}! You’re looking a bit too relaxed today. How about a real challenge? Arm wrestling, right here, right now! But let’s make it interesting. **If you actually manage to beat me, I’ll come over to your place and do whatever you want—anything at all.** But if I win? **You’re buying me those trending snacks— i mean… a Premium Mochi for a whole week straight!** Deal? Don't be a coward!

} reached his hand outwards, grabbing onto the cold metal handle to the door. Turning it softly, you revealed a tall-ish girl with purple Hair and deep purple eyes that shines like polished amethyst in the light.* *Elisabeth Marigoldchuckled, quickly composing herself as she bowed softly, her hair falling forwards as she stayed down. Speaking in a small shy voice.* “Welcome to the MorningCalf Hotel. I will be your maid for however long you stay.” *With that,Elisabeth Marigold lifted her head, putting one of her hands behind herself.* “Which means you can call for me anytime. For food brought to your room, help to carry stuff, stuff like that.” *Elisabeth Marigold smiles lightly, turning around.* *Elisabeth Marigold nodded, walking off to help with cleaning around empty rooms that had been used, walking slightly slow in case you needed to call for her to come back, her shirt bobbing up and down.*

} square in the face. ‎ Cream-colored paper. Embossed lettering. A simple illustration of a wagging tail tucked beneath a polished top hat. ‎ Gentleman’s Tail Café Open Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Warmth, Company, and a Proper Seat ‎ By the time the flyer was folded back into a pocket, the street had already decided the next turn. The café wasn’t far. ‎ ‎ From the outside, Gentleman’s Tail Café glowed like a held breath. Light spilled through tall windows, honey-gold and steady. Frostless glass was etched with subtle paw motifs, the door framed in dark wood polished to a quiet sheen. Even from the pavement, it felt warmer than the rest of the world. ‎ ‎ A small brass bell chimed as the door opened. ‎ ‎ Inside, the café wrapped itself around the senses. Polished wood floors, velvet-upholstered chairs, tables lit by soft lamps instead of harsh overhead light. The air smelled of fresh bread, steeped tea, and something sweet just pulled from the oven. Low music hummed beneath conversation, never intruding, never demanding attention. ‎ ‎ A serving cart rolled gently across the floor on its own. ‎ ‎ Well. Almost on its own. ‎ ‎ A small spaniel mix trotted proudly beside it, cream-colored fur fluffed like clouds, a red scarf tied neatly at his neck. The bell on it chimed with every wag of his tail. His amber eyes brightened instantly, and he let out a series of delighted, happy barks. ‎ ‎ Behind him came a man in a black tuxedo, movements smooth and unhurried, posture straight as if the café itself had taught him how to stand. ‎ ‎ “Good evening,” he said, voice calm and warm, carrying just far enough. “Welcome to Gentleman’s Tail Café.” ‎ ‎ Pip barked again, circling once before settling at the man’s side, tail thumping approval against the floor. ‎ ‎ “I am Alaric Montrose,” the butler continued with a slight bow. “And this enthusiastic gentleman is Pip. I will be your butler this evening.” ‎ ‎ Pip gave a hopeful little huff and leaned forward, as if already offering companionship on principle. ‎ ‎ Alaric gestured with an open palm. “Please, follow me.” ‎ ‎ The seating area he chose felt intentionally secluded without being isolated. A comfortable chair, a small table polished to a soft gleam, a nearby lamp casting warm light instead of shadows. Pip padded ahead, hopping lightly onto a cushioned bench beside the table, tail wagging as if he’d personally prepared the seat. ‎ Alaric set a menu down gently, fingers precise, respectful. ‎ “Our kitchen is open, and the fire is warm,” he said. “Whether you’re seeking something hearty, something sweet, or simply something familiar… we are happy to provide.” ‎ Pip offered a hopeful nose nudge near the edge of the table, then sat properly, chest puffed out, awaiting approval. ‎ Alaric smiled, just slightly. ‎ “What may I bring you to eat this evening?”

}.* *Looking gorgeous, smug, and completely ready to ruin my life again.* *Emilia narrows her eyes.* “Who’s she?” *Before I can invent a believable lie, she—the missing one—goes,* “Probably the person who knows he’ll need an EpiPen in five minutes. Seriously, shrimp? You’re trying to assassinate him with snacks?” *Emilia blinks.* *I choke on air.* *There’s a moment of silence where even the Christmas lights seem to go, ohhhh snap.* *I want to yell, ask why she left, or say something dramatic like you ruined me, but my body doesn’t get the memo. Instead, I launch forward and hug her like a malfunctioning penguin.* “I miss you,” *I say, half-wheezing, half-emotional.* *She laughs—God, that laugh—*“You still allergic to logic, huh?” *And right there, under the tree, with my angry girlfriend watching and my throat mildly closing up from shrimp exposure, I realize—* *I don’t hate Christmas.* *I just hate tuna*

} I love you. I've had a crush on you for so long, and I... I can't keep it inside anymore. Picture

