The train ride back home was hushed and uneventful. Soon, I felt the train applying its brakes, and we stepped off onto the platform. We retraced our steps from earlier, arriving back at the front of our hometown station. The atmosphere was much more subdued now than it was earlier. I'm sure most of the people out and about had already found their final destination for the night, wherever that may be.

We were no different, really, just a bit later than most. We roamed the nighttime streets, taking in the lights and displays one last time before the holiday season came to an end. Something about the waning hours of Christmas are always just a bit sad. I'm sure that's just another part of what makes this holiday so special, even for those who are half a world away from us.

We continued on, slowing down as we went. Perhaps Shino felt the same as me; I didn't want the night to end yet.

Suddenly, I realized something pretty important.

"Hey, Shino, your apartment is farther from the station than my house, isn't it?"

"Hm? Is it?"

"Yeah, it definitely is."

We grew quiet. Then I spoke up again.

"Wanna come to my place instead?"

"H-Huh? Won't your parents be home?"

"Nah, they left yesterday to go visit family down south."

"I-I see… but why didn't you go with them?"

"Shouldn't that be obvious?" I asked light-heartedly, squeezing her hand.

"Jeez, you shouldn't neglect your family… but that makes me really happy…" she blushed and smiled from behind her scarf.

Before long, my darkened house came into view. We continued along the block until we arrived at the front door.

"This is the place. Home sweet home."

Shino's eyes looked intent as she studied the outside of my house.

"Don't just stand there, let's get inside out of this cold."

"Y-Yes."

I led her to the front door, opening it. Then we stepped inside. I didn't let go of her hand until we stopped to remove our shoes, and even then, I didn't want to.

"Pardon the intrusion," Shino whispered as she stepped up into the main hallway.

"I'd give you the grand tour, but first, let's get warmed up."

We headed upstairs to my room, where I turned on the heater on my AC unit, then pulled off my heavy coat.

"Wh- already?!"

"Huh?" I queried, not understanding until too late.

Shino's face was red yet again.

"Dammit, no! I'm not stripping!"

"Ah… okay…" Shino sighed, holding her chest.

"Shino, could it be that you're really nervous right now?"

She didn't give me a comedy bit as a response. Instead, she gripped her skirt as I'd seen her do before.

"O-Of course I am. I'm in the room of the person I love… on Christmas Eve…"

"I mean… fair point. But it's us… I doubt anything will happen."

Shino looked up at me with a rather peculiar expression on her face when I said that.

"Because it's us? I don't really understand…"

"Hmm, how can I put it… both of us are pretty straightforward, and uh… yeah…"

I put my finger and thumb on my chin, arriving at a conclusion.

"Shit."

"That's really not very reassuring! And yet for some reason it is!" Shino wailed.

"I don't quite get it, but listen, Shino… I didn't bring you here just for… that."

"I-I know that."

"Then try to relax and let's enjoy the rest of our night together," I said, eying the clock on the wall.

It was already past 22:00.

"Oh, that's right. I have some hot chocolate packets downstairs. Want some?" I retook the initiative, heading towards my door.

"Sure. I'll come with you," she said, standing up and following me out of the room.

On the way to the kitchen, I turned on the TV in the living room for background noise. As it played various late-night Christmas programs, I got to work making our instant hot chocolate.

"Sorry if it isn't up to par, I'm not an expert at making drinks like you," I said, smiling ruefully at Shino.

"I really don't mind," she gracefully replied.

I held back manly tears as I handed her the cup. Then I picked up mine, holding it out towards her.

"Merry Christmas. Here's to many more."

"Mm. Merry Christmas!"

Our mugs clinked together festively, and I took a sip of my masterpiece.

"Hm. Not bad," I mused.

My house certainly wasn't an expensive restaurant overlooking the city. We weren't holding up glasses of wine to celebrate the Eve (of course, since we're… well… you know). This was just a serene little moment in the kitchen of my completely-normal house. But despite all of that, the memory of me and her sharing those simple store-bought hot chocolates was one that I genuinely hoped to remember for years to come.

After chatting for a while, our mugs eventually emptied out, and I rose to put them in the dish washer, taking hers too.

"Let's go back upstairs. It should be a lot warmer now."

"Okay," she replied docilely.

Seems like she calmed down some. Wish I could say the same for myself.

