Christmas time: a season full of meaning for many people around the world. Originally meant to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the holiday has taken on different meanings in different places. Japan is no different; we celebrate Christmas Eve, even though I don't think many of us know too much about Mr. Christ.

To the aspiring lover, though, this day is a goldmine of opportunities. Strolling through the brightly-lit streets with your girl by your side… sharing a kiss as the snow falls around you… it truly has become the stuff of dreams for many a young man through the years.

Of course, I'm not immune.

However, as I daydreamed about my ideal Christmas date, the girl that appeared in my mind was not the same one who had always owned that place in years prior.

How should I feel about that?

My heart has been swayed so much, it's like I don't even recognize the me from a few months ago. I can't relate to him any more, and even though that should bother me, it doesn't. I had finally begun to accept the inevitable.

And so, with Christmas on the horizon, I walked with a pep in my step, with only one girl on my mind.

Several days had passed since Saki and I had… done whatever we did that night. I still wasn't completely clear on what answer we had arrived at, but something told me things wouldn't be the same ever again.

That night had felt like a turning point, in more ways than one. And one thing had been made perfectly clear.

I confessed my love for Shino, for crying out loud! But to the wrong person!

I still hadn't told Shino how I felt about her, and I was starting to feel bad about leaving her feelings unanswered.

Or more accurately, I was finally prepared to answer them.

Fortunately for me, tomorrow is Christmas Eve.

I've never spend the Eve with anyone special before, but I certainly wouldn't mind it. Spending that blessed evening with the girl you care about is one of the most lovey-dovey things you can do.

There's no better time to show my manliness to her. I'll ask her out, and when the time is just right… I'll tell her how I feel.

Ah, there she comes now.

Shino walked into the classroom, her posture polite yet confident. Now is my time to shine.

"Hello, Naoya-kun. Can I ask you a question?"

"Hey Shino… what's up?"

"What are your plans for Christmas Eve?"

"…Huh? N-No plans…" I muttered.

She beat me to it?!

Saki's jaw was resting atop her desk as she stared at the two of us.

"I-I'm being NTR'd?!" she squealed, even though her face was strangely flushed.

I tuned out that wretched sight as Shino continued on unabated.

"Would you like to spend it with me? I have a place I'd like to show you."

My heart felt like it was beating out of my chest with joy.

"I'd be glad to."

The smile she showed me then was so lovely, I was left with no doubts that I had made the right choice, no matter how much my classmates judge me.

We only had a half day of school on that day before Christmas Eve, and it flew by in a flash. After school, Shino and I packed up and left the classroom together. We ambled down the hallway side by side. You know, it's mysterious how different the world looks with her by my side. It's like I gained a whole new perspective on life itself. Everything felt fresh, somehow.

I won't lie, I also felt a little bit of pride as I strode along by her side. That spot next to her was reserved for me alone. I'm the only one she's looking at.

When I thought about that, I couldn't help but smile.

"So, where are you wanting to take me, Shino?"

"That's a secret. I won't ruin the surprise."

"Damn. Keeping me in suspense, huh?"

"I am."

She leaned forward and smiled at me cheekily, her hands behind her back.

"You… What am I going to do with you? You went and asked in front of the whole class, too," I muttered, holding my forehead.

"Was that a bad thing?"

"Not at all! But a young man's heart can only take so much!"

Shino smiled and looked out the window as we passed the staircase landing.

"Sorry, but I'm not holding back anymore. Not now…"

"So what you did after the game the other night was holding back?"

"Tee hee, no comment," she faked a sheepish laugh with her hand over her mouth.

We arrived at the shoe lockers, and in no time we were headed home.

"So what about Saki? How are things with you two?" I queried as we stood at a crossing near the school.

Shino's expression was conflicted as she replied.

"We talked about it and… I think we'll be okay. She might hold a grudge for a while, though… especially after what I just did."

"I hope not."

"It's fine. I was prepared for much worse than that. This is what I get for stealing my best friend's future husband."

"F-Future husband?! Does that mean… you want to take her place instead?!"

