I clasped and unclasped my hands. This was it. My phone rang. I let out a steady breath before I answered Redemption's call. "Hey." I watched as everyone worked on their final touches. Katsuki undid my poor attempt at a tie and redid it swiftly.

"Morning! Phoenix and I are here. Where's your class?" Redemption was muffled on the other end.

"Gym Delta," I bit my inner lip. "I'll meet you at the door."

"See you soon! Hey! We can get food after -" Redemption hung up.

"Who are we meeting?" Katsuki leaned back, hands shoved into his pockets.

I fiddled with my phone. "Redemption and Phoenix are on their way. I did, kind of, tell them about you…" I bit my lip to end my rambling. He smirked, catching my hand in his, and led us out of the gym. Thanks to Kaminari, Sero, and Mineta, the rest of the class knew by morning that we had been dating. My phone buzzed.

Yagami: I'll be watching.

I smiled at my phone, darkening the screen. Maybe, just maybe, I could do this. Katsuki squeezed my hand, standing hip to hip with me. Redemption and Phoenix arrived, arguing a moment later. She had a large, shaved ice in her hand. I gave the two a wave as they noticed just who stood beside me.

"Is this the infamous boom-boom boy?" Pheonix lit up as she scurried to us. She was just tall enough to look down at Katsuki.

I felt his grip on my hand loosen. "Boom-boom boy?" He looked between my grandmother and me in disbelief. Redemption stood behind her, stealing a large spoonful of her treat. I sighed. She had used my father's nickname for him to his face. I introduced everyone, reiterating Katsuki's proper name and left out my blood relation to Chizuru.

Redemption laughed, sticking the spoon back into the ice. "It's nice to finally meet you and put a face to who I'm going to leave on a deserted island if my Koto ever cries because of you." I gawked at the hero. He had not just said that. He had been so excited to meet Katsuki – but now he was threatening him?

Katsuki's hand left mine to grip my waist tightly. "I would never let that happen." He spoke from the back of his throat as he glared up at my godfather. I stared at the side of his face, shocked.

Pheonix laughed, patting Redemption's pec. "Okay, okay, we don't need to have a pissing contest here, boys. Remember why we're here, big guy?"

Redemption's shoulders relaxed as he grumbled, "to protect UA."

"That too. But our first priority is to spend time with Makoto and cheer her on," Pheonix dug into her shaved ice. "Where are the rest of your friends?"

Redemption sneered. I glared at him in warning. He rushed to the door, almost ripping it off its hinges, and hollered inside. "Hello, Class 1-A!"

Katsuki stared after the hero. "Is he normally like this?" Chizuru looked between the two of us, munching on her shaved ice.

"Chaotic? Yep." I popped. We entered the gym, Redemption was already in conversation with Uraraka, Iida, and Todoroki. Iida was speaking animatedly about their speed quirks. Redemption slapped him on the back – Iida barely flinching.

Pheonix nudged my shoulder. "Introduce me to your friends Polaris." Her lips curled up into a smile. Her arm wrapped around my shoulders, pulling me away from Katsuki and toward our classmates. I introduced her to the rest of them, stunned that she could keep their names and quirks straight and maintain a conversation with each of them.

"Oh, you're back here?" Aizawa tilted his head as he eyed his two friends. "The show starts in ten minutes – get out of here." We had been talking for that long? Redemption clapped him on the shoulder, exiting with him and Chizuru. Midoriya still was not back yet. He needed to hold up Aoyama. If worse came to worse, I could do it, but was Midoriya okay?

Katsuki gently took my elbow, leading me toward the stage. "Let's get ready." I froze, my feet refusing to take another step. I could see how densely packed the gym was from the scrim. Katsuki stopped as well, unable to pull me forward. He followed my gaze and sighed. "Sixty seconds – then you're done. You can do this." Redemption and Phoenix took their place leaning against the far wall with Aizawa and Present Mic. I watched as a hand materialized before Redemption's head, flashing a thumbs up. I took in a breath and nodded.

Fast feet approached us. Midoriya and Aoyama rushed forward, "sorry I'm late! I had to go to a different hardware store."

"About damn time," Katsuki snapped while everyone else heaved a sigh of relief. We all got onto the stage, striking the first pose as the buzzer sounded. One hand in the air, the other on my hip. The lights fell. "We'll kill 'em with our sound!" The drums sounded as the lights rose, the background flashing various colours. I danced between Shoji and Mineta, keeping my sight on the spot above Redemption's shoulder. As we approached the chorus, I stepped back closer to the band and let my body break down as everyone jumped. My atoms swirled around the perimeter of the gymnasium, undulating around the lights to allow them through. I could feel Sirius' atoms along the back wall.

