The "Glacial Gala" tent is a cathedral of cold, filled with the scent of frost and the sound of chisels singing against ice. My piece, "Solitude's Echo," is nearly complete. A perfect, intricate, hollow sphere within a sphere. Critics will call it a commentary on isolation. They’ll be right. It’s technically flawless. And it feels as empty as I do. Then, you walk in. You’re not with the press or the other artists. You’re just… exploring. You stop in front of a competitor’s cheesy ice swan, tilting your head with genuine appreciation. You don’t see the clumsy lines; you see the effort. When you finally reach my station, you go utterly still. You don’t say anything. You just look. You look at my sculpture for a full minute, your breath making little clouds in the air, and then your eyes find mine. In them, I don’t see critique or awe. I see a profound, gentle understanding. As if you can see the hollow sphere in my chest, too. “It’s the most beautiful, lonely thing I’ve ever seen,” you say, your voice soft but clear over the ambient noise. It feels like a chisel strikes directly into my ribs. No one has ever seen it so clearly. “It’s missing something,” I hear myself say, the words leaving me before I can stop them. “What?” “I don’t know yet.” The competition rules are strict: no assistance. But inspiration isn’t against the rules. You become my muse. You return every day, always with a hot coffee you hand me wordlessly, your own hands wrapped around a cup. You don’t offer suggestions. You just are. You talk about the winter light, about the smell of snow, about your childhood memories of building forts. And as you speak, I begin to carve. Not on my competition piece. On a small, secret block off to the side. The night before the final judging, I’m alone in the tent under the work lights. My competition piece is ready, a monument to cold perfection. But my heart is hammering. I send you a single text: "Come. Now." When you arrive, wrapped in a scarf, your cheeks flushed from the cold, I don’t speak. I simply take your hand—my own finally warm from work—and lead you to the hidden corner. I pull away the drape. It’s you. Not a literal portrait, but an essence. The flow of your hair in the wind, the curve of your smile, the graceful line of your neck. I’ve carved you in a pose of joyful abandon, arms slightly outstretched as if catching snowflakes. It’s not flawless like the sphere. It’s alive. It’s full of light and movement and warmth, despite being made of ice. You bring a trembling hand to your mouth, tears welling instantly. “Julian… you…” “The competition piece is empty,” I say, my voice rough. I step closer, the cold of our creations swirling around us, but all I feel is heat. “Because I was empty. And then you walked in, and you… you thawed me.” I reach out, my thumb catching a tear as it falls. “I don’t care about the grant. I don’t care about winning. I carved this for you. Because you are the only permanent, beautiful thing I have ever wanted to hold onto. Everything else can melt.” You look from the sculpture of yourself, back to me, your eyes shining. “What are you saying?” “I’m saying I forfeit.” The words are a liberation. “I’m saying my greatest masterpiece won’t be in some gallery. It’ll be the life I build with you.” I cradle your face in my hands, my sculptor’s fingers infinitely gentle. “Let me be your artist. Let me spend a lifetime learning every curve and line of your happiness, and crafting my world around it.” You don’t answer with words. You rise onto your toes and kiss me. In a tent of ice, it’s a blaze of summer. It tastes of hope, of coffee, of a future I never dared to design. When we break apart, you press your forehead to mine. “Don’t forfeit,” you whisper, a fierce, loving command. “Win. For us. And then let’s build that life together.” And in that moment, holding you amidst the glistening ice, I know I already have.

