Part1: Burst of Spring
The crisp March air, still hinting at winter's chill, couldn't dampen the burgeoning excitement bubbling within Izuku Midoriya. Today was the day. The day the Deku Squad – himself, Ochaco Uraraka, Tsuyu Asui, Shoto Todoroki, and Tenya Iida – were embarking on their first annual (hopefully) Easter Dorm Decorating Extravaganza.
It had been Ochaco's idea, sparked during a late-night study session fueled by instant noodles and caffeine. College life at Aldera Academy was rigorous, a far cry from the structured intensity of U.A. High. They were still striving to be heroes, of course, but the emphasis now was on advanced theory, specialized quirk training, and navigating the complexities of adulthood. The constant pressure left them craving the simple joys they'd cherished in their U.A. days.
"Wouldn't it be fun," Ochaco had proposed, her eyes shining, "to decorate our dorms for Easter? Like we used to do for the school festivals, but just for us?"
The idea had been met with immediate enthusiasm. For Izuku, it was a chance to unleash his inner strategist, planning the perfect decorations with the same fervor he applied to analyzing quirks. For Tsuyu, it was an opportunity to express her understated creativity. For Shoto, it was a welcome distraction from his demanding training schedule. And for Iida, it represented a chance to uphold traditions, albeit newly forged ones, with unwavering dedication.
Now, assembled outside the Aldera Academy campus gates, armed with a shopping list compiled with meticulous care (mostly by Izuku and Iida), they were ready to descend upon the nearby shopping district.
"Alright, team," Iida declared, adjusting his glasses. "Let's maintain formation and adhere to the schedule. We must be efficient and mindful of our budget!"
Ochaco giggled, bumping her shoulder against his. "Relax, Iida! It's Easter, not a hero mission. Let's have some fun!"
The shopping trip was a chaotic, joyful blur. They navigated crowded aisles, debated the merits of pastel versus neon-colored eggs, and engaged in heated discussions about the perfect shade of green for artificial grass. Izuku, armed with his analytical mind, found himself comparing the thread count of different ribbons, while Tsuyu, with her practical nature, assessed the durability of various plastic eggs.
"Kero, these ones seem sturdy, and they're on sale," she croaked, holding up a bag of brightly colored eggs.
Shoto, ever the pragmatist, gravitated towards minimalist decorations. He envisioned a serene Easter theme for his dorm, a stark contrast to the fiery intensity he often displayed during training.
"I'm thinking of focusing on natural elements," he said, examining a bundle of willow branches. "Maybe some simple white lights and a few carefully placed porcelain eggs."
Ochaco, predictably, was drawn to all things cute and whimsical. She envisioned her dorm transformed into a fluffy, pastel-colored wonderland.
"I want bunnies!" she exclaimed, grabbing a plush bunny with oversized ears. "And chicks! And maybe even a giant inflatable Easter egg!"
Iida, initially overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices, eventually settled on a theme that reflected his inherent sense of order and discipline.
"I believe a structured approach is best," he announced, holding up a roll of neatly patterned wrapping paper. "I shall create a series of meticulously arranged Easter displays, showcasing the beauty of symmetry and precision."
As they shopped, they shared stories about their college experiences. Izuku recounted a particularly challenging lecture on quirk singularity theory, while Ochaco described her struggles with advanced calculus. Tsuyu shared anecdotes about her part-time job at a local aquarium, and Shoto talked about the intricacies of mastering ice manipulation techniques. Iida, ever the responsible one, offered words of encouragement and emphasized the importance of time management.
Lunch was a spontaneous affair, a picnic in a nearby park fueled by convenience store sandwiches and laughter. As they ate, they discussed their decorating plans in more detail, bouncing ideas off each other and offering constructive criticism.
"Maybe you could add a touch of floral arrangement to your display, Iida," Ochaco suggested. "It would soften the rigid lines a bit."
"Perhaps you could incorporate some fire-resistant materials into your bunny wonderland, Ochaco," Shoto deadpanned. "Just in case."
The day ended with them laden with shopping bags, their faces flushed with exhaustion and happiness. As they parted ways at their dorm building, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. The Deku Squad Easter Dorm Decorating Extravaganza was officially underway.