MHA Holdiay series

The biting February wind whipped cherry blossom petals across the quad of Japan University, painting the grey stone pathways with fleeting bursts of pink. Tsuyu, bundled in a thick, moss-green scarf, adjusted her backpack and tilted her head. "Ribbit. This is quite the contrast to our first Valentine's Day, Tokoyami."

Fumikage Tokoyami, shrouded in his signature dark coat despite the relative chill, appeared beside her, Dark Shadow flickering momentarily from his form, as if shivering. "Indeed. That rooftop picnic atop UA, overlooking the city… a bold declaration of affection, born from shared battles and whispered anxieties."

Tsuyu chuckled, a soft, throaty sound. "Bold, yes. You nearly dropped the mochi ice cream."

A faint blush darkened Tokoyami's features. "A youthful indiscretion. Now, I have endeavored to plan a celebration more…refined."

Four years. Four Valentine's Days. From tentative glances during training exercises to holding hands amidst the chaos of saving the world, their bond had woven itself into the fabric of their lives. Now, separated from the pressures of hero work, they were navigating the treacherous waters of college, together.

Tokoyami led her towards a quiet corner of the quad, sheltered from the wind by a towering oak tree. Spread beneath its branches was a woven blanket, adorned with plush cushions and a small, portable record player. Tsuyu's eyes widened.

"Ribbit! Tokoyami, you shouldn't have!" she exclaimed, though a smile tugged at her lips.

He inclined his head. "Only the finest for my lily pad. Please, take a seat."

As they settled onto the blanket, Tokoyami carefully selected a vinyl record. A soft, melancholic melody filled the air, its notes weaving a tapestry of romance around them. He produced a thermos from his bag, pouring steaming green tea into two small porcelain cups.

"I… researched your favorite blend," he mumbled, avoiding her gaze. "Sencha with a hint of jasmine."

Tsuyu took a sip, the warmth spreading through her. "Ribbit. It's wonderful, Tokoyami. Thank you."

As the music played, they fell into a comfortable silence, a language spoken without words. Tsuyu traced patterns in the snow with her gloved finger, while Tokoyami watched the cherry blossoms dance in the wind.

"Do you remember," Tsuyu began, breaking the quiet, "that time we were trapped in that underground cavern during the training camp? Dark Shadow was glowing like a beacon in the darkness."

Tokoyami's lips curved into a rare, genuine smile. "And your unwavering optimism kept us grounded. Even in oblivion, your presence was a lighthouse."

He reached out, gently taking her hand in his. His touch, usually hesitant, was now confident and warm. "These past four years… they have been a journey into the depths. And you, Tsuyu, have been my guiding star."

Dark Shadow shifted restlessly, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "Sentimentality overload even for me, Master!"

Tokoyami glared at his quirk. "Silence, Dark Shadow! Observe and learn the art of romance."

Tsuyu giggled, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink. "Ribbit. You're getting better at this, Tokoyami. Much better than that first rooftop mochi incident."

He squeezed her hand. "I strive for improvement, Tsuyu. Especially when it concerns your happiness."

Later, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and violet, Tokoyami presented her with a small, velvet box. Inside lay a silver locket, engraved with a single lily pad and the date of their first Valentine's Day.

Tsuyu's eyes welled with tears. "Tokoyami…" she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

He carefully fastened the locket around her neck. "A reminder that even in the darkest of nights, the lily pad will always find its way to the surface, blooming in the light of love."

Tsuyu leaned in, her lips brushing against his beak. "Ribbit. I love you, Tokoyami."

He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close against the biting wind. "And I, Tsuyu, will be your shadow, forever protecting you from the darkness."

As the music played on, weaving its spell around them, Tsuyu knew that their love, like the gentle melody, would continue to blossom, a testament to the enduring power of connection amidst the chaos of life. Their fourth Valentine's Day was more than just a celebration; it was a promise of a future together, a future filled with shared laughter, whispered anxieties, and the comforting certainty of a love that bloomed even in the coldest of winters. Just like the first rooftop picnic, but with all of the sentiment and none of the dropped mochi.