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The agency building was quiet, calming almost. It appeared as if no one was inside at that moment. The lights inside the office were dim, no movement could be seen, but there was someone inside, but only one.
Atsushi Nakajima was sitting inside, staring at the moon, it was stunning and full, being slightly hidden by the large mass of clouds surrounding it.
In what seemed to be a flash, little white drops began falling from the sky. It was snowing. The cold from the outside reached the inside, but he did not shake. He was used to the cold.
The lights from the other surrounding buildings were bright and leaked their way through into the building, but only enough to where little rays of light pierced his eyes. Atsushi couldn’t help but look down and notice all the passers by. Friends, couples, and families. They all seemed to be excited and filled with glee as they walked down the road, admiring the snow from above.
Christmas time.
He usually spent this time stuck in a room, hidden away from all the other children. Forced to hear their cheer as he sat back in a cold and frigid room. Every single time hoping that maybe he would one day receive immense joy from a personalized gift, just as the other children did
But he never did.
Taking a deep breath, he began to stand back up from his seat. Slowly making his way to the door, locking it and preparing himself for the walk home.
Though not wanting to admit it, even to himself. He felt sad, and jealous of all the smiling faces he passed by. Was it not selfish of him to be upset on a happy day like this? Was the only thing to cross his mind as he walked.
The door opened. Kyoka was already fast asleep. He was careful to be quiet as he made his way to bed.
There was one small gift in the room, it was hidden away. It was fairly small, inside there was a small rabbit plushie. Knowing she enjoyed rabbits.
Closing his eyes, he went to sleep. He had no hope for him to receive gifts of his own, but he was happy to share the joy for her.
____
The morning came, outside snow continued to fall, on the already tall piles of cold ice.
It was Christmas.
A ringing began. Atsushi jumped at the noise. Then he picked up the phone.
It was Dazai, requesting Atsushi to come to the office.
How odd. Originally all agency members were given a day off for the holiday, but Atsushi didn’t mind the request.
Though before Kyoka could make it to the door. Atsushi promptly stopped her.
“Kyoka, wait.” Atsusi said as he began rustling around in the closet.
Kyoka tilted her head in confusion. Just what was he searching for?
“Here you go, I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas.” He said smiling, while holding up the gift bag.
Her eyes sparkled bright for a moment, maybe it was because she didn't expect to receive anything today either. She carefully began opening the gift, taking out the small rabbit plush.
She smiled and thanked Atsushi with a hug. She even took the plush, and held it tight as they walked to the office.
___
Walking up the stairs, the two couldn’t hear the usual chatter, instead it was silent. With only the occasional murmur, but nothing loud enough for them to make out what was being said. Just what were they up to?
Finally making it to the door, Atsushi began slowly twisting the doorknob.
The Christmas lights were strewn across the office, along with other decorations of that sort, just as they were the day previously, but there was one thing missing. Just where was everyone?
“Hello? Is anyo-” Atsushi said before being cut off.
“Merry Christmas!” Everyone in the office screamed brightly at the two.
Atsushi stood, in shock, and amazement. This outcome was nothing he expected.
Suddenly Kunikida walked up to him, with what seemed to be a gift in hand.
“Here you go kid, Merry Christmas, thank you for all your hard work this year.” He said while handing Atsushi the gift, which looked to be extremely carefully wrapped in a red plaid designed wrapping paper.
Atsushi continued standing in shock, almost seeming like he didn't believe what was happening at that moment. He was quickly snapped out of this after being tapped on the shoulder by Yosano, as well as Ranpo who was standing right beside her.
The two of them handed him presents. Yosano’s seemed to be wrapped quite nicely, even having a little red bow on top, meanwhile Ranpo’s gift looked to be hastily put together, but it's the thought that counts isn’t it?
“Merry Christmas Atsushi.” Yosano smiled.
“Mhm, Merry Christmas Atsushi!” Ranpo said, his voice was a bit muffled since he had a lollipop in his mouth.
“Thank you, but I didn't-” Atsushi was once again cut off, this time by Tanizaki and Naomi, who handed him a small gift.
“Merry Christmas Atsushi.” Tanizaki smiled and rubbed the back of his head, Naomi smiled too, holding her hands together.
“Happy holidays!” Said a familiar voice from behind Atsushi. It was Dazai.
Dazai hugged Atsushi, and then placed his elbow on Atsushi’s shoulder after the embrace.
“Sorry for tricking you, i'm sure you didn’t want to come in to work today, I for sure didn’t”
A tsk from Kunikida could be heard in the distance after this comment.
___
Atsushi could do nothing but stand in shock. Not only was this his first time receiving presents on Christmas, but it was also his first time being surrounded by others as well.
“Thank you guys..” He said as he began sniffling.
Kunikida as well as a few others seemed shocked.
“You alright kid?” Kunikida said, a bit confused by his sudden tears.
Atsushi smiled and rubbed his tears away.
“Im okay, just so happy, I don’t think I’ve ever had a Christmas surrounded by others so excited, nor have I ever had presents. Thank you guys, really.”
His eyes turned from one of happiness to shock and franticness.
“But, I didn’t get anything for you guys! I’m sorry, If you let me I can go out right now-”
“It’s no worry Atsushi, seeing you happy is enough for us. Plus all the shops are closed right now.”
Yosano smiled at him, a smile letting him know everything was alright. A calming feeling washed over him.
“Thank you.”
The rest of the morning consisted of handing out other gifts, eating warm snacks and drinking warm drinks. It was really nothing Atsushi has ever experienced before, it was nice.
Words that seemed as if they would never be said in his life, dropped off his lips.
“I can’t wait for next year.”