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"It's Christmas soon, Ruka!"
"So what, Sumi?"
Hasumi was in the Christmas spirit. Surprisingly, it was his favorite holiday. Compared to other holidays, Christmas was more cheerful. Hasumi cherished the days before the New Year, filled with family memories and gift-giving as a sign of affection. Meanwhile, his older twin brother, Haruka, dreaded the joyful day. It was too high-energy and stressful, especially with the pressure of giving gifts. It was bothersome, to say the least. People were too excited for a single day, including his brother.
It was quite a shock that someone as unique as Hasumi could enjoy such an innocent day. Hasumi was a tease—clever, obnoxious at times, but he had his quirks, likes, and dislikes. Christmas was one of those things that made Hasumi light up, which was eerie to Haruka.
"What do you mean, 'so what'?" Hasumi exclaimed, his ears flattening as his tail swayed behind him.
"Exactly what I meant." Haruka rolled his eyes before looking back down at his work.
Hasumi pouted. "You really are no fun." He sat down beside his brother, head resting on his shoulder. "Whatcha doing~" he purred.
Haruka's ear flicked in response.
"Ugh! I asked you a question, dimwit." He flicked his fingers at his brother's ear.
"Hasumi, watch your language," their father, Lucien, walked into the room carrying a box of Christmas lights.
"But I didn't swear!" Hasumi retorted.
Haruka chuckled. "Mom would say you did."
"Exactly." Lucien clicked his tongue as he opened the box.
Hasumi grunted. Both were right. If their mother, Youko, were to hear him speak an insult, he'd be doomed to swearing jail.
"He didn't answer my question, Dad," Hasumi spoke in a pout.
Lucien raised an eyebrow. "Well, he is doing his homework. He needs to stay focused."
"It's what you should be doing too, y'know." Haruka raised his shoulder, bumping off Hasumi who dramatically flopped over onto the couch. "NooOOoOo! Don't wanna! It's the holiday break!"
"Don't sulk, love."
Hasumi felt a soft pat on his head; it was his mother. He nuzzled into her touch, purring. "So I don't gotta do work, right, Mama?"
Youko gave a soft chuckle. "Of course, you still have to." She said, then walked over to sit next to Lucien.
"Stawwpp." Hasumi burrowed into the couch, kicking Haruka in the process. "H-hey!" he yelped.
"Uncle Toshi says education is just a scam," Hasumi grumbled.
Lucien wore an antagonizing smile. "Well, Uncle Toshi wouldn't understand—ack!" His words, filled with malice, were cut off with a smack from Youko's tail.
"Your uncle did school regardless. And so did me and your father. It's important to keep up your studies," Youko smiled.
Lucien began to speak once more, still recovering from the harrowing event of being smacked by his beastman partner. "Yes, school's almost over anyway. Next year, you'll be heading to Night Raven College, where I used to study, remember?"
Hasumi growled. "But that's too much work!!!"
Haruka smirked. "But work is your strong suit." He just earned another kick.
"Just because I have good grades doesn't mean I enjoy it, fool," he said in a light tone, careful not to anger his mother.
Youko looked at him expectantly. Hasumi sighed before getting up. "Finee... I guess I'll finish it. Should only take thirty minutes, anyways." He got up and left.
"Only... thirty?" Lucien said with a hurt tone. Youko just giggled before turning her attention to her eldest. "I'm glad you're not procrastinating, dear, but you haven't done much all break. Is something the matter?"
Haruka looked at his mother. The concern in her eyes made him feel guilty. "No, nothing's wrong. I'm just not that excited about Christmas."
"So he got it from you then," Lucien said to Youko with an accusatory tone.
Youko completely ignored him. "Is that so? Me neither, but your brother sure makes it exciting."
Haruka nodded lightly. "I guess..."
Haruka made his way to his room to put up his things. He walked past Hasumi's room, which was empty, of course. Their house was big enough for them not to share a room. But after Hasumi's little health scare and the small distance Haruka had made, Hasumi had scrambled his way into Haruka's room so consistently that he practically moved in. He did all basic tasks in his own room, but when it came to sleeping or just resting, he'd curl up right next to Haruka. It's not like Haruka really minded; it was a good excuse to win one over Hasumi about who was the clingiest.
