December 24th: Wednesday

Theme: 10. Hot Chocolate

Did you actually believe your eyes? Did you, an actual expert on heartbreak and rejection, believe that one video his brother showed you would make all your worries melt away like snow? As far as you know, Tadashi did mention Hiro being an expert at fooling people, like that one time with- what was that again- bot fighting? You didn't want to doubt Hiro's intentions and concern after all, but you weren't exactly sure who to turn to now.

The church courtyard was empty, devoid of every human being that used to stand and sleep there. It felt kind of lonely as you sat there at your usual concrete plant box, sipping on the hot chocolate you bought at that café before heading out. You could've gone inside though. The church was actually pretty spacious today. Probably only half of the attendees from the first dawn mass actually reached the whole 9, at least that was you speculating. But that didn't matter now.

Your hands clenched on the paper cup as you watched the snowflakes dance overhead. All these questions and doubts clouded your mind, but you couldn't even say one in particular. Was this love, or was it just a play thing? Is he being serious about that thing he said? Can you ever tell him now that you really wanted to be with him? Can you… Will you… Is he… Oh your head can't process all these emotions on one sitting. With that, you just grunted in frustration, pulling your beanie down to your eyes.

"Hello."

That voice was too sweet for comfort, and it didn't seem to be from someone you know. You peeked from under your head gear and you never felt your feet go so cold easily. You actually felt your face go pale, if that was even possible.

"Can I sit here?"

You nervously nodded, watching her sit close to you.

"I didn't mean to intrude. But I wanted to get to know you, (name)."

She tucked her honey blonde hair behind her fuzzy hot pink ear muffs. You've never seen such a caring smile like hers before. Her eyes shone so innocently, it felt impossible to look away. You tried to recall her name from that 'video.'

"You and Tadashi met not too long ago, right?" she asked.

You nodded, looking down at the ground so she won't see the emotions hiding behind your eyes.

"And you are really close to him, right?"

You reluctantly nodded, unsure if you had liberty to say.

She paused for a moment, sipping in her own cup that looked similar to yours.

"Well, thanks for being honest. I'm getting the clear picture that you do like like him!"

"Stop!" You suddenly retorted, surprising the girl from the reaction. Red had already covered your face, both from the cold and the embarrassment. You were infuriated by your own emotion that you didn't meant to actually snap like that.

"Oh!" she cheered, "did I hit the right button?"

You wanted to push her away, but you couldn't bring yourself to it. The smile on your face became harder to hold back now. The image of Tadashi had already popped up in your mind and how much you wanted to see him that very moment made those feelings worse.

"This is great!" she clasped her hands excitedly. "So everything is like this!"

"How can this be great?" you blurted out. "I… I'm not even sure if he likes me back! Even with that video, I can't even tell which is real or not!"

"What are you talking about? Of course he likes you!" she placed her hand on your shoulder.

"Well, he has—" you realized what you were about say and immediately cut back, "… he has other girls. I'm not worth the shot anyway."

The blonde scooted closer to you, wrapping her arm around your shoulder and rubbing it gently. "Don't put yourself down just yet. You are an amazing, dedicated, and beautiful concoction! One touch from you and Tadashi will explode!"

You giggled from her choice of words, but the worries haven't been lifted yet. You stuttered the question that's been bugging you, nervous if it were ever appropriate to even ask. "Hey, you guys aren't… seeing each other, right?"

The girl blinked, and eventually laughed and laughed until she had to rub her eyes from the tears. "Oh you don't have to worry about me! I'm seeing somebody else!" she fanned her hand at you, dismissing the idea like dark aura. "I didn't mean to give you a bad impression the first time. We're just good friends, and Tadashi's like a brother to me."

Your thoughts have been silenced, and the sound of bells rang inside you. The smile on your face could almost split you in half. Out of relief, you hugged her tightly, passing all the pent-up affection and emotion into her petite form. She hugged you back with the same force, wrapping her longer arms around you. Finally, you have been released from the restraint over his memories. And after all, you might make even more.

