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"You have to go with this dress, Emi!" Mina declared, holding up a bright, eye-catching dress with a confident grin.

"No, I think this one would complement her skin tone better!" Hagakure countered, presenting a more subtle, yet cute dress with a floral pattern.

The girls had all gathered in Emi's room to help her prepare for her date, and she was starting to regret enlisting their help. Mina and Hagakure were deep in debate over which dress would be best, their voices rising in excitement. Meanwhile, Momo and Tsuyu were busy perfecting Emi's hairstyle, Jiro had a playlist of upbeat tunes pumping through her phone, and Uraraka was laying out various makeup products on the vanity.

"Emi, which one do you prefer?" Mina asked, holding up the two dresses for her to see.

After a moment of consideration, Emi pointed to the dress in Hagakure's hands. "I'm leaning towards this one," she said, admiring the green dress with its floral details. "It's pretty, and it's not so short that I'll have to worry about accidentally showing too much."

"But that's the best part!" Mina protested, though her tone was light-hearted. "It's your first date with Kirishima. You need to give him a little tease. Right, girls?"

Jiro shook her head with a grin and added, "Sorry, Mina, but I'm with Emi on this one." She pointed to Mina's choice and continued, "That one might be a bit too revealing, and not just for Eijiro."

Emi turned to thank Jiro but felt a gentle hand on her head, preventing her from moving. "Stop wiggling or I'll mess up your braid," Momo warned, her fingers deftly weaving Emi's hair. Tsuyu, holding a hot straightener near her bangs, also gave a cautionary wave of the tool.

"I can't thank you guys enough for this," Emi said, her cheeks flushing with gratitude. "I'm so nervous I don't think I could have managed any of this on my own." She glanced around at her friends, feeling overwhelmed by their support. "You're all the best friends I could ask for."

Uraraka placed a reassuring hand on Emi's shoulder, smiling warmly. "And you're the best friend any of us could ask for, Emi."

Emi felt her heart swell at Uraraka's kind words. The room was filled with the warmth of their friendship, and she took a deep breath, trying to calm the nerves that were bubbling up inside her. As her friends continued to perfect her look, Emi's thoughts swirled with anticipation and excitement about the evening ahead.

The lively beat from Jiro's playlist set a cheerful tone as Momo and Tsuyu worked their magic on her hair, creating a perfect braid as Uraraka applied the final touches of makeup with a gentle hand. Despite the initial nerves, Emi found herself enjoying the process, her worries gradually melting away with each compliment and burst of laughter from her friends.

As she looked in the mirror, Emi couldn't help but smile at her reflection. The green dress with floral details fit her perfectly, her hair and makeup were just right, and she felt more confident than she had in weeks. She turned to her friends, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. "Thank you all so much. I feel amazing, and I couldn't have done this without you."

Their encouragement made her heart race even more, but in a good way. Mina's enthusiastic thumbs-up and Tsuyu's supportive nods were exactly what she needed. She wondered what he would think of her look and how the evening would unfold.

As the clock ticked closer to the time she needed to leave, Emi took a final deep breath and hugged her friends. "I'll let you know how it goes. You've all been incredible."

"Make sure to give him a big smooch!" Mina called out with a mischievous grin.

"Don't let him make you pay for the food," Momo added with a knowing smile.

"And remember, we need all the details when you get back tonight!" Uraraka chimed in with enthusiastic encouragement.

Emi laughed and nodded in agreement. As her friends left for their respective rooms, she headed downstairs, her excitement building with each step. On her way down, she nearly collided with Bakugo and Shoto.

"Watch where you're going, Iron Maiden," Bakugo grumbled, only to come to a sudden stop, causing Shoto to bump into his back. "Emi, is that really you?"

Emi raised her eyebrows, arms crossed. "What does that even mean?"

"I think what he's trying to say is that you look beautiful, Emi," Shoto interjected smoothly, extending his arm in a gentlemanly gesture. "Shall we escort you downstairs like a couple of old-fashioned chaperones?"

"HELL NO, I'M NOT DOING THAT," Bakugo shouted, though he made no protest as Emi linked her arm with both his and Shoto's.

