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The bustling streets were alive as Mizuki and Rui strolled side by side, their breath visible in the crisp winter air. The scent of roasted chestnuts mingled with the faint melody of a street performer strumming a festive tune on their guitar. The city felt alive, every corner adorned with twinkling lights and decorations, but Mizuki’s attention was mostly on the boy walking beside her.
Rui’s hands were stuffed into the pockets of his coat, his head slightly tilted as if lost in thought. His pace was leisurely, perfectly in tune with Mizuki’s shorter steps.
“You seem unusually quiet today, Mizuki,” Rui said suddenly, his voice cutting through the comfortable silence. He turned his head to glance at them, his sharp gaze softened by a curious smile.
Mizuki blinked, startled. They weren't used to being called out like this, and they quickly averted their eyes to the rows of shops they were passing. “I guess… I’m just soaking it all in,” they replied, her voice almost a murmur "I hope it snows today~"
“Hm,” Rui mused, watching them for a moment longer before returning his gaze forward. Then, with his usual playful yet probing tone, he added, “By the way, do you have any plans for Christmas?”
Mizuki looked up at him, their expression caught between surprise and suspicion. “Christmas?” they echoed. “Not really. Why do you ask?”
Rui shrugged, but there was a teasing glint in his eyes. “No reason. I just figured someone like you would be too busy."
Mizuki narrowed their eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Rui chuckled, the sound light and unbothered. “You’re full of surprises, Mizuki. I thought you’d be the type to have grand plans—maybe hosting a mysterious masquerade or something equally theatrical.”
Mizuki couldn’t help but laugh softly at that, shaking their head. “You’re overestimating me. My life’s not that exciting, Unlike you, are you making some kind of grand Christmas show?" They nudge Rui softly.
Rui tilted his head, his smile lingering. “Hm... Not this year... Then maybe this time can be your exciting moment,” he said casually, his words making Mizuki’s cheeks warm.
They opened her mouth to respond, but before they could, the bright neon sign of the shopping mall caught her eye. “We’re here,” she said instead, quickening her pace slightly.
The mall was packed, as expected during the holiday season. Families, couples, and groups of friends milled about, their voices blending into a constant hum of activity. Mizuki pulled their scarf tighter around her neck, trying to block out the chill that still managed to seep inside despite the mall’s heaters.
“Where do you want to go first?” Rui asked, walking beside her with an easy confidence that contrasted with her quiet, almost cautious demeanor.
Mizuki glanced around, her eyes darting between various shops. They weren't entirely sure where to start, but the vibrant display of a nearby CD shop caught her attention. “How about there?” she suggested, pointing toward it.
“Of course you would pick there.” Rui said with an approving nod.
The shop was smaller and cozier than some of the others in the mall, its walls lined with shelves packed with CDs and vinyl records. The faint hum of a rock ballad played in the background, giving the space a nostalgic vibe.
Mizuki wandered toward a section labeled “Indie Artists,” their fingers brushing lightly over the spines of the CDs as she scanned the titles. Rui, meanwhile, lingered near the entrance, his hands still tucked into his pockets as he observed them with quiet interest.
“Looking for anything specific?” he asked after a moment, stepping closer to them.
“Not really,” Mizuki admitted. “I just like browsing. Sometimes you find something unexpected.”
“Like you,” Rui said casually, making Mizuki pause.
They turned to him, one eyebrow raised. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Exactly what it sounds like,” Rui replied, his tone light but cryptic. “You’re full of unexpected things.”
Mizuki was about to retort when a familiar voice interrupted them.
“Rui! Mizuki!”
They both turned to see An bounding toward them, a bright smile on her face and Akito trailing behind her with his usual air of exasperation.
“What are you two doing here?” An asked, her energy as infectious as ever.
“Just browsing,” Rui replied, his smile widening slightly at her enthusiasm. “What about you two?”
“Dragging Akito around, obviously,” An said, laughing. She turned to Mizuki with a curious look. “You’re not usually the type to hang out at malls, Mizuki. What’s the occasion?”
Mizuki hesitated, glancing at Rui for a brief moment before replying, “No occasion. Just… spending the day.”