Midoriya tossed Aoyama into the air, his lasers ricocheting and lighting up my nebulas. The audience members looked around in awe. Ice erupted from Todoroki as Kirishima made it snow. Uraraka floated herself and the audience members. Momo set off confetti cannons from her arms, and Koda released doves. Eri smiled. They were enjoying this. They were all smiling. I reformed my head and arms in front of Eri, grabbed onto her small hands, and lifted her off Mirio's shoulders. I sailed across the airspace with her as she laughed, settling her back on his shoulders by the song's end.

I solidified my body inside the small cubicle, quickly pulling on my clothes. I needed to hurry to the pageant stage – but my stomach was churning. The crowd roared in applause on the other side of the thin curtain. I slipped my toms on and rushed out of the cubicle. I danced on stage with everyone without messing up a single step. I could do this. I rushed out of the gym, jogging over to the classroom that had been blocked off for us to change. My chest constricted with each step I took.

"That was amazing!" Pheonix ran behind me, slapping me on the back.

I stopped, turning to her. "I can't do this. But I have to."

"Koto. You don't have to do anything," Pheonix gave me a small smile as she squeezed my shoulder.

I shook my head. "Everyone's worked so hard on this though. They've helped me work through my stage fright. Hell, even Katsuki's parents made the dress for me. I have to do this."

Pheonix smiled wider, linking her arm with mine. "Sounds like you're ready to show everyone what good genes you have." She laughed, walking with me to the classroom. I felt her radiate glee, warming me up. All the other contestants were already there and ready to go. Pheonix zipped me into the sparkling black dress and buttoned the top of the halter in place. She ran her fingers through my hair, separating the curls. "Boom-boom boy's parents made this? What are they, professional designers?"

"T-they are," I bit my lip.

She swatted at my arm, "don't do that. You're going to bite through one day. But this is really well made – they're very skilled." She set the silver heels on the ground, and I stepped into them. Chizuru pinched my cheeks, smiling. "I'll go cheer you on." She squeezed my arm before leaving the room. I looked around the class, watching as the others finished their makeup or hair. I stared down at myself, my right leg exposed up to the thigh.

"It's time to whip the school into shape with some sexy ladies," Midnight hollered into the room, slamming the door open. We exited and crossed to the temporary stage. A large crowd had already formed and were murmuring with excitement. We lined up alphabetically as Midnight exited to start the contest. After a few moments, the second year in the business class sauntered onto the stage. I tapped my fingers against the sparkling fabric – nervous to be the fourth to go on stage. My phone buzzed. I pulled it out of the pocket in the dress.

Mitsuki: Crush them all Makoto! Remember, this is what you do to people.

A photo loaded a moment later. It was of Katsuki's flushed and stunned face. I saved the photo to my phone and returned it to its pocket. I stepped out onto the stage when it was my turn, smiling and waving courtly. My classmates, Pheonix and Redemption, as well as Mirio and Eri, were huddled at the corner of the stage. Katsuki froze, that same look taking over his face. He did not even falter when Kirishima swung his arm over his shoulders. I broke down my arms. Galaxies swirled around me and out into the crowd. They swelled for a few moments before my atoms returned. I gave everyone one last smile before walking up the stage and back behind the curtain.

I beelined for the classroom, finally letting myself breathe. It felt like I was drowning, holding my breath while I was in front of everyone. But I had done it. I let myself fall onto a desk, head hanging back. I jumped as the door to the classroom flew open a few moments later. I lifted my head. Katsuki entered the room, shutting the door behind him. He advanced on me, his hands pressed firmly onto the desktops beside me. His lips locked with mine, forcing my head to tilt back again. He pulled away after a few moments. "You look fucking breathtaking." My brows shot up into my bangs as his lips vibrated feverously against mine. One hand moved and held the small of my back while the other found my bare knee in the slit of the dress. My hands snaked around him, one wrapped around his back while the other sat at the nape of his neck.

The door to the classroom slammed open; the person cleared their throat. "Okay, you horny teenagers, this is not the time or place." We pulled apart immediately, turning to see Pheonix in the doorway, smirking. She entered, hooked her arm with Katsuki's, and dragged him from the room. "Let's let Koto get dressed on her own – you have the rest of the festival to fawn over her." The door closed behind them. I held my face in my hands as realization hit. What would have happened if one of the other contestants or even Midnight had come back first?

"Sorry for the interruption," Dad's face materialized in front of me with his hands. "Great job, kiddo." He gave me two thumbs up.

I stood from the desk. "Did you really need to –"

"Absolutely." Sirius deadpanned. "He's not as bad as I initially thought, but Chizuru's having a nice long chat with Mister Angry Pants about keeping it in his pants." My jaw fell.

"Can you stop calling him that?" I gawked, breaking down my own hand to unzip the dress. "I thought you said you wanted to give us privacy?"

He rolled his eyes with a chuckle. "Eraser got us a spot in Gym Epsilon on Wednesday nights – there are no cameras, and it's generally only used for the business course, so it's often left empty. You know, since it would be suspicious to be at the agency all the time."

