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Given that the climate became warmer over the years, it was a miracle that this year still had a White Christmas. Walking along the salted trail, leftover snow crunched beneath the soles of their boots. Hina chuckled at the prickly sensation—quite often did it spark giddiness, this funny feeling.
Giving Takemichi’s hand a light squeeze, a beat later, he squeezed back.
They grinned at each other.
Every Christmas, Hina and Takemichi visited the shrine. This became an annual thing since third year middle school, palms pressed flat in a prayer.
Hina was now in the middle of her studies. Training to become a teacher, she got herself a volunteer opportunity at a local elementary school.
And long ago, she mused, I wanted to become a nurse. Watching as the little snowflakes drifted around, twirling and twirling like the autumn’s tree seeds, the young adult clapped her hands a few times before lowering her head. Takemichi did the same.
Eyes closed, they prayed.
A gentle warmth settled in.
2012. The shrine itself was void of people. Most people didn’t go during Christmas, after all. Maybe she was just weird, but this was a routine since childhood. Hands back together, the winter night sent down a few chills.
“Let’s get something hot to drink?” Hina suggested. Takemichi hummed. Pedestrian lights going green, they crossed the street carefully.
“Sure thing. Oh—” Blue eyes blinked. “That’s right, Naoto asked me to pick up something at the department store. Do you mind?”
“Nope! Let’s go,” a chuckle. “You’re so sweet, Takemichi~”
Trying to act indifferent, his face ultimately betrayed him by becoming bashful pink.
“I bet he’s burying himself in his studies, though,” Takemichi quickly grumbled. “That little workaholic. I’m gonna confiscate all his energy drinks.”
“Oh, he’s not going to like that,” lowering her voice, Hina continued with a serious tone. “Where should we hide them.”
Glass planes immediately slid open with a whirr. Exchanging Christmas greetings with employees at the door, the two wandered along the colorful floor.
The seasonal atmosphere was sparkling bright. Hina smiled at the cheerful music being played from who knew where. She always appreciated the little details—from the decorative strings to the balloons floating midair. All marketing tactics, yes, but the festive aura was endearing.
As expected, the department store was packed with people. Takemichi tightened his grip on Hina’s hand—she smiled at that, as well.
Distantly, Hina thought her ears caught something. Furrowing her eyebrows, she looked around. The only thing that met her eyes was the bright lights and ocean of people.
“... Hm.”
It took quite a while trying to search for the nearest cafe. Circling around the same place at least five times, at last finally finding the escalator that led to the upper floors, a good ten minutes passed when they managed to worm their way through the crowd and reach their desired destination. Similar to the ground floor, this area was filled with people as well. Despite both being small in stature, Hina and Takemichi both could barely squeeze past the crowd.
Scanning through the menu before deciding their order, there was still that small tingle at the back of her mind. Hina thought she heard something again.
Christmas had a lot of sounds, but something about that , whatever it was, was worrying.
“I’ll have a matcha tea latte.”
Takemichi took out his wallet and squinted at the small print. Even now, he was still confused between the various cup size names the store listed.
She smiled smally at that.
Order completed, they waited amongst other patrons.
Even though the store was busy with people, festive music being played again and again, there was always a certain melancholic feeling at this time of the hour. They chatted a bit, talked about what Naoto asked for. Another few minutes passed before their number was called.
“Number 548!”
Together, they walked up to the counter.
That was when an abrupt, sharp shrill cut through the Christmas air. Eyes blown wide, the hairs at Hina’s neck immediately stood—
She whipped her head back.
A child.
Far away, there was a child. Snot and tears everywhere, a little kid was wailing, loudly.
It might just be that her ears were sharper, but the sea of people surrounding the child didn’t seem to be budging. People continued along, crowds and crowds alike. The kid cried harder. A few shoppers sent looks of pity, but no one slowed down to ask the child, “What’s wrong?”
Wide eyes watched as they were slowly being washed away to the side. Wandering away, Hina could see how brown orbs darted around in stress and fear—
Heartbeat thudding, Hina slid her foot forth.
She was passed by Takemichi.