Just as he stepped into his room, he saw Hasumi sprawled out on the bed.
"Hm. Took less than thirty, huh?" he spoke with a mischievous tone.
"It took ten!!! Now I'm boredddd!" Hasumi whined.
"Heh, what happened to the Christmas spirit then?" he teased.
Hasumi rolled over. "It's fading because you're not enjoying it too." He pouted.
Haruka was slightly taken aback. Because of him? Did his opinion of a dumb holiday really matter?
He walked over and sat next to Hasumi. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. I guess I do like Christmas, even if only a little," he said with a smile.
"Really?" Hasumi said, not really convinced.
"Heh. Well, only the cookies you make." He said genuinely.
Hasumi cackled. "Haha, of course you do ya sweet tooth."
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The next morning, the household buzzed with excitement. Hasumi woke up with a spring in his step, already humming a Christmas tune as he made his way downstairs. Haruka followed more slowly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and trying to muster some enthusiasm for the day ahead.
In the living room, Lucien was untangling a string of Christmas lights with a look of intense concentration. Youko was arranging various ornaments on the coffee table, sorting them into categories of size and color.
Hasumi's eyes lit up at the sight of the decorations. "Morning! Today's the day we deck the halls!" he declared with a grin.
Youko smiled warmly at her son. "Good morning, dear. Your father is struggling with the lights, as usual," she said with a chuckle.
Lucien huffed in mock offense. "I wouldn't say struggling, just... taking my time," he retorted, finally managing to untangle the lights and drape them neatly over his arm.
Haruka sat down at the kitchen table, grabbing a piece of toast. "Hasumi, calm down. You're too excited, it's weird." he remarked, watching his brother bounce around the room.
Hasumi grinned. "Of course I am! It's Christmas! We have to make everything perfect. Speaking of which, Haruka, you need to help me with the decorations outside."
Haruka groaned but nodded. "Fine, fine. But let's not go overboard, okay?"
Lucien laughed, clapping Haruka on the back. "That's the spirit, son! Let's get started on those lights."
As the morning wore on, the family worked together to transform their home into a festive wonderland. Lucien and Haruka hung the Christmas lights outside, carefully wrapping them around the porch railings and bushes. Hasumi and Youko decorated the living room, hanging garlands and arranging ornaments on the tree.
At one point, Hasumi pulled out a box of delicate glass ornaments and handed one to Haruka. "Here, hang this on the highest branch," he said.
Haruka took the ornament carefully and reached up to place it on the tree. "There, happy now?" he asked with a smirk.
"Very," Hasumi replied, stepping back to admire their handiwork. "It's looking great."
After the decorations were in place, the family took a break for lunch. Youko had prepared a delicious spread of sandwiches and salads, and they all sat down together to enjoy the meal.
"So, what's next on the agenda?" Haruka asked between bites.
"Christmas cookies!" Hasumi announced, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Youko nodded. "That's right. We'll be baking a variety of cookies this afternoon. I know it's a lot of work, but it's a tradition, and the house always smells so wonderful afterward."
Lucien raised his glass. "To Christmas preparations and family traditions," he said with a smile.
"To Christmas!" they all echoed, clinking their glasses together.
After lunch, the kitchen became a flurry of activity as the family donned their aprons and began baking. Hasumi took charge, directing his family members like a seasoned chef. Flour dusted the countertops, and the scent of cinnamon and vanilla filled the air.
Haruka was in charge of mixing the dough for gingerbread men, while Youko and Lucien focused on rolling out the dough and cutting out shapes. Hasumi handled the icing and decorations, meticulously piping details onto each cookie.
"This one looks like you, Ruka," Hasumi said, holding up a gingerbread man with a lopsided smile.
Haruka rolled his eyes. "Very funny. Just wait until I decorate mine—I'll make one that looks like you."
The friendly competition continued as they baked tray after tray of cookies, filling the kitchen with warmth and laughter. By the time they were done, they had a mountain of cookies, each one more festive than the last.
