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December has rolled around once again, wrapping Tokyo up in its festive energy. Roselie have had an incredible year, gaining more fans than they could've imagined. But with goals to reach the pinnacle of music, Sayo and Yukina knew the importance of embracing opportunities that holiday season.
With their fanbase now spanning beyond the borders of Japan, they decided it was time to give back to their international audience. What better way to connect than to draw on western traditions and create the best Christmas single?
“That should do it.” Yukina climbed off her step stool, looking rather pleased wirh herself.
Sayo glanced at the ceiling sceptically. “Yukina… what is that?”
“Mistletoe. It’s a popular Christmas decoration in the west. I read that it’s supposed to be a symbol of good luck and romance.”
“That’s just a leaf.”
“Considering we live in the city, real mistletoe is hard to find,” Yukina shrugged, joining her girlfriend in staring up at the single, pale leaf taped to her ceiling. “Now every time we’re under it, you have to kiss me.”
Sayo raised an eyebrow but sighed. “Fine, since it’s for the sake of our music.”
Yukina turned to her expectantly.
“Wait now?”
“It’s the rules."
Despite the heat in her cheeks, Sayo leaned down and brushed her lips against her girlfriend’s. Yukina seemed content with this.
“Besides, won’t you say this is better than that thing you found?” the vocalist pulled away, eyes flickering towards the elf Sayo put on her bookshelf earlier. The plastic doll wore an unsettling smile, its piercing eyes staring eerily at them from the corner. They both shivered. “It’s just plain creepy.”
“It’s an elf on the shelf. It’s supposed to watch over us and report back to Santa,” Sayo insisted weakly. “Besides, Hina believes in it. It even managed to keep her out of trouble all week.”
“Sayo, you know your sister announced to the whole school that the end of term exams were cancelled because they weren’t “Christmassy” enough. The teachers were furious.”
“Wednesday doesn’t count- she threw it out the window because she was scared it would tattle on her.”
“Fine, we’ll keep the elf for Hina’s sake. But can we at least turn it around?” Yukina side-eyed the doll. “I feel weird letting it watch us kiss.”
"You’re right, I feel like it’s judging us... Maybe even plotting something.”
Yukina strode over to the bookshelf, turning the doll around to face the opposite direction before returning to Sayo. Her arms slipped around the guitarist’s waist. “Now, where were we?”
“We’re not even standing under the mistletoe any-”
“Just kiss me.”
🎄🎄🎄
Sayo figured these traditions were harmless enough. At least until she found herself under the mistletoe multiple times throughout the day. It seemed every time she entered the living room, Yukina would subtly guiding her beneath it.
“Again?” Sayo groaned after their lips parted for the sixth time. The leaf’s magical pull was getting a little too strong. “Why are we letting a leaf dictate our relationship?”
“Sayo, do you not want to kiss me?”
“What? No- it’s not that,” Sayo fumbled at the sight of Yukina’s little pout. “It just seems a little… over affectionate.”
“It’s tradition. And besides,” Yukina eyes held a rare, mischievous twinkle. “You seem to be enjoying it just as much.”
Sayo huffed. “Why do I feel like you’re taking advantage of this holiday?”
“Because you love me.”
Stated so plainly, Sayo couldn’t help but chuckle. “Alright, alright,” She kissed Yukina again, holding it a little longer this time. “Happy?”
“I’m feeling inspired already.”
But despite all they’ve done, the two still couldn’t come up with a song. “Yukina, you know KFC isn’t a Christmas tradition outside of Japan, right?” Sayo sighed as her head fell back against the couch. They’ve been up for hours, the proof of it scattered in the discarded lyrics on the coffee table.
“No KFC? Then what do they even eat?”
“I don’t know, like, other stuff?”
“Fries?”
“… Maybe.”
Fortunately, help came in the unexpected form of a gyaru. It started with Lisa’s innocent suggestion. “You know, Sayo, you’d make a cute Santa. I’m sure Yukina would love it~”
Sayo didn’t know how she got talked into it but she found herself sat in Yukina’s living room, dressed head-to-toe a red Santa suit. She shifted uncomfortably as she waited. The cheap polyester itched her skin but at least she forgoed the beard. But above all, her worst fear was Yukina’s parents coming home early and seeing her like this. Before she could catastrophize, she heard footsteps coming down the stairs.
