Chapter 80: BakuSquad
It was a chilly December evening in the bustling city of Musutafu. The streets were adorned with twinkling lights, and the air was filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts and pine. Inside the cozy apartment of Bakugo Katsuki, the Baku Squad had gathered for their first-ever Christmas movie marathon. The excitement was palpable as the group settled in, blankets draped over their laps and bowls of popcorn at the ready.
"Alright, since it's my turn to choose the first movie," Bakugo announced, his fiery personality radiating as he glared at everyone. "We're watching 'The Grinch.' If you don't like it, tough luck!"
"Ugh, the Grinch? Really?" Mina huffed playfully, fluffing the blanket around her. "I was hoping for something more festive!"
Bakugo crossed his arms, his spiky blonde hair reflecting the soft glow of the Christmas lights they had strung around the living room. "It's a classic! Just shut up and watch it. You'll see how great it is."
As the movie began, the familiar scenes of Whoville unfolded on the screen, and the colorful animated characters danced across in a chorus of Christmas cheer. Leaning back on the couch, Kirishima beamed, his red hair contrasting with the blue hue of the TV. "I love the Grinch! He's so grumpy, just like Bakugo!"
"Hey!" Bakugo shot back, irked but also amused. "I can be cheerful too!"
Denki, always the jokester, chimed in, "Yeah, just like how the Grinch steals Christmas! You could totally pull that off!"
"Shut it, Denki!" Bakugo growled, his face a mixture of irritation and playful annoyance. The room erupted in laughter.
Sero, lying comfortably with his head resting on Jirou's shoulder, added, "Alright, alright! Let's just watch! He's about to steal the Christmas decorations!"
As the Grinch plotted his heist against the Whos, the Baku Squad grew increasingly invested in the story. Bakugo found himself grumbling at the screen, "Idiots! This is why I can't stand Christmas cheer!"
"I mean, it's a little excessive," Shinsou commented, raising an eyebrow. "But the Grinch sort of has a point."
At that moment, Mina pointed to a scene where the Grinch's heart began to grow three sizes. "Look! It's like Bakugo's heart when he hugs us on rainy days!"
"Who said anything about hugging?!" Bakugo retorted, his face coloring. Even so, a small smile crept onto his lips, and he struggled to hide it.
As the movie continued, the Baku Squad snuggled deeper into their blankets, laughing and sharing commentary. The mood was light, filled with warmth and camaraderie that only strengthened with each passing scene. Jirou leaned closer to Sero, softly humming the movie's theme, her usually cool demeanor softened by the whimsy on the screen.
"Okay, okay! I love this scene!" Kirishima exclaimed, pointing as the Grinch realizes the true meaning of Christmas. "His heart gets bigger, just like ours when we spend time together!"
"Wow, Kirishima. You're really making this sentimental," Shinsou teased, shaking his head but unable to hide the smirk on his face.
The credits rolled, and the room burst into cheerful chatter. "See? I told you it was a good choice!" Bakugo boasted, arms crossed in victory.
"Fine! You were right this time," Mina admitted, a grin on her face. "What are we watching next?"
Kirishima suggested, "How about 'Home Alone'? It's another classic!"
"Whatever," Bakugo replied nonchalantly, but it was clear he was enjoying the camaraderie just as much as the movies. "Just make sure it's not some corny cheesy Christmas movie, yeah?"
At that moment, they all crowded together, sharing chips and leftover Christmas cookies, the laughter and warmth of friendship brightening the winter night. With Bakugo leading the charge, a sense of playful competition filled the air as they settled in for movie after movie, creating memories they would cherish for years to come.
And so, under the glow of the Christmas lights, the Baku Squad discovered not just the joy of films but the deeper spirit of friendship, love, and the holiday season—a combination that even the grumpiest among them couldn't resist.