"Say, you got that from that café a few blocks from here, right?" she asked as you let go and sipped on your drink. The look on your eyes confirmed to her inquiry. "We should go there sometime! Oh, and we could invite everyone else! You've gotta try this tea! It is superb!"

You wiped your lips with your snow-covered gloves. "What flavor is that?"

"Honey Lemon."

You smiled at each other, feeling the growing bond intertwine with emotions. The dawn was getting better after all, and it only became official when you heard the conclusion of the priest's sermon and applause from over the speakers.

"… For every ending is its own beginning. Congratulate yourselves! You have completed the 9 Nightly Mass!"


December 24th: Wednesday, Christmas Eve

Theme: 12. Wreath

You weren't sure which was more exciting: Christmas Day or Christmas Eve. Songs and carols blasted at every speaker you ever passed by and random citizens gave out food to anyone they see. You didn't complain much since they sure do give out delicious dishes most of the time.

The city was alive and jumping as the night deepened. Children went caroling. Adults were meeting with their friends. And people your age, well, they try to make the most out of tonight. Honey Lemon texted you to meet with her at the nearby park. After finding out how your holidays need some plans in them, she invited you out with here. But she didn't exactly give out where you should wait, and just mentioned something about circles and greens.

You walked idly at the park, watching and gazing at people who seemed to be having a better time than you. "Where could she be?" you questioned, looking at your watch and turning at every direction. All of the sudden, a ring swished through you from the head, clutching your sides with its itchy, green, synthetic leaves. You screamed as you struggled to break free, only to be dragged along by someone.

"F-Fred?!" you shouted, trying to fold your elbows to snag the male off his grip on the wreath. "What are you doing?!"

Fred snickered in reply, "A Christmas miracle!"

"What?!"

You squinted your eyes at the place Fred brought you. A lake reflected the darkness and the light of the night. Nature looked like stars of different sizes and colors formed their shapes and silhouettes. And there, right in the middle of the plaza stood a giant golden Christmas tree made of long Christmas lights, with a majestic 8-point star sitting on the top.

"Happy trails, my good friend!" Fred lastly bid before pushing you into underneath the golden structure. You yelped in both anger and shock until you hit someone right on your constraint.

"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to—"

The sound of you voice was caught by the impulse of your sight.

"Tadashi…"

Tadashi sheepishly smiled at you, trying to wave from under his own set of wreath traps.

"H-Hey, (name)."

Once again, all different kinds of emotions started bubbling up inside you. You clenched your fists as you took the courage to speak, only to start right at the same time.

"You go first," he offered with a wistful smile.

You cleared your throat and exhaled. "I want to apologize about the other day. I didn't mean to act like that in front of you and Honey. I was just surprised and it was my… first reaction to it."

Tadashi shook his head. "No no, you shouldn't. I should be the one apologizing. I should've introduced you to all of them than surprising you like this."

But you disagreed as you wanted to take the blame. Tadashi did so too and sided with himself being at fault. As you continued to bicker and eventually laugh it all off, the wreaths started to slide down and release the two of you from captivity, making the both of you smile. Tadashi slowly approached you and reached for your hand, affectionately caressing it.

"I think we should start again."

You shook your head. "No need. Where we begun was already enough."

"9 nights ago?" he smiled at you.

"Yeah. I'm glad I met you, Tadashi."

"Ditto. I guess wishing on those dawns and going to church was worth it, wasn't it?"

"What?!" you were dumbfounded.

He chuckled. "You think I didn't know? Most people our age don't last long at Dawn masses like that!"

You shrugged, giving him a sly look. "Is that why you skipped out on it?"

He pumped out his chest haughtily, "I've duly completed my 9 masses, for your information."

"Oh yeah? Then what did you wish for?"

"Nothing. I just came by for the mass."

"What? Really?"

"Yeah. Because I didn't expect 9 nights ago, my wish was already granted."

"Are you guys shaking things up there?"

The two of you shuddered from the loud, laughable shout. You turned to see a young Hamada grinning from ear to ear as he videotaped you.

"Hiro shut that off!" Tadashi yelled as he chased his brother out into the distance.

For the last day before the awaited holiday, you couldn't wish for anything else than the company of your new-found friends.