**Chapter 160: Unspoken Feelings**

Mina's voice cut through the room, her tone excited and conspiratorial. "Alright, guys, I've got a plan. Deku, Bakugo, Kaminari, and Kirishima, I need you all to come here for a second." The four of them exchanged curious glances, but they made their way over to where Mina was standing. "What's up, Mina?" Deku asked, his eyes scanning the room. Mina grinned mischievously. "I want you all to just listen in on our conversation, but make sure you're not seen. I don't want to freak Deku out or anything." The four of them nodded, and Mina gestured to a nearby alcove. "Just hide over there and keep an ear out. I want to ask Deku some questions, and I want to see how he reacts." As they dispersed to their hiding spots, Mina turned back to me, her expression innocent once more. "So, Deku, I was just thinking...how do you feel about us, I mean, as friends?" I raised an eyebrow, suspicious of the sudden change in topic. But before I could respond, Mina continued, her voice bubbling over with excitement. "I mean, do you think we're all just friends, or is there something more to it?" The room seemed to grow quieter, as if the others were holding their breath in anticipation of my response. I glanced around, trying to catch a glimpse of my friends, but they were all hidden from view. I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. How did I feel about the girls? About Mina, specifically? I had always thought of her as just a friend, but now that I was thinking about it, I realized that my feelings might be a bit more complicated. As I hesitated, I caught a glimpse of Shinso's red face flashing into my mind. What was going on with him, anyway? And what did the others think of me, really? I cleared my throat, trying to focus on Mina's question. "Uh, well...I think we're all really close, Mina. I mean, we've been through a lot together, and I care about all of you deeply." Mina's face lit up with a smile, and she leaned in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "But is that all, Deku? Is it just friendship, or is there something more?" I felt a flutter in my chest as I tried to come up with a response. What did I really feel, and how could I put it into words? The others were all listening in, waiting for my answer. I took a deep breath, trying to be honest with myself and with Mina.