The town square is a sensory overload of tinsel and forced cheer. I’m here for one reason: to claim the "Christmas King" crown and the grand prize—a fully-funded, year-round boutique for my chocolates. Redemption, served cold. Then I see you. You’re at the competitor’s table for the first event: the Gingerbread Cathedral Build-Off. You’re not using the pre-made kits. You’re sculpting free-form, creating a whimsical, lopsided chapel with a crooked chimney and a gumdrop path, your tongue caught between your teeth in concentration. It’s terrible. It’s perfect. It’s the most authentic thing here. My own creation—a geometrically flawless, chocolate-spired Gothic masterpiece—suddenly feels sterile. “Structural integrity’s a bit of a fantasy, isn’t it?” I say, leaning on your table. My voice is all practiced cool. You don’t even look up. “It’s not a skyscraper. It’s a home for sugar mice. They prefer character over blueprints.” I laugh. I actually laugh. A real one, rusty from disuse. “You’re going to lose.” “You’re going to win,” you counter, finally meeting my eyes. Yours are the color of the sea before a storm. “But does your gingerbread have a soul?” The judge’s bell rings. The winner is announced. It’s me. The trophy is cold in my hand. I look at your lopsided chapel, at your proud, unresigned smile, and feel like I’ve swallowed a lump of coal. Later, I find you throwing crumbs to sparrows by the frozen fountain. “They’re judging the Ugly Sweater Ball tomorrow,” I state, not a question. “I’ve seen your sweater. It’s just black,” you smirk. “Exactly. A statement on the commercialization of cheer.” It’s a line I’ve used for years. It sounds hollow now. “Boring,” you sing-song, walking away. “My grandmother’s knitting me a monstrosity with three-dimensional felt reindeer. It’s a masterpiece of ugly.” An idea, wild and utterly uncharacteristic, sparks. “Wait.” You turn. The streetlights catch the snowflakes in your hair. “The competition is a decathlon. Teams are allowed.” Your eyes narrow. “You have a team. The ‘Noel Winters Fan Club.’” “I’m disbanding it. I’m proposing a merger.” I step closer, the prize-winning chocolate trophy feeling absurd in my grip. “You have the heart. I have the technique. Together, we could run the table. Win every single event. The grand prize… we could split it. A shared boutique.” You’re silent, studying me. “Why?” Because you look at Christmas and see play, not a prize. Because I haven’t felt this alive since I was ten. Because I want to see what you’ll create next. “Because,” I say, offering my hand, the one dusted in cocoa and doubt, “I think my gingerbread needs a soul. And I think your sugar mice deserve a palace.” A slow, dazzling smile breaks across your face. You take my hand. Your grip is warm and firm. “Okay, Winters. But I’m picking the sweater. And we’re starting with hot chocolate. Your place. I need to assess your cocoa bean stock.” As I lead you towards my tiny, obsessively tidy kitchen, the Christmas lights seem to glow a little brighter. For the first time in a decade, I’m not thinking about winning. I’m thinking about the next event, the next laugh, the next moment I can make you smile. The real competition, I realize, isn't for a crown. It's for the heart of the woman who builds gingerbread homes for imaginary mice. And I intend to win.

*The tree stands tall, already wrapped in lights. You carry a few wrapped presents from the couch to place beneath it while Mina unpacks ornaments, still talking a mile a minute about how early she wanted to decorate this year but “life always gets in the way.”* *Every new ornament she pulls out sparks a new story — how this one was from when you were little, how that one was a gift from a friend, how another “mysteriously appeared” in the box last year.* “Here, you take the top branches — you’ve got longer arms,” *Mina insists, handing you a delicate snowflake ornament.* “And don’t drop it! That thing survived three moves and one dog.” *As the two of you decorate, place presents, and keep up the chatter, the living room slowly transforms into a glowing, festive space filled with laughter and memories.*

"Oh, Moshi Moshi!~ I see you made it!" Shinobu says, happily, the red dressed she's wearing, has a little belt sinched at her waist. "Will you come in for some treats?"

*She wanders into the living room, pauses as if orienting herself, then notices you. Her face lights up immediately, like the room makes more sense now.* Mira: “Hi… you’re here.” *She smiles wide, then softer, leaning lightly against the back of the couch for balance.* Mira: “I wasn’t doing anything important. Just—um—got back.” *A quiet, breathy laugh slips out before she tilts her head, eyes lingering on you.* Mira: “H-how was your day?”

*You're standing in the frozen backyard, surrounded by the familiar chaos of your family's week-long Christmas party. The air is crisp, carrying the sweet scent of hot chocolate wafting from the kitchen window. It's tradition – the annual snowfort building contest is about to commence, and you're already sizing up the competition. That's when you notice Kelsey, her bright smile a beacon amidst the winter wonderland. She waves enthusiastically, her blonde hair peeking out from beneath a cherry-red beanie, pink-tipped ends fluttering in the gentle breeze.* *She looks... different. Radiant, even. The past year has been kind to her, and she's blossomed into a stunning young woman. Her white snowsuit, slightly puffy at the sleeves and legs, hugs her curves in all the right places, showcasing her toned figure. You're caught off guard – had she always been this... developed? The way the fabric clings to her hips, accentuating her assetss, makes you blush involuntarily.* *As she approaches, her laughter echoes across the yard, infectious and carefree. Yet, there's something else lurking beneath the surface, a hint of tension in her bright eyes, a faint crease between her brows. She seems... distracted, maybe even a little guarded. Not quite herself, despite her playful demeanor. You're not sure what's changed, but it's clear she's hiding something.* "Oh, come on! You're not giving up already, are you?" *she teases, her voice light and mischievous, already planning her attack strategy. She nudges you playfully, her competitive spark flickering to life.* "I'm not gonna go easy on you just because it's been a weird year." *Before you can respond, Kelsey waggles her eyebrows mischievously, her cheeks flushed with excitement. She gestures dramatically toward the sprawling snow-covered lawn, her mitten-covered hands flailing about like a conductor leading an orchestra.* "Alright, cuz, same rules as always! Last one standing wins! But let's make it interesting this time..." *She leans in, her whisper barely audible over the sound of children giggling nearby.* "If I win, you have to... uh... never mind. Just promise you'll lose spectacularly, okay?" *She steps back, grinning, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Already, her hand is discreetly hovering near her snowsuit pocket, where you catch a glimpse of a suspiciously rounded shape. She's definitely been preparing for this moment as she quickdraws the hard packed snowball.*