An’s grin widened knowingly, and Akito rolled his eyes. “Spending the day, huh?” An teased. “Sounds like a date to me.”
“It’s not—” Mizuki started to protest, but Rui cut her off.
“Who knows?” Rui said smoothly, his tone playful.
Mizuki shot him a glare, their cheeks heating up. “Don’t say things like that,” she muttered under her breath.
An laughed, clearly enjoying the exchange, while Akito shook his head. “You guys are something else,” he said, his voice dry but not unkind.
After a few more minutes of chatting and browsing, An and Akito said their goodbyes, leaving Rui and Mizuki alone once again.
As they exited the CD shop, Rui glanced at Mizuki, his expression thoughtful. “An’s right, you know,” he said suddenly.
Mizuki looked at him, confused. “About what?”
“Today does kind of feel like a date,” Rui said, his tone teasing but not insincere.
Mizuki froze, their heart skipping a beat. They weren't sure how to respond, so they settled for a small, nervous laugh. “You’re impossible,” she said, shaking their head.
Rui’s smile softened, and he looked ahead. “Maybe. But you’re still here.”
Mizuki didn’t reply, but their cheeks remained flushed as they continued walking together, the warmth of his words lingering in the air between them.
While walking around the mall, browsing for more items, Mizuki swung her shopping bags slightly as she followed Rui out of the shopping mall and into the square, where a temporary ice skating rink ha been set up for the holidays. The air felt colder, but the warm glow of lights gave the scene a cozy, almost magical atmosphere.
Mizuki stopped in their tracks. Staring at the rink with widened eyes. "It's beautiful." they murmured.
Rui glanced over his shoulder, noticing the way her gaze lingered on the ice. “Want to give it a try?” he asked, his voice carrying a hint of excitement.
Mizuki hesitated, clutching the straps of their shopping bags. “I’ve never skated before,” they admitted softly.
"Oh really? I could teach you if you'd like." he asked, waiting for their answer, he gestured toward the ticket counter.
"Would that be okay—" they asked but was interrupted when Rui took their hand and led them to the counter. They sighed and followed him, their face flushed at how they are holding hands.
After renting skates and stashing their shopping bags, Rui led Mizuki to the edge of the rink. They clung to the railing, eyeing the ice warily as couples whizzed past them.
“This was a bad idea...” they muttered, their fingers gripping the metal bar tightly.
Rui crouched beside them, adjusting his own skates with ease. “Don’t worry, I won’t let you fall,” he said, looking up at them with an encouraging smile.
Mizuki gave him a skeptical glance. “You say that now, but I’ll probably end up dragging you down with me.”
“Then we’ll both fall,” Rui replied matter-of-factly. “But isn’t that part of the fun?”
Before they could argue, Rui stood and extended a hand toward them. His expression was calm and reassuring, with just a hint of teasing in his eyes. “Trust me,” he said simply.
After a moment’s hesitation, Mizuki reached out and took his hand. The warmth of his fingers against theirs was steadying, and they found themselves taking a tentative step onto the ice.
Their first few steps were as unsteady as they feared. The moment they let go of the railing, their legs wobbled dangerously, and they let out a small yelp, instinctively clutching Rui’s arm.
"I don't think I'm cut out for this..." Mizuki muttered their voice tight in concentration.
Rui chuckled softly. “No one’s made for it at first. You’ll get the hang of it.”
He moved behind them, his hands lightly resting on her hips to guide their movements. Mizuki froze at the unexpected contact, their face heating up. “W-What are you doing?”
“Helping you balance." Rui said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “Relax. I’m not going to let you fall.”
But Mizuki’s embarrassment only made them more self-conscious, and their next step landed awkwardly. They slipped, their feet sliding out from under them, and let out a startled gasp as they fell backward. Rui reacted quickly, catching them before they could hit the ice.
For a moment, Mizuki found themselves pressed against his chest, his arms securely around her. They started up at him, their heart racing as they tried to process what had just happened. Rui– on his part, seemed completely unfazed.
“See?” he said lightly, a small smile rigging his lips. “I told you I wouldn't let you fall.”
“You could’ve warned me,” Mizuki muttered, though their voice lacked its usual sharpness.
