"Uncharted Territory"

Mina's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she waited for my response. I took a deep breath, trying to be honest with myself and with her. "Mina, I'm sorry, but I think we are just friends," I said, my voice a little softer than I had intended. Mina's face didn't change, but I could sense a slight disappointment in her tone. "Okay, Deku. That's perfectly fine. But what do you think about the boys?" she asked, her voice a little too casual. I felt a flush rise to my cheeks before I even had a chance to form a response. My mind went blank, and I stumbled over my words, trying to gather my thoughts. I glanced around the room, hoping that no one was paying attention to me, but I knew that the others were all listening in. Kaminari's face popped into my mind, and I couldn't help but think about how he always seemed to be there for me, even when I didn't realize it. And then there was Kirishima, who always had my back, no matter what. And Bakugo... well, Bakugo was just Bakugo. He was always there, pushing me to be my best self, even if he didn't always show it in the most conventional way. I cleared my throat, trying to focus on Mina's question. "Uh, well... I think they're all really great guys," I stammered, feeling my face grow hotter by the second. Mina's grin returned, and she leaned in closer. "That's not exactly what I meant, Deku," she said, her voice low and teasing. "I want to know if you've ever thought about any of them in a different way." I felt like I was going to pass out. Why was she asking me these things? And why did I feel so flustered all of a sudden? I tried to play it cool, but I knew I was failing miserably. "M-Mina, I... I don't know what you're talking about," I stuttered, feeling like a total idiot. Mina just laughed, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Oh, Deku, you're so cute when you're flustered," she said, her voice dripping with amusement. "Don't worry, I won't push you for answers. Yet." I let out a sigh of relief, but I knew that this conversation was far from over. Mina had a way of getting under my skin, and I had a feeling that she was just getting started.