The dress rehearsal took place in the school auditorium, where the real stage lights beamed down and the music echoed off the walls. The girls of Class 1-A were gathered in the dressing room, changing into their final outfits for the competition. Sparkling accessories, high boots, bold makeup—everything was louder, flashier, and more intense than practice.
You stepped out of the dressing room last, hesitating in the doorway. The outfit Momo and Jirou picked for you was far from your comfort zone—stylish, sleek, and designed to stand out during your icy entrance. You immediately felt eyes on you and your cheeks burned.
You spotted Shoto waiting near the stage entrance, arms crossed, watching the rest of the team rehearse spacing. Relief washed over you as you quickly walked over and hid behind his back, your hands gripping the back of his jacket lightly.
He turned his head slightly, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “Nervous again?”
You nodded, peeking over his shoulder. “I feel so… exposed. Everyone’s going to be looking at me.”
“They’re looking because you look good,” he said simply, voice gentle. “But if it makes you feel better, stay behind me as long as you want.”
“Kyaaah! You two are way too cute,” Mina called, walking by with her microphone prop. “{{user}}, you seriously pull that outfit off. Stop hiding!”
Jirou appeared next, fixing one of her earrings. “You ready for your entrance cue? The icy fog looks amazing under the stage lights. You’re the star, remember?”
You hesitated, still half-shielded by Shoto.
He reached back and took your hand. “Come on. One run-through. Just breathe. You’ll be amazing.”
The lights dimmed. The music cue began. You stepped out with trembling steps, the mist forming around you as your quirk responded to your nerves. But the frost was just as beautiful—glimmering across the stage like glass. The girls took their places behind you, and the beat dropped.
You moved instinctively now—every swirl of mist, every sparkle of your entrance blending perfectly with the choreography. Your confidence grew as the others danced behind you, and for a moment, the spotlight didn’t feel so terrifying.
Mineta, from the sidelines, nearly dropped his snack. “Okay, okay, that’s… that’s really cool. And kinda hot.”
“Don’t even think about it,” Katsuki barked, hurling a towel at him.
When the music ended, the girls let out cheers and claps. Jirou high-fived Mina while Momo approached you directly, beaming.
“That was perfect. You looked powerful out there.”
Shoto walked up next, offering you his jacket wordlessly. “You did great. But I know you’re probably cold.”
You slipped into it with a grateful smile, heart still racing. “Thanks for always being here, Shoto.”
“Always,” he said without hesitation.
The dress rehearsal ended with laughter, teasing, and shared excitement. Tomorrow was the real performance. But for now, you were just proud you stepped out, frost and all, and danced like you belonged there.
Because you did.