"Bakugo, stop pretending you don't care," Emi teased, walking confidently with the pair down the stairs. "We all know you're a big softy."

Bakugo let out a dismissive "Tsch. Only for certain people," his gruff demeanor slightly softened by the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Emi glanced at her phone to check the time. Kirishima would be coming down the stairs soon, and the realization sent a thrill through her. The anticipation was palpable, and she couldn't help but smile as she felt Bakugo and Shoto's presence flanking her.

"Alright, I've got to go," Emi said, giving both Bakugo and Shoto a grateful look. "Thanks for the send-off. I'll text you guys later with the details."

"Yeah, yeah. Just don't get into too much trouble," Bakugo grunted, though his eyes softened with a hint of concern.

"Have a great time, Emi!" Shoto said warmly, his eyes twinkling with friendly encouragement. "We'll be waiting for the full report."

As Emi sat on the couch, she nervously picked at her freshly painted nails, her mind a whirlwind of questions. Would Kirishima like the dress she chose? What kind of date had he planned for them? Her heart raced with anticipation as she glanced at the clock, waiting for the familiar sound of his footsteps on the stairs.

Just as the uncertainty began to build, the doorbell rang, jolting her from her thoughts. She rose from the couch and made her way to the front door, her pulse quickening with each step. When she opened it, she was greeted by Kirishima standing on the porch, holding a bouquet of daffodils.

Kirishima's breath caught in his throat the moment the door swung open. Emi looked absolutely stunning, and in that moment, she seemed to light up the evening like the sun breaking through clouds on a dreary day. The soft scent of lavender and vanilla perfume enveloped him, sending a wave of butterflies through his stomach. He felt incredibly lucky to be standing there with her.

"I hope I'm not too late to pick you up," Kirishima said, his voice soft and warm as he flashed her a charming smile.

Emi's heart skipped a beat as she stepped outside and closed the door behind her. "So, you wanted to go old-fashioned, huh? Picking me up right at my doorstep."

"Nothing but the best for you," Kirishima replied, his eyes twinkling as he gently took her hand in his and presented the bouquet. "The florist told me that daffodils symbolize new beginnings. Since Shoto's secret mission didn't quite work out, I decided to consult a professional."

Emi's eyes widened in surprise and a lump formed in her throat at the thoughtfulness of the gesture. "Oh my god, Kiri." Tears of happiness threatened to spill as she took the flowers from him, inhaling their fresh fragrance. She leaned in to give him a tender kiss on the cheek. "This is by far the best date I've ever had."

"But... we haven't even started the date yet," Kirishima said, puzzled by her reaction, which only made her giggle.

"Doesn't matter," Emi said, squeezing his hand affectionately. "I can already tell it's going to be amazing. Now, show me what else you've planned, Eijiro Kirishima."

"Gladly," Kirishima responded, guiding her down the steps with a gentlemanly grace. He could hardly wait to share the evening with her, eager to make their first date as memorable as possible.

____________________________

Their first stop was Takoba Municipal Beach Park, renowned for its breathtaking sunsets. Kirishima had insisted that the view from the waterfront was something she absolutely had to experience during her time in Japan, claiming it surpassed any beach in America. Emi wasn't entirely convinced about that comparison but appreciated his enthusiasm.

"There are a few food trucks stationed just off the beach," Kirishima said, keeping his hand gently clasped around hers as he led her toward the array of vibrant trucks. "We can grab some food and find a nice spot to picnic."

Emi's gaze landed on a bright green truck adorned with a neon sign shaped like noodles. "Is that a pad Thai food truck over there?" she asked, pointing excitedly.

"Yeah, is that what you're in the mood for?" Kirishima asked, glancing at her with curiosity.

"If that's what you want," Emi replied with a playful smile.

"I want whatever you want," Kirishima said, his eyes twinkling with affection.

Emi's smile widened at Kirishima's words, and she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "In that case, let's go for the pad Thai. I've been craving something spicy."

"Great choice," Kirishima said, beaming as they walked over to the food truck. The delicious aroma of garlic, tamarind, and spices wafted through the air, making Emi's stomach rumble with anticipation.

