The campus was alive with the spirit of Christmas. The air was crisp and cold, carrying the scent of pine and fresh snowfall that blanketed the ground. Students bundled in cozy sweaters, scarves, and hoodies rushed between buildings, carrying decorations and excited chatter. The courtyard had transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights draped along the trees and wreaths hanging from the windows. The usual buzz of campus life had been replaced by an infectious holiday cheer that had everyone in high spirits.
Akane walked through the campus, her breath misting in the air as she made her way to the main hall. The ground crunched beneath her boots, and she pulled her scarf tighter around her neck, smiling at the decorations that seemed to pop up everywhere. She couldn't help but feel a little giddy—there was something magical about Christmas that made everything feel a bit brighter.
Everywhere she looked, students were involved in something festive. Some were hanging colorful ornaments on the large Christmas tree that stood proudly in the center of the courtyard, while others set up a table for holiday treats. Laughter filled the air as groups of friends worked together to decorate, their joy infectious.
Akane's phone buzzed in her pocket, and she pulled it out to find a message from Zenkichi.
Zenkichi: "Hey, where are you? You ready to kick off the Christmas party?"
Akane smiled at the message, her fingers typing out a quick reply.
Akane: "Yeah, just heading to the hall. I'll be there in a few!"
She tucked her phone away and continued walking, spotting a few of her friends gathered by the tree. Ayumi was carefully placing a silver star on top, while Ryota and Hiroshi were playfully arguing about which lights looked best on the front of the hall.
"Akane!" Ayumi called out, waving her over. "Come help us with these ornaments! They're a pain to get right."
Akane laughed and walked over, taking a moment to admire the tree. It was a stunning sight, decorated with a mix of gold, red, and green ornaments, and sparkling tinsel that caught the light from the nearby strings of fairy lights. The entire scene felt like something out of a Christmas movie.
"I can't believe it's Christmas already," Akane said, brushing snow off her sleeve. "This year has flown by."
"I know, right?" Ayumi agreed, stepping back to admire the star she'd just placed on top. "But it feels like the perfect time for a celebration. Everyone's in such a good mood!"
The rest of their friends gathered around, each in high spirits. Akane couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth—something about the Christmas spirit made everything seem a little more magical. It was a time for togetherness, for creating memories that would last far beyond the season.
Just then, Zenkichi appeared, walking toward her with his hands shoved deep into his hoodie pockets. He wore a red scarf that matched his hoodie, looking warm and comfortable in the chilly air.
"Hey, there you are," he said, his voice bright. "You ready for the big celebration tonight?"
Akane grinned at him. "Of course. It looks like everyone's in full Christmas mode."
"I mean, how could they not be?" Zenkichi replied, gesturing to the festive scene around them. "Christmas is the best time of the year."
They joined the rest of their friends as they set up for the celebration. The college had planned a huge Christmas event, complete with a dinner, music, and even a gift exchange. The students had decorated the hall to perfection, with red and gold garlands hanging from the walls, and a massive table piled high with Christmas treats—cookies, hot cocoa, and candy canes.
Akane felt a warm glow in her chest as she helped arrange the final touches, exchanging laughter and stories with her friends. The holiday music playing softly in the background added to the atmosphere, and she couldn't help but feel thankful for the people in her life—people who had become family, who had been there through thick and thin.
Later that evening, as the party began, the hall filled with students, all dressed in their warmest clothes, ready to celebrate. Akane and Zenkichi found a spot by the large fireplace, watching as people danced, mingled, and laughed. The smell of roasted chestnuts and the sound of jolly music filled the room, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Zenkichi turned to Akane, a mischievous smile on his face. "So, what's your favorite part of Christmas?"
Akane raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it obvious? The food. The cookies, the cocoa, the turkey... everything."
Zenkichi chuckled. "You're such a foodie."
"Hey, it's Christmas!" Akane protested with a grin. "It's the best time to eat everything in sight."
Zenkichi laughed, but then his expression softened. "Yeah, but for real, this is nice. It's nice to see everyone having fun. And… you know, I'm glad you're here. With all of us."
Akane met his gaze, her smile growing a little softer. "Me too, Zenkichi. I'm really happy I get to spend this with you."
As the night went on, the pair joined in the dancing, laughing along with their friends as they celebrated the holiday together. Eventually, the gift exchange began, and students took turns sharing their presents, some practical, others whimsical, but all wrapped with care.
When it was Akane's turn, she was surprised to find a small, neatly wrapped box in front of her. She looked up to find Zenkichi standing there, grinning from ear to ear.
"Go ahead. Open it," he urged.
Curious, Akane carefully tore off the wrapping, revealing a small, elegant snow globe. Inside was a tiny Christmas scene—a snowman standing in front of a little house, surrounded by snowflakes. It was simple, but beautiful, and it immediately warmed her heart.
"It's perfect," Akane said, her voice soft. "Thank you, Zenkichi."
Zenkichi scratched the back of his head. "I wasn't sure what to get, but I thought this would be something you could keep. You know, as a reminder of… this moment."
Akane smiled, holding the snow globe carefully in her hands. "I'll keep it forever."
As the night drew to a close, Akane stood outside, looking up at the stars above the campus, the crisp winter air filling her lungs. The Christmas celebration had been everything she had hoped for—full of joy, laughter, and the warmth of friendship.
Zenkichi walked up beside her, holding a cup of hot cocoa. "It's a good night, huh?"
Akane nodded, her heart full. "Yeah. The best one yet."
The two stood in silence for a moment, content in each other's company, watching as the last of the partygoers headed home.
It was Christmas, and for the first time in a while, Akane felt like everything was exactly where it should be.