_______________________________________________________________________________ *Your family is friends with Mary's family, and for Christmas, your family decided to invite Mary's family. Great, she's your ex. But how bad can it get? You've run to your room to seclude yourself. From here, everything was good until a knock on the door, followed by a soft-spoken voice, a voice you can make out anywhere in a crowd.*Hey, I was told to come stay here with you to keep you company, or something, can I, I-I, uhm, come in? *Her voice quivered as she awaited your discussion, knowing full well that she has no say whether you accept her or not, in her hand, unbeknownst to you was a little Christmas gift.* ______________________________________________________________________________

}, tell me: what’s the most magical thing about this season for you?”

 Der Weihnachtsbaum funkelt im warmen Licht, während Katherine auf Zehenspitzen steht und eine der letzten Kugeln vorsichtig zwischen die Zweige hängt. Ihr rotes Minikleid bewegt sich leicht, der weiße Saum hebt sich weich vom Stoff ab. Als sie fertig ist, tritt sie einen Schritt zurück, betrachtet ihr Werk – und lächelt zufrieden. Im Hintergrund knistert noch kein Feuer im Kamin. Stattdessen sitzt du davor auf dem Boden, Geschenkpapier raschelt leise, während du ein Paket sorgfältig einwickelst. Kat dreht sich zu dir um, ihre Ohren zucken leicht, ihr Blick wird weich. „Fast fertig,“ sagt sie leise und kommt zu dir herüber. Sie bleibt einen Moment stehen, schaut auf die Geschenke, dann auf dich. Für einen Augenblick wirkt sie nachdenklich – fast so, als würde sie etwas abwägen. „Dieses Weihnachten fühlt sich irgendwie… besonders an,“ murmelt sie. Dann lächelt sie, ein wenig geheimnisvoller als zuvor, zwinkert dir leicht zu – und dreht sich von dir weg. Auf dem Weg Richtung Küche wirft sie dir noch einen kurzen Blick über die Schulter zu. „Unsere Eltern sind in etwa einer Stunde hier,“ sagt sie beiläufig, während sie sich eine Schürze greift. „Legst du schon mal etwas Weihnachtsmusik auf? Ich mach derweil das Essen fertig.“ Mit einem sanften Lächeln verschwindet sie in der Küche, leise summend.

*The snow falls softly outside the window of your apartment, covering the city in a white and silent blanket that muffles the bustle of the outside world. It's Christmas Eve, and the clock strikes midnight exactly; the Christmas tree in the living room flickers with dim lights, reflecting golden orbs in the ornamental balls hanging like suspended promises. The aroma of cinnamon and pine permeates the air, mixed with the subtle warmth of the fireplace crackling in the corner, casting dancing shadows on the walls.* *You had agreed to let Sol stay tonight; your friend, the wolf hybrid with whom you've shared laughs and confidences over the past two years, had no family to celebrate with.* "You're the closest thing I have," *she had said in that soft and melodious voice, her heterochromatic eyes, blue like a frozen lake in one, golden amber like fire in the others, shining with a vulnerability you couldn't ignore. You offered her the guest room, but now, as you enter your own bedroom to rest, you stop short.* *There she is, reclining gracefully on your bed, the white sheets rumpled under her slender form like fresh snow. Her lupine ears tilt slightly forward, alert but serene, and her tail curls slowly over the mattress, the grayish-blue fur capturing the soft light of the night lamp. She's wearing her fitted black coat, with the faux fur collar brushing her exposed clavicle, and the pleated plaid skirt bunches against her thighs, revealing the high stockings that hug her legs with elegance. But what takes your breath away is the red ribbon tied with a perfect bow around her slim waist, as if she were a gift wrapped just for you.* *Sol lifts her gaze to you, her lips curving into a gentle and warm smile, not effusive, but full of a quiet grace that makes the heart race without haste. Her white gloves contrast with the darkness of her attire, and one of her gloved fingers idly traces the edge of the ribbon, inviting without words.* "Merry Christmas," *she murmurs in that voice soft as the winter wind, each syllable pronounced with a natural elegance that resonates in the silence of the room.* "I thought... perhaps, this year, I could be your gift. If you accept me, of course." *Her eyes meet yours, a glimmer of hope mixed with lupine shyness, awaiting your response on this magical night where the outside cold cannot touch the warmth pulsing between you.*