Author's Note: Thank you for all follows, favorites and reviews! Enjoy this chapter and have a happy holiday :)


Chapter 9: Secret Santa

For the last day of school, we had a secret santa game. Few weeks back, we were told to write down our name and our wishlist on a piece of paper. I had written my name and my wishlist, which was "any reasonable priced accessories that is Christmas-themed". These papers were then being put into a box. After that, all of us who had participated secret santa are to draw one of these random papers from the box.

I randomly picked one paper, grabbed it with my hand and went to a corner to open the folded paper. Of all names that I had picked, it just happened to be Murasakibara's. And knowing him too well, he wants nothing but sweets, written as "sweets buffet coupon". He had such sweet teeth to begin with. And no matter how much snacks and sweets we had dined and enjoyed, it will never be enough. Sometimes I wonder if his height had to do with his constant snacking.

One afternoon, I left to town to search for the perfect gift. I did go to Mura-kun's favourite restaurant to buy a 'sweets buffet coupon'. Since the restaurant owner recognized me, he gave me an extra coupon for free so that both of us would visit the restaurant. I blushed at the thought of just me and Atsushi having another date but brushed it off soon after. I received the coupons with gratitude.

Few streets away, I managed to buy a candy cane keychain as an additional gift. The candy cane is like a plushie type chain. I thought it was cute enough to not buy one. When I reached home, I carefully wrapped the 2 coupons with the keychain in purple wrapping paper. The gift was ready for secret santa.

Fast forward to the last day of school, I had brought my gift. Atsushi insisted of knowing who my participant was but no matter what tactics he had used (snuggle, kisses and hugs) I refuse to fall for these tactics. I remained secretive of who my participant was.

All of us were asked to wait outside of the classroom. Each of us was then called in one by one by our homeroom teacher. When it was my turn, I entered. My teacher asked me who was my participant and asked me to place the gift into the big present box. Other gift boxes were already been placed by the students who were called before me. After knowing who my participant was, my teacher took some note and asked me to leave. While waiting outside of the classroom, I talked to some of the other students.

About 30 minutes later, all of us were called back into the class. Each of us was excited, including me. My homeroom teacher then called out the students' names, and handed them gifts from the big present box. When my name was called, I went upfront and received my gift. The gift was wrapped in gold paper wrapping and a card was attached, read 'Merry Xmas'. The greeting was not hand-written but printed.

When Murasakibara's name was called, I observed from the side. He had this un-amused expression as always. He received his purple-wrapped gift and came to my direction.

"You want to open the gifts together?" Murasakibara asked me.

"Eh? Now? How about later?"

"..I guess we can do so later... after class..." I nodded at his suggestion. Everyone seemed very happy with their gifts.

School officially ended with the last school bell rung. Murasakibara and I were walking back home, with his arm brushing against mine. We were walking to the cafe nearest the train station, and entered. After ordering the usual drinks, Murasakibara opened his gift.

"Ah! I got what I wanted..."

Pretending to not knowing anything, I asked, "So what did you asked for that your wish was granted, Atsushi?"

"Sweets buffet coupons, and there's 2 pieces! And this…" Murasakibara picked up the keychain, "this.. keychain? Hmm... I guess I can hang it here for now…" He secured the chain at his school bag.

"That's nice! At least you had what you wanted! I'm curious about mine…" I proceeded to open my gift and I saw a beautiful silver necklace. A snowflake pendant was tied to the necklace. It was sparkling too. It did seem very expensive!

"This is very pretty, right Atsushi?" By this time, he was already munching on his chocolate cake, looking uninterested at my unwrapping. I immediately wore the necklace and had a bit of trouble trying to pin the 2 ends together.

"Hmm? Let me help you…" Atsushi stood up from his seat, took the necklace and helped me. I was surprised at his actions because at one minute, he didn't care and the next, it was the complete opposite. I slightly blushed when I felt his fingers touching my neck as he tried to hook the two ends of the necklace together.

"Done." Atsushi went back to his seat and continued eating his chocolate cake. I took out a small compact mirror and looked at the necklace. It was too stunning for a secret santa gift.

"Thanks for helping me wearing this, Atsushi," I thanked him before continuing, "Whoever this secret santa was, he or she must had a hard time picking a Christmas-themed accessory because there's just too many!" I chuckled. Atsushi was just savouring his cake.

After the café, we walked back home. When we reached my house, I thanked him for today and he took out his coupon, asking me if I want to go with him for the sweets buffet.

"Eh? Are you sure, Atsushi? It was your secret santa gift, you know..."

"Yeah… but... going with someone I care is more meaningful.. for this buffet I mean…" By this time, Murasakibara looked away from me. He was very shy and that made me felt somewhat, happy. I took the coupon, and pecked his cheeks before thanking him. My instincts went up to his face and decided to kiss and I felt embarrassed for doing so, but somehow feeling giddy inside.

"So.. let me know when do you want to go, OK Atsushi?" He nodded before giving a small peck to my cheek. I hid my embarrassment by looking away but his palms held my head, looking straight to his face. His lips came for my lips, kisses softly on to it. I closed my eyes when he kissed me. When I opened my eyes, his whole body hugged mine.

"Atsushi?"

"Thank you…"

"Eh?"

Murasakibara released me from his hug, saying "I'll let you know when is our next buffet date... See ya…" He left me at the front of my house and with slight confusion. I knew I felt very warmth and did not wish to leave him. But I guess there's always the next date to look forward to.