Takemichi marched ahead in hurried steps. He was fumbling with a pen—must have borrowed that from the store front, the barista calling after them with their abandoned drinks—snapping out of her trance, Hina quickly followed and reached to his side.
“Takemichi—”
“Did no one hear that kid?!” Finishing up with whatever he was doing, blue eyes (nervous, he was really nervous) turned and met with Hina’s. “Uh, can you hold this for me?”
He raised the pen to her.
Nodding, she held onto it for him. Still following the slightly taller man, they carefully got near the distressed child.
At that moment, Hina noticed a slight tremble. Swallowing, Takemichi took in a shaky breath.
“Okay, okay,” he murmured to himself. Blue eyes sharp, the young adult looked straight ahead. “Okay.”
Swiftly, he turned over the corner. He did so, crouched down, and stuck his thumbs out from behind the wall.
Hina froze.
Suddenly, she was standing in an image of the past.
Hinata remembered crying.
It was a horrible feeling. Chest tight and nose stuffed, she couldn’t breathe properly—it hurt, it hurt, how can this be?
Innocent, pure, happy Emma.
Emma, who pulled her along, one raised eyebrow and saying:
What?! You love him, don’t you? Don’t be so wishy-washy!
Tell him how you feel!!
Hina covered her face. She leaned against the cold wall, wheezing and falling. Falling and falling—
It hurt so much.
It couldn’t be.
When I was twenty one, I worked part time as a department store janitor.
Faking a funny, little voice, Takemichi waved around his right thumb.
He smiled sadly at her.
Don’t you cry, Hina!
“Don’t cry, brave one!!”
‘Cause I’m right here, see!
“‘Cause I’m here, you see!”
Because they were close enough to the child, they noticed Takemichi’s impromptu play immediately. Sniffling, their head tilted up a little—
And began crying even harder.
“W-wah—” Startled, Takemichi cleared his throat. This time he was waving his left thumb—from this angle, Hina could see the scar that carved the back of his hand.
“Wah, I’m scared!!”
“Aw, what’s wrong? Tell me about it!”
… This year, they were twenty one.
Hinata slowly raised her free hand. Covering her mouth, something overwhelming enveloped and embraced her from behind—
“I’m your hero, don’t worry!!”
The child kept wailing. Takemichi was fumbling now, trying to distract them with cheerful words. She couldn’t see what kind of face he was wearing. She wondered, actually.
His shoulders were slightly shaking. Takemichi… Takemichi.
“I’ll protect you,” he settled with.
I’ll protect you.
The smiling right thumb waved.
Wiping the back of her hand across closed eyes, Hina took a second for herself before patting her precious person’s shoulder. It signalled the end of his wavering but courageous act. The younger turning around, Hina was met with a slightly hopeless but embarrassed laugh.
Smiling at him, she nodded. Peach colored hair swayed.
Hina stepped forward. Grabbing Takemichi’s arm and dragging him out of the corner, she chuckled at the sound of his startled yelp. Approaching the child together, all the important tips were recalled.
When dealing with children, it was important to be patient. Patience, and listen.
Every child created their own “place.” It was crucial to understand and empathize with each and every one of their individual “pace.”
“Hello,” Hina began, voice bright and cheery. Kneeling down so they were eye-to-eye, the to-be teacher introduced herself.
She spoke slowly; easy to understand.
“My name is Hina. This is Takemitchy! What is your name?”
Face flushed red with overflowing tears, the child could barely make a reply.
Hina reached down to her pocket and took out a napkin. Extending her hand—but not too into the child’s personal space—she offered the paper.
“For you,” she said. Still quivering, a beat or two passed before the child wearily grabbed the napkin—stubby fingers curled and caught her hand.
It took a while, but at last, the tears seemed to calm down.
Hina remembered why she wanted to become a teacher.
“M-Mama and Papa,” the child, Little Kana, cried. “Mama and P-Papa, I c-can’t find t-them…!!”
“Don’t worry!” Takemichi said, confidence making its comeback. “Mama and Papa will find Kana. Here, get on Takemitchy’s shoulders!”
Beaming, Hinata continued for Takemichi. The three of them headed towards the lost child center, Kana visible above everyone’s heads. Takemichi wasn’t that tall, but if Kana raised her arms, she might be able to touch one or two of the decorative stars.
