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"Alright, guys, you can open your slips of paper now! But don't show them to anyone!!". Enjin said excitedly, as he followed his own instructions.
All the cleaners (at least those who participated in this tradition) were in the common room. There was Team Child, Team Akuta, Semiu, August and Eishia, Amo, Corvus, Gris, Follo, Tomme, and a few others.
Riyo, Guita, and Rudo had written their classmates' names on small pieces of paper, then folded them one by one and put them in a small bowl. Enjin was in charge of mixing the slips of paper and, once he finished, placed the small bowl on the counter.
"No cheating, okay!". He took his slip of paper and stepped aside so the others could draw one.
Zanka was there too. Why? Well, Enjin had suggested it, and he never said no to Enjin. And now he was standing in line, waiting his turn to take a slip of paper. It seemed absurd to him, but also a beautiful and touching tradition. He'd participated in previous years, and found it exciting and fun, but he had to maintain his serious demeanor.
When he finally reached the front, he stretched out his arm, took a slip of paper from the bin, and stepped aside. Last year, Follo had been his Secret Santa.
He'd given him a new pair of glasses (now he always wears them on top of his cap) because he'd noticed his old ones were pretty worn out. Follo was one of the first friends he made among the cleaners; they got along very well.
This year he hoped to be Riyo's, Gris's, or maybe Eishia's Secret Santa. It was easy to give those three gifts; they accepted everything gladly. Maybe some chocolates or a pair of socks.
With this in mind, he tested his luck and finally opened the slip of paper. He managed to read one letter… and then another… and… there were only two letters.
A two-letter name. It started with F and ended with a U… oh, no… HE'D GOT FU? FU OROSTOR?!! THE Fu Orostor????? No way… that boy who was a complete stranger to him…
It was true, Fu was with them now. He'd completely forgotten about his presence. And don't get him wrong, it wasn't that he disliked him, he simply didn't know him. He'd never spoken to him formally. The only time they'd had a moment?? or something like that, was at the doll festival, and they hadn't even spoken.
He remembered Fu saying something like, "Finally, someone gave me an order”, and Zanka staring at him, puzzled. He remembered thinking “what a strange boy”, and that was it. After that, he never saw him enough to have a conversation with the boy. By this point, he didn't care that Fu had been a raider; after all, Enjin had told him the whole story of the boy's journey to become a cleaner. And if Enjin and the boss accepted it, then he was fine with it too.
He looked around, trying to find our protagonist, and when he spotted him, he wanted to laugh. Fu was in a corner, away from everyone, almost curled up in a ball. His face was hidden in his arms, and only his large, fearful eyes darted around. He looked adorable.
He thought about calling the boy over, but someone else was already doing that: Enjin.
"Hey Fu! Come get your slip of paper! Don't be so scared, man! We don't bite!", and the next thing he heard was the boy's voice saying: "Y-Yes, sir!".
He saw Fu automatically get up from the floor and go straight for a piece of paper, then return to where he was standing.
The boy's quick and clumsy actions made him chuckle, a laugh that didn't go unnoticed by Enjin, who had been watching him the whole time Zanka had been watching the other boy, something confusing to explain.
For some reason, Zanka felt embarrassed, caught out, so he decided to leave the room and go to his bedroom. There he would think more clearly about the gift he would give Fu.
Well, the gift exchange was on December 24th, and it was only the first of the month, so Zanka had plenty of time to solve the great enigma. The boy decided to give Fu the PERFECT gift, and who knows, maybe he'd even become friends in the process. Perhaps the idea of finding the perfect gift seemed silly to others, but when Zanka set his mind to something, he achieved it; that's how he lived his life. He was true to his ideals and took everything seriously. Whether it was cleaning or a mission, he liked to do everything well. He was demanding of himself.
In the following days, Zanka tried to get closer to Fu somehow. He watched him train with Riyo or Enjin, while he himself trained with Rudo. The boy was incredibly strong, wow.
He had never seen Fu fight before; it was amazing. Maybe he should start by inviting him to a friendly match? He didn't realize he had been staring for a long time until Rudo hit him on the head with something, knocking him down.
"Idiot! Be more careful!", "I've been talking to you, but you're not paying attention! What are you thinking about so much?!", another low blow for Zanka.
"Sorry, let's continue”, and so they did, with Zanka blushing to the tips of his ears and three pairs of curious eyes watching the scene.
On another occasion, Zanka was in the dining hall. He stood there with his tray in hand, looking for a place to sit.
