Chapter Text
Reo strode confidently down the bustling sidewalks, his violet scarf fluttering as he tugged Nagi along by the arm. Reo’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he darted from shop window to shop window, scanning displays filled with twinkling decorations, meticulously wrapped gifts, and seasonal treats.
“Come on, Nagi!” Reo urged, his grip firm but playful as he pulled Nagi along. “We have so many places to check out before the good stuff gets snatched up!”
Nagi trudged behind him, his posture as languid as ever, with one hand stuffed into his coat pocket and the other caught in Reo’s determined grasp. His white hair glinted faintly under the glowing lights strung across the street, but his half-lidded gaze betrayed no particular enthusiasm for the Christmas shopping spree.
“It’s cold…” Nagi mumbled, glancing longingly at a café where the windows were fogged up from the warmth inside.
“Stop whining,” Reo said, though his tone was more teasing than scolding. “If we find the perfect gifts, it’ll all be worth it. Trust me.”
Reo skidded to a halt in front of a boutique, his eyes widening as he admired the intricate display of holiday trinkets and stylish accessories. “Oh, look at these! What do you think, Nagi? This would be perfect for…” Reo paused, gesturing excitedly while Nagi blinked slowly, offering nothing more than a faint shrug of indifference.
Reo huffed, hands on his hips. “You’re impossible,” he said, a playful lilt to his voice. His gaze flitted between the display and Nagi’s blank face. He turned to his friend with renewed enthusiasm. “That reminds me—what do you want for Christmas?”
Nagi tilted his head slightly, his silver eyes meeting Reo’s.
“Come on, Nagi,” Reo said with a grin. “What do you want for Christmas? You have to want something.”
Nagi tilted his head, his white hair peeking out from under his hood, and stared at Reo with his usual calm, unfocused gaze. Then, as if deciding something, he fixed his wide puppy-dog eyes on Reo and said... absolutely nothing.
Reo blinked, slightly taken aback. “You’ve been staring at me for like a full minute now. What is it?”
Nagi’s gaze softened even further, his lips curving into the faintest pout. Reo could practically feel his heart skip a beat. Why does he have to look so cute? he thought, shaking his head to clear it. But then, realization dawned.
Does Nagi want money again?
Reo’s heart sank slightly. Nagi wasn’t materialistic, and he rarely asked for anything... But giving money directly left a bad taste in Reo's mouth. Reo glanced away, doing his best to keep his tone light. “I mean, come on. There has to be something you want. And if it’s money, the answer’s no, okay?”
Nagi’s eyes widened slightly, and he tilted his head in confusion. “Huh?”
Nagi’s gaze flickered, his silver eyes still clouded with confusion—and something else Reo couldn’t quite place. Then, ever so slowly, he looked down at the snow-dusted ground. He kicked at a loose chunk of ice, mumbling, “There’s nothing I want...”
The dejection in Nagi’s tone was like a needle pricking Reo’s chest. He panicked, his heart clenching. Great. Now he’s upset. Nice going, Reo.
Reaching out, Reo placed a hand on Nagi’s shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze. “Hey, don’t be like that,” he said quickly, his voice softening. “Even if you don’t know what you want, I’ll still make sure you have an awesome Christmas. I’ll get you a ton of gifts—whatever I think you’ll love. No boring stuff, promise.”
Nagi looked up at him, and for a moment, there was a flicker of something in his gaze. “You don’t have to go overboard…” he murmured.
“Nonsense! That’s what Christmas is for,” Reo said, grinning. “Just leave it to me, alright? I’m gonna spoil you so much, you won’t even know what hit you.”
For a brief second, a faint, almost imperceptible smile ghosted across Nagi’s lips. He nodded slowly. “...Okay.”
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Christmas evening in the penthouse was a sight to behold. Strings of golden lights twinkled along the walls, and garlands decked the banisters with lush green and crimson accents. A massive Christmas tree stood proudly by the floor-to-ceiling windows, its ornaments sparkling as the city lights outside reflected off them. Beneath the tree, there was an impressive pile of carefully wrapped presents in a variety of shapes and sizes. The dining table nearby was laden with dishes: roasted turkey, freshly baked bread, and an array of side dishes that seemed to glow under the warm lighting.
Reo adjusted his shirt for what felt like the millionth time, pacing near the entrance. He’d told himself it wasn’t a big deal, but the idea of spending Christmas with Nagi had his nerves on edge.
When the doorbell finally rang, he nearly tripped over himself in his haste to answer it. Swinging the door open, Reo was greeted by the sight of Nagi bundled up in his winter coat, his breath visible in the frosty air.
“Merry Christmas!” Reo greeted warmly, his violet eyes sparkling with excitement.
Nagi mumbled a quiet, “Merry Christmas Reo,” and extended his hands, holding out a small, neatly wrapped present.
Reo blinked in surprise before breaking into a wide grin. “Oh, Nagi! You didn’t have to get me anything,” he said, his tone light and teasing, but his heart swelled with unexpected warmth. He gently took the gift from Nagi’s hands and added with a softer voice, “Thank you, though. That’s really thoughtful of you.”
Nagi shrugged lightly, stepping inside as Reo ushered him in with a wave. “It’s nothing big...”
Reo didn’t care what was inside; the fact that Nagi had thought to bring a gift at all made him unreasonably happy. He set the small present carefully on the dining table, next to a festive centerpiece of candles and holly. “Well, come on in! Make yourself at home.”
As Nagi stepped out of his shoes and removed his coat, his silver eyes wandered around the space. Everywhere he looked, there were decorations—strings of lights, stockings hanging over the faux fireplace, and even a few figurines of reindeer and snowmen arranged on side tables.
