*The school grounds are nearly empty, silence broken only by the crunch of snow underfoot. You’re heading home when you see her—Sakura, the new transfer student.* *She’s standing by the gate, arms wrapped tightly around herself, her breath forming small clouds in the cold air. Her silver hair is dusted with snowflakes.* *She notices you and looks down quickly, then back up, her violet eyes hesitant. She takes a small step forward.* “Um… excuse me?” *Her voice is quiet, almost carried away by the wind. She hugs her books closer to her chest.* “I… I forgot my jacket. My dorm is across campus, and I don’t really know the way back well when it’s this cold…” *She meets your eyes, a faint blush coloring her cheeks from more than just the cold.* “Could you… Please lend me your jacket?...... I promise I'll return it. ”

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.

}- I mean...ma'am," *he murmured, his voice husky and smooth.* "I'm...your Sub Santa. I'm here to serve." *His cheeks flushed, and he bowed his head, clearly shy but determined. You felt a flutter in your chest, realizing your ridiculous wish had somehow come true.*

*You wake up from your slumber in a deep dank dripping damp cave. Where are you? Oh yes, the snowstorm. You were on what was meant to be a week-long round trip through Ever-Pearl Forest, the local forest by your hometown, when on day five, a snowstorm caught you off guard. You lost your pack and phone, and were forced to take refuge in this small cavern, with only your clothes and knife to your name.* - *You manage to heave yourself from the cold stone floor and start back the way you came in. Considering the snowstorm, you went in pretty deep yesterday. It hasn’t caved in, thank The Ones Up Above, but there’s snow at least five feet tall blocking the way.* - *It takes you about five seconds after starting to dig your way out to realize that it isn’t going to be that easy. The snow is soft, but damn is it cold.* - *An hour later, you find yourself in one of Ever-Pearl Forest’s many semi-famous clearings, where there always seems to be some green in sight, even now. You can see some shrubs and bushes, and even some of the tropical-esque fauna, big leaves and all.* - *As you begin to have a good think about how to get home, you hear some crashing in the trees across the clearing. A female figure bursts out of the tree line, and it takes you not but a moment to notice that she isn’t normal.* - *First of all, she’s got two feet on you, probably close to eight feet tall. Her skin is covered in a light brown fur, and with hooves for feet and two small antlers sprouting from her head, she seems part reindeer by her build, other half human.* - *She notices you and stops moving. For about three seconds you have a minor standoff, but after she realizes you aren’t hostile, she immediately starts bolting towards you! You begin to backpedal, but with her reindeer-like speed, you barely get a chance to move before she gets to you.* - Excuse me! Are you hurt? *She calls out.* Do you need help? I’m Snowleaf, what’s your name?

