Seven Minutes In Heaven Part 1

(ShinKami)

The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with shades of orange and purple as Mina Ashido stood proudly in front of her beach house, the scent of the ocean mingling with the sweet aroma of Halloween treats she had spent the afternoon baking. She had transformed the rental into a spooky haven, with ghostly decorations draping from the ceiling and jack-o'-lanterns flickering along the windows. It had been years since Class 1-A had seen each other, and now, fully-fledged pro heroes with their own agencies, the nostalgia of high school swirled in the air, mixed with the excitement of friendship rekindled.

As the clock struck eight, the sound of laughter and chatter filled the house. Each member of Class 1-A arrived in style, some donning elaborate hero costumes that showcased their quirks, while others chose to embrace the Halloween spirit with creative but casual outfits. The atmosphere buzzed with warmth and enthusiasm, as stories of hero work, internships, and adventures flowed freely.

"We should totally play a game!" Mina proposed, her voice cutting through the friendly chaos. After a few rounds of games, the group decided on something they'd joked about during their high school days: "Seven Minutes in Heaven." Playful banter erupted as the others rooted for their favorites, and soon enough, two brave souls were suggested to go first.

"Kaminari and Shinso should go!" shouted Kirishima with a grin, nudging the two forward. The pair exchanged hesitant looks—but Denki's determined smile seemed to assure them it was all in good fun. The vibe in the living room shifted as everyone watched, anticipation humming through the air.

"Alright, let's see what happens!" Mina clapped her hands, ushering everyone to form a circle around the closet door. Denki and Hitoshi stepped inside, the laughter on the outside mingling with the awkward tension that settled within the cramped space.

As the door clicked shut, the closeness of their bodies sent an electric thrill through both boys. Denki leaned against the wall, glancing at Hitoshi in the dim light. They'd always shared a bond, having grown closer since working at the same agency, but unspoken feelings hung in the air like charged particles, making the atmosphere almost palpable.

"So, um... this is cozy," Denki attempted to break the ice, chuckling nervously. Hitoshi crossed his arms, leaning back casually, but there was a flicker of something deeper in his gaze. "Yeah, surprising, isn't it?" he replied, his voice low.

Denki's heart raced. This was the moment he'd been waiting for—the chance to confess the feelings that had built between them over time. He glanced at Hitoshi, his pulse quickening. "Hitoshi, I've been meaning to say—"

Before he could finish, Hitoshi leaned forward, cutting him off. "No, wait. I want to say something first," he said, sincerity etched onto his face. "Denki, I've felt these weird butterflies around you for a while now. It's not just friendship for me. I didn't know how to bring it up, but it's true. I... I like you."

The confession hung in the air, heavy and sweet, almost drowning out the sounds of laughter from their friends outside. Denki's expression shifted from surprise to a wide grin that lit up the dim space. "You… like me?!" he exclaimed, hardly believing his ears.

"Yeah," Shinso admitted, his voice barely above a whisper, eyes averting. "And it's not just because you're… you know, shockingly cute or whatever. It's everything. Your energy, how you always manage to brighten up my day—"

Denki shifted closer, excitement bubbling inside him, the walls of the closet now feeling like an adventure instead of a prisoner's box. "I like you too! I thought I was imagining things!" His pulse quickened, driven by a mix of adrenaline and sheer happiness.

"Then what are we doing just sitting here?" Hitoshi asked, his voice almost teasing now, but with a hint of vulnerability. "Let's figure this out."

Mina's voice drifted through the door, "Hey! Time's up! Come out, lovebirds!"

As the door swung open, both boys stepped out, faces flushed as their friends burst into cheers and laughter. They shared a quick glance, a silent agreement passing between them—today had marked the beginning of something new.