After scanning the area, he spotted a head of white and fuchsia hair; it was Fu! Perfect, now he had an excuse to talk to him. The boy was eating alone, looking around. Damn, for a moment Zanka felt sorry for him. Why was he alone? He approached the table and stood on the other side of the bench, facing Fu, and spoke: “Can I sit with you?”, Fu was startled; he hadn't realized Zanka was standing in front of him, talking to him.
He pointed to himself, silently asking, “Me?”, trying to confirm that Zanka was speaking to him. The boy with earrings nodded in response, and then Fu finally spoke: “Y-yes! I mean- yes, you can!”, Immediately afterward, Zanka sat down, facing the boy.
“Hello”. He had never spoken to the boy before, so he had to be careful (he knew he was a bundle of nerves).
"Hi! Uh... Zan... Zanka?", at least he knew his name, that was progress.
"Yes! You're Fu, right?", and the boy nodded in response.
"Well, well, nice to meet you”, Zanka said.
"T-thanks! Uh- likewise!", Fu returned his attention to his food as Zanka began to eat.
"Hey, Fu”, he said, catching the boy's attention, and continued: "Why are you eating alone? Don't you like sitting with the others?", "N-no, it's not that!! It's just that... I feel embarrassed to approach them...". Zanka felt sorry for the boy.
"Are you telling me that since you arrived you always eat here? Alone?", "Yes! C-can't I...?", "Of course you can!!", Zanka quickly added, "It's just that you shouldn't eat alone. You'll never make friends here that way”.
He looked him in the eyes, and Fu's gaze made him feel uneasy in his chest. It was a hopeful, sad, curious look. But at the same time, it was a look that sought solace.
"How about I sit with you from now on? We can eat together”. He watched Fu's eyes light up.
"Yes! I'd love that!", and he gave him a huge grin. Damn, why hadn't anyone prepared him for that beautiful smile before? His stomach churned.
"Okay! Then from today on, we'll be friends, Fu”, Zanka said, smiling back at Fu.
"Alright! Thanks, Zanka!", after saying this, the boy continued eating, but now the expression on his face was one of happiness; he was content. The fact that Zanka was the reason he looked so radiant made him feel good.
Neither of them said anything else; they simply ate in silence, enjoying each other's company.
After a while, Zanka mustered up his courage and spoke to Fu: "Um, hypothetically... if someone wanted to... give you a present... what would you like? I mean... if that were the case...". He was such a fool. It was obvious Fu would realize that Zanka WAS his Secret Santa; he didn't even know why he'd asked that.
Fu looked thoughtful, and then said: "I-I don't know! Hmm... I like taking orders!", Fu replied with a shy smile.
"What? Is that all?". Okay, I wasn't expecting that answer.
"Uh... yeah... I don't know? I've never received a present, hehe”. Fu hadn't understood what Zanka meant, so he felt relieved.
"Well, but if someone did give you a present, what would you like it to be?", It couldn't have been more obvious, damn it.
"I can't think of anything...", Zanka noticed Fu's expression change. That empty, sad look had returned. He felt so stupid.
"It's okay, you don't have to worry about it. We’ll figure it out later. For now, let's continue eating, okay?", Fu nodded, without looking him in the eye, and Zanka didn't speak again; he didn't dare. They finished eating and then said their goodbyes, going in different directions.
What day was it? December 16th? And Zanka still hadn't found a gift for Fu, damn it.
By this point, the boy was already giving up. Every time he tried to get information out of him, he got nothing! Dealing with Fu was so difficult… He liked him, but it frustrated him not knowing much about him. Maybe the boy didn't want to share much about himself, or maybe he simply had nothing to say. Fu was very easygoing; he gladly accepted anything you gave him, never complaining.
Zanka was going crazy. Maybe he should just give up and get him some chocolates or a Christmas sweater…
His head spinning, the boy headed to the bathroom, went inside to wash his hands, and looked at himself in the mirror, sighing. He leaned against the sink and rested his head on the mirror.
"Damn it, Fu, why did you have to be my Secret Santa…".
"Do you like Fu or something?", "WHAT?! O-OF COURSE NOT!". Zanka was startled by the sudden voice, causing him to hit his head on the mirror in fright.
He turned his head and saw Enjin, who had just emerged from a stall. How long had he been there?! Enjin approached him.
“You know, I’ve been thinking about giving Fu his own organization jacket. I think it’s time. The boss already authorized me to officially accept Fu into the cleaning staff. And I think you should give it to him, in the gift exchange”. Enjin said, as he started washing his hands.