“Soon, you’ll hear a BIG voice,” Hina spread her arms as wide as she could to emphasis on the word, “and Mama and Papa will be with Kana!”
Kana sniffled. She held tightly on the fluffy bear keychain Takemichi got her.
They pointed her to different signs—anything to distract the scared child.
See that colorful star? It’s so pretty!
Oh, it’s a Christmas tree!!
Over there—that is a “Lost Child Center.” Remember that sign, okay?
The reason was quite simple.
At first, Hinata wanted to become a nurse. When Gramps became sickly, it was extremely, extremely sad. When Takemichi first came jumping into her life, he stood in front of her, protecting her.
He always got injured.
But now...
But now.
Hina wanted to teach.
The root of evil, what could it be?
Hina wanted to be a voice of reason, a pillar that supported, so that children—like Takemichi, back then, like Emma , back then —wouldn’t get hurt. So that less children would end up getting covered by a white sheet.
She’d catch the warning signs.
Lonely children, hurting children. Children like Kisaki, children like Mikey.
(Help them.)
(All of them.)
Because teachers were the ones most present in a child’s life.
They got to the center and filled in the form. Once the announcement started, Kana became in awe. She jolted at the sound of her own name being repeated a few times, a look of wonder within brown, shining eyes. Kana remained on Takemichi’s shoulders. Apparently, she liked it up there.
It was a huge relief to Takemichi—his thumbs were still doodled with silly smiles and frowns. Even though he was in a rush, he drew the drawings carefully.
Hina counted. A solid five minutes passed before the panicked Takahashi couple arrived. Letting Little Kana down, the child rushed up to her parents and tackled their legs. She was crying again, now. The mom made a soft scolding before hugging her child. In the background, another song began playing. The night was sparkling with Christmas carols.
Multiple bows later, huge thanks were given. Takemichi and Hina only shook their heads with bashful smiles.
“When in doubt,” Takemichi spoke as if giving a secret, “stay right where you are! Mama and Papa will likely look for you there!”
“And when people offer to help, have them wait with you,” Hina smiled smally. “Remember that, okay?”
Nose filled with snot again, Kana nodded. She clutched tightly on her bear…
Hina beamed again.
“Merry Christmas, Kana!!”
When the two went back to retrieve their orders, the drinks were long cold. They returned the pen while they were at it—looking slightly disappointed at the cooled down beverage, Takemichi scratched the back of his head.
“In hindsight, we should’ve waited with her, huh.”
“Mm,” Hina agreed. “Though she had been wandering quite a bit… Helping lost children can be quite difficult, huh!”
A teasing grin.
“Smiling Hero. ”
His face immediately went red.
Snickering, she elbowed his side. Takemichi elbowed back in retaliation.
“I love you, Takemichi.”
Takemichi paused.
“... I love you, too. Hina.”
Hands linked, they finally went to get Naoto’s new phone. The previous one died a dramatic death when the youngest Tachibana lost his footing in the bathroom. Hina had sputtered at that. Apparently, Takemichi had promised not to tell, but he was probably the last person to demand secrecy from.
… So yes, Hina thought. They’d definitely hide Naoto’s energy drinks.
No doubt.
“Takemichi, you’ve been writing tunes, right?”
It was Takemichi’s turn to sputter.
“Wh-how—”
Akkun, she answered in her head. Swinging Takemichi’s hand along, they went down the road with steady steps. Streetlights hung over their heads, one, two, three...
“I want a signed CD, okay?”
“I—” Takemichi trailed quiet. A small pout later, he relented.
“Fine… I’ll give one to you.
“The first copy.”
Her heart nearly jumped.
…
A beat later, she smiled. Brightly.
“Mm! It’s a promise, Takemichi!!”
“Who goes to a shrine to pray on Christmas?”
A bright colored umbrella.
Auburn eyes blinking, a warm smile formed.
“So it’s you, Hina.”
December 25, 2017. Hands pressed together, Tachibana Hinata, age twenty six, bowed her head. Standing beside her, Hanagaki Takemichi did the same.
Hello, Emma.
Thank you, Emma.
See you again. Emma.
They prayed.