She followed me back up the stairs, and I took a seat at my desk. Shino took her seat on my bed, making my heartbeat double for a few minutes until I could get my imagination under control.

Shino glanced out my window at the peaceful little neighborhood outside.

"It really is quiet here."

"Yeah, I'm sure most of the neighbors are already in bed, even if it is Christmas Eve."

Our conversation was definitely derailing into "filler" territory. We were dancing around something… something that we were both keenly aware of. However, I just didn't feel right about pushing any further on our first real date. Maybe I'm still too weak to be called a man.

"Naoya-kun…"

I pulled myself back to attention as I heard her soft voice call my name.

"What's up?"

"I'm sorry, I haven't been completely honest with you since we got here."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"I-I'm not nervous because I thought you were going to do something to me… I'm… nervous because… I want to do something with you…"

"Wha…t?

"I… I'm sorry. I just had such a good time tonight… and my feelings for you have gotten so strong…"

"Why are you apologizing?"

"Your face looked so stern just now…"

"Ah, shit. My bad."

I leaned back in my chair, taking a deep breath. It seems like honesty is still the best policy for us, after all.

"I'm honestly torn. I really want to do things with you too, Shino. You're so pretty and sexy, it drives me crazy. But I don't want to rush things too fast, you know? It has only been about a month since we were barely acquaintances, and now… here you are in my room. It's crazy."

Shino looked thoughtful. She took her time, then replied.

"You're right, it has been really fast. But I haven't disliked it. Maybe love is different for everyone… everyone has their own speed, so to speak."

"True. And I haven't disliked it either. Maybe I'm just a coward with lots of excuses."

Shino put her hand over her mouth in that now-familiar way, stifling a laugh.

"I don't think so. You're just thinking it over. It shows that you care about me," she finished with a smile.

"Maybe so," I stood, walking over to the bed. I sat down beside Shino, and almost instantly her head was resting on my shoulder.

"I was about to get lonely, you know…"

"Sorry. Let me fix that right now," I muttered.

I put an arm around her, and kissed her forehead gently.

"We probably shouldn't do… it tonight, but we can still do this much. That's what Christmas is about, right?"

"No complaints from me," Shino smiled, hugging me with both arms.

Soon, we fell back on my bed, still holding each other close. The fatigue of the day began to catch up to me, and I rested my eyes for a bit. Having Shino wrapped around me like this was such a warm and tender feeling; it brought true peace to my heart.

"I love you," she whispered, her voice like sweet syrup for my soul.

"I love you too, Shino. And… thanks," I replied, my voice sounding a little tired.

She lifted herself up on one elbow, smiling down at me as I lay there. Then, like she did once before, she leaned down and kissed me.

This time, though, neither of us felt any shame over it.

Her lips tasted faintly of cherry as I indulged myself in their elegant softness. My arms wrapped around her from the side, pulling her closer. I genuinely couldn't ask for more than this.

Mid-kiss, she pulled back for a second, panting.

"I love you," she gasped, before picking up where we had left off.

I couldn't respond with my lips this busy, but I'm sure she understood my feelings well enough. I gently explored every corner of her lips with mine. Then, something unforeseen happened.

I felt something warm and wet push its way between my unsuspecting lips. It was definitely her tongue.

Jeez, how daring is this girl? Not that I really mind, though, to be clear.

Guess I can't be a chump. I had to respond appropriately to her bravery. My tongue met hers, gently at first, then more forcefully as she slightly opened her mouth. A smacking noise reached my ears, causing me to become very aware of how lewd this all was. My desire to resist was melting away within the warmth of her mouth, though.

At last, we pulled back, both of us out of breath. We had nearly forgotten to breathe for the better part of a minute.

Shino's face radiated pure joy. She smiled at me in such a way that I couldn't mistake it for anything but unadulterated adoration. I feel the same way, Shino. I hope you know that.

"That's probably enough for tonight, huh…" she whispered, finally catching her breath.

"Y-Yeah, probably so. We don't want to let things get out of hand, right?"

"Right. That would be bad… I don't want you to think of me as an easy woman or something…"

"I know you aren't, though."

"Right. But having s-sex right now would just be… what would Saki think of us…?"

"I'd prefer not to think about that, but I get your sentiment," I said, pinching my brow.

"S-Sorry. But really, it would be too selfish of me to do anything more…"

"I guess so… but I don't mind your selfishness every once in a while."