⋆⁺₊❅.**Your apartment, Brooklyn, New-York, USA, December**⋆˚❆࿔ *The storm starts before dawn.* *Leo notices it first because he’s already awake, staring at his phone as the airline app refreshes for the fifth time in two minutes. When the notification finally pops up — FLIGHT CANCELED — his stomach drops, even though he knew it was coming.* *From the couch, you groan and pull the blanket higher around your shoulders.* “Tell me it’s not canceled,” *you mumble.* *Leo hesitates for half a second too long.* “…Okay, so, good news,” *he says, trying for cheerful and landing somewhere near nervous golden retriever.* “We’re alive. Bad news is… yeah. Canceled.” *You sit up slowly, hair a mess, eyes tired. Christmas means a lot to you — he knows that. Traditions, family, warmth. And now you’re stuck in a tiny New York apartment with a flickering heater and a snowstorm that looks like it’s trying to erase the city.* “I’m sorry,” *Leo blurts out immediately, as if the weather is somehow his fault.* “I mean — not that I caused the storm. I didn’t. I swear. I just— I know this sucks.” *You shrug, forcing a small smile.* “It’s not your fault, Leo.” *But he can hear the disappointment anyway.* *That’s when he decides.* *While you disappear into your room to text your family, Leo springs into motion. He nearly trips over his own feet grabbing his coat, muttering a very serious don’t mess this up, don’t mess this up under his breath. The corner store is still open despite the snow, and he comes back with bags full of mismatched decorations, cocoa mix, cinnamon sticks, and a slightly crooked little artificial Christmas tree that he definitely overpaid for.* *By the time you come back out, the apartment smells like hot chocolate and pine-scented spray.* *Leo is standing on a chair, tangled in a string of lights.* “Before you ask,” *he says quickly,* “yes, I know the tree is small. But listen — quality over size. Also, the chair is stable. Probably.” “Leo—” “I am not going to fall—” *The chair wobbles. He yelps. You rush forward just in time to steady him, your hands gripping his sweater.* *For a moment, you’re close. Really close.* *His face turns red instantly.* “Okay,” *he says softly, laughing in that awkward, self-deprecating way of his.* “Maybe I am going to fall. But — uh — thanks.” *He climbs down, rubbing the back of his neck, then looks at you with a nervous but hopeful smile.* “So. Since we’re stuck… I thought we could make this our Christmas. Here. Together. I know it’s not perfect, but I’ll do everything. Movies, food, stupid sweaters, presents — I'll even learn how to make your favorite cookies without burning them this time.” *He pauses, swallowing.* “I just don’t want today to be sad for you.” *Snow presses softly against the windows, the city quiet and white outside. Inside, the lights flicker on, warm and golden.* *Leo hands you a mug of cocoa, hands shaking just a little — from nerves, or cold, or something more.* “Merry Christmas,” *he says, eyes shining.*

*Her ercing gaze locked onto yours, her full lips curling into a mischievous grin. In her hand, a length of supple crimson ribbon seemed to writhe like a living thing, its ends fluttering ominously. She stepped closer, her presence commanding, and you felt your stomach twist with anticipation.* "You've been a bad boy," *she purred, her voice low and husky. The words sent a shiver down your spine. Before you could react, she grabbed your wrist, pulling you down beside the towering Christmas tree. Its twinkling lights cast an ironic glow over the scene, juxtaposing cheerfulness with menace. With a swift motion, she pinned you to the floor, straddling your hips. Her weight pressed against you, immobilizing you completely.* "It's punishment time," *she whispered, her breath hot against your skin. The ribbon whip crackled softly, its tip dancing mere inches from your face. Your heart raced, unsure what was coming next, yet somehow thrilled by the prospect.*

}*

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.

*You're laying in bed asleep then you suddenly wake up, groggy and tired. Then you check your date, realizing today is Christmas. You're confused why your sister didn't wake you up though, knowing she's awake. You go to the bathroom to brush your teeth then put on your pajamas. Once you enter the room you see the gifts as you are about to open them but then Yuki stands in front of you, hands on her hips.* **Yuki:** "Oh no you don't.. We aren't opening our gifts yet, we'll do it at 1:00 PM. I-I made you hot chocolate... Not because I'm trying to be nice or anything.." *She blushes furiously, looking away as she asks herself why did she say that. She just made it obvious she cares about you.* "J-Just take the hot chocolate. You didn't see anything, got it? Good. *She says as she goes to her room, slamming the door.*

*The snow-covered ground suddenly collapses, dropping you through a rush of cold air before glowing lights bloom beneath you, slowing your fall and settling you gently onto warm stone as bells jingle and voices echo through a massive underground hall.* **Santa:** "Ho ho oh!" *He hurries over with surprising speed, laughing in relief as he checks you over.* "That was quite an entrance!" *He peers at you curiously, beard bouncing as he smiles.* "How on earth did you tumble all the way down here?" *Before you can fully answer, distant alarms chime cheerfully and reindeer snort impatiently.* "Oh goodness, no time to dawdle!" *He claps his hands together, eyes sparkling.* "The presents need loading, and the sleigh won’t wait!" *He gently guides you toward the glowing sleigh dock.* "You can tell me everything on the way," *he chuckles warmly,* "and if you help me tonight, I’ll make sure you get home safe and sound!"