Chapter 76: Dekusquad shopping
It was a chilly December afternoon in Musutafu, with soft snowflakes gently falling from the sky and blanketing the streets in a powdery white. The festive decorations lining the shop windows glittered in the winter light, setting the perfect backdrop for a day of Christmas shopping. The Deku Squad—comprised of Izuku Midoriya (Deku), Ilda, Shoto Todoroki, Ochaco Uraraka, and Tsuyu Asui—was buzzing with excitement as the day began.
"Alright, team! We have a lot to accomplish today!" Deku exclaimed, his green eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. He had made a list of gifts he wanted to buy for his mother, Inko, and was eager to find the perfect items. "Let's split up our tasks. We should each focus on our families, but we can help each other along the way!"
Ilda, sporting his signature tie and glasses, nodded. "That's a great plan, Deku! It will make us more efficient. I'll tackle gifts for my family first. They always appreciate practical items!"
"Good thinking, Ilda," Tsuyu replied, her voice calm and gentle. "I'll look for something special for my siblings. They love unique gifts."
Shoto, standing stoically with his hands in his pockets, looked at his friends. "I'll find something meaningful for my siblings and for my mother. They deserve it." He felt a bit out of practice with this kind of cheerful occasion, but he was trying his best.
Ochaco twirled excitedly, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "I want to find something cute for my parents! Maybe matching sweaters or something cozy!" Her childhood memories of Christmas with her family fueled her enthusiasm.
"Let's meet back at the café later with everything we have," Deku suggested as he took his list out. "And remember, it's the thought that counts!"
With that, they set off into the bustling marketplace, each member of the squad weaving through the throngs of enthusiastic shoppers, looking for that special gift.
Deku wandered into a quaint little bookstore, the shelves overflowing with stories waiting to be discovered. He had always loved reading, and he knew his mother would appreciate a few new novels to enjoy during the winter months. He picked up a couple of bestsellers and even found a beautiful cookbook that featured recipes for cozy winter meals.
Meanwhile, Tsuyu had made her way to a toy store, her eyes twinkling as she spotted a unique set of plush frogs—her siblings would adore them! She carefully selected two, picturing the joy on their faces when they unwrapped their gifts. As she left the store, she spotted a small chocolate shop nearby, where she remembered that her younger brother loved sweets. A few colorful boxes filled with chocolates later, and she felt satisfied with her selections.
In another part of the market, Ilda was rummaging through a tech store. His family had always been fascinated by gadgets, and he found a smart home device that he thought would impress everyone back home. A quick purchase later, he felt accomplished—at least one present checked off his list.
Shoto, though initially overwhelmed by the various options in the shops, was inspired when he found a beautiful scarf that looked like it had been handcrafted. He could imagine his mother wrapped in it, and that idea filled him with warmth. Next, he found an art book featuring the winter landscapes that his father loved so much, and felt a rare smile tugging at his lips.
Ochaco was having a blast exploring a clothing store filled with cozy winter wear. She spotted a pair of matching sweaters adorned with snowflakes and stars. "Perfect!" she squealed, throwing them into her basket. Feeling adventurous, she added a couple of cute accessories to her haul before making her way to the café.
After hours of shopping, the friends reconvened at the café, laughter ringing through the warm air. They compared their purchases over steaming cups of cocoa topped with fluffy marshmallows.
"So, what did everyone find?" Deku asked, a huge grin lighting up his face.
"I got these cute plush frogs for my siblings and chocolates for my brother!" Tsuyu said, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
"I found a gadget for my family!" Ilda said, adjusting his tie with newfound confidence. "It's cool and practical!"
"I got a scarf for Mom and an art book for sister," Shoto replied, a hint of a smile still lingering on his face.
"I got matching sweater sets for my family!" Ochaco beamed, holding her boxes excitedly. "I can't wait to see their faces!"
Deku beamed as he shared his finds, and soon they were all joking and chatting about how their families would react on Christmas day. The warmth of their camaraderie, along with the holiday spirit, filled the café.
As the sun began to set and the first evening stars twinkled in the sky, they made plans for a group outing to help wrap all their treasures together. The Deku Squad left the café with their spirits high, each glowing with the joy of giving, their hearts full of love and determination to spread the Christmas cheer.