"But still, I can't just have sex with my boyfriend after one day… that would be so bad…"

We were still in a rather compromising position, with Shino on top of me, her knees on either side of my chest. As she continually talked herself down, I felt a slight movement downstairs. I-Is she… grinding on me…?

"It would be pretty scandalous, wouldn't it?" I replied, my words not sounding as serious as I'd hoped they would.

"Yeah, it would just be plain crazy," she replied.

But after saying those words, she fell forward onto me, and wrapped her arms around my neck, hiding her face beside mine.

"I'm so sorry… I might be a crazy girl…"

I was silent for a few seconds, then I wrapped my arms around her again, even tighter than before, breathing out deeply.

"Even if you are, I still love you."

She smiled at me happily, with her cheeks burning. Then, she kissed me again. This kiss was deeper than the last one - more feral and sensual. For an inexperienced girl, she was really quite good at this.

Soon, my objective view of the situation disappeared without a trace, and I felt myself falling into the seemingly endless expanse of her love.

Our lips remained locked, as we explored each other's mouths. Her hands ran all over me, from my neck, to my chest, and even lower. Everything was becoming a blur; my mind could barely keep up, but my body knew what to do, almost like I was on autopilot.

Our kiss broke, and she sat up. Her small hand found a bulge between my legs, and she curiously pushed and pulled on it. Our decision to abstain from sex was already in danger, and I knew it very well. Yet for some reason, I just couldn't say anything about it.

Shino's face was impossibly red, and her breathing was heavy and uneven. Suddenly, as she sat there straddling me, her fingers looped underneath her shirt. Slowly, shyly, she pulled it up bit by bit, exposing parts of her that I had never seen before. The pale white skin of her stomach was flat and smooth, and her belly button was incredibly cute. Soon, her chest came into view, covered by a fancy-looking blue bra.

I had thought this before, but now it was confirmed: Shino's chest was really small… even smaller than I had previously thought. Yet, I wasn't disappointed at all. In fact, I was incredibly excited by what I was seeing.

As her shirt made it over her head, her hair fell back into place, and she opened her eyes back up, looking timidly to the side.

"I'm… pretty small… even smaller than Sakisaki…"

"You're beautiful, Shino… just the way you are."

She smiled tenderly at my clichéd line, finally looking up at me for the first time since removing her shirt.

"You're so kind to me. I love you so much…"

"I love you, too," I muttered, in an almost reverent tone.

Shino took my face in her hands, and kissed my lips softly and quickly. Then, she sat back, fiddling with something behind her. Of course, I knew what she was doing.

Her bra came loose and fell, landing in her lap. What remained was a full view of two small, pale mounds, topped by light pink nipples.

"I-I'm sorry, my bra was padded…" she muttered.

That shy, embarrassed confession sounded the death knell of my rationality.

I didn't answer her with words. I sat up, getting a closer look at those tiny little boobs. They were nicely shaped, with a modest curve to them. Her nipples were just the right size, perfectly proportional to her chest and thin waist.

I think I might be a degenerate, because this small chest of hers is driving me insane.

I reached out my hand, and my thumb brushed against her nipple. My palm came to rest underneath her left breast, and I gave it a gentle squeeze. Shino jumped a bit when I touched her, making a small whimpering noise. She's just too adorable! Not only that, but her boob is so soft!

"S-Shino… this is bad… you're way too beautiful…" I muttered under my breath.

She took her small, warm hand and placed it on top of mine, which was still holding her chest.

"Do whatever you want… I'm yours…" she whispered.

That was the moment I finally relinquished my misguided sense of morality.

I grabbed her shoulders, gently guiding her down until she was laying flat on her back on my bed, topless.

Her lips were pursed, and her ears were red as I loomed over her. In that moment, I felt a feral desire rising up inside me. It was that contradictory desire that every man must come to terms with at some point: the desire to absolutely wreck the woman he loves.

My hand found the latch on her skirt, popping it open. I pulled down on the sides, revealing a pair of blue panties barely hidden behind her thick winter tights. There was a prominent, small dark area between her legs.

As I peered at that curious area, Shino covered her mouth and looked away. Her chest was even blushing now.

"D-Don't say anything, okay? I get it…"

I smiled at her reassuringly, then put one knee on the bed, leaning down over her. My hands found hers, and I slipped my fingers in between hers, pushing her arms slightly above her head. Then, I kissed her again.