“I did, You just didn’t listen.” Rui chuckled as he helped them back to their feet, his hands lingering at their sides to steady her. “Now, try again.”
With Rui’s patient guidance, Mizuki gradually began to find their footing. He stayed close, offering advice and occasional teasing comments, but his presence was steady and reassuring. Little by little, their steps became more confident, and soon they was gliding across the ice with only minimal wobbles.
Look at you,” Rui said as he skated beside her. “You’re a natural.”
“Don’t push it,” Mizuki replied, blushing a little at his comment. though there was a hint of pride in their voice.
They skated together for what felt like hours, the laughter and warmth between them melting away the chill of the evening.
As the rink began to empty out, Rui suggested that they'd take a break. They sat on a nearby bench, their breaths visible in the cold air. Mizuki’s cheeks were flushed, whether from the exertion or something else entirely, and they looked at Rui with a small smile.
“Thanks for teaching me,” they said, their voice soft but sincere.
Rui leaned back, his hands resting casually on his knees. “It was my pleasure,” he replied. Then, with a playful glint in his eyes, he added, “Though I have to say, you’re a quick learner. I might be out of a job soon.”
Mizuki laughed, shaking their head. “I doubt that. You’re annoyingly good at this.”
"And you’re surprisingly fun when you’re not overthinking,” Rui shot back, earning himself a glare that quickly softened into another smile.
By the time they left the rink, the stars had begun to peek out from behind the clouds, and snowflakes were drifting lazily from the sky. Mizuki looked up, watching the flakes land on her scarf and hair, and felt a quiet sense of contentment.
Rui walked beside them, his hands in his pockets once more. The silence between them was comfortable, filled with the lingering warmth of their time on the ice.
“Where to next?” Rui asked after a while.
Mizuki thought for a moment. "How about that park?"
Rui nodded, his usual smile playing at his lips. “Lead the way.”
As they headed toward the park, Mizuki couldn’t help but glance at him out of the corner of their eye. They didn’t know what the rest of the evening would hold, but for the first time in a long while, they felt like it didn’t matter. This moment, walking side by side with Rui in the falling snow, was more than enough.
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The path leading into the park was dusted clear, and the faint sound of their steps filled the quiet space. Fairy lights strung along the trees glowed softly, casting a warm light that reflected off the snow, giving the entire park a serene, almost dreamlike quality. Mizuki hugged their coat tighter around themself, glancing sideways at Rui as they walked side by side.
The ice skating earlier had left their legs a little sore, but their heart still felt light. They weren’t sure what it was—maybe it was Rui’s constant teasing, or maybe it was the way he stayed close, never letting them fall. Whatever it was, the nervousness they’d felt at the start of the day had melted away, leaving behind something quieter, something warmer.
“You’re awfully quiet again,” Rui remarked, his voice breaking the peaceful silence. He turned his head toward them, his piercing gaze softened by curiosity. “What’s on your mind?”
Mizuki hesitated, their breath visible in the chilly air. They toyed with the ends of their scarf, searching for the right words. “I was just… thinking about today,” they admitted finally.
Rui raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “Oh? And what do you mean by that?”
“It’s been fun,” Mizuki said, their voice quieter than usual but no less sincere. “More fun than I expected.”
Rui chuckled softly. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
They continued walking until they reached a small clearing where a fountain stood frozen in the center, its usual spray of water replaced by icicles that sparkled under the lights. A wooden bench sat nearby, giving Rui an idea.
Let’s sit for a bit,” Rui suggested, gesturing to the bench.
Mizuki nodded, sitting down. Rui joined them, leaning back casually and stretching his legs out in front of them. For a moment, neither of them spoke, simply taking in the quiet beauty of the park.
“We don’t do this often, do you?” Rui asked suddenly, turning to look at them.
“Do what?” Mizuki asked, glancing at him.
“Relax. Spend time like this.” Rui said, his tone thoughtful. “We would always spend most of out time up on the rooftop."
Mizuki frowned slightly, unsure how to respond. He wasn’t wrong—they did tend to get lost in their own thoughts, their own world, up on the rooftop together. But today had been different. Today, they’d felt more present, more connected.
