Chapter 22: Halloween Movie College edition part 2
In the heart of Musutafu, the autumn air was crisp, and leaves crunched underfoot, signaling the arrival of October. Ochaco Uraraka, now a college student, bustled around her cozy apartment, adjusting decorations that reflected the season. Cobwebs hung from the ceiling, and pumpkins with goofy grins sat on her windowsill, while fairy lights twinkled in orange and purple hues. She had a singular goal in mind: to reunite her beloved Deku Squad and relive the camaraderie they had forged during their intense training at U.A. High School.
After months of classes and part-time jobs keeping them all busy, she finally sent out the invites. "Movie night at my place this weekend!" she had texted, her excitement practically palpable. A flurry of responses came back, each filled with enthusiasm. Deku, Iida, Todoroki, and Tsuyu all promised to come, and she couldn't wait to see them again.
The evening of the movie night arrived, and Ochaco had spent the day preparing. She arranged bowls of popcorn doused in different seasonings, candies piled high, and sodas chilled to perfection. However, the highlight was undoubtedly the centerpiece: a classic horror flick, "Halloween." Ochaco knew everyone had their reservations about horror movies, but she couldn't resist the chance to introduce some nostalgic terror into their reunion.
When her friends arrived, the atmosphere instantly brightened. Deku, wearing a snug green hoodie reminiscent of his school days, bounced excitedly over to her. "Ochaco! This place looks amazing! I can't believe it's been a year!"
"I know, right?" She hugged him tight. "It's so good to see you! Come on in, everyone!"
Iida stood at the door, adjusting his glasses nervously. "Ochaco, I commend you on your excellent décor, but do we really need to watch a horror film? I would have suggested something educational instead," he said with a hint of a frown.
"Lighten up, Iida, Let's live a little" Todoroki interjected, a rare smile quirking at the corner of his lips. The sight of him in casual wear made Ochaco's heart flutter despite the chill that took her breath away.
Tsuyu hopped in, her croaky voice cheerful as ever. "Ribbit! I'm excited, Ochaco! It's been too long! Let's eat and watch the movie!"
As they settled on the floor, surrounded by piles of snacks, Ochaco flipped the lights down, casting a warm glow around the room. The iconic theme from "Halloween" soon echoed through the apartment, and the tension grew thick as the film began. They were enveloped in a tale of suspense, gasping and jumping at every jump scare while sharing nervous giggles.
By the time the credits rolled, hearts were racing—not just from fear but from a newfound energy that sparked between them. "Okay, that was terrifying!" Deku exclaimed, his voice slightly shaky, to which everyone laughed.
"I told you it would be fun!" Ochaco beamed, feeling a wave of satisfaction wash over her.
"Now that we've survived that, how about a game to loosen up?" Iida suggested, already bracing for resistance. "I propose… truth or dare!"
"Spicy!" Tsuyu replied, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Let's do it, ribbit!"
The game kicked off a hilarious series of revelations and dares, with each round sending them into fits of laughter. Iida found himself dared to imitate All Might's iconic pose, and he reluctantly obliged, striking a pose in the middle of the room. "I am here!" he shouted proudly, his voice booming.
"Next!" Ochaco grinned, her heart racing with anticipation. "Todoroki, truth or dare?"
"Dare," he replied coolly, though a slight smirk betrayed him.
"Text one of your classmates a meme," she challenged, and he raised an eyebrow but ultimately accepted, doing it with a perfectly stoic face that made everyone laugh harder than they thought possible.
As the game progressed, dares became increasingly outrageous. Deku was challenged to attempt a superhero landing, and his awkward tumble turned into peals of laughter, while Tsuyu dared Ochaco to serenade her with a silly song about frogs—which turned into an impromptu karaoke session filled with off-key renditions.
Finally, it was Ochaco's turn again. "Todoroki!" she said teasingly, "Truth or dare?"
His eyes narrowed for a moment. "Truth."
"What's your biggest fear?" she asked, not expecting a deep response.
The room fell quiet, and Todoroki pondered for a moment. "I… I fear not being able to protect the people I care about," he admitted softly, his gaze drifting to each member of the squad. The laughter faded, replaced by an understanding silence.
"I think we have each other's backs, though." Deku reassured him. "No matter what!"
The group shared a warm moment, the weight of their words hanging in the air like the flickering shadows cast by the Halloween decorations.
"Alright! My turn again!" Ochaco brightened up the mood, eager to continue the game. "Tsuyu, truth or dare?"
"Dare," she replied confidently.
"I dare you to take a spooky picture with your 'scary' face!" Ochaco laughed, and Tsuyu readily pretended to be a monster, the shocked expressions causing everyone to erupt into laughter once more.
As the night drew on, laughter echoed through the apartment, and the bond between the five friends only grew stronger. What started as a simple movie night had transformed into an unforgettable reunion filled with shared fears, hilarious dares, and, most importantly, reminded them just how much they cared for one another.
The movie may have ended, but the magic of their friendship was just getting started.