MHA Holdiay series

The Bakugo glare was in full effect, burning a hole through the innocent mannequin sporting a particularly hideous lime green sweater. Mina Ashido squeezed Kirishima's hand tighter, her own grin feeling a little strained.

"Katsuki," she started, her voice a careful blend of playful and pleading. "Come on, it's just shopping! Relax a little. We haven't had a proper date day in ages."

Katsuki Bakugo scoffed, his signature spiky hair practically vibrating with suppressed irritation. "This isn't a date. This is torture dressed up in neon lights and overpriced garbage." He gestured wildly at the cacophony surrounding them – the shrieking announcements, the blinking screens, the herds of teenagers buzzing on sugar and energy drinks. "I'd rather be training."

Kirishima, ever the mediator, wrapped an arm around Bakugo's shoulders, pulling him closer. "Hey, hey, chill out, man. Mina just wanted to spend some time together. Plus, I kinda need new training weights, remember? And you promised to give me your opinion."

Bakugo grumbled, his shoulders slightly relaxing under Kirishima's touch. "Fine. But if I see one more person wearing Crocs with socks, I'm gonna lose it."

Mina giggled, threading her arm through Kirishima's other. "Deal! Now, first mission: find the perfect outfit for our couples Halloween party next week!"

This, of course, was the real reason she'd dragged them to the mall. Mina adored Halloween, and she had elaborate, coordinated costume plans for herself and her two best friends. She'd strategically chosen a costume shop with outrageous wigs and sequined capes as their first stop.

Predictably, Bakugo recoiled at the sight of the shop. "Absolutely not. I'm not dressing up as a sparkly whatever-the-hell-that-is."

Mina pouted, batting her eyelashes. "But Katsuki! Please? For me? And for Kiri? We'll look so amazing together!"

Kirishima, caught in the crossfire of Mina's persuasive charm and Bakugo's simmering reluctance, just grinned nervously. "Uh, I'm up for anything, as long as it's manly!"

Mina launched into a whirlwind of costume suggestions, pulling out pirate hats, angel wings, and a particularly offensive banana suit. Bakugo endured it all with a pained expression, muttering about explosions and the futility of organized fun.

As Mina held up a shimmering, jewel-encrusted genie vest, Bakugo finally snapped. "Enough! I'm not wearing that crap! I'd rather fight villains in my underwear."

His voice boomed through the store, silencing the surrounding shoppers. Mina's smile faltered, and Kirishima's eyebrows shot up.

"Katsuki…" Mina said softly, her pink skin dulling a little.

Bakugo, seeing the disappointment in her eyes, instantly regretted his outburst. He hated making her sad. He scowled at the ground, shoving his hands in his pockets.

Kirishima carefully stepped between them. "Okay, guys, let's just take a breather. How about we grab some ice cream? My treat."

The cool, sugary treat seemed to mellow Bakugo out a bit. They sat in the food court, Mina picking sadly at her ice cream.

Bakugo, after swallowing a spoonful of his own, cleared his throat. "Look, Pinky," he said, avoiding eye contact. "I...I'm not good at that… dress-up… happy fun-time crap. But… I want to make you happy. And… Kiri too, I guess."

Mina's face lit up. "Really, Katsuki?"

He nodded, still looking away. "Just… nothing too… ridiculous. And no glitter. I swear, if I find glitter on my clothes for the next month…"

Mina threw her arms around him, burying her face in his shoulder. "Thank you, Katsuki! You're the best!"

Kirishima clapped him on the back, grinning. "That's the spirit, man! See, compromise is the most manly thing of all!"

The rest of the afternoon went smoother. They steered clear of the costume shop, instead focusing on finding Kirishima's training weights and browsing through a music store. Mina even managed to convince Bakugo to try on a pair of ridiculously oversized sunglasses, snapping a picture for blackmail material later.

As they were leaving the mall, laden with bags, Mina stopped, grabbing both their hands. "Thanks, you guys. Even with the yelling, this was actually a really great day."

Bakugo, despite himself, felt a small smile tug at the corner of his lips. He squeezed Mina's hand. "Yeah, well… it wasn't a complete waste of time."

Kirishima grinned, his sharp teeth catching the light. "Totally manly! Let's do it again sometime!"

Bakugo rolled his eyes, but he didn't pull his hand away. He knew, deep down, that even a shopping trip with Mina and Kirishima was better than being alone. And besides, he had a feeling he was going to need that ice cream money back soon. Mina already had a glint in her eye, and he knew he hadn't escaped that Halloween party costum unscathed.