It has been 3 months since the defeat of Hurricane and the end of the final school year was approaching. Conversations flowed around the room, voices overlapping as students exchanged their dreams and fears about what the future held. The warmth of the Christmas decorations, the smell of cocoa, and the twinkling fairy lights made it all feel surreal, like the end of an era.

Valerie's eyes glimmered with excitement as she shared her plans, "Studying elemental reactions and electrical currents could really strengthen my quirk. I want to know everything about how lightning interacts with different environments. And if a hero agency has a sidekick opening, I'm definitely in."

Mina nodded enthusiastically. "That sounds awesome! I still want to be a hero, but modeling could be a good way to make extra money and show off some of my fashion designs. And university will give me the chance to really explore that. Who knows? Maybe I'll make a line of hero costumes someday." Her pink eyes sparkled with the dream.

Jirou, sitting cross-legged with her guitar in her lap, strummed lightly as she considered. "I'm heading to university too, but I'm also planning to keep working on my music. Maybe get some gigs on the side," she said, her cheeks tinting pink when Kaminari gave her an encouraging grin from across the room.

Kaminari leaned in, a wide smile spreading across his face. "That's perfect, Jirou! I've been thinking I might want to do some hero work while also learning more about electrical engineering. It'll be tough, but if it means I can use my quirk better, I'm all for it." His eyes were full of determination.

Across the room, Shoto was deep in conversation with Iida. "I'll be joining my father at the agency," Shoto shared. "But I'm also thinking about studying international relations. My brother Natsuo suggested that having connections worldwide could be helpful for hero work." He glanced at Iida. "And you?"

Iida adjusted his glasses, and his posture was as perfect as ever. "I'll be working full-time as a pro hero with the family agency. It's my duty to carry on my brother's legacy and uphold our name. But I have considered taking night classes in leadership and public administration."

Kirishima, sitting beside Mina, grinned sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head. "I'm all in for hero work, no backup plan. But you know, it wouldn't hurt to learn some emergency response strategies beyond just fighting." His eyes softened as he looked at Mina. "And... maybe planning my future with someone special."

Mina beamed, and everyone knew what he meant. "When we get married," she teased, "it's going to be amazing, right, Kiri?" Kirishima's face turned bright red, and laughter erupted around them.

Valerie's smile lingered as she listened to her friends. The conversation about settling down had her thinking, and she couldn't help but voice a dream she'd held for a long time. "I'd love to travel more, especially back to South Africa," she said wistfully. "Before university, I want to spend some time there. Just to reconnect and experience everything I've missed."

Katsuki had been silent up until now, arms crossed and a frown creasing his brow. Thoughts of the future left him uneasy, not because he didn't have dreams, but because he was uncertain about what lay beyond being a hero. He had always envisioned himself as the number one pro, but hearing everyone talk about backup plans, relationships, and life beyond fighting villains made him think. The idea of having a life outside of hero work was something he hadn't let himself consider.

But as he looked at Valerie, warmth bloomed in his chest, mixing with anxiety. He'd shared so many deep moments with her, yet he knew there was more to discuss, especially about their growing feelings. Even now, he still struggled to understand his own hesitance when things got intense between them. He needed to confront that, to open up, and maybe, just maybe, think about what a future together could look like.

---

Later that evening, Valerie, Mina, and Jirou gathered in Valerie's room. Mina sprawled out on the bed, gesturing animatedly as she shared a secret. "Kiri and I finally... you know." Her face flushed with excitement. "It was magical and amazing," she sighed dreamily.

Jirou's cheeks turned bright red, and she quickly buried her face in her hands. "Oh my god, Mina!" she squeaked. "Kami and I have only been together for two months, and we're nowhere near ready for... that!"

Valerie listened a wistful smile on her face. Her heart sank a bit as she thought of her own relationship with Katsuki. They had become so close, and she felt ready to take that next step, but he always withdrew whenever things got heated. "I don't get it," she admitted. "I want to be with him like that, but every time I try, he pulls away."

Mina's eyes gleamed with mischief as she sat up. "Okay, listen, we need to fix this," she said, leaning forward like a scheming mastermind. "You have to take charge. Plan a dark, romantic date where he won't have a reason to say no. Be the one in control. He'll be putty in your hands, trust me."

Valerie's heart raced with anticipation. "You really think that'll work?" she asked, a mix of excitement and nervousness filling her.

Mina smirked. "Oh, he won't know what hit him."

Valerie couldn't help but smile, her determination growing. She was ready to take the next step with Katsuki, and with her friend's encouragement, she knew she could make it unforgettable.

Mina leaned in with a devious grin, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she began to outline her plan. "Alright, here's what you're going to do," she whispered, her voice filled with mischievous intent. "You're going to set up a date that's unlike anything you two have ever done before. Think dark, moody, and completely irresistible."