As they approached the window, Kirishima greeted the vendor and placed their order. Emi watched him interact with the friendly food truck owner, enjoying the casual and relaxed atmosphere of the park. The sun was starting its descent, casting a golden glow across the water, and she couldn't wait to see the view Kirishima had been raving about.

Once they had their steaming, fragrant pad Thai in hand, Kirishima led her to a cozy spot on the sand, where a few blankets were spread out. The view of the ocean was indeed stunning, with the horizon painted in hues of pink, orange, and purple.

"Did you set these blankets up yourself?" Emi asked, glancing around at the carefully arranged spot.

"Technically, yes," Kirishima replied with a grin as he helped her settle onto the blanket. "I think Tokoyami had just flown off when we arrived, so we owe him a thank you."

"Tokoyami helped with this? That's so thoughtful of him," Emi said, touched by the gesture.

They settled on the blankets, and Kirishima pulled out a couple of disposable chopsticks, handing one pair to Emi. "I'm glad we came here. This place really does have a magical sunset."

Emi took a bite of the pad Thai, savoring the perfect blend of flavors. "You were right. This is incredible," she said, looking out at the horizon. "And this view... it's even more beautiful than I imagined."

Kirishima smiled, watching her with a mixture of pride and affection. "I'm glad you like it. I wanted to make sure your time spent in Japan was memorable."

They ate their dinner, sharing stories and laughter as the sun continued to set, casting a warm, colorful glow over the ocean. The beach was tranquil, and the occasional sound of waves crashing against the shore added to the serene ambiance.

As the sun began its slow descent, Kirishima's fingers intertwined with Emi's, their warmth a comforting presence in the cooling evening air. He could have stayed there forever, lost in the moment with her, but he had more planned for the night. With a sudden, energetic movement, he stood up and extended his hand towards her. "Come on, I want to show you something," he said with a grin.

Emi took his hand, letting him help her to her feet. She was glad she had chosen sandals that were easy to slip off as she felt the warm sand beneath her feet. Kirishima guided her along the shoreline, their path leading them to a wooden pier that extended out into the water. At the end of the pier stood a charming gazebo, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun.

When they reached the end of the pier, Emi took a deep breath, her eyes widening at the breathtaking view before her. The sky was ablaze with hues of pink, orange, and gold, reflected in the tranquil waters below. "Kirishima, this is incredible," she said, her voice full of awe.

In response, Kirishima gently squeezed her hand three times, a silent affirmation of his affection. "As I said before, nothing but the best for you, Ems," he replied, stepping close behind her. He pulled her gently against him, her back resting against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her. The salty scent of the ocean filled their senses, adding to the serene atmosphere.

As the sun continued to fade, casting softer pink hues across the sky, Kirishima turned Emi to face him. He placed his hands on her waist, his gaze tender and full of warmth. "Words will never be enough to thank you, Kiri," Emi murmured, looking up at him with a soft, grateful smile.

"You don't have to thank me," Kirishima said, his fingers brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "I'm just happy to be here with you."

Kirishima's gaze lingered on Emi's face, his heart swelling with an emotion he could no longer contain. The setting sun painted the sky in brilliant shades, but it was the way Emi looked at him, her eyes reflecting the twilight, that truly illuminated the moment. He took a deep breath, the serene backdrop adding to the gravity of what he was about to say.

"Emi," he began, his voice low and earnest, "there's something I've been meaning to tell you."

She tilted her head slightly, her curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

Kirishima's heart pounded as he continued, his fingers gently resting on her waist. "From the moment I met you, I felt like something changed in me. I know it sounds cliché, but you've really made an impact on my life. You've brought a kind of light and joy that I didn't even realize I was missing."

Emi's breath caught in her throat as she listened intently. The sincerity in his voice was unmistakable, and her heart began to race. Kirishima's eyes held a depth of emotion that made her feel as if she was the only person in the world.

"I've always tried to be strong and confident," Kirishima continued, his eyes locking with hers, "but with you, I don't have to pretend. I can be myself, and that's something incredibly special to me. I care about you more than I've ever let on, and tonight, being with you here, I realized how much you mean to me."