“You went all out,” Nagi commented.
“Of course I did!” Reo exclaimed, practically bouncing on his feet. “It’s Christmas, Nagi! You’ve gotta go big!”
When Nagi’s gaze landed on the tree, his brows raised slightly at the sheer number of presents stacked underneath. Reo caught the look and grinned sheepishly.
“Okay, so I might’ve gone a little overboard,” he admitted, scratching the back of his head. “But, hey, it’s all part of the fun. Anyway, let’s eat first, then we’ll get to the presents. What do you think?”
Nagi nodded without hesitation. The table was as inviting as the warm air inside the penthouse. “Sure. I’m hungry.”
Reo’s excitement seemed to hit a new level. “Perfect! Let’s dig in. I had the chef make a feast, but I insisted on adding the finishing touches myself. You know, personal touch and all that.”
“Mm,” Nagi replied, already moving toward the table, though his eyes lingered briefly on the small gift he’d brought.
Reo followed, smiling brightly as he pulled out a chair for Nagi. He couldn’t help the way his heart felt so full—it wasn’t just the holiday decorations, the food, or even the pile of presents. It was the fact that Nagi was here, and they were spending this moment together.
“This is gonna be the best Christmas ever,” Reo declared as they sat down to start their dinner.
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After dinner, they sat cross-legged on the plush carpet near the Christmas tree. The glow of the fairy lights danced across their faces, and the pile of neatly wrapped presents beckoned like unopened treasures. Reo grinned from ear to ear, his excitement palpable as he motioned toward the gifts.
“Start with the ones I got for you!" Reo said, practically bouncing in place.
Nagi’s silver eyes shifted from Reo to the pile of gifts under the tree. He reached out, picking up the first present with an air of unhurried calm. Tearing through the shiny paper, he revealed a sleek new soccer ball, customized with a minimalist black-and-silver design that matched Nagi’s cool aesthetic.
“Nice,” Nagi said simply, running a hand over the ball’s surface.
Reo beamed. “I figured you’d like it! Wait, there’s more.”
Encouraged, Nagi moved to the next gift: a limited-edition gaming headset in white and silver. Then came a portable console, followed by a set of soccer gear, premium snacks, and even a giant plush beanbag chair that practically screamed Nagi’s name.
Each time Nagi opened something, Reo waited eagerly, searching for a spark of excitement. But Nagi’s responses remained subdued—calm nods, quiet “thanks,” and a faint smile here and there.
As the pile of opened gifts grew, Reo couldn’t help but feel his enthusiasm falter. Did he mess this up? he wondered, his chest tightening. Maybe he got the wrong things...
Finally, after Nagi finished unwrapping the last present, Reo rubbed the back of his neck, hesitating before asking, “ You don’t… like the gifts?”
Nagi glanced up at him, his expression soft but unreadable. “No, I do,” he said simply.
Reo exhaled, relieved but still sensing something unsaid. He leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees. “Then what’s wrong? If you wanted something else, you could’ve just told me, you know. What did you really want?”
Nagi looked down, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of a ribbon. After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice quieter than usual. “What I really wanted is…”
Reo cut him off, waving a hand and pulling out his wallet with the other. “Wait, I know! You wanted money, right?”
He started to open the wallet, but before he could, Nagi reached out and grabbed Reo’s hand firmly, stopping him. Reo blinked, startled, and when he looked up, his eyes widened.
Nagi leaned in close and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to Reo’s lips, catching him completely off guard. Time seemed to freeze as Reo’s brain struggled to catch up, his heart pounding in his chest.
When Nagi pulled back, his expression remained calm, but there was a rare warmth in his eyes. “All I wanted was you,” he finished, his tone as steady as ever. “You make me the happiest.”
Reo’s wallet slipped from his hand, forgotten, as his cheeks flushed a bright crimson. For once, he was at a loss for words, his usual confidence utterly disarmed.
“I…” Reo stammered, then let out a breathy laugh. “You could’ve just said that, you know.”
“I just did,” Nagi replied matter-of-factly, his gaze steady.
Reo stared at him for a moment before breaking into a wide grin, his heart swelling as all his doubts melted away. He leaned forward, his forehead pressing lightly against Nagi’s.
“Well,” Reo said softly, his voice laced with affection, “Merry Christmas, Nagi. Looks like you got your wish."
Nagi made a small noise of acknowledgment, a low hum that was both content and deliberate. His silver eyes softened as they met Reo’s, and without a word, he leaned in again, tilting his head slightly.
Reo barely had time to react before Nagi closed the space between them, pressing another kiss to his lips—this one slower, deeper, and more intentional. Reo’s eyes widened in surprise, his cheeks already pink from the first kiss, but it only took a second before he relaxed into it, his heart skipping in a way that made him feel warm all over.
When they finally parted, Reo stared at Nagi, utterly speechless and a little dazed. “You’re really leaning into this, huh?” he teased, though his flushed face betrayed his usual composure.
“Mm,” Nagi murmured, his expression unreadable but his actions speaking louder than words. He moved closer, his hand lingering on Reo’s wrist, his thumb brushing softly against his skin. “It’s Christmas. Thought I’d try harder.”
Reo let out a laugh, the tension melting from him entirely as he wrapped an arm around Nagi’s shoulder. “You’re unbelievable.” His grin widened, genuine and full of affection. “But I’m not complaining. Best Christmas ever.”
Nagi rested his head against Reo’s, a smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah… best Christmas.”