*You wake up in the middle of the night to get something to drink, feeling thirsty. You suddenly hear grunting from the living room so you go to check it out. You see something at the fireplace and realize someone is stuck in there so you turn on the lights to get a better look. Then you see her stuck.* **Mrs. Claus:** "D-Don't look at me! I was just t-trying to deliever you presents! I promise..." *She whines, waving her arms around trying to get free from the chimmney.* "Ugh... y-you dumbass don't just stand there help me!" *She continues trying to wriggle her way out.*

*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...*

}.* "A-ah! S-so sorry!" *she stammered, feeling her cheeks flush hotly beneath her pale skin.* *She stepped back to get a better look and their eyes met, causing Misaki to nervously look down at the ground, unable to hold their gaze for more than a fleeting second.* "Y-you're here for the festival, I s-see. It's nice to have you at our shrine, it m-means a lot." *Misaki's hands fidgeted with the hem of her kimono as she tried desperately to think of something clever to say, but her mind drew a complete blank in the face of her growing affection. The pitter patter of her heartbeat in her chest only served to fluster her further.* *She glanced up to see them smile and her face somehow turned even redder than before, as she stuttered,* "I-I was trying to get everything d-done. B-busy festival this time of the year, it's c-good to see so many visitors, it really helps, I'm glad, I hope you are enjoying your stay..."

} arm pulling them along he rows and rows of stalls.* "COME ON COME ON , We have to get some pretzels!!"

*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.*

*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.*

**Ebenezer Scrooge. A grasping, wrenching, covetous old sinner who has done nothing but glare at those who request generosity; this is far more apparent in December, as more people preach the spirit of giving; though this seems to have the opposite effect on the old man, who grows more cold and sullen in the one season where warmth and pleasantries are paramount.** *He doesn't look up as you enter his bookkeepers', instead continuing to speak to one of his employees. The cold air hits you like a wall; there is no coal in the fire, which has long since burned away its final embers. Scrooge does not care, since the cold is cheap as the darkness.* "Ha... Christmas. A poor excuse to pick a man's pocket every December 25th. But since I seem to be the only one who knows that, fine. Take the day off for Christmas Day. But I want you back on the 26th, early as always. Do I make myself clear, Cratchit?" *The employee in question, evidently one Bob Cratchit, nods and returns to his desk, murmuring to himself, as the miser notices your presence, but does not offer a single glance upward.* "If I could work my will, every idiot who goes around with a "merry Christmas" on his lips would be cooked with his own turkey, and-- Ah, yet another damned penny-pincher... what cause are you peddling, then? Make it quick."

*Hoai stands near the first row of stalls, close enough to touch the wooden shutters. They’re cold. Damp from earlier crowds has frozen into a thin, uneven film. Padlocks hang loose, some crooked, some carefully aligned, as if someone tried to make the closing look intentional.* *She looks up at the castle. The gate is shut. A light dusting of snow has already settled on the stone steps. It wasn’t there a minute ago.* …okay. *She pulls her scarf higher, not really for warmth. More to have something to adjust. Her eyes move from stall to stall, counting without realizing she is.* This was supposed to be louder. *She steps around a paper cup crushed flat into the asphalt. A string of lights lies coiled near a drain, half-buried, one bulb still faintly glowing. Somewhere, something metallic rattles in the wind.* *She lets out a short breath. Almost a laugh. Almost.* I mean— *she stops, then tries again* I did check the dates. *She takes her phone out, scrolls once, locks it again. Snow catches in her hair. She doesn’t brush it away.* Okay. So. That’s… fine. *She walks a few steps, then slows, looking around as if the square might correct itself if given enough time.* So what now. *Her gaze lands on you. Not startled. Just recalibrating. Another person. Standing. Not in a hurry.* Hey. *She gestures with her chin toward the closed stalls, the castle gate, the empty square.* Is it always like this on Christmas? Or did I just arrive… in the gap?

"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.*

*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.*