Valerie listened, intrigued. "Dark and moody?" she echoed, curiosity piqued.

"Exactly," Mina said, her enthusiasm bubbling over. "You'll book a private room at one of those high-end restaurants with ambient, low lighting, candles everywhere, and those old, gothic vibes. You know, crimson velvet drapes, dark wood furniture, and a roaring fireplace. Dress to kill—like, wear something sleek and stunning, a dress that hugs you in all the right places and leaves him speechless."

Jirou's eyes widened. "Mina, that's... intense," she said, but even she was starting to smile at the idea.

Mina wasn't done yet. "Then, you set the mood. Pick a table in a secluded corner and order something to share, like a rich, decadent dessert or a bottle of fancy wine. Make sure there's music playing softly in the background—jazz, maybe, or something smooth and romantic. Use every opportunity to brush your hand against his, look into his eyes, and be confident. He won't be able to look away."

Valerie's face flushed at the thought, but she couldn't help but smile. "And then what?" she asked, leaning in as if to absorb every word.

Mina's grin widened. "Once you have him completely mesmerized, let your feelings take over. Be open with him about what you want, but keep it playful and teasing. Take control, but in a way that makes him feel safe to let go of whatever he's holding back. Trust me, he won't be able to resist."

Valerie bit her lip, feeling excitement bubble in her chest. "You're a genius, Mina," she said, already imagining how the night might unfold.

Mina leaned back triumphantly. "Oh, I know," she said, winking. "And you're going to knock him off his feet."

Valerie couldn't wait to see how Katsuki would react to a date like that. It was daring, different, and full of potential for the kind of romantic connection she'd been yearning for.

---

Valerie burst into Katsuki's room, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor, and the sudden appearance caused an immediate uproar among the boys. Katsuki was locked in an intense gaming match with Kirishima, Kaminari, and Sero, who all yelled instructions and insults at each other over the noise of the game.

But Valerie's voice sliced through the chaos. "Katsuki Bakugo, get dressed in something nice and meet me in the lobby in ten minutes. Now."

The boys went silent, their jaws dropping in unison. Kaminari blinked, momentarily forgetting how to breathe, and Kirishima's face split into a grin as he realized what just happened. Sero's controller slipped from his fingers, crashing to the floor. Valerie stood confidently in the doorway, her dark olive dress hugging her curves perfectly, the slit on one side revealing a tantalizing glimpse of her leg, and her black heels accentuating her toned calves. Her hair fell in cascading curls, framing her face in a way that made her look like a goddess. The boys exchanged wide-eyed glances, bracing for the volcanic eruption that was sure to follow.

But Katsuki's reaction stunned everyone. He froze mid-explosion—literally, as his controller lit up with a spark. His gaze travelled slowly up and down Valerie's figure, taking in the way the dress clung to her body, accentuating her hourglass shape, and the way her hair cascaded in soft waves around her face. His throat went dry, and his usual scowl slipped into something approaching awe.

Katsuki snapped out of his daze and growled, "You heard her. Out." He didn't wait for a response and immediately lunged at Kaminari, who yelped and scrambled backwards. "You're in my way, Dunce Face!"

"Wait, wait, wait!" Kaminari squeaked, tripping over Sero as he made a break for the door. "What's happening? Did Valerie order you around?"

"Don't ask questions, just run!" Sero yelled, grabbing Kirishima's arm as they stumbled to escape. Kirishima, ever the loyal friend, paused to try to get a word in.

"Wow, Bakugo, you look stunned! I've never seen—"

"Out, Shitty Hair!" Katsuki's face was a mix of embarrassment and fury as he kicked Kirishima in the rear, sending him tumbling into the hall. Kaminari and Sero collapsed in laughter, rolling over each other as Katsuki practically shoved them out, one after another.

Once he had successfully exiled his friends, Katsuki slammed the door shut and turned back to Valerie, his breath catching as he took in her dress once more. Valerie smirked at the chaos she had left in her wake, enjoying the look of awe on Katsuki's face as she made her way out of his room and down the stairs.

Minutes later, Katsuki emerged in the lobby, now dressed in a dark, semiformal outfit that matched her colour scheme. His black button-down shirt fit snugly across his muscular frame, and his dark blazer highlighted the sharp angles of his jawline. He stomped over to her with a grumpy expression, but his eyes softened when he was beside her. Valerie stepped close, adjusting his collar, her hands lingering on the fabric for a moment. Her fingers trembled slightly, betraying her own nerves. She grabbed his hand, her skin warming at the touch.

