The days blurred into snowflakes and soft mornings. A week passed like a blink.
The city wore winter like a dream—branches frosted white, streetlamps glowing amber through the cold, and every window dusted with quiet. Christmas decorations shimmered on balconies and storefronts, and the air carried the scent of roasted chestnuts and something bittersweet.
For once, Hana didn't feel as empty in her house. Her sketchbook was back where it belonged—pages brimming with moments she'd captured: Naoki laughing under his breath, Popcorn curled up in a scarf, and Ren… always Ren, half-shadowed, half-smiling, with a softness he never admitted to.
She still thought about that day—the pancakes, the warmth, the fall. Her cheeks flushed just remembering it. The way his hands had steadied her, his chest beneath her palms, his gaze that lingered just a little too long.
Hana rolled over on her bed and stared at the ceiling.
Outside, fireworks would start soon.
---
Ren sat on the bench at the quiet park where snow covered every surface like powdered sugar. His breath came out in slow white clouds as he leaned back and tilted his head skyward. The clouds had started to clear. Tonight, the stars would come out.
Naoki arrived a few minutes later, bundled up in a thick navy coat, Popcorn peeking from the inside like a curious pocket monster.
"You're here early," Naoki said, sitting beside him.
Ren didn't look away from the sky. "Couldn't sleep."
Naoki gave him a sideways glance. "Since when do you ever sleep?"
Ren shrugged, then let the silence stretch for a while. Snow crunched faintly as someone walked past, and wind rustled the bare trees.
Then, finally: "I'm gonna confess to her."
Naoki blinked. "...Hana?"
Ren nodded.
Naoki was quiet for a second, before cracking a grin. "Took you long enough."
Ren rolled his eyes. "It's not that simple."
"She likes you too," Naoki said. "You know that, right?"
Ren looked down at his gloves. "I think so."
"Then what's the hold-up?"
He didn't answer right away. A part of him still felt like there wasn't enough time. That he couldn't afford to fall in love when he was counting down quiet days he never told anyone about. But when he looked at her—heard her laugh, saw the way she lit up when she drew, or how she never pushed, only listened—he felt like maybe, just maybe, he could give her something soft before everything broke.
"I want it to be real," Ren said. "Not something she looks back on and regrets."
Naoki stared at him, something unreadable in his eyes. But instead of pressing, he just reached into his coat and scratched Popcorn's ears.
"Then confess the hell out of it."
Ren chuckled. "You're an idiot."
Naoki grinned. "A supportive idiot."
---
Her phone buzzed.
Ren: "You busy?"
Hana: "Just trying to decide if popcorn counts as dinner."
Ren: "Come outside. Dress warm."
She stared at the message, heart skipping. Then she scrambled off the bed, practically tripping into her warmest coat.
Outside, the world shimmered in icy light. Ren stood by the gate, hands in his pockets, eyes lifting as she approached.
"No explanations?" she asked, breath fogging.
"You'll see."
---
They walked through the quiet streets, side by side, their steps muffled by snow. Christmas lights blinked from windows, casting soft colors on the ground.
Hana felt it again—that flutter. The same one she'd felt in the kitchen. The same one when he looked at her like she wasn't just another face in the crowd.
He led her to a small hill near the edge of town. The sky above was darkening into violet. A few families had already gathered, some kids bundled in scarves and mittens, waiting excitedly with thermoses of cocoa.
Ren checked his phone.
"Five minutes," he said.
Hana looked at him, puzzled. "Five minutes for what?"
Instead of answering, he turned to face her.
"I wanted to tell you something before the year ends," Ren said, voice softer now. "Something I've been holding onto."
She blinked, lips parting slightly, heartbeat quickening.
The first firework exploded behind them—golden and wide like a blooming sunflower. Hana gasped.
Ren didn't look away from her.
"I like you, Hana."
Another firework burst—this one a deep red, painting his face in warm color.
"I don't always know how to say things right," he continued. "But when I'm with you, it's… different. Lighter. Like the world stops being heavy for a while."
She stared at him, wide-eyed.
He took a step closer, snow crunching beneath his boots. "So, I guess what I'm saying is… if you'll have me—I'd like to be with you."
More fireworks bloomed behind him—green, pink, silver. The sky lit up like a thousand falling stars.
Hana's heart was thundering now. She tried to speak, but for a moment, the words tangled.
And then she smiled—small, bright, and entirely real.
"I was wondering how long you'd take," she whispered.
Ren blinked. "Huh?"
"I like you too, idiot."
The last firework burst in a cascade of shimmering white.
And in the hush that followed, under the crackling sky, he leaned in—and kissed her.
Not rushed. Not dramatic.
Just warm. Soft. Real.
---
They sat on the hill, side by side, fingers lightly brushing but not quite holding.
Ren watched her profile—her smile, the way her cheeks glowed red from the cold, or maybe something else.
He didn't say anything for a while. Just let the quiet settle, like snow on rooftops.
"I'm glad it was you," Hana said suddenly.
He turned to her. "What?"
"The person I fell for."
He looked down, a small, barely-there smile on his lips.
Me too, he thought. But he didn't say it aloud.
Not yet.
—————