"honesty and grace" (Mezo Shoji X Reader)

Chapter 26

You set the gift bag down onto the table, swiftly removing the tissue paper as Shoji begins to get to work in the kitchen. Your eyes fill with excitement as you look down at the contents of the bag. Surprise takes over as you look inside. It seemed to be multiple envelopes, almost two dozen, in fact. "How many are in here?" You ask, looking back for a moment before spilling them out on the coffee table in front of you.

"I believe there's twenty-two." He says, pulling ingredients from the cabinets.

"Twenty-two." You repeat softly to yourself, biting the inside of your cheek. From looking over the envelopes, you notice how each of them is decorated with a name corresponding with whose letter it is. "You wouldn't mind if I read these while you cook, would you?" You ask, grabbing a letter at random.

"Not at all." He looks over at you, a tentacle on his right flashing a smile before turning into a hand.

You hug the letter to your chest after he turns around, happy to see him smile. "Alright, well this might take awhile." A laugh rattles your chest as you begin to open the first letter, not paying attention to whose name is on it.

(F/n),

I hope you spend your time having responsible fun on the day of your sixteenth. I wish you could've spent time with us as a group, though it is reasonably understandable that you would like to spend it by yourself. If you eat any sweets, please brush your teeth before bed. Please have a great day, and don't forget to be responsible!

Signed,

Iida

Dear (F/n),

Hey, I can't believe you never told me about your birthday! I remember that was one of the first things I told you when we got closer.

Well I just hope you have a great day today, especially because I know that you've been through so much. Hopefully I've been of some assistance with making you feel better. I know that, from the first time I talked with you, you've made my days a lot better. You've been such a great friend to me, so I hope today is as amazing as you are.

~ Ojiro

Happy birthday, (F/n)!

Having been able to get to know you over these past few months has been so much fun. I didn't think I would make any friends outside of UA, but I guess I have Ojiro to thank for that. Also, I'm glad it was someone like you! You're so caring, and you have so much passion for the things that you love. Plus, you're so strong! I admire that, and I hope you don't mind that someone like me looks up to you.

Anyways, have a fantastic day!

~ Izuku Midoriya

Congratulations on turning sixteen.

Signed,

Shoto Todoroki

(F/n), Happy Birthday!

I'm so happy you and I got the opportunity to become friends! Though we may not be close, you certainly have changed my perspective on a lot of things. You showed me what true strength is, and I'm proud that you've stayed as strong as you have. Please don't forget that there are people here for you, and we never want to see you give up. If you ever need anything, I am always just one call away! Have a good day!!!

~ Ochaco

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, (F/n)!

I'm honestly kinda mad that you didn't tell me about your birthday until me and Eijiro went over there, but I'm willing to forgive you, haha. I'm so happy that I get to call you my friend, because you're honestly super cool. Like you used to say people were mean to you in your old school and stuff? How?? You're so nice and I literally love you so much! Hopefully you and I stay besties for as long as we live! I better be the maid of honor at your guys' wedding!!