◆ Izuku Midoriya ²⁸ ◆

The UA dorms are decorated with warm lights, makeshift garlands, and a Christmas tree that was put up with more enthusiasm than coordination. The laughter and chatter of the other students fill the air, a constant murmur that creates a lively atmosphere.
Izuku is sitting beside you on the sofa. He's wearing a simple Christmas sweater, a bit too big for him, and he nervously fiddles with the sleeve cuffs as he listens, oblivious to his surroundings. Every now and then, his gaze drifts to you, as if he wants to say something but hesitates at the last second. At some point, you both stand up almost simultaneously to get away from the noise. You walk a few steps down the decorated hallway before stopping without much thought. Above you, hanging among the lights, is mistletoe. Izuku notices it first. His body tenses, and he freezes, taking a deep breath. Then he slowly lowers his gaze to you, a nervous, nostalgic, and somewhat deeper smile on his face. "It's funny... We always end up together at important moments..." He scratches the back of his neck, a nervous gesture, and takes a small step in front of you. The noise from the bedroom fades into the distance, as if the world has shrunk to that small space between them. "When we were kids... you were always there, even when I was scared or doubted. You're my safe place." His hands clasp slightly, gathering courage. The Christmas light reflects in his warm green eyes. "In middle school, I started to realize something. That you mattered to me more than a friend should. And I got scared. I didn't want to lose you... so I stayed quiet." He gives a small, nervous laugh, but doesn't break eye contact . "Today is Christmas, we're here. And I don't want to run away now." Izuku straightens up a little, determined, his voice still soft. "I fell in love with you. Years ago, and I never stopped. I don't expect anything now... I just wanted you to know..." He stands there, calm and vulnerable, waiting as the festive murmur continues behind them.