As the sun began to set, the family gathered in the living room with mugs of hot cocoa. The tree lights twinkled, casting a warm glow over the room. Hasumi settled on the couch next to Haruka, leaning his head on his brother's shoulder.
"Thanks for helping out today," Hasumi said softly. "It means a lot to me."
Haruka smiled and ruffled Hasumi's hair. "Yeah, yeah. I guess it wasn't so bad after all. Maybe Christmas isn't so dumb."
Hasumi chuckled. "See? I knew you'd come around."
Youko and Lucien joined them on the couch, and the family sat together, enjoying the peacefulness of the evening. The room was filled with the soft hum of Christmas music and the gentle crackle of the fireplace.
As the night wore on, they shared stories and memories of Christmases past, reminiscing about the good times and the funny mishaps. It was clear that, despite their different attitudes toward the holiday, the love and bond they shared as a family were what made Christmas truly special.
Later, as they all got ready for bed, Hasumi stopped Haruka outside his room. "Hey, Ruka?"
"Yeah?" Haruka replied, turning to face his brother.
"Thanks for making today so great. I know you don't really like Christmas, but it means a lot to me," Hasumi said, his eyes sincere.
Haruka smiled and pulled Hasumi into a hug. "You're welcome, Sumi. Just remember, no matter how much I grumble, I'll always be here for you. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas," Hasumi echoed, his heart full.
As they parted ways for the night, Haruka couldn't help but feel a little more warmth and cheer in his heart. Maybe Christmas wasn't so bad after all—especially when he had a brother like Hasumi to share it with.
And with that, the family drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the joy and magic that Christmas would bring in the days to come.
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"It's Christmas soon...Ruka..."
The days had grown cooler, the sun setting upon the dusk, every day feeling duller than the next. It had been about two months since Hasumi was forced to live in the Kingdom of Stark. He had managed to keep up appearances for the most part, never backing down when it came to the uncomfortable advances made by Jace. Especially when it came to the royal staff trying to take his child, Koro, away from him.
But as of late, he had been losing the will to do anything.
It was about to be his favorite season. Koro's first Christmas nonetheless, miles and miles away from his family.
To Hasumi, Christmas wasn't about the gifts, or the pretty decorations. It was about the memories made, the people that lasted with him till the end of the year. But now he sat in an insulated room that felt cold despite everything made to keep him safe and warm. His sleeping child at his side.
"It's Christmas...and I'm stuck here...I wish I could spend it with you, Ruka."
Hasumi sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair. He glanced at Koro, who was sleeping peacefully, bundled in a blanket. The innocence of his child’s slumber was a small comfort amidst the turmoil within him. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.
The Kingdom of Stark was a place of icy beauty, with snow-covered landscapes and towering castles. But to Hasumi, it felt like a prison. The coldness seeped into his bones, a constant reminder of how far away he was from the warmth and familiarity of home. He longed for the laughter and chaos that filled his family’s house during the holidays.
"Ruka, I miss you so much," he whispered, closing his eyes. Memories of past Christmases flooded his mind. Decorating the tree with his brother, the delicious smell of cookies baking in the oven, and the joy of exchanging gifts. Haruka might have pretended to be indifferent, but Hasumi knew better. He missed the playful banter and the shared moments that made Christmas special.
A soft knock at the door pulled Hasumi from his reverie. He turned to see one of the royal servants standing hesitantly in the doorway.
"Mr. Hasumi, His Majesty requests your presence," the servant said politely, bowing slightly.
Hasumi’s heart sank. He knew what that meant—another encounter with Jace. He gently placed a kiss on Koro’s forehead before rising from his chair.
"I’ll be back soon, Koro," he murmured, making sure his child was secure before following the servant.
The halls of the castle were grand and imposing, with high ceilings and intricate tapestries. As they walked, Hasumi couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding. Jace was relentless, always pushing boundaries and making him uncomfortable. He had to keep his guard up constantly.
When they reached the throne room, the servant announced his arrival. Jace was seated on a chair as if it was a throne, exuding an air of confidence and authority. His piercing gaze locked onto Hasumi as he entered.
"Ah, Hasumi, there you are," Jace said with a smirk. "I was beginning to wonder if you were avoiding me."