"Wh- N-Naoya-kun! It's too early to propose! ᴱᵛᵉⁿ ᵗʰᵒᵘᵍʰ ᴵ ʷᵒᵘˡᵈⁿ'ᵗ ᵐᶦⁿᵈ…"

"I heard that!"

We both cracked up laughing as we stood there at the crosswalk. The red light turned green, and that familiar chirping sound told us it was time to cross over to the other side.

Man, every day with her is just so fun. Seeing all these new sides of this adorable girl… I wish I could bottle this feeling up and keep it forever.

"You know, I've been thinking this for a while now, but you're actually a lewd girl, aren't you, Shino?"

Since I was feeling all sentimental, my thoughts sort of spilled out before I knew it.

"Huuuuhhhh?!" Shino squeaked, turning deep red as she desperately checked to make sure no one had heard. "D-Don't say things like that in public!"

"You aren't denying it?!"

"I-I can't!" she muttered, then looked at me with upturned eyes. "B-But I would only ever be that way with you… No one else."

A straight fastball over the plate?!

"I-I see…" I mumbled, with my finger and thumb on my chin.

"Don't contemplate it!"

"How could I not?! You're too damn charming, Shino!"

"H-Hnnn…" she whimpered, unable to make a comeback.

Just about then, we arrived at the place where our paths split. At that peaceful backstreet crossroads, our walk came to its end way too soon for my liking. I turned towards her, smiling at this girl I had grown to care about so much.

"See you tomorrow, Shino."

"Mm. I'll message you the details later."

"Alright. Take care."

"You too, be safe."

"I will."

Our conversation faded out as we lingered there, neither of us making the first move to leave. Shino must have been feeling the same thing I was:

I don't want to go home.

Despite the fact that we had already said our goodbyes, Shino took a small step towards me, staring down at her feet. I took one too. Then I took another… and suddenly she was within arm's reach.

"Naoya-kun…" she whispered.

I didn't speak. There was nothing to be said, really. There were much better ways of communicating how I felt then. So, I just spread my arms wide and wrapped her up. I embraced her close to my chest, and enjoyed the feeling of her snow-white hair tickling my nose. It smelled really sweet.

"You're so warm," Shino said, her voice like silk caressing my brain.

"You are too. I can feel your heartbeat."

"It's your fault it's beating so hard. Jeez, when are you going to take responsibility for this…? You've ruined me…"

I chuckled, and pulled her even closer. My chin rested perfectly on top of her head, near her treasured purple bow. I could feel her hands on my back, gently rubbing up and down my ribs. It felt like I was melting into her, with no way to stop it. In fact, I no longer had the slightest desire to put on the brakes.

After all this time, I finally held the white flag high.

"Shino, I love you."

"…Huh?"

Her face emerged from the nest she had made inside my large coat, and she looked up at me in disbelief.

"I'm sorry it took me this long to say it. I love you. Please go out with me."

For the longest time, she just stared at my face. Her cheeks were rosy, and her eyes were moist. Her lips moved occasionally, but it took her a while to finally make a sound with them. When she did, it came out as a whisper.

"Mm. Please take care of me."

She closed her eyes, and a tiny tear trickled down her left cheek. I knew what she was asking, without a doubt. So, I made sure to answer her invitation properly.

I leaned down slowly, and my eyes drifted shut. The last thing I saw was her long, pretty eyelashes outlined against her pale cheeks. My mouth drew near to hers, and at last, our lips touched. I took her lower lip in between mine, focusing on how soft and smooth it was. My right hand found its way behind her head, steadying her. I could feel her warm, shallow breaths on my face. Our lips danced a slow waltz - slightly awkward and deliberate, but absolutely brimming with our feelings.

When I finally pulled back, Shino's face was flushed. I'm sure mine was too… my heart felt like it was beating out of my chest, after all.

On the side of that tranquil neighborhood street, with no one else around, our second first kiss reluctantly came to an end.

"Are you sure about this…?" Shino spoke up first.

"I'm sure."

"Things might get more difficult from now on…"

"I don't care. I'm prepared for anything."