Yukina stopped short, her mouth agape. “…Why?”
Ouch. Sayo’s cheeks burned, regretting every life choice that had led to this moment. “Lisa said this would get us in the holiday spirit. I don’t see how this helps with song writing, though.”
Yukina tilted her head. “So… am I meant to sit on your lap now?”
Sayo hadn’t even thought that far ahead. Before she could stammer a response, Yukina was already settling onto her lap. The sudden closeness made Sayo blush wildly. Her hands froze stiffly at her sides, unsure where she was allowed to place them. Neither made eye contact as the silence grew heavier.
“I guess now is when you tell me what you want for Christmas,” Sayo tried to break the tension. She meant it as a joke but Yukina cleared her throat.
“For Christmas,” she began stiffly, “I hope Roselia can finish our single.”
“I don’t think Santa can perform miracles.”
“Well, what else do people ask for? I already have a girlfriend so there’s nothing else I need.”
Sayo buried her face in Yukina’s shoulder. She could feel the tip of her ears turning pink. “You have no right being this smooth. Not when I’m dress like this.”
“I think you’re cute… kind of. If I was into overweight, white-haired men.” Another beat of silence passed before Yukina stood up abruptly. “This isn’t working.”
“I agree.” Sayo practically tore the hat off before stripping out of the costume. “I don’t know why I ever listened to Lisa.” She could practically see her bandmate’s smug face.
As Sayo wrestled with her Santa pants, Yukina grew thoughtful. “You know, even though we are trying to reach our fans overseas, not everyone celebrates Christmas.”
Sayo paused, going pale. “What do you mean?” Was her humiliation for nothing?
Yukina looked determined. “I think we need to be more inclusive."
🎄🎄🎄
An hour later, Yukina’s kitchen was a chaotic blend of poorly-researched holiday traditions. A menorah stood beside a badly constructed gingerbread house. A stuffed straw goat sat ominously in the center of the table. Sayo was reading aloud from a website about yuletide celebrations while Yukina dug through her kitchen drawers for a lighter.
Just then, the door swung open. Both girls froze, Yukina’s lit flame paused inches away from the flammable goat.
“WHAT are you two doing?!” Lisa’s voice echoed loud enough for the neighbours to hear.
“We’re celebrating Yule?” Yukina offered.
“And Hanukkah,” Sayo added, still wearing part of the Santa suit and looking particular guilty.
Lisa marched over and snatched the lighter out of Yukina’s hand, placing it on a high shelf where her best friend couldn’t reach it. “First of all, you don’t burn things on a kitchen table! Second, the Menorah is meant to be lit one day at a time. Not that you two are even Jewish! And third…” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “You’re both hopeless.”
Sayo folded her arms defensively. “We’re just trying to be inclusive.”
“The holidays aren’t about cramming every tradition into one. They’re about love, family, and hopefully not setting the house on fire,” Lisa shook her head with a smile.
Yukina looked down, suddenly sheepish. “We might’ve overthought this.”
"Clearly. Let’s just enjoy the holidays how we want," Lisa patted her on the shoulder. “Come on, let me show you how to make Christmas cookies.” She turned around and suddenly screamed.
“Sayo! Why is that creature in here?” Yukina turned to glare at the elf perched lopsidedly on top of the fridge.
“You’re meant to move it to a different location around the house each day,” Sayo mumbled while Lisa clutched her heart.
“Oh God- that’s terrifying!” Lisa panted, still trying to catch her breath. “That thing is going to give me nightmares.”
“Huh, maybe that’s why Hina has been crawling into my bed at night.”
“It’s too crowded for all three of us,” Yukina grumbled. “We’re getting rid of it. Sayo, grab the lighter.”
“No! Yukina, why are you trying to burn everything?” Lisa had to hold her friend back from climbing the kitchen counter.
“How do you think I came up with Fire Bird?”
Sayo smiled as she watched the two chase each other around the oddly decorated kitchen. While this bizarre holiday hadn’t produced the perfect song, she had a feeling Roselia would pull through. They always did. Besides, there was still one Christmas tradition they have yet to enjoy.
Sayo pulled out her phone. “Who wants to order KFC?”