Hasumi forced a smile. "Not at all, Your Majesty. How can I assist you?"
Jace waved his hand dismissively. "Let’s dispense with the formalities, shall we? I wanted to discuss the upcoming Christmas celebrations. As you know, it’s a significant event here in Stark, and I have certain expectations."
Hasumi’s stomach churned. He knew Jace’s expectations often meant trouble. "Of course, Your Majesty. What would you like me to do?"
Jace leaned forward, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I want you to be by my side during the festivities. After all, you’re my beloved soon to be an queen, and it would be ungracious not to include you."
Hasumi nodded, suppressing the urge to protest. He knew better than to defy Jace openly. "I understand. I’ll do my best to make the celebrations enjoyable."
Jace’s smile widened. "Good. And don’t worry, I’ll ensure Koro is well taken care of. He is our adorable child after all."
Hasumi clenched his fists, hating the way Jace talked about his son as if he were a possession. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
With that, the meeting was over. Hasumi was dismissed, and he made his way back to his room, his mind racing. He had to find a way to protect Koro and keep his own sanity intact. The thought of enduring the festivities under Jace’s watchful eye filled him with dread.
.
As the days passed, the castle was transformed into a winter wonderland. Lavish decorations adorned every corner, and the air was filled with the scent of pine and spices. Hasumi did his best to keep up appearances, participating in the preparations while keeping a close eye on Koro.
One evening, he sat by the fireplace, holding Koro in his arms. The flames crackled and danced, casting a warm glow over the room. He sang softly to his child, a lullaby his mother used to sing to him and Haruka when they were young.
"Sleep, my child, and dream so sweet. Let the stars guide your little feet. Close your eyes and rest your head. Safe and warm in your little bed."
Koro’s eyelids grew heavy, and soon he was asleep. Hasumi smiled sadly, wishing he could be back home with his family. He glanced out the window, watching the snow fall gently. It reminded him of the winters they used to spend together, building snowmen and having snowball fights.
He imagined Haruka sitting by the fire, perhaps reading a book or playing a game. Their parents would be bustling around, making sure everything was perfect for Christmas. The thought was almost heartbreaking.
---
As Christmas Eve approached, the castle buzzed with anticipation. The grand hall was decorated with a massive Christmas tree, adorned with twinkling lights and ornaments. The sound of carolers filled the air, and a festive atmosphere enveloped the entire kingdom.
Despite his reluctance, Hasumi attended the celebrations, carrying Koro in his arms. He kept a polite smile on his face, trying to stay out of Jace’s way as much as possible. The grandeur of the event was overwhelming, and he couldn’t help but feel a pang of longing for the simplicity of his family’s Christmas.
Jace made a show of welcoming Hasumi, drawing attention to him as his queen and mate. It was all a spectacle, and Hasumi played his part, feeling like a puppet on a string.
As the night wore on, Hasumi found a quiet corner to sit with Koro. The little boy was wide-eyed, taking in the sparkling decorations and the cheerful music, he let out chirps of enjoyment. Hasumi watched him with a bittersweet smile, wishing he could share this moment with his family back home.
Suddenly, a familiar tune caught his ear. It was a song his mother used to play on the piano during Christmas—a melody that held countless memories. He looked around, trying to find the source of the music. It was on the piano.
Tears welled up in Hasumi’s eyes as he listened to the music, feeling a connection to his family even from miles away. He held Koro close, letting the familiar melody wash over him.
.
Late that night, after the festivities had ended and the castle was quiet, Hasumi lay in bed, reflecting on the day. Koro slept peacefully beside him, and the room was bathed in the soft glow of moonlight.
Despite finally being able to rest, this was a foreign place, nothing could replace Christmas without Haruka.
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"I know it may seem strange for you to go home right now... but it's gonna be Christmas soon, Haruka," Mirlo spoke cautiously.
Ever since Hasumi was taken away, Haruka had completely shut down. His grades and motivation had quickly faltered. He barely wanted to get up most mornings, and his speech had deteriorated to the point where almost no one could understand him. While most students were preparing to head home and enjoy the holidays with their family, Haruka stayed in his dorm room.
"So what," he spoke in a monotone voice.