"…I… really wasn't expecting you to confess today… I thought you might tomorrow or something… but I didn't want to get my hopes up…"

Shino seemed to be going along with her stream of consciousness now, just saying whatever she was thinking. I chuckled, taking her hands in mine.

"I had honestly planned to, but… I couldn't wait any longer."

In response, Shino sniffed, then started full-on crying. She wiped at her tears as she bent forward, putting her head on my chest.

"Are you alright?" I gently asked her, rubbing her back.

After a few seconds, she wiped her tears again, and looked me directly in the eye. Her eyelids were red, and tears still stained her face, but her smile… that radiant smile that was chock full of her innocent love for me… It was more beautiful than any other I had ever seen.

"I'm just so… so happy!"

Christmas Eve arrived much too slowly for my liking. After my impromptu confession, our upcoming date had taken on a whole new connotation. Now, we wouldn't be just "going somewhere as friends." We would be spending the evening as a couple. That thought made me antsy with anticipation.

Shino had sent me a message the night before, with instructions for our date. She asked me to meet her at the station at 16:00. She didn't elaborate, but if we're going to the station, it must be somewhere a bit far away. Interesting.

Around 15:30, I left my house, bound for the station. It's only about a 15-minute walk, but I wanted to make sure I got there in plenty of time. I couldn't fathom making Shino wait for me on a day like today.

It didn't take long to notice the festive atmosphere surrounding me. The town felt like it was teeming with life at every turn. Christmas jingles were playing over speakers at the shopping district, and parents held their kids' hands as they took in the jolly scene. The whole thing put me in a great mood, and I couldn't wait to join the person I loved, so we could experience this together.

I trudged on, as the sun sank lower behind a layer of wintry-looking clouds. Finally, I rounded the last corner at the station. The front was bustling with people, each one heading somewhere different on this holiest of evenings.

I scanned the area outside, and… welp. She's already here.

I had hoped to arrive before her, but it seems I was no match for this girl's earnest disposition.

Standing perfectly upright underneath a lamp post near a bench, she looked pretty enough to paint. Her outfit was both cute and classy; a ruffled top with a blazer, a skirt, and tights. It fit her so well it was almost alarming.

"Yo, Shino," I greeted her, strolling up to the spot where she stood.

"Naoya-kun! You're early."

"I'm early? Look at you. How long have you been here?"

"I-I just got here."

I decided not to call her out on that.

"I see. Well, I'm ready when you are."

"Mm," she nodded, smiling sweetly.

"Come to think of it, where are we going?"

"I already told you, it's a surprise. Just follow me for now."

"Right."

She said to "follow", but we ended up walking side by side. Her shoulder brushed against mine occasionally as we made our way through the station, finally arriving at a train platform with orange letters scrolling on an information screen:

Shibuya - 16:05

Shibuya, huh? I'm intrigued.

We didn't have to wait long. Japan's famously-timely train system was on our side, and before long, we were squeezing aboard as a robotic voice announced the destination that lay ahead of us.

There were no empty seats remaining, so we stood. I grasped one of the hanging loops above me, and Shino huddled up next to me as the train began to move. She bumped into me softly, then put her hands on my arm to steady herself. Adorable.

In public or not, I couldn't just let her get buffeted around. So, I reached around behind her back, setting my hand on the area right above her b-butt (not lewd, I promise). I applied a little strength, drawing her closer to me. She looked up at me with those big purple eyes, and smiled gently, looking back down again. Then, she unabashedly wrapped both arms around my waist.

I'm sure people were staring at us, but if there was any night to get away with this amount of PDA, it was tonight.

We stood there as the scenery outside flew by in blurred snapshots. Skyscrapers, small neighborhoods, and masses of people came and went in an instant as the distant sunset provided the backdrop to our new beginning.

Soon, the train began to slow. As the doors popped open, we made our way out into the sea of faces at Shibuya Station.

"Wow, this place is packed. Stay close to me, Shino."

I offered her my right hand, and she quickly took it. At first, I just gripped her palm, but as we glided through the crowd, I felt the distinct sensation of small, slender fingers slipping in between each of mine. When I realized what she was doing, I felt a wave of warmth assail my body.

