The air in U.A.'s gymnasium crackled with an energy that wasn't just electricity. This wasn't just a prom; it was a portal. The theme was "Fantasy Land," and the decorations lived up to it. Towering faux trees draped with shimmering fairy lights created a mystical forest, while a fog machine billowed around our ankles, making it feel like we were wading through an enchanted swamp. Or maybe that was just my anxiety.
I adjusted my tie, the silk feeling suffocating against my throat. I had opted for a simple, tailored black suit, a stark contrast to the explosion of color and glitter around me. Fantasy Land wasn't exactly my forte. I was more of a Practical Applications kind of guy. Still, I'd promised Momo I'd come, and I always kept my promises.
I scanned the room, navigating the throng of students dressed as everything from noble elves to mischievous goblins. Momo, bless her heart, was resplendent in a gown that made her look like a forest nymph, complete with woven leaf accents and a diadem of glowing crystals. She was currently deep in conversation with Kyoka, who was rocking a punk-rock fairy aesthetic, ripped wings and all.
"Shoto! Over here!" Momo waved, her smile bright enough to rival the fairy lights.
I made my way over, dodging a particularly enthusiastic minotaur who seemed determined to dance with everyone in the room. "You both look… impressive," I said, which was my way of saying they looked amazing.
"Impressive?" Kyoka raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Is that the best you've got, Todoroki?"
I shrugged. Words weren't always my strongest suit. Fortunately, before I could fumble for a better compliment, Eijiro bounded over, dressed as a surprisingly convincing knight in shining, albeit slightly dented, armor.
"Todoroki! You made it!" He clapped me on the back, nearly sending me stumbling. "This is awesome, right? They even have a quest board with little dares and challenges!"
"A quest board?" I echoed, intrigued despite myself.
"Yeah! Momo and I already completed one. We had to convince Bakugo to wear a flower crown. It was… eventful." Eijiro shuddered slightly.
The night unfolded in a series of similarly strange and entertaining moments. I even found myself enjoying myself, although I'd never admit it out loud. I watched Denki, dressed as a wizard, attempt to charm Jiro with questionable magic tricks. I listened to Mina, sparkling as a glittery pixie, tell outrageous stories about her escapades in the "enchanted forest" (the punch bowl). I even managed a small smile when Bakugo, still sporting a single, slightly wilted daisy behind his ear, grumbled his way through the dance floor with Kirishima.
The DJ, who I suspected was secretly Present Mic, started to slow things down. The strobe lights dimmed, replaced by a soft, ethereal glow. The fog machine went into overdrive, and suddenly everyone was swaying in the mist, lost in the music.
I stood awkwardly near the punch bowl, watching the couples around me. It was a surreal scene, like something out of a dream. Momo and Eijiro were slow dancing, her leaf-covered dress shimmering under the dim light. Kyoka was leaning against a pillar, observing the scene with a knowing smile. I felt a familiar pang of loneliness, a feeling I'd come to accept but never truly enjoy.
"Excuse me, Todoroki."
I turned to see Tenya Iida, impeccably dressed as a noble prince, standing ramrod straight beside me. His glasses gleamed in the soft light, reflecting a focused intensity.
"Iida," I replied, surprised. "Is everything alright?"
He cleared his throat, his posture even more rigid than usual. "I have been observing your… solitary state for some time now. And it is my duty, as your friend, to ensure that you are not experiencing any undue… melancholy."
I raised an eyebrow. "Melancholy?"
"Indeed," he said, nodding firmly. "And therefore, I would like to… offer you a dance."
My jaw dropped. "A dance?"
"Yes!" Iida's movements were sharp, almost robotic. "A slow dance. It is a time-honored tradition! A symbol of camaraderie and… graceful movement." He winced slightly at the last word. I knew Iida wasn't exactly known for his graceful moves.
I stared at him, speechless. Iida, asking me to dance? This was… unexpected. And, strangely, not entirely unwelcome. I wasn't sure if it was the fantasy atmosphere or the fact that I was genuinely fond of the guy, but I found myself nodding.
"Alright, Iida," I said, a small smile tugging at my lips. "I'll dance with you."
Iida's face lit up with a rare, genuine smile. "Excellent! Let us proceed!"
He led me onto the dance floor, his grip surprisingly firm. He placed his hands on my shoulders, and I hesitantly placed mine on his waist. The music was slow and sentimental, a far cry from the upbeat, magical-themed tunes that had been playing earlier.
We moved stiffly at first, two awkward teenagers trying to navigate the complexities of a slow dance. Iida, predictably, was trying to follow some sort of internal rhythm, his movements precise and controlled. I, on the other hand, was just trying not to step on his feet.
But as the song went on, something shifted. We relaxed, a little bit. We stopped trying to be perfect and just let the music guide us. I even found myself laughing a little when Iida accidentally knocked his glasses crooked with his elbow.
It wasn't romantic, not in the slightest. But it was… nice. It was comfortable, and genuine, and surprisingly fun. It was just two friends, dancing in a room full of magic, making a memory that I knew I wouldn't forget.
As the song ended, Iida straightened up, his face flushed but his eyes sparkling. "That was… invigorating!" he declared.
I chuckled. "It was, Iida. It really was."
Looking around at the fantasy land around me, I realized that maybe, just maybe, I was starting to understand the appeal. It wasn't about the costumes or the decorations. It was about the magic you created with the people you cared about. And right now, standing on that dance floor with my slightly awkward, but undeniably loyal, friend, I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.