Chapter Text
Mikorin blinked as he stared at Chiyo from across the table. “Why are you wearing bells in your hair?”
Chiyo beamed as she tugged at her new ribbons and caused the bells to jingle.
“Aren’t they cute? They’re Christmas ribbons my grandma gave me.”
Mikorin raised an eyebrow. “What are you five?”
Chiyo scoffed. “You say that, but I know you bought that limited edition transformation wand.”
Mikorin blushed. “That’s a collector item! It’s completely different!”
Chiyo sighed as Nozaki turned in his chair.
“I will admit Chiyo those ribbons of yours are cute,” he said.
Chiyo blushed and resisted jumping out of her chair. “You think so?”
Nozaki gave a thumbs up. “Definitely.”
Chiyo silently squealed in excitement. He thinks I’m cute! He thinks I’m cute!
Nozaki reached for this sketch. “In fact, they gave me an idea for a new character for the Christmas story this year.”
“REALLY?” Chiyo beamed.
Is he going to make a cute girl? No, wait maybe a cute boy character would be fine too. Oh, I can’t wait to see what it is!
Nozaki grinned proudly as he turned the sketch around and revealed a cute cat wearing a bow around ti’s neck with a bell hanging off of it.
Chiyo’s brush dropped from her hand. “What?”
“Mamiko and Suzuki find a lost kitten,” Nozaki explained as he turned it back around. “This might even be a good potential mascot character if it goes well.”
“G-great,” Chiyo said as she forced a smile.
Nozaki turned his back, as Chiyo slumped in her seat and Mikorin patted her shoulder in sympathy.
“Next time I’m just going to wear holly,” she muttered.