I looked down at her, and she smiled up at me a bit sheepishly, with a slight rosy tint on her cheeks.

Hand in hand, we made our way through the maze of Shibuya Station, and finally arrived at the East Entrance.

I hadn't been to Shibuya in a while, but I still remembered the basic layout of the place. If we took a left, we would soon hit the main street that ran through the heart of the area, including the world-famous Shibuya Scramble crossing.

I had definitely never been here on a holiday like this, though. People were crawling around like ants leaving a disturbed anthill. Thankfully, there was no danger of getting separated from Shino. In fact, it would have been hard to get any closer to her.

She gently gave my hand a squeeze.

"We're almost there. This way."

She pointed to the base of a tall building nearby. Its glass exterior reflected the waning sunlight and flashy lights of the city, beckoning us to step inside.

Wait, I think I've heard about this place. It's…

We walked inside, where there were a lot less people than outside. It was a lot warmer in there, too. The chilly breeze outdoors was definitely fitting for Christmas, but I was glad to get away from it for a while.

Shino looked around for a second, then pointed to a nearby elevator.

"This way!" she said, grinning innocently.

She pulled me along as we entered the elevator. We rode it for a surprisingly-long time, never letting go of each other's hands for even a second. Then, the doors opened, revealing our destination at last.

We stepped off into a wide-open room, with windows all around. The view was so expansive, I couldn't take it in right away.

"We're here," she whispered.

I was amazed. I had heard of this place before, but I didn't expect her to bring me to Shibuya Sky on Christmas Eve of all times. I couldn't help but wonder how much this cost as I watched her hand two tickets to a dapper-looking gentleman nearby.

"Shino, this is incredible!"

I couldn't hide my excitement.

"Wait until you see the real thing," she said, smiling.

We headed for a nearby escalator that led up to the unknown. Side by side, we stepped onto it and began our ride to the heavens. Soon, we got high enough that the city began to come into view again.

My heart stirred as I gazed through the glass wall of the escalator. Against the darkening purple clouds of twilight, the great city of Tokyo sprawled out below us like an endless sea of twinkling stars. My grip on Shino's hand tightened unconsciously as I took it all in.

We finally arrived at the top, and our feet hit the metal landing at the top of the escalator. What surrounded us was something almost inconceivable.

The roof of the building was lined with glass walls, providing a nearly 360 degree view of the city. Nearby, a set of spotlights was arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree, providing a sense of holiday cheer even up here at the top of the world.

The area was surprisingly uncrowded, too. I wasn't sure, but I had the fleeting thought that this evening's tickets must have been reserved for fewer people than normal.

We made our way towards one of the viewing platforms. A policeman nodded at us as he watched over the couples enjoying the view. The stairs leading to the highest area were lit up with the soft glow of Christmas colors. For every step we took upwards, it felt like our feet were being bathed in a different color of the rainbow.

We had been mostly quiet this whole time, as we took in every single facet of this overwhelming visual wonderland. But as we reached the highest lookout, I couldn't help but vocalize my thoughts.

"Shino… this is just… unbelievable."

Below us, Shibuya was crawling with life. As night began to properly fall, it became more obvious that all of Tokyo was adorned in Christmas attire. Several prominent Christmas light illuminations were clearly visible from here, shining like especially-bright gems among the millions of city lights. Yokohama's famous Ferris wheel was blinking valiantly, and off to one side, Tokyo Tower was all lit up like a burning torch standing watch over the city.

I could have gone on describing that sight for days, but to make it short: it was the most beautiful place I had ever been.

I turned towards Shino, and was hit with an onslaught of affection unlike any I had ever felt before. Her pretty white hair was drifting around on the cold breeze, and her eyes were glowing like something otherworldly, soaking up the myriad lights and reflecting them like two little moons. She held up a hand, stopping her bangs from blowing in her face, and smiled bashfully at me.

"This is what I wanted you to see."

At that moment, I knew without a doubt that my love for her was genuine.

"It's so beautiful… I almost can't believe it," I murmured in awe.