Emi felt a rush of warmth and affection as his words sank in. She could see the vulnerability in his eyes, and it only made her heart swell with emotion. "Kirishima..."

He took a step closer, his hands gently cupping her face. "I don't want to keep my feelings hidden anymore. I've fallen for you, Emi. I've fallen for your kindness, your smile, and the way you make everything feel right. I want to be with you, and I want to see where this can go."

Tears of joy glistened in Emi's eyes as she looked up at him, overwhelmed by the depth of his confession. She reached up and placed her hands over his, her voice barely above a whisper. "I feel the same way, Kirishima. I didn't expect to find someone like you, someone who makes me feel this way. I've been falling for you, too."

Through feelings of joy and relief, Kirishima kissed her. When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against hers, his eyes searching hers with hope and anticipation. "Does this mean you'll honor me by officially being my girlfriend?"

Emi's eyes sparkled with mischief as she replied, "I thought I already was." Kirishima's eyes widened in surprise, and he pulled back slightly, his expression one of genuine shock. The teasing grin on Emi's face quickly softened his worry. "I'm just kidding. Of course, Kiri. I'd love nothing more than to be your girlfriend, officially."

"See, this is why you're the perfect girl for me," Kirishima said with a chuckle, his eyes dancing with affection. Emi laughed along, resting her head on his chest, feeling the rhythmic beat of his heart racing beneath her ear.

They lingered at the end of the pier, watching the sunset until the last sliver of the sun dipped below the horizon, allowing the stars to twinkle into view. As the sky darkened and the time grew late, Kirishima noted that they were getting dangerously close to curfew. With a sigh, they gathered their things and began to leave the beach.

"So, boyfriend," Emi said, her voice tinged with amusement as she used the new title. "Shall we head back to the dorms before Iida sends out a search party?"

"As tempting as it is to break the rules with you, Ems," Kirishima replied with a playful smirk, "Iida gave me a very fatherly lecture earlier. I'd prefer to stay in his good graces."

Emi giggled at the thought of Iida lecturing Kirishima, imagining the stern, yet caring tone he must have used. The image made her miss her own father and wonder how he would have handled a similar situation.

"Speaking of fatherly figures," Emi said, looking up at Kirishima, "you know you're going to have to meet my dad eventually, right? My mom already knows all about you and has given her stamp of approval, but my dad might be a tougher nut to crack."

Kirishima rolled his eyes playfully, a confident grin on his face. "Oh, come on. I'm the friendliest guy he'll ever meet. We're going to get along just fine."

As they waited for the bus, they continued to chat about their families, sharing stories and speculating on how their parents might react to meeting each other. The conversation was lighthearted and full of anticipation for the future, making the evening even more memorable.

While laughing at one of Kirishima's jokes, Emi leaned back a bit too far and accidentally bumped into someone behind her. "I'm so sorry," she quickly apologized, glancing over her shoulder.

"No problem," came the response from a man, his face hidden beneath the shadow of a hooded sweatshirt. Emi shivered at his voice, a deep sense of unease washing over her. It was an unsettling feeling, something she couldn't easily shake. She instinctively moved closer to Kirishima, her fingers slipping into his, trying to convey her discomfort through her eyes.

Kirishima noticed her sudden shift in demeanor and immediately sensed that something was amiss. Without hesitation, he positioned himself between Emi and the man she had bumped into, his protective instincts on high alert. He felt a chill run down his spine, as if his own senses were urging him to leave the area.

Before anything further could happen, the bus arrived and Kirishima quickly guided Emi aboard, ensuring she was safely inside before following her. They hurried to find seats, their eyes flickering back to the entrance, but the man never boarded. As the bus pulled away, Kirishima glanced out the window and saw that the man had disappeared completely.

Emi, still visibly shaken, turned to Kirishima with a worried expression. "I'm sure it was nothing, right?"

"Yeah, probably just someone with a quirk that made us uncomfortable," Kirishima said, trying to reassure her. Despite his words, he couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had settled over him. There was something off about that man, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.

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A/N: I think we all know who the mystery man was at the bus stop; or do we? (｡- .•)