"Hi, Naruto!"

"!"

"Oh, don't worry, Naruto. I wasn't standing here waiting for you or something like that. I just offered to help the landlady decorate. I'm decorating our Hall and passing out candy canes. Do you need just the one or do you have... others... that you want canes for also?"

"What do you mean by others Sakura?"

"Oh... just any friends... or family... or a significant other that you're going to. You're leaving because it's Christmas Eve, right? I'm assuming you're traveling."

"..."

"I mean, of course, you could just be alone in your home. I just don't want to assume something so... sad..."

"..."

"Not even... I mean... I assume you have friends or a loved one even that you would go spend Christmas with. I bet you can't keep the ladies off you, Naruto."

"Well, I'm just going out to see family. Obviously, I don't want to spend the holidays here. I wouldn't want to bring my family around such garbage."

"What's that supposed to mean Naruto?"

"Nothing, Sakura. What about you? Don't you have family. Are you going to spend Christmas alone, Sakura? Don't you have someone to go home to?"

"Well, if you must know Naruto, with everything going on with Covid and all that, my family has just decided to mail gifts. I got my gifts earlier this week already. And we're just going to spend the holidays separated this year."

"That's why I took it upon myself to spread sweet Christmas joy, you know unlike some people who are bitter..."

"You know, Sakura, I find that the only thing that's bitter in this Hall would be your sense of humor and your... oh... never mind, Sakura."

"...?"

"I'm joking, I'm kidding, really..."

"Alright...?"

"Anyway, I've got to go now."

"Oh, no problem Naruto. I do have one more question to ask though. The few times I have encountered you, I've seen you unlock the door with one key. And yet, when you're inside, I hear seven locks go off. What's that about? How is that even possible? And why lock all seven when you're already inside? Wouldn't you be more worried about intruders as opposed to...?"

"..."

"Oh, I don't even know... I don't even know what to think Naruto. It's kind of a lot. Especially because my door only has the one lock just like yours does."

"Well Sakura, I don't really want to talk about it until my home is ready... you know... because... you know... I do intend on eventually inviting you. Just don't get your hopes up that it'll be anytime soon. I have a lot of stuff to do, Sakura, and if you don't mind, I'll be going now."

"But wait! Naruto, you never answered my question."

"I don't think I have to answer your question because it's none-of-your-business Sakura. Now let go of me!"

"That's not what I was talking about Naruto... While you're very clearly hiding something, I was talking about whether you wanted multiple candy canes or just the one."

"Oh, well, it'll only be the one..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"Thanks... I'll see you around probably..."

"Hey Naruto, how long will you be out for?"

"I'll probably be back later tomorrow actually."

"Oh, I'm probably going to head out too. It doesn't snow that often around here. I might go build a snowman in the front. Maybe you can join me when you get back."

"Maybe..."

"Goodbye, Naruto!"

"Bye."