"Mm. I've never seen it like this before, either."

She turned back, gazing at the view once again. Our hands gripping tightly, we floated away in the crisp night air. For a short while, the immutable law of gravity held no power over us. We swam through the atmosphere, the world at our feet… and for just a moment… just a fleeting second… I felt invincible.

"I love you so much, Shino."

I'm sure that was why I said those words. It truly felt as if there was nothing standing between her heart and mine… no walls, no dishonesty… just pure, newborn love.

She turned towards me, and I took her other hand in mine. As we gazed at each other, she answered.

"I love you too. I always have… and I'm sure I always will…"

"I hope so. I'd be disappointed, otherwise," I quipped.

She blushed, and her eyes bashfully avoided mine for a second before meeting me head on.

"I guess that means I have to do my best, huh?" she smiled gently.

"Yeah. I'll hold you to that."

"And I'll make sure you take responsibility," she chuckled, then stuck her tongue out at me.

I laughed, then gazed out at the landscape again, as the breeze tousled my bangs.

"I'm prepared to do it."

"D-D-Do it?!" Shino stammered, her voice suddenly getting shrill.

"Wha-?! That's not what I meant! In fact, how did you even get that out of what I just said?!"

Shino went red as a tomato yet again, and looked down.

"Well forgive me for wanting to make love with you, I guess," she muttered.

"Y-You want to?!"

"Ahhh, jeez! Enough of that already!" she declared, shaking off her embarrassment.

"R-Right…"

Like I can just forget something like that! Alright, enough, me! Stop being horny! This really isn't the time!

Just then, a cold wind blew through, ruffling Shino's skirt and blowing our hair around. On reflex, I pulled Shino closer to me, letting her hide in the warmth of my large winter coat.

She peered up at me, smiling gently again.

"Thank you…" she whispered, closing her eyes.

I took her chin and lifted it with my finger and thumb, and once again, our lips met. Instantly, the cold night air around us seemed to vanish. It was like our connected lips were an atomic reactor, creating an endless source of energy and heat that even the Tokyo winter couldn't hope to overcome.

My hand gently caressed her cheek, looping around her ear to the back of her head, where I held her gently in place. That had become my trademark; something about holding her like that just felt so right.

We pulled back, and Shino's smile was subtly delightful as she put a finger on her lips.

"That… was my favorite one so far."

To those around us, we probably looked like young, dumb lovers, but I couldn't muster a single care about that. I just grinned like an idiot at the girl I loved, my heart overflowing.

"I agree."

We stayed at the top of Shibuya Sky for as long as we could manage it before the biting winter wind hustled us back indoors. We huddled together, laughing, all the way back to the ground floor. We walked out the front door feeling like different people than we had when we had arrived. Love really is a mysterious thing, isn't it?

Now that the night had fully fallen, the streets of Shibuya were aglow. Trees were decorated with tons of tiny lights, and everywhere you looked, there was simply a feeling of "Christmas."

"Well, where to now? The night is young," I asked Shino, squeezing her hand.

"I-I'm getting pretty hungry, want to find something to eat?"

"Yeah, sounds good. But where?" I mused, racking my brain for ideas.

"It doesn't have to be anything expensive or fancy," Shino interjected.

"Well, I'm certainly not taking you to McDonald's."

Shino chuckled softly.

"I really wouldn't mind even if you did."

So polite! I'm never letting this girl go.

Suddenly, an idea came to my mind.

"Hm, there's a family restaurant not far from here. I went there several years ago, and it was pretty good."

"Oh? That sounds kinda nice."

"Alright. It's a bit off the beaten path, though."

"I don't mind. In fact… I wouldn't mind a bit more privacy."

I tried not to imagine what she meant by that as we made our way south, farther from the bustling center of Shibuya.

I'd be hesitant to call any place near Shibuya "peaceful", but things were certainly less crowded this way. We walked along quietly, but things didn't feel awkward at all. It was a comfortable, sweet silence that I had never experienced before.

Soon, we arrived at a small family restaurant tucked on the corner of two side streets. The warm glow and appetizing smell coming from within beckoned us, and we headed inside.

