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The soft glow of Christmas lights illuminated Claire François's study at the academy, where she sat reviewing student council documents even on Christmas Eve. Her blonde drill curls were perfectly maintained as always, though she'd forgone her usual red ribbon for a festive silver one.
"Claire-sama!" Rae Taylor burst through the door without knocking, as was her habit. "You're still working? On Christmas Eve?"
Claire didn't look up, but her lip twitched slightly. "The student council's responsibilities don't cease for holidays, Taylor."
"Claire-sama," Rae planted herself directly in front of the desk, "as your self-proclaimed future wife, I cannot allow you to spend Christmas Eve doing paperwork!"
"Self-proclaimed indeed," Claire muttered, though a faint blush colored her cheeks. "And what exactly do you propose instead?"
Rae produced a slightly crushed package from behind her back. "I got you something! And before you say anything about commoners not needing to give nobles gifts, I'll have you know this is a tradition I absolutely won't budge on."
Claire finally looked up, her blue eyes widening slightly. "You're as presumptuous as ever, Rae."
"Only when it comes to you, Claire-sama," Rae grinned, completely unfazed. She'd long since learned to read the fondness hidden beneath Claire's sharp words.
With delicate fingers, Claire unwrapped the package to reveal a handmade photo album. Inside were countless candid shots of herself – at tea parties, during student council meetings, practicing fencing. "When did you...?"
"I may have been following you around with a camera all semester," Rae admitted shamelessly. "Though you're so beautiful, Claire-sama, it was impossible to take a bad photo!"
"Stalking is unbecoming of a lady," Claire said automatically, but she was already carefully turning the pages, lingering over each image.
"It's not stalking, it's devoted admiration!" Rae declared, then softened her voice. "I wanted to show you how I see you, Claire-sama. Not just as the perfect noble lady, but as someone who works harder than anyone, who cares deeply about others even when you pretend not to, who's beautiful even when you're scolding me..."
"Rae," Claire interrupted, her voice slightly unsteady. "You're being ridiculous again."
Rae beamed. "Only about you, Claire-sama. Always about you."
Snow fell softly outside the window as Claire carefully set the album aside and stood. "Well, I suppose since you've thoroughly disrupted my work, you might as well join me for some tea."
"Really?" Rae's eyes sparkled.
"Just this once," Claire said with dignified grace, though they both knew it wouldn't be. "And Rae? ...Thank you."
Rae's heart soared as she followed Claire to their usual tea spot, watching snowflakes catch in those perfect golden curls. Perhaps she hadn't managed to sweep Claire off her feet just yet, but moments like these made her believe that someday, she would.