - Looking Ahead

The stars shimmered against the ink-black sky, the crackle of the campfire a soft backdrop to the laughter that echoed across the clearing. Class 1A was gathered in a loose circle, sprawled over blankets and chairs, their voices rising and falling like waves as stories and jokes were exchanged. String lights, hastily rigged between trees, bathed the gathering in a soft glow, creating an almost surreal, dreamlike atmosphere.

Mina was the heart of the group as always, handing out marshmallows with exaggerated flair. Kaminari, predictably, was the first to set his on fire, waving it around like a torch. "The flames of my youth burn brightly!" he proclaimed dramatically, earning groans and cheers.

"Put that out before you set something else on fire," Jirou muttered, snatching the stick from his hand and smacking him lightly on the shoulder.

Bakugo sat near the fire, his marshmallow perfectly golden-brown. He rolled his eyes, clearly amused despite his scowl. "You're all idiots."

Midoriya nudged him playfully, a small laugh escaping. "Yeah, but you're kinda stuck with us."

The blonde snorted but didn't argue, a rare, almost shy smile tugging at his lips. Sero leaned back on his elbows, his laughter mingling with the rest of the group's. His eyes kept drifting to Shinsou, who sat quietly beside him. Though the purple haired boy wasn't the loudest in the circle, his presence was grounding, his occasional smirk or dry comment drawing bursts of laughter from those close enough to hear. Tipi, who had been allowed to tag along for the night, perched daintily on Shinsou's lap, occasionally batting at a stray marshmallow that rolled too close.

"Okay, okay! I've got an announcement!" Kaminari stood abruptly, his confidence bolstered by the warm buzz of the evening.

Everyone turned toward him, curiosity sparking.

"Jirou and I are dating! Surprise!" he declared, throwing his arms up as though he'd just won a championship.

Jirou's face turned a deep red as she buried it in her hands. "You didn't have to make it a whole thing," she groaned, though the small smile peeking through her fingers betrayed her happiness.

The cheers that followed were deafening.

"It's about time!" Mina shouted, clapping her hands together. "I've been rooting for you guys since forever!"

"Jirou, you deserve better," Bakugo called dryly, though there was a hint of a smirk tugging at his lips.

"Since we're doing this," Bakugo grumbled, standing up next to Midoriya, who looked like he was about to faint. "Deku and I are together too. Got a fucking problem with that?"

For a moment, there was stunned silence - and then chaos.

"WHAT?!" the pink haired girl shrieked, leaping up and nearly tackling them both in excitement. "Oh my god, I KNEW IT!"

Bakugo turned an alarming shade of red, gritting his teeth as he batted her away. "Calm the hell down!"

"I think it's great," Uraraka said warmly, nudging the greenette with her elbow. "Congrats, you two."

Thanks, Uraraka," Midoriya managed, his face glowing like a lantern.

The rest of the night was filled with laughter, teasing, and quiet moments of connection. Aoyama twirled sparkles dramatically, proclaiming himself the star of the evening, while Todoroki quietly toasted marshmallows for anyone who wanted them. The air was filled with the scent of woodsmoke, the tang of cider, and the warmth of friendship. It was a night none of them would forget, a celebration of everything they'd overcome and the bonds they'd forged.

As the embers began to die down, Sero glanced at his boyfriend, who was gazing into the fire with a soft, almost wistful smile. He leaned closer, his voice low. "You doin okay?"