“Why do you want me to give it to him?”. Well, Enjin was getting used to asking him for crazy things (like being Rudo’s instructor, for example), but this? Enjin had outdone himself.
“Because he’s your age, and teenagers understand each other, I guess”.
“You suppose?”, “Yeah, I don’t know, man. But I’ve noticed you’re interested in Fu, haven’t you? You’re always watching him. You seem like a weirdo”. Okay, Enjin was going too far. Zanka didn’t like where the conversation was going.
“BUT DON’T SAY IT LIKE THAT! I don’t know him well, I was just trying to find something to give him, okay? Don’t get the wrong idea”. No matter what Zanka said, Enjin could read the boy; he’d practically raised him.
He knew he wasn’t telling him everything, but he also knew the boy was embarrassed, judging by the blush on his cheeks.
“Uh-huh, sure~”, Zanka ignored the adult’s tone of voice. “Ask August for it, he probably already has it ready. Give it to Fu at the gift exchange, okay? If you want to add a note declaring your love or something, be creative”. Zanka rolled his eyes. He didn’t say anything, he just stood there, motionless. Enjin put his hand on his shoulder and squeezed it lightly before walking away. Zanka was screwed…
—
After the shock, Zanka did as Enjin asked. He went to August, and to nobody’s surprise, the boy already had the jacket ready. He handed it to Zanka, and then the boy left. Well, he had the gift; now he just had to find a bag or box to put it in. It seemed fate was on his side because hours later, Riyo approached him and asked if he could accompany her to the nearest town to find a gift for her Secret Santa, who, it seemed, was Amo. The boy immediately agreed since he was planning to go shopping too, so he set off with Riyo, Rudo (the boy also wanted to find a gift for his Secret Santa), and Gris, who offered to drive them. We all love Gris.
They weren't out for long. Riyo quickly found the perfect gift for Amo (a perfume with a fresh scent and a light touch of roses, plus a romance novel), and Rudo got a notebook and a couple of black markers (his Secret Santa was Tomme, and everyone knew the girl was obsessed with keeping notes). Zanka, meanwhile, spotted shelves overflowing with gift bags and boxes in one of the shops they'd entered. He approached and tried to find one with a simple yet cute design that screamed "Merry Christmas" all over it. And he found it. It was a medium-sized blue box with small white and gold decorations, and in the center, it said "Merry Christmas”. It was lovely.
The others were just waiting for him, so once he paid, they all returned to headquarters.
—
It was Christmas Eve, and it was time to open the presents.
The cleaners staff had gathered in the common room. The room was decorated with Christmas decorations, and soft music played softly in the background. In one corner stood a small tree where all the gifts were displayed.
After dinner, everyone went to the tree to collect their presents.
"Alright, guys! Take the gift you prepared for your Secret Santa!", Enjin shouted. "Who wants to go first?".
"Me! Me!", Guita shouted excitedly. Enjin nodded and encouraged her to continue. The girl ran to the tree and grabbed the gift. "Great! My Secret Santa is... Eishia!!", then she approached the girl, whose face was red. Guita gave her a bubble tea kit; she knew the girl loved sweet drinks.
Eishia thanked her happily. And then it was her turn to give out her Secret Santa gift... and so on, one by one. Eishia gave her gift to Gris, then Gris to Enjin, Enjin to Follo, Follo to August, August to Riyo, Riyo to Amo... and one by one they received their gifts. The moment was almost over, but Enjin noticed that Fu still hadn't given out his gift, and hadn't received his either, so he spoke up.
"Hey Fu! Haven't you given your Secret Santa gift yet? Stop being so mysterious and come here, boy”. Everyone turned to look at Fu.
He hadn't said a word the whole time they'd been there. As always, he was keeping a little to himself, except Zanka was by his side.
Now that they were something of friends, Zanka spent more time with Fu. He was very shy, so they didn't have to talk much, and he liked that. He liked that the silence wasn't awkward between them.
Fu walked over to the others, with Zanka following behind.
"Who's your Secret Santa?" Enjin asked again.
"Ah! Um- my Secret Santa is Rudo!". The white haired boy turned to look at him, his eyes betraying his excitement.
Rudo approached Fu, and the boy held out the gift for Rudo to take. He began unwrapping it at incredible speed, and Zanka had to tell him to slow down, but he obviously ignored the boy's request.
