The hotel's kitchen bustled with activity. Pots clanged, steam hissed from boiling water, and the warm aroma of spices filled the air. Despite the underlying tension of their situation, the Class 1-A reunion had turned into an unexpected culinary event, with everyone pitching in to prepare a meal.

Kirishima stood at the counter, his sleeves rolled up and hands covered in flour. He was kneading dough with a determination that rivaled any battle. Mina was next to him, humming a cheery tune as she chopped vegetables with swift, practiced motions.

"You know," she said, throwing him a playful glance, "I never pegged you as a baker."

Kirishima laughed, a deep, hearty sound that Mina had always loved. "Hey, baking's all about hard work, right? Kinda like training." He flexed his flour-coated arms dramatically, grinning. "Besides, I promised to make this dinner manly!"

Mina giggled, setting her knife down and bumping his side with her hip. "You're such a dork."

"And you love it," he teased, leaning over to nudge her back.

Mina rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. She reached for a bowl of spices, sprinkling a handful into the pot simmering on the stove. "I can't believe we're all here again," she said after a moment, her voice softer. "It's been so long. I missed this."

Kirishima's hands stilled on the dough as he looked at her. Her usual energy was still there, but he caught the flicker of worry in her expression, the way her shoulders tensed for just a moment before she masked it with another smile.

"Yeah," he said quietly, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "I missed it, too. I missed... you."

Mina blinked, surprised at the sudden shift in his demeanor. "Eiji? You okay?"

He swallowed, suddenly feeling the weight of what he was about to do. The words had been sitting heavy on his chest all day, and now, with her standing here in front of him, it felt like it was the right moment—or at least the only moment he might get.

"Mina," he started, wiping his hands on a towel and turning to face her fully. His crimson eyes locked onto hers, and the intensity in his gaze made her heart skip a beat.

"What is it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He took a deep breath. "I've been thinking about... everything. About us, about what we've been through, and about what might happen next." He glanced around the kitchen, the sounds of their friends' laughter filtering in from the dining room. "We don't know what's gonna happen after this. We don't even know if we'll get out of here in one piece."

"Hey, don't say stuff like that," Mina interrupted, her brows furrowing. "We've been through worse, and we always make it out."

"I know," he said, reaching for her hands. His touch was warm, grounding her. "But just in case... I don't want to waste any more time."

Mina tilted her head, confusion and curiosity dancing in her golden eyes. "Eiji, what are you—"

Before she could finish, Kirishima dropped down

to one knee.

Mina's hands flew to her mouth, her eyes wide as saucers.

"Mina Ashido," Kirishima said, his voice steady despite the way his heart pounded against his ribs. "You've been the brightest part of my life since the day I met you. You're strong, kind, and always full of energy—even when things get tough. You make me want to be better, to be someone worthy of standing by your side."

Tears welled up in Mina's eyes, her voice caught in her throat.

"I don't want to wait for the perfect moment or the perfect time," he continued. "Because right now, this is perfect for me. 

"You're perfect to me." 

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a simple, silver band a diamond In the roof on the silver band—a little rough around the edges but undeniably sturdy, much like him. "Will you marry me?"

The kitchen seemed to hold its breath. Even the background noise faded into nothingness as Mina stared at him, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Their friends were now staring In awe Denki even recorded with tears down his eyes.

For a moment, she said nothing, and Kirishima felt a flicker of panic. But then, she dropped to her knees in front of him, throwing her arms around his neck and pulling him into a tight embrace.

"Yes," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "Yes, yes, yes!"

Kirishima laughed, relief washing over him as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. He could feel her tears soaking into his shirt, but he didn't care. All that mattered was that she said yes.

When they finally pulled back, Mina was grinning through her tears, her cheeks flushed. "You really are a dork," she said, punching his shoulder lightly.

"And you love it," he replied, slipping the ring onto her finger.

She looked down at the band, turning it over with her fingers. "It's perfect," she said, her voice soft. "You're perfect."

The moment was interrupted by a loud cheer from the doorway.

"About time!" Kaminari called, clapping his hands together. The rest of the class crowded into the kitchen, their faces lit with excitement and joy.

Kirishima and Mina turned red, but they couldn't stop smiling. As their friends surrounded them with congratulations and playful teasing, Kirishima caught Mina's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

No matter what came next, they would face it together.