A/N: So close to missing deadline. As it is, I'm posting it without the ever-valuable help of my beta, IndubitableInk. This is mostly stream of consciousness writing and I do not doubt that it will show. Still, it's Monday, and I must post. Just forgive me... I've been sick for a week and now I'm combating terrible allergies. Without a beta and without proper brain function, I will post and pray that you all be forgiving. With next week's post, I will hopefully update this one to a better quality version.

Disclaimer: I only own the scenario... I think... hopefully...

Leaning on her desk, Risa settled her chin onto her crossed arms and sighed. In her peripheral vision she could see the skirt her parents had bought her and the scarf Riku had knit. While Risa was still surprised Riku had done something that girly and more so that it had turned out well, she found herself listless.

The neatly wrapped present sitting in front of her nose was likely the cause.

She had spent all of December slaving away, trying to make the best present for Dark-san that she could, but her hopes that he would visit her on Christmas Eve and then on Christmas had been disappointed. Her present for him still sat in front of her, looking bleak despite its brightly coloured wrapping paper and the silvery ribbon wrapped around it.

Heaving another sigh, she closed her eyes. She had always loved the festive feelings of the winter holidays, but now she wished that she could just forget they existed. She had spent until midnight and even a little into the wee hours of the following morning on her balcony, clutching Dark-san's present and watching the skies, silly enough to hope. She had wrought all sorts of excuses for him even as she waited in breathless anticipation for him to appear. In the end, she had not even had a cold to boast of, which somehow upset her romantic sensibilities. It had been freezing outside—at the very least she could have been enabled to tell him she had gotten ill all for his sake the next time she saw him, to prove her dedication.

She shook her head firmly, sitting upright. None of that. She had promised herself not to sulk or fantasize.

A shrill ringing from beside her made her jump, but she dove straight for her phone even before she realized what she was doing. When she saw the number on the screen, her eyebrows rose. Flipping it open, she lifted it to her ear. "Hello, Hiwatari-kun."

"Harada-san."

Refraining from asking why he was calling her, she did her best to smile cheerfully so it would carry through to her voice. "Did you have a good Christmas?"

"Would you like to go for a walk?"

She blinked, her mind blanking for a moment, but then she laughed. "What? Why?"

"It is a nice day out," he replied and she looked out the window. The sky, so pale it seemed white, did appear rather bright and welcoming. Still, the snow was a bit deep just for a pleasure-outing.

A small smile twitched on her lips as realization dawned on her. "It does look nice... I guess. Where do you want to meet?"

"At the park?" he offered and she agreed, "Sure. I'll head right over. See you then."

"All right." The line went dead and she slowly drew the phone away from her face, looking at the call's duration. Not even a minute, but the smile would not leave her face.

He had guessed. She knew he had. Glancing once more at the present on her desk, she grinned then shook her head.

She snatched her new scarf and giggled. Just wait until she told him that Riku had knit the scarf herself. Would he even believe it?