The winter holidays had arrived, bringing a crisp chill to the air, as students reveled in the well-earned break from school. The campus was covered in a light dusting of snow, and the atmosphere felt calm and serene, with the world outside quieted by the season's first snowfall. It was the perfect time to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy the simple pleasures of winter.
Akane and Zenkichi had both decided to take a break from the usual routine, and the time off from school was a welcome relief. The campus felt like a different world, with students bundled up in thick sweaters, scarves, and hoodies, while they walked in and out of the warm buildings, their breath visible in the chilly air.
The student lounge had become a cozy refuge for everyone, with soft music playing in the background and hot drinks filling the air with the sweet aroma of cocoa and spiced tea. Akane sat with her friends, enjoying the warmth of the lounge after the cold trek across campus. She looked around, taking in the familiar faces, and felt a sense of peace that came with the winter break.
Zenkichi entered the lounge, looking as laid-back as always, though there was something different about him. The usual teasing energy was gone; instead, there was a rare sense of quiet ease in his demeanor. Akane caught his eye and waved him over.
"Hey, Zenkichi!" Akane called, smiling. "You finally made it in from the cold?"
"Yeah, I figured I might as well warm up before I freeze to death out there," Zenkichi replied, making his way over to join her. He dropped down onto the couch beside her, stretching out his legs and giving a mock dramatic sigh. "It's like the entire world is a snow globe right now."
Akane laughed. "That's one way to look at it. Honestly, I kinda like it. The snow makes everything feel so peaceful."
"I can't argue with that," he said, cracking a smile. "It's kind of nice to just relax for once, without anything else to worry about."
The two of them shared a quiet moment as they watched their friends talking and laughing nearby. The break from school meant less pressure, fewer deadlines, and more time to enjoy each other's company. Akane was grateful for the simplicity of the moment—no big events or drama, just a peaceful winter afternoon.
"Got any plans for the holidays?" Akane asked, turning to Zenkichi as she wrapped her hands around her mug of hot chocolate.
Zenkichi shrugged, clearly in no rush to make big plans. "Nothing too special. I'll probably just hang out with a few friends, maybe catch up on some games. I've been meaning to take a break anyway."
Akane nodded. "Sounds like a good way to spend it. I was thinking of going ice skating with Ayumi next week. You should join us."
Zenkichi raised an eyebrow. "Ice skating, huh? You're brave. I'd probably fall flat on my face."
Akane smirked. "Oh, come on. I'll make sure you don't faceplant. It'll be fun."
He leaned back into the couch, clearly amused. "Alright, alright. I'll think about it. But don't expect me to be graceful."
The two of them chuckled together. It was nice, these moments of calm, where they could just enjoy being in each other's presence without the usual pressures that school or life often brought. The holiday break, it seemed, was the perfect time to focus on the little things, like sharing a laugh over ice skating—or simply sharing space with someone who made the time feel easier.
As the evening drew on, the campus settled into a comfortable quiet. Most students had retreated indoors to relax or take care of personal things before the next semester started. The student lounge was a warm haven, filled with good food, casual chatter, and laughter. Akane and Zenkichi stayed there for hours, talking about everything and nothing, enjoying the slower pace that came with the holidays.
"We should do this more often," Akane said as she stretched her arms above her head, feeling relaxed and content.
Zenkichi gave her a lazy grin. "You know, I'm starting to think I wouldn't mind that."
She smiled back, knowing exactly what he meant. It wasn't about grand gestures or big events—it was about these quiet, uncomplicated moments, where they could just exist without expectations.
As the night continued, the temperature outside dropped, and the students gradually began to filter out of the lounge to head home. Akane and Zenkichi stayed behind, content with the peaceful atmosphere around them. The winter break was just beginning, and they both knew there would be more time for simple pleasures ahead.
As they walked out into the cold, the snow crunching beneath their feet, Akane felt a warmth inside her. Winter was here, and for once, she wasn't in a rush to move on to the next thing. She was happy to enjoy the present moment with Zenkichi, who had become more than just a classmate or a friend in recent months.
They stepped into the night together, the crisp air of winter all around them, feeling like the world was holding its breath in this quiet, peaceful moment.
"I guess we'll see what else we can do over the holidays," Akane said, her voice filled with a quiet optimism.
Zenkichi grinned, shoving his hands deeper into his hoodie. "Maybe I'll join you for that ice skating thing after all. Let's just make sure we don't end up in the hospital."
Akane laughed, her heart light. "Deal. But no backing out this time."
And as they walked side by side, the winter break stretched out before them—full of promise, simplicity, and the kind of joy that only the holidays could bring.