Chapter Text
[Yuki complaining about how they’ve never had a New Year’s kiss before so Choso surprises them with a kiss when the clock strikes midnight.]
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“Y'know, there’s always been one thing on my bucket list,” Yuki said. Her and Choso were discussing their new year's goals and wishes, since it was around the corner, a week. His wishes and goals, obviously, were about being there for Yuuji. She had let out a small chuckle when he said that. It's ironic how simple and predictable that man can be, yet be such the opposite at times. Yuki hadn’t really put much thought into what she wanted to do for the new year and she would have cared less anyways, but it was a nice icebreaker to get a conversation going. The simple things of quick but soft glances at each other, tiny grins creeping up onto his cheeks, and somehow synchronized sips of tea always made her day better, and made her feel a certain way. Choso was nice company, one she hadn’t had in a long time, so she wanted as much time with him as possible. She knew he wanted that too.
Choso looked down at his cup of matcha tea that was halfway empty. “What is it?”
“I never had a New Year's kiss! It brings good luck, and, well, I could use some of that.” She sighed heavily and looked at him, smiling with intent. When Choso met her eyes, his gentle expression stayed the same. Mission failed. She should’ve known, Choso isn’t exactly human after all, reading between the lines isn’t his thing.
“How come?” he asked. Her shoulder slumped a bit and her smile faded. She kept a note to teach Choso about flirting later
"It just does! I wanna see if it works." Choso didn’t respond, not getting a single hint. She rolled her eyes without thinking. This man is difficult. He took a sip of his tea. It’s best if she changed the subject.
It was a week later, New Year’s. Choso and Yuki were sitting on a rooftop, watching the night sky. Yuki had told Tengen to create some scenery for them (choso and yuki, tengen wanted no part of this HAHA) to enjoy their New Year’s celebration. A feeling of mellow serenity was instilled more and more as the night wore on. The faint sound of the crackling fireworks intertwined with the humming of the dragonflies, as well as the buzzing of warm string lights. The subtle glow cast a soft halo around Yuki and Choso as the warm breeze brushed against them lightly. They sat in comfortable silence, enjoying the moment and the beauty of the night. The stars twinkled overhead, and the moon shone brightly in the sky, illuminating the peaceful scene. Yuki raised her glass of whiskey towards Choso, shaking it slightly as some signal. Choso looked at her blankly, unsure of what she was doing. “Cheers?” She raised her eyebrow.
It clicked with Choso. He brought his drink up, clinking it with hers. “Cheers,” just like how they did a couple of times ago at the bar. Pleased with herself, she smiled at the progress she had made with him. It wasn’t like he was blind as a bat when it came to any social, human interaction. He just needed to improve on things. He smiled back, letting out a small laugh.
Yuki paused, letting the image of Choso smiling sink into her mind until she told him, “I like it when you smile, Choso!”
Choso met Yuki’s eyes. “I like it when you smile too, Tsukumo.” Yuki sighed, keeping her smile, and they both took in the stars while they slowly drank their beverages. They talked for an hour or two. The conversation meandered from New Year’s resolutions (again) to philosophical discussions to nostalgic anecdotes, punctuated by the occasional laughter of Yuki. Sometimes both of them would just gaze at the constellations and bright displays taciturnly.
Yuki opened her phone, mumbling, “It’s almost twelve."
Something in Choso seemed to stir. As the digits ticked higher and higher, the tension seemed to rise, even though the place around them remained the same. Choso quietly set his drink aside and turned to the blonde. His face held a gentle determination and devotion Yuki hadn't seen before.
“Yuki,” he said softly, drawing her attention.
She looked at him with confusion, the light from the colorful fireworks reflecting in her eyes and shaping her face in the most beautiful way possible. “Yeah?”
The clock struck midnight. Distant sounds of celebration filled the air, but right where they were, time seemed to pause. Choso took a step closer to Yuki, his gaze steady and filled with earnest warmth.
Before Yuki could fully process what was happening, Choso gently cupped her face with his hands and leaned in. The kiss was soft and surprisingly tender, carrying with it a quiet promise, that token of luck she was longing for. Yuki’s eyes widened before they fluttered closed, and she felt a rush of warmth.
It seemed forever until Choso pulled back. There was a soft, shy smile on his lips. “Happy New Year, Yuki.”
Yuki’s heart raced as she pulled back slightly as well. Her eyes were still closed, savoring the kiss. The world seemed to be a little brighter when she opened them. The fireworks continued to paint the sky, but they felt like a distant backdrop to the person in front of her.
She blinked, trying to gather her thoughts. It took a moment for the memory of her earlier comment about the New Year’s kiss to resurface. A soft, astonished laugh escaped her lips as she looked at Choso. “I forgot I even mentioned that,” she said. Her voice was tinged with awe and gratitude. “I didn’t think you’d remember either.”
Choso’s smile widened slightly. “I remember more than you might think.” Like she said, how simple and predictable that man can be, yet such the opposite at times.
Yuki chuckled, “Thank you, Choso.” He shrugged, a hint of playfulness in his eyes.
They both turned their heads back to the sky. She leaned against Choso’s shoulder, her heart full. Something she hadn’t really felt in a long time.
She said softly, barely a whisper, “I think this year will be a good one."
“Me too.” He replied.