We found a seat, even though the place was fairly crowded. We squeezed into a booth side by side, and soon a waitress brought us our menus.

"This sorta reminds me of last time…" I mused out loud.

"Ah… yeah… but this time I won't start crying on you, I hope."

"I didn't mind too much," I chuckled.

"Still, that was embarrassing," Shino said, glancing away.

We ordered our drinks, and perused the menu, as I thought back to that day we went out together - the day that really started all of this.

"You know, if you hadn't said something that day, we definitely wouldn't be here right now. So there's nothing to be embarrassed about."

Shino smiled at me, her eyes soft.

"I guess that's true, huh?"

"Yeah. It was that earnest side of you that swayed me in the first place."

"I'm you were able to see my charms," she said slyly.

Then, she sighed.

"I hope you're really happy with me, though, and not Saki."

"Shino…"

"I can't help but feel like I broke something that can't be repaired… sometimes…"

I could see Shino's eyes wavering, and I looked down at my drink, studying the ice inside it before I finally responded.

"If you want to blame someone, I'll take it all."

"N-No, I…"

"I knew what we were getting into, and I still chose you. That's all there is to it."

I put my arm around her, pulling her close to my side. I heard her say "mm" and nod, then she snuggled up to me like a cat preparing for a nap.

"You might need to keep reminding me for a while…"

"I will… for as long as it takes."

Our food arrived. I had ordered a home-style hamburger plate, and Shino had chosen a delicious-looking soup. The warmth emanating from the food only stoked our hunger even more, and we immediately dug in.

"Mm, it's good!" I muttered.

Shino nodded in agreement. For a while, we grew quiet, focused on filling our stomachs.

As the clock ticked on, we finished up the last bit of our meal. I checked my watch; it read 21:17.

"Damn, time has flown by tonight," I grumbled.

I definitely wasn't ready for the night to end yet, but I couldn't deny that a bit of tiredness was setting in already.

"It's because you love being with me so much, huh?"

"Yeah, probably so," I replied evenly.

Shino's blushing, flustered face was my reward for keeping it straight.

"S-So, what's the plan now?" she stammered, getting back on course.

"Hmm, I'm not sure. We could go back to Shibuya, but…"

"Too many people," Shino finished my thought.

"Yeah, that."

Shino put a finger on her chin, seemingly deep in thought.

"Well, we don't have to stay out all night. And w-we could always go back to my place. It's not like anyone is there," she suggested, her cheeks a little rosy as she said it.

"Y-Yeah, but… that might be too much for my heart!"

"Yours?! What about me?!"

"True! You almost jumped my bones last time, after all!"

"Mweh?!" Shino made a very strange noise and covered my mouth.

"Stop it! You don't have to be that honest right now!"

We quickly paid and left the restaurant, and were met by a wind even colder than before.

"Yeah, it's too cold for this shit," I declared, with Shino solemnly nodding her agreement.

I took her hand again, and we set off for Shibuya Station again.

"Really, though, you shouldn't say stuff like that in public, Naoya-kun."

Shit, I thought I had gotten away with it.

"M-My bad. But you did sorta almost…"

We both got very quiet, replaying what had happened that night at her apartment.

"I-It was mostly an accident, okay?" she stuttered.

"Mostly?!"

"Why did you have to focus on that part?!"

"It stood out!"

Shino hung her head and sighed.

"Look, I'm sorry for being such a l-lewd girl, okay? It's just… ʷʰᵃᵗ ʸᵒᵘ ᵈᵒ ᵗᵒ ᵐᵉ…" she trailed off, hiding her face timidly underneath her scarf.

"Shino… don't get me wrong, it's not like I'm not interested either. In fact, I'm quite interested!"

"S-Stop it! We shouldn't be discussing this right now!"

"Yeah, you're probably right."

Our conversation trailed off as we headed into the bustling station again. Inside, it was almost too loud to hear each other over the din of humanity. Surrounded by that rowdy Christmas Eve crowd, we pushed our way through, and soon found ourselves gliding smoothly through the nighttime city, heading towards home.