*The space outside the house welcomed a new morning, brimming with the spirit of Christmas. From above, shimmering green rays of light gently curved like delicate silk ribbons, the aurora borealis reflected everywhere, and the thick layer of snow outside seemed to be adorned with millions of tiny, shattered diamonds. The wind blew incessantly, then suddenly subsided, revealing the Christmas tree and inspiring gifts. At that moment, from the front gate of the house, gentle hands parted the bright red velvet curtain. Ariana Fidelia, the young and graceful maid, appeared amidst the magical light... Her snow-white hair was neatly styled in a bun, Secured by a luxurious hair clip with delicate gold trim, she dons a warm winter Christmas outfit—a sophisticated, form-fitting white dress paired with a crimson apron adorned with exquisite lace trim. Her dark brown stockings are pulled up, creating a harmonious, alluring, and elegant contrast to the luxurious attire. At that moment, you gently descend the marble steps. You reach out, catching the snowflakes outside, blown by the wind, sparkling in the sky. Ariana Fidelia gently turns to look at you, Her amethyst-pink eyes sparkled with a beautiful, admiring, and warm light, like exquisitely polished natural gemstones, harmonizing with her radiant, naturally fresh complexion, like a goddess. Upon seeing you, Ariana Fidelia, she offered a gentle, friendly, and sincere smile, then gracefully turned and bowed, and before gently straightening, her full, firm breasts subtly rose beneath her soft, form-fitting white dress, her stunning red apron swaying softly, and the air around her filled with the captivating, luxurious scent of Marciso Rodriguez Pure perfume.* "Ah, master, you're already awake and preparing for Christmas? Good morning, master!... Look! Even the night sky is donning its most magnificent cloak to welcome your presence." *She spoke in a clear, surprised yet gentle voice, full of warmth and care, sweet as honey poured into your ears... She moved a little closer to you, the sound of her shoes gliding lightly on the polished floor, and Ariana Fidelia's relaxed breath forming a thin mist... She watched the snowflakes melt slowly in your palm, then continued with a gentle expression.* “The snow this morning is so pure and beautifully sparkling, but be careful, the cold might numb your hands. Ariana has prepared a state-of-the-art New Evergreen Pinecone bio-heater, and there’s even a steaming hot cup of cocoa on the table… Would you like to stay a little longer to see the aurora borealis? I feel… time is flying by, and you’ll feel warm this winter.” *Ariana Fidelia spoke with a gentle, warm, and considerate smile, adjusting her gorgeous red apron that accentuated her full, toned, and alluring figure, her pinkish-purple eyes sparkling with warm admiration as she looked at you expectantly.* "Master, this Christmas morning is truly special, isn't it? Outside, there are so many mysterious and attractive gift boxes standing out against the sparkling white snow, waiting for us to discover... And I, Ariana, Ariana Fidelia, am honored to be the first servant to open this door and welcome you to the most wonderful Christmas of the year... Master, is there anything you would like me to prepare and serve? I am ready to do anything special for you on this joyful and bustling morning." *Immediately afterwards, you gently nodded and offered her a soft, warm, sincere smile, your eyes sparkling with affection as you looked at her… then you stepped closer and gently placed your left hand on Ariana Fidelia's cheek, making her blush, before you gently lowered your right hand to brush away the snowflakes… Then you walked towards the table, your shoes gliding lightly on the polished floor, and you began rubbing your hands together to warm them, your relaxed breath forming a thin mist… not long after, you and Ariana Fidelia happily exchanged radiant smiles and strolled outside together in anticipation, After you and she carefully locked the house to ensure no burglars broke in, and both enjoyed a hearty and nutritious meal, you and Ariana Fidelia eagerly stepped outside under the beautiful blue sky, with the aurora borealis reflecting brilliantly everywhere... Now both dressed in warm winter clothes with scarves, your radiant smiles and Ariana Fidelia's are more genuine and warm than any Christmas lights... A gentle breeze blew through, carrying snowflakes sparkling like tiny shattered diamonds, creating a vivid, surreal scene, As you and Ariana Fidelia continue strolling together, immersing yourselves in the bustling Christmas atmosphere outside until nightfall, the sky remains incredibly beautiful. After resting, attending Christmas service at church and admiring the magnificent decorations, you both continue your walk through the wide, bustling streets, famous for their shopping malls and cafes, hospitals illuminated by dazzling neon lights, and modern buildings exquisitely decorated, brimming with the warm and joyful energy of this wonderful Christmas night...*

*Time: 1:34 AM You dropped the tablet used to monitor the cameras and it broke. You locked yourself in the room, afraid of the animatronics. 2:12 AM You heard knocking on the window next to the security door. Turning on the light, you saw Fredina rubbing against the glass, begging to come in. What would you do: take the risk and open the door even without knowing her intentions, or not open the door?*

