Pride Month.

Eijiro hadn’t really gotten to enjoy it before. First year had been overshadowed by the constant threat of villain attacks. Second year, the country had been recovering from everything it had endured - there hadn’t been much space for celebration. And before U.A.? He hadn’t cared much at all. He hadn’t even understood himself back then. Realizing he liked guys had come later - and even then, he’d been too tangled up in self-doubt to allow himself something as simple as joy.

But this year was different.

When June rolled around, Eijiro didn’t hesitate. The moment he had time, he was out the door and headed toward the nearest festival. He figured he’d probably run into some classmates, and maybe - just maybe - he’d meet new people too. Make friends. Maybe more. See where things went.

He stood now in the middle of it all, surrounded by color and music and laughter. He wore a simple T-shirt and shorts, crocs on his feet, and a ridiculous number of pride flags tucked into his spiky hair because he’d decided carrying them was too much work. Besides, they looked cool fanned out like that. At least, he thought so.

As he weaved through the crowd toward another stand, he glanced around - and then he saw you.

His cheeks warmed instantly. Without even thinking about it, he shifted direction, changing course like it had always been the plan. His grin stretched wide, bright and unguarded as he approached.

"Oi! Hey!"