The cold winter air carried the promise of the most beautiful festival of December—Christmas. With just a week to go, the city was buzzing with excitement. Asuka had been invited to her friend house for a Christmas party. It was the first time she'd ever attend a party outside her own home, and the thought filled her with eager anticipation.
The weather felt colder than usual, the chill biting through her scarf as she stepped out into the festive streets of Shibuya. The city was alive with Christmas cheer. Neon signs and festive decorations adorned every corner, blending in dazzling harmony to turn Shibuya into a modern winter wonderland. The crisp air carried the sweet aroma of roasted chestnuts and holiday pastries, and Asuka couldn't help but smile as she walked through the beautifully lit streets. Strings of shimmering lights draped across buildings and a massive Christmas tree stood tall at the crossing, its glowing ornaments and radiant star commanding the attention of everyone who passed by.
Asuka stopped for a moment, letting the cheerful atmosphere fill her senses. Her scarf fluttered gently in the breeze, and her eyes sparkled as she admired the decorations. A familiar voice broke through the hum of the city.
"Asuka!"
She turned to see Emma waving with a bright smile. Asuka smiled back, her cheeks flushed from the cold. Emma made her way over, her golden hair bouncing in soft waves beneath a light gray beanie. She wore a knitted sweater, dark leggings, and ankle boots, her cheeks pink from the chilly air.
"What are you doing outside, Asuka?" Emma asked with a curious smile.
"Just taking a walk," Asuka replied softly.
"You're alone?" Emma tilted her head, concern flickering in her eyes.
"Yeah, Keisuke's asleep and Oka-san's busy with the house stuff," Asuka said with a small shrug.
"Why don't you join us?" Emma suggested cheerfully.
"Us?" Asuka asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, me and Mikey. We were bored, so we decided to take a walk too. More people mean more fun, right?" Emma said, her innocent smile making Asuka nod despite her hesitation.
Emma waved at someone behind her, and a familiar figure stepped forward. "Asuka's joining us," she told Manjiro, her usual bright tone making him glance at Asuka.
"Fine by me," he replied casually, giving a small nod.
Asuka remembered him clearly, a memory of him crying flashing through her mind. She quickly shook it away. "You'll freeze if you just stand there, Asuka," manjiro said, bringing her back to the moment.
As they walked through the festive streets, Emma filled the silence with cheerful chatter, while Manjiro responded with short remarks. Asuka smiled faintly, enjoying the simple warmth of their company.
After their walk, it was late when they returned. "I'll walk you home," Manjiro offered in his usual blunt tone.
"It's fine—"
"No arguing. It's late," he insisted.
She sighed but nodded. The walk home was quiet, the cold air surrounding them. Manjiro finally broke the silence. "Were you thinking about that day?" he asked, his voice steady.
"Not really," she replied quickly.
"Good," he said. "But I meant what I said back then."
Her eyes widened, his words catching her off guard. She looked away, her emotions stirring. She had lied that day—deep down, she knew she couldn't keep her promise.
"You're a good company, Asuka," Manjiro said with a soft smile. "Always stay my friend, okay?"
His smile broke her resolve, tears streaming down her cheeks before she could stop them.
*She looked at that smile the most innocent and pure smile of his no not this smile she thought to herself*
"What are you crying for?" he asked, startled.
"Manjiro," she whispered through her tears, "don't ever change. Stay the way you are."
He looked at her, confused and worried. "Asuka, are you okay? Did something happen? Should I take you to a priest or something? You're scaring me!"
Before he could say more, she stepped forward and hugged him tightly.
"What the—what are you doing, you idiot?" he exclaimed, his voice rising in embarrassment.
"What if one day, I'm gone?" she murmured.
His gaze softened as he replied firmly, "Stop saying stuff like that. Nothing's going to happen to you. And even if it does, I'll bring you back no matter what. You hear me?"
Her mother's voice interrupted them. "Oh, what's this? A boyfriend?" she teased, grinning.
Manjiro turned bright red, stammering, "We're not dating! She just hugged me out of nowhere!"
Her mother's laughter echoed in the cold night as Asuka, flustered, hurried inside.
----
It was Christmas Eve, and Keisuke was busy hanging socks on their small Christmas tree with an eager expression, hoping for the perfect gift. He turned to Asuka, who was lounging nearby with her arms crossed.
"Aren't you going to hang a sock too? Don't you want a gift?" Keisuke asked, his tone full of pride as though he were Santa's personal assistant.
Asuka smirked and shrugged. "Don't worry. I'll still get one."
Keisuke shot her a smug look. "Not possible. Santa never gives gifts to people who don't hang socks! That's the rule!"
Asuka raised an eyebrow, her competitive spirit kicking in. "Oh? Wanna bet? If I get my gift without hanging a sock, you'll have to give me your gift too."
Keisuke's eyes gleamed with confidence as he puffed out his chest. "Deal! Santa's on my side!"
The siblings went to bed around 10 p.m., their little house quiet as they drifted off to sleep. But the next morning, Keisuke bolted out of bed, dragging Asuka along as they rushed to check under the tree.
And there they were—two perfectly wrapped gifts sitting under the tree. One had Keisuke's name, and the other had Asuka's.
Asuka smirked triumphantly and grabbed her gift. "So, as you promised…"
Keisuke froze, pretending to inspect the ceiling. "What promise? I don't remember making any promise!" he said, turning his back on her with an exaggerated innocent whistle.
"You liar!" Asuka shouted, glaring at him.
Keisuke burst out laughing and grabbed his gift, dashing away. "Catch me if you want my gift!" he teased.
Asuka pouted but let him go, her curiosity turning to her own present. Inside, she found a beautiful gray plaid dress with a flared skirt. She held it up and looked at her mother with wide eyes.
"You like it?" her mother asked, smiling warmly.
Asuka nodded, her excitement bubbling up. "It's beautiful!"
"You can wear it to your friend's Christmas party today," her mother added, ruffling Asuka's hair.
---
That evening, Asuka stood in front of the mirror as her mother helped her get ready. She wore the gray plaid dress, its fitted waist highlighting her petite frame. The soft white fur collar draped elegantly over her shoulders, and the skirt swayed lightly as she moved. Her wavy black hair cascaded down her back, a white bow tied neatly on top. White tights and polished black ankle boots completed her look, giving her an air of quiet elegance.
"You look perfect," her mother said with a proud smile.
Asuka blushed slightly but grinned. "Thanks, Oka-san."
She arrived at her chika's Christmas party
Chika, an energetic eight-year-old with sparkling blue eyes and a playful spirit, greeted Asuka warmly at her Christmas party.
"Asuka! You're here!" Chika exclaimed, pulling her inside.
Kota chika's older brother who was a composed nine-year-old with messy black hair which were usually tied in a small ponytail and his hetrochromic eyes of yellow and green colour, always felt flustered around Asuka, his secret crush.
Kota stood by the wall, trying to act cool, but his cheeks flushed when he saw her in her plaid dress.
"Yo, Asuka," he mumbled, avoiding her gaze.
"Yo, Kota," Asuka replied sweetly, making him even more nervous.
Chika smirked, dragging them to join the games. Laughter filled the room as they played charades and shared treats.
The evening went full of cheerful moments which she shared with her friends and they did a sleepover to make it more memorable.