Katsuki followed her silently out to her car, confusion growing. When they arrived at the beach, his eyes widened. Lanterns illuminated a candlelit path down to a beautifully set dinner table on the sand, with the soft crashing of waves as the backdrop. The flames flickered gently, casting a golden glow over the setup.

Katsuki crossed his arms, brows furrowing. "You're telling me this is your idea of semiformal?" He sounded more confused than angry, and Valerie bit her lip, trying to hold back a laugh.

"I wanted to take you somewhere fancy," she explained, her voice a bit sheepish. "But the restaurant Mina suggested was way out of my budget. So I made do. Your favourites: spicy curry and a velvet chocolate mousse for dessert." She gestured to the table, where steam from the curry wafted invitingly through the air.

Katsuki's annoyance evaporated as he stared at her, taking in the effort she had put into this. His irritation faded into something warmer, especially as he looked at her sultry, hopeful gaze. The dress hugged her figure in a way that left him breathless, from her smooth, toned legs to the curves of her waist, the way her chest rose and fell. He swallowed hard, his heartbeat thundering.

Valerie noticed his stare and reached up, tilting his chin until their eyes met. She leaned in, and the kiss that followed was slow and passionate, stealing the breath from his lungs. Katsuki couldn't help but close his eyes, savouring the moment as her lips moved against his, full of love and desire.

When they pulled apart, Valerie smiled and slipped something into his hand. He looked down to see a small charm shaped like a grenade. "It's your Christmas gift," she whispered. "You can attach it to your hero suit zipper."

Katsuki ignored the blush creeping up her neck and pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her waist. "You're incredible," he murmured, his voice low and husky. Then, with a sudden surge of emotion, he kissed her again, deeper this time, pouring all the feelings he had been holding back into that one moment.

The soft glow of lanterns cast a warm, golden light over their intimate dinner setup on the beach. Katsuki and Valerie sat across from each other at the elegantly arranged table, their plates steaming with spicy curry that filled the cool night air with its mouthwatering aroma. The sound of the waves crashing gently on the shore mixed with the crackling of the candles, creating a calming backdrop to their special evening.

Katsuki dug into his meal with fervour, clearly appreciating the effort Valerie had put into preparing his favourite dish. Valerie watched him, a soft smile playing at her lips as she picked at her food. She felt a surge of warmth seeing how much he enjoyed it. They settled into an easy conversation, the tension from earlier easing into something far more relaxed.

"So," Valerie began, twirling her fork through the rice, "what's your favourite part of Christmas?"

Katsuki paused, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Huh. Probably the food," he admitted with a slight smirk. "And blowing stuff up with fireworks. What about you?"

Valerie giggled, her laughter making Katsuki's chest feel lighter. "I love the lights," she said, her eyes shining with excitement. "How everything seems a little more magical like anything's possible. Plus, spending time with the people I care about." She glanced at him, and Katsuki felt his heart thump in response.

They continued eating, the conversation flowing easily between them. Katsuki shared stories from his childhood Christmases—his mom's loud, boisterous celebrations and his dad's attempts to keep things under control. Valerie told him about her quieter holidays, often spent dreaming of being somewhere warm and full of life.

As they reached dessert, Valerie brought out the velvet chocolate mousse, a rich, velvety treat that was practically decadent. Katsuki eyed it suspiciously, though his sweet tooth was evident as he reached for a spoon. He took a bite, and his eyes widened as the chocolate melted on his tongue. "Damn," he mumbled. "This is good."

Valerie's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Katsuki rolled his eyes but kept eating, the dark chocolate smudging the corner of his mouth as he devoured the mousse. Valerie couldn't help but laugh, a playful glint in her eyes. "Hold still," she said, leaning forward. He raised an eyebrow but stayed still, and Valerie reached over, gently brushing her finger against the chocolate smudge on his cheek.

Katsuki stiffened slightly, his eyes narrowing with curiosity as she lifted her finger to her lips. Slowly, she licked the chocolate off in a way that was anything but innocent. Her tongue brushed against her fingertip, her gaze never leaving his. Katsuki's face darkened, a flush spreading across his cheeks as his eyes widened in disbelief.

A silence fell between them, charged with electricity. Katsuki clenched his jaw, his heart racing as Valerie leaned back in her seat, her lips curving into a playful smile. "You're a tease," he muttered, his voice rougher than usual.

Valerie tilted her head, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Maybe," she replied softly. "Or maybe I just know what I want."

Katsuki couldn't help the way his lips twitched into a smirk. He set his spoon down, leaning forward across the table. "Careful," he warned, his voice low, "or you'll find out just how much control I'm trying to keep tonight."

Valerie's laughter danced through the night, but there was no denying the way her heart sped up. 

***

The next Chapter is going to have Mature content 

PLUS ULTRA