13

In Renaissance

The dusk air flowed as the last remaining cherry blossom petals fell, scattering throughout the city.

Mina was in the living quarters, sitting on the couch with Toru. They were both getting nervous because it was getting closer to the time Izuku set but he wasn't anywhere to be seen. Mina was nervous because she was starting to think he got cold feet, Toru was worried because she could tell her friend was getting ready to overreact. He hadn't been at the dorms at all, and no one knew where he was.

"Oh, this getting ridicu-," Just as Mina was going to throw a fit about Izuku being late, even though he wasn't, there was a knock on the door. Both Mina and Toru turned to the sound.

"Who could that be?" Momo, who was the closest to the door, opened it, revealing Izuku Midoriya. "Oh, Izuku..." Her lips lifted ever so slightly seeing him. "Wait, why'd you knock?"

"Hello Momo, is Mina there? I'm here to pick her up for our date." He ignored her question, sticking to his character.

"Um, yes, hold on." Momo was confused but went to get her or at least she was going to.

"Yao-momo, who is it?" Mina walked up to the door, widening it to see, "Izuku! What took so long? I've been waiting for you." She was about to jump out and hug him but once the fact that he did show up finished washing over her, she pouted with her hands by her hips, waiting for an answer.

Momo had stepped aside, letting them be alone.

Izuku checked his watch. "Huh? But I'm on time, actually a little early."

He then lowered his wrist and smiled at her. He was wearing a black pocketed jacket, a green t-shirt with a word on it like usual, jeans with a loose belt, and his signature red shoes. Mina was wearing a silver choker and black v-neck crop top that gave appreciation to her cleavage, over it she was wearing a white leather sweater with fluff around the hood. She had short shorts, but with black nylons under and thigh-high boots, keeping her warm.

"Well still, it's weird for you not to be around." Her anger shifted to an embarrassed admission as she glanced down, playing with her feet.

"C-Cute." He mumbled without thinking.

This flustered Mina more so, walking to him, trying to smack him but he caught her hand before she could hit him and pulled her close then intertwined his fingers with hers and started walking down the path, bringing her along.

He laughed as she transitioned to a happier mood when it dawned on her that they were on a date. She actually got giddy and hugged his arm. "You're energetic."

"Shut up, I didn't think you would really wait till seven to pick me up. I mean, we live together."

"Yeah, I know b-but I thought it would be better if I came over like if I was picking you up at your house."

"Wow, so that's why you knocked?" She rolled her eyes but thought it was sweet in a way.

"Yeah."

"So let me get this straight, the only reason you weren't at the dorms was to build suspense?"

"Yup!" The whole time he was with All-Might.

Then she actually did hit him. "You jerk, it totally worked!"

He coughed out a chuckle. "Stop hitting me... So, I was thinking, we go get something to eat then catch a movie? S-Something casual that won't be overwhelming, you know?"

"Yeah, that sounds pretty good." She rubbed the back of her hair, agreeing with him. There was a lot on her mind so something she didn't have to think about was ideal.

They boarded the train, heading to the entertainment district. It was a more quiet ride than either of them had hoped, neither of them could shake the awkwardness no matter how they tried because, in truth, the both of them still didn't really know each other that well, no matter how intimate they had been. Although the both of them attempted to make it a more comfortable experience and in a way, the attempt was enough to make it less awkward, if even a little. They went to a fast food joint that was next to the theater and for some reason, the inclusion of food relaxed the atmosphere. They found a booth by the window and were eating as they figured out what to watch. It was nothing special and their conversation wasn't memorable but they were content. They were naturally holding hands as they entered the theater. They decided on something that didn't require much focus like an action movie. Izuku held her hand a little tighter as he led them to the empty seats in the back, Mina let herself be led by him because they both had the same intention. They didn't start as soon as the lights went dark, they gave it some time, letting it build. By the time the movie was reaching its climax, they were in a full-blown make-out session having missed a majority of the movie. Although by the end they could firmly say they had a good time. Their date wasn't significant, but that's what the both of them liked about it. Their relationship up until now had been unorthodox mixed with the unexpected so having a date be normal was quite satisfying. They were grasping the idea of being in a relationship.

They also had things they wanted to talk to each other about, namely Kirishima and Uraraka, but neither of them wanted to ruin today, so neither side brought it up, letting it sit in the back of their minds.

They were walking back to U.A. He had his arm comfily over her shoulders keeping her close. She had her hand on his chest as she kept her body snug against him. They had passed the park as they were walking and Mina stopped them, wanting to spend some time there before going back home.

They were sitting on the swings next to each other. Mina was smiling. She glanced up at the night sky before turning to him.

"Hey, Izuku."

"Yeah, Mina?" He met her eyes, and it caused his lips to part in a breathless gasp.

She had tilted her head causing her bangs to swipe across, she had a toothy grin, the night gave her horns the playfulness of a succubus and the moonlight illuminated her cheeks with a fragile blush.

"I meant what I said earlier, about you being around, even before we started dating."

"R-Really, what do you mean?"

"Yeah, I think it's because of you, that I was able to work so hard. I don't know how to explain it but, it's always felt like, no matter what situation we faced, as long as you were there, I knew it would be okay and it gave me the confidence to keep on doing my best..." She trailed off fondly as if it was a truth she was just realizing herself.

"M-Mina... I, I don't know what to say."

She shook her head with a giggle.

"You don't have to say anything... It's just, thanks for staying with me, Izuku." Because I was scared,

I was scared you wouldn't stay...