"Thanks – now go be a doting parent elsewhere, please." I unzipped the garment bag. Sirius chuckled and broke himself down, leaving a peace sign briefly before it too dispersed. Of course, Dad had to do that. I slipped back into my jeans and orange class shirt. I tugged on a grey loose-knit cardigan and exited the room. Pheonix laughed, slamming her palm into Katsuki's shoulder a few doors down. I approached, jamming my elbow into her ribs. "Don't you have a job to do?"

Chizuru cringed, chuckling that she had been caught. "Fine – we'll see you two later." She winked at Katsuki before heading back toward the stage.

"She's very protective of you, for a sidekick of your godfather's." Katsuki eyed her retreating figure.

I shoved my hands into the pockets of my cardigan. "Pheonix has taken it upon herself to be like a big sister to me. She's the one that cut my hair for me and helped with the pageant showcase."

Katsuki pushed himself off the wall, walking with me toward the booths. "Anything you want to do while we wait for your crowning?" I better not have to go on another stage today. "Wait – did you eat before the pageant?"

I shook my head, "I was too nervous to eat." He led us toward the food booths, picking up yakisoba for both of us. We walked along the rows of booths, pecking away at our noodles. Everyone excitedly mulled about from booth to booth – even the heroes who were brought in to work security were able to have fun. The general studies, support course, and business course students stopped scowling at us and stopped to tell us how much they enjoyed our class performance. Katsuki had intertwined our fingers after the first male approached us. We joined up with a few of our classmates – Katsuki and Kirishima had raced up an incline to push a buzzer for a prize, went through the haunted house, and played a few of the games.

"Makoto! Bakugo," Mina waved her arms as she puffed out her cheeks, "come get your fortunes read with us." Kirishima stood behind her, rubbing the back of his neck. Mina held a shark stuffie in her hands.

Katsuki scoffed. "You believe in that shit?" His fingers flexed in mine.

"Well – I wanna know if Kiri and I are going to get married. Don't you want to know if you two are too?" Mina pouted, rocking on her heels. Kirishima only smiled at Mina as she laid out their life plan.

"Tch. I already know what will happen." Katsuki glowered, averting his eyes from his friends. Mina maneuvered into his line of sight, begging. "Fine!" Mina cheered, leading us toward where class 3-F had set up an ornate purple and gold tent.

"Apparently, her quirk allows her to see the future between two people," Mina giggled, swinging her joined hands. "Isn't that cool?"

"Y-yeah," I gave her a forced smile. Did I really want to know the future between us? Katsuki squeezed my hand, grounding me. We got into line behind the couples and friends who wanted their fortunes told.

"Bakugo, have you not won anything for your girlfriend yet? I'd've thought you had gone for the biggest thing they have here for 'Koto." Mina teased him, holding up the shark plushie.

Katsuki scoffed, "that ugly ass thing? It clashes with the crown." He shot me a toothy grin. Heat rose on my cheeks as I averted my gaze. There was no way I would be crowned. Nejire and the previous winner would be the top two, as usual. We stepped forward as the next couple entered the tent.

"It's not the same thing if she has to win it herself," Mina gawked. She held her stuffie closer to herself and smiled up at Kirishima. I bit my lip as I let my gaze hover back to Katsuki. He stared at me, tight-lipped.

"Do you want me to win one for you?" He swallowed, eyes burning into mine. I shook my head, unable to take my eyes away from his.

"Uh, guys," Kirishima spoke. We turned to see him at the front of the line. We quickly closed the distance between us, avoiding each other's gaze again. "What do you want to do after this?"

"How about mini golf?" Mina suggested, rocking back and forth on her heels. I eyed Katsuki, my head downturned. Would such a delicate game be a good idea for him?

"Come in," a sweet, smooth voice spoke from inside the tent. Mina lit up, hooking her arm with Kirishima's, and entered the tent.

"Do you want to do this?" I spoke, digging my heel into the dirt.

Katsuki squeezed my hand. "I don't need some phony to tell me that we'll be the number one hero couple." My heart faltered as it beat faster. I turned to look at him, and my stomach fluttered. The top of Katsuki's cheeks tinged red, and his ears flushed. He turned his gaze from the sky to me. "What's that look for?"

I smiled, grabbing our conjoined hands with my free hand. "I'd like that." His cheeks darkened, and he quickly pulled his gaze away from mine.

"Come in," the sweet, smooth voice spoke again. Kirishima and Mina walked around the outside of the tent, smiling at one another with a quick kiss. Katsuki and I hesitantly entered the tent, sitting on the red velvet bench. "Welcome – please place your left hand on the table." The pink-haired girl smiled at us, a golden veil on her face. We let go of the other, placing our left hands on the top of the table. The girl placed the pads of her fingers on our palms and closed her eyes.

Katsuki scoffed after a moment of quiet. "This is stupid." She shushed him, coiling her fingers with ours.

She recoiled back immediately. Her face contorted between fear and confusion before finally making eye contact with us. "I… I see nothing but death."