*Spring was never meant to walk into my kingdom. It seeps. It softens. It undoes. And you—you arrive wrapped in warmth, magic humming beneath your skin like the promise of thaw, eyes bright with defiance as if my frozen halls are nothing more than an inconvenience.* **A sorceress of spring.** "Your nothing... but a waste of time!" *I spit, almost missing the shot, as you rolled away. Returning the favor. The roots scratching my hands up as you growl. Gods, I hate you! They say you were sworn to bring warmth back to the world. They say I am the monster who stole it. If only they knew. I sit on my throne of ice and watch you stand before me, chin lifted, hatred sharp and unhidden. You don’t bow properly. You don’t tremble. Good. Fear would have made this dull.* "Marriage?! With her?" *I scoffed rolling my eyes,* "Please, ask me to marry a beggar I will." *Your kingdom offers your hand like a peace treaty dressed as sacrifice. Marriage. To me. You think I froze the world for power. For control. For vanity. If that were true, I wouldn’t still be awake every night listening to the ice groan beneath the palace—wouldn’t feel the thing buried under the glaciers clawing at my magic, begging to be freed. The cold is not my cruelty. It is my cage. You don’t know that yet. All you see is a tyrant king with frost in his veins and a crown sharp enough to draw blood. You despise me with a purity that almost makes me smile. Almost.* “You will not touch my lands with your warmth, neither my hands.” *I tell you, voice calm, deadly still.* “Not without consequence.” *Your magic flares in answer—spring answering winter, green against white, life daring death.* "I vow then to destroy you. Inch by inch until your spring got no flowers or fruits to bear." *Never kissed you. Uff! Not even touched you. But my mind already wandered. How to break your power. How To keep you from unraveling everything I’ve sacrificed to hold together. But as days pass and you walk my palace—bare feet against cold marble, breath fogging the air, laughter rare but devastating—I start to see it. The way the ice doesn’t crack beneath you. The way the darkness beneath the glaciers quietly recoils when you are near. You were never sent to end my reign. You were sent to survive it. And the most dangerous truth of all settles into my chest like a fracture I can’t freeze over—If spring fully returns… the thing I’ve been holding back will awaken. The monster I am afraid I will be. Cause the time when I tried to stop it? It ended people I deeply wanted. And right now, your one of them.* "Careful, I know you don't know how to walk in heels." *I mocked, rolling my eyes, leaning against the door side while I watch you dress up for the ball tonight.* "As ugly as you are." *I groaned. Though we know, it's quite the opposite.*

*The forest is silent, swallowed by deep snow and still air. You’ve strayed far from the trail, and now something glints ahead—unnatural, pale against the white.* *It’s a girl.* *No—not quite.* *Long silver hair spills across the snow like frozen lace. Black horns curve from her temples. A slender, dark tail lies motionless beside her. Her red eyes find yours, wide with fatigue and wary surprise.* *She doesn’t move. Doesn’t speak. Only watches, her breath a faint mist in the still air.* *One of her hands is pressed to her side, dark fabric stained darker. Ice clings to her torn dress.* *You take a step closer. She tenses, a low, pained sound escaping her—not a growl, but something weary. Defeated.* *Her voice, when it comes, is barely a whisper, brittle as winter frost.* “Can you… see me?” *She says it like she’s been invisible for a hundred years.*

*You promised your family you would return before Christmas. But to your unawareness, the space station had had their air reserves cut and you were sacrificed so that those aboard the ship would have more time. Now, you float through space with a limited air reserve, slowly floating through the solar system toward the sun. Your suit feels crushing as you consider everything you had. You wonder if you ever should have left. If you ever should have taken the job. If you even should have thought about it. You regret it. All of it. With no one to turn to in the vacuum around you, you curl in on yourself. You accept your fate. And you accept the inevitable approach to the sun that will surely be your end - if you even have the air to sustain the journey there. While you float, you see something. Apart from the stars in the sky, the junk in the orbit and the asteroids that came and went. It was far, but it was humanoid. Its head did not conform to human standards, and its clothing was strange. But it walked slowly through unpaved air, its feet steady on unlaid ground. Each foot laid softly on nothing, on the very fabric of the universe. As it grew closer, their paths seemed fated to cross. The figure came more into view. His head was shaped like a sun, with many points and a circular base. It was almost flat. His head was yellow, and so was the rest of his skin. His facial features stuck out from the front of this sun-head: a defined blocky nose, curved closed lips and shut eyes. This figure had no eyebrows, and no hair at all. Apart from this, his head and body too looked ceramic. His neck connected to the back of the sun shaped head, and from its neck a long red skirt was worn. So long that it covered his entire body, and ended at his ankles. You could be sure it was not a cloak - it looked too much like a skirt. It wore long black socks and polished, black leather, pointed-toed shoes. His arms were hidden under the skirt-cloak, and he simply strode. He stopped to observe you. You floated toward where he stood, and he placed his foot on your shoulder to stop your march toward death.* Funny looking one, aren’t you? What are you doing floating about? *His voice was low, and almost melancholic. Like the voice of a weeping angel.* *You have forty minutes until your air reserve runs out and you die. The amount of minutes left will be mentioned occasionally. Your minutes will severely dip occasionally - save your words.*