"Yeah. I guess I’m not used to it,” they admitted after a moment. “But… I don’t mind it. Not with you.”
Their words came out softer than they intended, and they quickly looked away, their cheeks heating up.
Rui didn’t respond immediately. When he finally spoke, his voice was quieter than usual. “That’s good. Because I don’t mind it either.”
The moment stretched between them, delicate and unspoken, until Rui reached into the pocket of his coat.
Here,” he said, holding out a small, neatly wrapped box.
Mizuki blinked, surprised. “What’s this?”
“A Christmas gift,” Rui replied simply, his lips quirking into a small smile.
Mizuki hesitated before taking the box from his hands. The paper was a deep crimson, tied with a silver ribbon, and it felt almost too pretty to open. Slowly, they pulled at the ribbon and carefully unwrapped the gift, revealing a delicate necklace inside. The charm was small but intricately designed—a pink bow embedded with tiny crystals that caught the light.
Mizuki stared at it, their heart skipping a beat. “Rui… this is beautiful,” they said, their voice barely above a whisper.
“I’m glad you like it,” Rui said, leaning forward slightly. His expression was softer than usual, his teasing demeanor replaced by something more genuine. “It reminded me of you.”
Mizuki's breath caught. They didn’t know what to say, didn’t know how to process the sudden rush of emotion that filled their chest. They glanced up at him, their fingers tightening around the necklace.
“Thank you,” they managed to say, their voice trembling slightly.
Rui tilted his head, his gaze steady. “You don’t have to thank me. I wanted to.”
Mizuki looked down at the necklace again, fiddling with the charm. Their mind was racing, but there was one thought that kept pushing its way to the forefront. They swallowed hard, their heart pounding as they finally worked up the courage to speak.
"Rui," they began, their voice shaking slightly, "I... I like you... A lot. Ever since back then... I can't really put it into words now. You always been looking out for me. I can't describe how much you mean to me."
The words hung in the air between them, fragile and uncertain. Mizuki kept their eyes on the necklace, too afraid to look up and see his reaction.
But then they felt a hand gently brush against theirs, and they finally looked up to see Rui smiling at them.
“I like you too, Mizuki, more words than I could ever explain. From the moment we spent time in the rooftop, up until now... I've always liked you.” he said softly, his tone free of his usual teasing.
Before they could process his words, Rui leaned closer, his lips brushing against theirs in a kiss that was as gentle as the falling snow. Mizuki’s eyes widened in surprise before slowly closing, their heart pounding in their chest as they leaned into him.
When they finally pulled apart, the world felt quieter, softer somehow. Mizuki stared at him, their cheeks flushed, and Rui chuckled quietly.
“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” he teased, though his voice was still warm.
Mizuki shook their head, a small, shy smile forming on their lips. “No… it wasn’t.”
They sat in silence for a moment longer before Rui stood, holding out a hand to them. “Come on. Let’s keep walking.”
Mizuki took his hand, letting him pull them to their feet. As they walked through the park, hand in hand, the snow began to fall, blanketing the world around them in white.
It wasn't long before Mizuki spots a black cat.
It was sitting on a low stone wall near the edge of the path, its sleek fur dusted with snow and its yellow eyes gleaming in the dim light.
Rui followed their gaze, his expression curious. “A cat?”
Mizuki nodded, their grip tightening on his hand. “I get the feeling... That it reminds me of something familiar...” they faintly smile, their eyes still lingering on the cat as their voice trails off.
Rui didn’t press them for details. Instead, he stepped closer to the wall, crouching down to get a better look at the cat. The animal eyed him warily at first, but when he held out his hand, it tentatively sniffed before rubbing its head against his palm. He gently picks up the cat into its arms and it rubs his scarf.
“But it’s cute, right?” Rui said, glancing up at Mizuki with a small smile.
Mizuki blinked, their cheeks flushing slightly. They fiddled with the necklace around their neck, a soft smile spreading across their lips. “Yeah,” they said quietly, their voice almost a whisper.
Rui straightened, the cat now purring softly in his arms. He looked at Mizuki, his expression gentle. “I think it likes us.”
Mizuki couldn’t help but laugh softly, their earlier shyness melting away. “Maybe we have more in common than I thought,” they murmured.