When he finally took out the gift, he discovered it was a box of hot chocolate mix packets with marshmallows. Rudo couldn't help but gape repeatedly, unable to believe what he was seeing. A shy smile appeared on Fu's face. "Riyo told me you like sweet things...", “I'VE NEVER TRIED THEM! THANKS FU!". And the boy ran out of the place, probably to the kitchen to make one.
Everyone laughed at the scene, event Zanka cracked a smile. He glanced at Fu, who had his hands to his chest.
"Are you okay?", “Yes! It's just that- I'm happy Rudo liked my present”. DAMN IT! Why did Fu have to look so huggable? Zanka's arms were itching.
"Alright! Zanka! It's your turn!". Shit. Enjin knew. He knew who his Secret Santa was, and that's why he was egging him on to give the gift to Fu. The man was enjoying the situation, and Zanka knew it. Sometimes Enjin acts like someone my age, Zanka thought.
"Yes, Zanka! Don't keep us in suspense!". There was Riyo, Enjin's duo. They were laughing together. The man had surely told Riyo everything. How much did he say? He didn't know. But he knew that the next thing that would happen was him making a fool of himself; he had a feeling.
"Okay”, he took the gift he had left on the tree and approached Fu. "My Secret Santa is Fu”. And then he stretched out his arms toward Fu so he could take his gift. Fu was slow to react, but soon got the message, so, carefully, he took the box that Zanka was holding. Fu took a few steps to the bar and placed the box on the table.
"C-can I?". He asked permission to open the gift, and Zanka said, "Go ahead”, then Fu began to unwrap the box.
He removed the lid, and what he saw left him speechless. He felt the fabric with his hands, still without taking the jacket out of the box. He looked at Zanka with glassy eyes, and Zanka smiled at him.
"Is this real...?", He still couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Everyone was expectant, wanting to know what was inside.
"Yes, boy. It's yours. Welcome officially to the cleaners”. Enjin replied. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!". Fu said over and over as he took out the jacket, revealing that it was the cleaners' uniform.
"Come on! Put it on!". Zanka encouraged him.
He didn't have to say it twice because Fu quickly put the jacket on over the sweater he was wearing.
Man, it was perfect. It was a bit big, but just big enough. The sleeves covered his entire arm, without covering his hands. The fabric was thick and heavy, but warm. Ever since he arrived at the barracks, he had always dreamed of this moment.
It suited him well, Zanka thought. “I also left a note”. Zanka said. Fu’s curiosity got the better of him, and he rummaged through the box until he found a small card. He picked it up and began to read it, his face slowly turning red.
“What does the note say, Fu?! Don’t be shy! Is it a love declaration or something?!” Everyone laughed at Enjin’s comment.
“DON’T SAY THAT!!!”. Zanka put his hands to his face. He wanted to die.
Fu didn't understand why Enjin had made that comment, but he felt embarrassed.
"Leave the kid alone, you blockhead!". Semiu yelled from somewhere in the common room. Enjin burst out laughing.
Fu turned to Zanka, seeking him approval to read the note. Zanka understood what the boy was asking with his eyes, so he nodded. They were both blushing.
Then Fu read the note aloud:
"Merry Christmas, Fu. I hope you like it. Welcome to the cleaners”.
"Awww”. Everyone chorused.
“I thought you’d take my advice, Zanka!”. We all know who said that, right? Zanka didn’t respond; he simply ignored the comment. If he ignored Enjin’s comments from now on, he’d be an expert in the art of ignoring him.
“Thank you, Zanka. It’s… perfect. T-thank you all for accepting me…”. He didn’t even know what prompted him, but the moment Zanka realized Fu was crying, he went to him and hugged him. Fu clung to his arms and began to cry even harder, overcome by the emotion of the moment.
The cleaners watched the scene, deeply moved. Riyo was the first to approach, pulling the two boys into her arms and embracing them both. Then Enjin came over, affectionately stroking the boys' heads. Next, Dear and Guita joined them, reluctantly bringing Rudo along (he had just returned from the kitchen with a mug of hot chocolate), and they all joined the hug. Then came Amo, Follo, Tomme, Gris… and so on until it soon became a group embrace.
Corvus and Semiu stood a little ways away, admiring the scene.
"Merry Christmas, Fu". Fu heard Zanka's words and snuggled closer to him, closing his eyes and feeling the warmth of Zanka's arms and the cleaners. They seemed like a family. A real family.
For the first time in his life, he felt loved, accepted.
He would cherish this moment in his heart forever. He couldn't wait for next Christmas.