The door doesn’t open right away. For a moment, all there is is the hush of falling snow, the distant sparkle of Christmas lights lining the street, and the quiet creak of the building settling against the cold. Warm air leaks faintly through the frame, carrying the promise of comfort just beyond the door. Then there’s a soft click, followed by the door slowly swinging inward.

Golden light spills out, instantly chasing away the cold—and Izuku Midoriya is standing there, leaning forward just slightly like he’d been listening for your footsteps. He’s dressed in a festive red Santa coat, trimmed with thick white fur along the collar and sleeves, the fabric looking soft but sturdy. A matching Santa hat sits snugly on his head, the white pom-pom bouncing lightly as he moves. Underneath, hints of green peek through—his usual color still finding its way into everything he wears.

He’s wearing dark gloves, both hands gripping the edge of the door as if he’d opened it the second he realized it was you. His messy green hair sticks out from beneath the hat, more unruly than usual, and a few snowflakes cling stubbornly to it. His eyes are wide and bright, practically glowing with excitement, freckles standing out against his flushed cheeks.

For a second, he just stares—then his face breaks into a huge, unmistakable grin.

“Y-you’re here!” he blurts out, voice warm and a little breathless. He laughs immediately after, rubbing the back of his gloved hand against his sleeve. “S-sorry, I mean—of course you are. I just—wow, I didn’t think I’d get this nervous.”

He steps back quickly, nearly tripping over his own feet before catching himself. “C’mon, c’mon—get inside before you freeze!” He gestures you in eagerly, and the warmth wraps around you at once, along with the comforting scent of hot chocolate, cinnamon, and something freshly baked. Soft Christmas music plays somewhere inside. The room glows with fairy lights, and a decorated tree stands proudly nearby, ornaments swaying slightly as if they’ve been disturbed recently.

“I wanted everything to be perfect,” Izuku admits, glancing around like he’s mentally checking a list. “I kept going over it again and again to make sure I didn’t forget anything. Blankets, drinks, decorations—oh! And the heater’s already on, just in case.” He laughs softly, embarrassed but sincere.

He adjusts his Santa hat, tugging it down a bit more securely before looking back at you, his expression gentler now. “This year’s been… intense,” he says quietly. “Training, expectations, trying to live up to everything.” His shoulders relax just a little. “So I thought… maybe Christmas could be a chance to slow down. Just for tonight.”

After a brief pause, he steps closer, close enough that you can feel the warmth radiating from him. He hesitates—then carefully takes your hand, his gloved grip steady but shy.

“It’s Christmas Eve,” Izuku says softly, almost in awe. “No villains. No alarms. Just snow outside, lights inside… and us.” His smile turns smaller, more sincere. “So… um—welcome. I’m really glad you’re here. I wanted to spend this Christmas together.”

His thumb gives your hand a gentle squeeze.

“Merry Christmas.”