"Well, you should spend it with family, especially since—"
"Doesn't matter, not if it ain't with him," he continued.
Mirlo frowned. He understood where Haruka was coming from, but it was in no way healthy.
"A-alright, sorry for bothering you." He left.
Haruka stayed planted in his bed, looking up at the ceiling before closing his eyes.
"I'm ruining the spirit, aren't I, Sumi?" he muttered to himself.
This Christmas would probably be the worst he'd ever experienced. Without Hasumi around, there was no point in even caring.
.
The dorm room was a mess. Haruka had stopped bothering to clean up, and his belongings were strewn across the floor. He lay in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Memories of past Christmases with Hasumi haunted him, filling him with a deep sense of loss.
"Why did it have to be you, Sumi?" Haruka whispered to the empty room. "Why did they take you away?"
He remembered the times they spent decorating the tree, baking cookies, and playing in the snow. Hasumi's infectious joy and boundless energy had always been the heart of their Christmas celebrations. Now, it all felt meaningless without him.
.
One evening, Haruka heard a soft knock at the door. He ignored it at first, but the knocking persisted, growing more insistent.
"Haruka, it's Mirlo. Please open the door," a familiar voice called out.
With a heavy sigh, Haruka dragged himself out of bed and opened the door. Mirlo stood there, holding a small bag in one hand and a look of concern on his face.
"I brought you some food," Mirlo said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. "You haven't been eating, have you?"
Haruka shrugged. "What's the point?"
Mirlo set the bag down on the desk and turned to face Haruka. "The point is to keep yourself alive and healthy. Hasumi wouldn't want you to waste away like this."
"Hasumi isn't here," Haruka replied bitterly.
"I know," Mirlo said softly. "But that doesn't mean you have to give up. Your family needs you, Haruka. I need you."
Haruka looked away, his eyes stinging with unshed tears. "Christmas doesn't mean anything if he's not here."
Mirlo placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I understand. But maybe there's something you can do to make it a little better."
.
Haruka spent the next few days in a fog, barely aware of his surroundings. Mirlo tried to help, but it was like trying to break through a wall of numbness and despair.
One evening, as Haruka lay in bed, he heard Mirlo's voice again. "Why don't you try to recreate some of the Christmas traditions you and Hasumi used to do together?"
Haruka frowned. "What's the point? It won't be the same without him."
"No, it won't," Mirlo admitted. "But it might help you feel closer to him. And who knows, maybe it will lift your spirits a bit."
Haruka sighed, knowing that Mirlo was only trying to help. "Fine. Maybe there are a few things..."
.
The next day, Haruka ventured into town to gather supplies. He picked out a small Christmas tree, strings of lights, and a variety of ornaments. He felt a pang of sadness as he remembered decorating the tree with Hasumi, but he pushed the feeling aside, determined to make the best of the situation.
Back in the dorm room, Haruka set up the tree in the corner and began decorating. The process was slow and painful, each ornament a reminder of the brother who should have been there with him.
"Heh...you always insisted on putting the star on top. Even if you were to short to reach." Haruka said with a faint smile.
He could almost hear Hasumi's laughter in response, the memory vivid in his mind. The past seemed so close, yet so far away.
.
That evening, Haruka sat by the tree, holding a small wrapped present. It was something he had bought for Hasumi months ago, before everything had gone wrong. He held it close, imagining the look of delight on his brother's face when he opened it.
Haruka spent the next few days trying to keep himself busy. He baked cookies, decorated the dorm with paper snowflakes, and even attended the campus Christmas party. It wasn't the same as being with Hasumi, but it was better than nothing.
On Christmas Eve, Haruka sat by the tree once more, a sense of contentment settling over him.
.
Later that night, as Haruka lay in bed, he reflected on the past few weeks. He had come to realize that while Christmas would never be the same without Hasumi, it didn't mean he couldn't find joy in the holiday. He regretted not appreciating their time together more, but he knew that Hasumi would want him to be happy.
Haruka closed his eyes, a small smile on his lips. "Merry Christmas, Sumi," he whispered.
And with that, Haruka drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the day when he and Hasumi would be reunited, and they could celebrate Christmas together once more.