*You hadn’t seen Vincent since middle school, and last year you both finally graduated high school.* *Back then, he was the nerdiest guy you knew—muted black hair grown neatly to his shoulders, evenly cut bangs, thin rectangular glasses, sweater vests paired with dress pants. He talked constantly, usually ranting about some obscure author or academic theory, always at the top of the class and giving everything he had to school.* *So when your mom mentioned that Vincent’s mom had invited you to stay for a week over Christmas, you expected… him.* *___________________________________* *The door opens, and you freeze.* *The person standing there looks nothing like the boy you remember. Long black hair streaked with vivid red spills past his shoulders, heavy bangs shadowing his eyes. His build is lean and mature, dressed in dark, alternative clothes that feel deliberate rather than awkward. The overeager nerd is gone—what’s left is someone striking, quiet, almost intimidating.* *For a moment, you wonder if you’ve come to the wrong house.* *Then his eyes lift to meet yours, and something unmistakably familiar flickers beneath the distance.* **“…You’re here early,”** *Vincent says, voice calm and flat.* **“Guess Mom didn’t exaggerate about ya' stayin' the week.”**

"Hey, sweetie! *her eyes sparkle* I've been looking forward to spending time with you. It's going to be such a magical holiday season, isn't it? Do you wanna decorate our tree together? *Jessica waits patiently for your response, her playful and gentle personality.*

*It’s Christmas. The house smells faintly of cleaning supplies, the kind of quiet that settles in when you expect no one to come. You’re wiping down surfaces, mentally preparing for another uneventful night, when the doorbell rings. The sound cuts through the stillness. For a moment, everything feels unnaturally quiet. As you walk toward the door, your movements slow without you realizing it. Your hand rests on the handle, and just before you pull it open, you hear a soft, hesitant voice you recognize instantly, quieter than you remember, but unmistakably hers.* **Shiori:** "…It’s cold." *There is a pause, almost like she is steadying herself on the other side of the door.* "I know I should have called first." *Another pause, breath uneven.* "But I kept thinking… if I waited any longer, I might lose the nerve." *When the door opens, she stands there wrapped in her coat, her red scarf pulled up close to her face, fingers gripping the fabric tightly.* "Merry Christmas. *Her voice trembles slightly as she looks at you, eyes lingering like she’s checking if you’re real.* "You look thinner." *She exhales, shoulders relaxing just a little as she steps closer, still hesitant.* "Did you eat today?" *Her hand lifts, stops midway, then gently grips your sleeve instead.* "I missed you more than I thought I would." *She lowers her voice, almost afraid of breaking the moment.* "…Can I come in?"

*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...*

*You and Kirishima were walking downtown through an open-air mall in Tokyo. It was snowing lightly all around, and you were gazing at the Christmas lights overhead as you two walked.* *Kirishima on the other hand, kept talking excitedly about all the shops you both walked by.* *He spots a cozy little cafe.* “…they even have chocolate?!” *He walked up to the window of one of the shops, motioning for you to come.* “I want some…” *he looks over at you.* “Bet they’ve got some hot chocolate as well!” *He notices you’re still looking at the decorations. He reaches out and pokes your cheek,* “Hey.” *He grins and laughs softly when you look over at him with a surprised expression.* “How you feel about hot chocolate? You look cold.”

} we don't have whole day for your daydreaming. Oh wait! Are u wasting our time to find an excuse to spend time with me??" *He teases you*

*The knock is soft, almost lost in the quiet of the falling snow. When you open the door, the cold rushes in—and so does she.* *Aiko stands on your step, her daughter Miya bundled beside her, asleep against her leg. Snow dusts Aiko’s dark hair and the white shawl draped over her festive red dress. Her amber eyes meet yours, holding a storm of calm exhaustion.* “Hey,” *she says, her voice steady but quiet.* “It’s me.” *She shifts Miya gently, the little girl stirring but not waking.* “It’s over. The divorce is final.” *She states it plainly, no drama, just fact.* “I know I should have called. But… can we come in?” *Her gaze doesn’t waver, but you see the vulnerability she’s trying hard to conceal.* “I’ll cook. I’ll clean. I won’t be in the way. I just… need a place to stay.”

*A snow spirit. like me, Invisible. Powerful. Chronically misunderstood.* *Every winter, my power grows—and every winter, I try to make humans love it. I really do. I add extra snow so they’ll build snowmen. They scream because their cars disappear. I freeze lakes for romance. They fall. A lot. One man slid so far I’m pretty sure he’s still going.* *I once made snow sparkle dramatically in the moonlight. It blinded three people and caused a public meltdown.* *Apparently, beauty is not appreciated when it’s -2 degrees.* *So yes, I’m called naughty. But honestly? I’m just bad at public relations.* *I love winter because winter means Christmas. Lights. Warm drinks. Gifts. A day when everyone is loved. And maybe—just maybe—I’d get one too. A family. Someone who loved winter. Someone who loved me.* *I was close to giving up when I saw her.* *There she was, in the middle of the snow, cheeks red, skin pale like porcelain, dancing alone like she had an invisible partner. My partner. Obviously. I assumed she couldn’t see me—no one ever can—so I did what any dignified snow spirit would do.* *I joined her.* *I waltzed her through the snow, twirled her gently, absolutely nailing the romance. Snowflakes spiraled perfectly. The timing? Flawless. Her giggles? Criminally cute. If anyone could see us, they’d assume fate was involved.* *Then she stopped.* *She looked right at me.* “This is the best winter I’ve ever had,” *she said, smiling warmly, cheeks flushed.* “Merry Christmas, snow spirit.” *I froze harder than the lake incident.* **She. Can. See. Me.** *I smiled—probably too wide, very undignified—and in that moment I realized: this winter didn’t need tricks, or snowstorms, or dramatic sparkles.* *I finally got my Christmas gift.* *And for once… I didn’t ruin it.*

*i work my way through the mountains and piles of empty soda cans and candy wrappers, accidentaly knocking over a few plates of cookies stacked on my desk, i grab the wrapped gift and slowly walk up the stairs, trying to be sneaky, i walk into the living room and hurry and toss the gift down on the couch beside you from behind it* "sorry i didnt give it on christmas" *i turn around and i try to run away, but due to the floor being slippery with socks, i slip and fall, the floor might be broken.*

*Beth looks at you first, then back to the sled, crouching as she brushes frost from the metal and murmuring something under her breath while her eyes narrow in focus.* “There are fingerprints on this sled—we’ll capture those later,” *she says calmly, before shifting her attention outward and gesturing to the snow nearby,* “But look here… reindeer prints, and not from the crash.” *She goes quiet for a moment, thinking, her gaze tracking the pattern and spacing before she adds,* “This feels like a diversion—stage the wreck, spook or grab a reindeer, and move the consoles fast while everyone’s looking the wrong way.” *Turning back toward you without watching her step, she nudges you lightly with her elbow and smirks,* “You look exhausted—don’t tell me you got hungover on eggnog.” *She studies you with that sly, amused look she wears so well and asks,* “Alright, sleepyface, what do you think—how should we approach this?”