This time, I could feel her moans as our tongues wrestled inside our burning-hot mouths. Then, I pulled mine out, reluctantly leaving hers behind for the moment.

Instead, I moved down towards her chest, and took her right breast inside my mouth. My tongue caressed her nipple, which was already standing firm. My right hand gripped her other boob, and I kneaded it with more and more force, feeling the elastic tissue mold to my every movement.

"Hn-nnn! I- didn't think you would be so rough!" Shino moaned in a sensual voice that stoked the raging fire already burning within me.

"My bad! I can't hold back anymore," I hurriedly said, forcing my mouth away from her nipple for long enough to speak.

"I-It's okay! Be as rough as you like… I'll take it all…" she whispered, wrapping her arms around my back, and gently stroking the back of my hair.

I felt so warm and comfortable there on her tiny chest… I really could have stayed there forever. But I wanted more. I wanted to see this prim-and-proper girl writhing with pleasure.

So, I reached down, tracing my fingertips down the side of her waist, past her hip bones, and across her soft, smooth thighs. My fingers came to rest atop the mound between her legs, which felt surprisingly soft and squishy.

"Hn- Aaaah!"

Shino's surprised yet erotic voice told me I had found the right place. My fingers slid up, collecting some of the wetness that had accumulated on her silky panties. I found a small spot just above the dark stain, and pushed in with a little force, making a circular motion.

"N-Naoya-kun?! H-How did you… Mmmmh?!"

I don't know what she was going to ask me, but that isn't important right now. What is important is making the girl I love feel good. My tunnel vision won't allow for any other thoughts. I'm certainly far from experienced, but I've done enough research that I should be able to hold my own.

My right hand stopped its ministrations, and my left hand slid down her side to the top of her panty line. I kissed her stomach, then grabbed her panties and tights at once with both hands, slipping them off slowly and deliberately, all the way down her legs and past her feet.

I was greeted with an incredible sight. Her womanhood was clearly visible, mere inches from my face. It was smooth and pale, and just a bit plump, in contrast with her slender, toned legs and stomach. A small trickle of liquid was hanging from the bottom of the slit, glimmering like a jewel. I had found the promised land.

"Please don't stare so much… It's so embarrassing I could die…" Shino whimpered.

"It's lovely, just like everything else," I warmly reassured her.

To make my point, I leaned down, bringing my face up to her vagina. Then, I kissed it gently, prompting another jump from Shino. I didn't stop there, though. I gave her slit a small lick, tasting her unique flavor. My lips zeroed in on her clit, and my tongue caressed it.

"Ohoohhh?!" Shino made a strange sound, arching her back. "Wh-What are you doing?!"

Despite her concern, I continued unabated, massaging her most sensitive place with my tongue. I could feel the intense heat radiating from inside her, and from time to time, her legs closed on my head as her whole body jerked.

Suddenly, she grabbed my head, gripping my hair with her fingers.

"MmmmmMMMMMmmmm?!"

She let out a stifled, long moan as her legs gripped my head like a vise. Then, she went limp.

"Ohh… that was so intense…" she breathed out, gasping.

I smiled at her, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Her pleasure brought me indescribable joy.

I sat down on the bed next to her, and she sat up, still completely nude apart from her big purple bow.

"I'm glad you're feeling good, Shino. It makes me really happy."

She smiled bashfully, and ran her hand down my chest.

"I can't be the only one, though."

She timidly grabbed the hem of my shirt, and pulled it up. I offered no resistance, putting my arms above my head as she took it off. Then, she unbuttoned my pants. I helped her, sliding them down until I matched her: naked as the day I was born.

Of course, something was standing at attention already.

Shino's eyes were big as saucers as she stared at my crotch.

"Th-This is my first time seeing one in person," she whispered.

Mine wasn't especially huge, but she stared at it like it was an alien creature. Then, she touched it carefully, first with one finger and her thumb, then wrapping her whole hand around it.

Her soft hand felt really good. Really really good.

She sat on the bed, toying with me as I stood over her. Soon, though, my patience reached its limit. Sorry, Shino, you won't be able to practice your hand job this time.

I reached down, gently disentangling her hand from me. Then, I pushed her down on my bed, putting a little more force into it than I had intended. As a result, she bounced a bit on the bed, her small boobs dancing around on her chest.

With her eyebrows raised, she looked up at me expectantly, and I slowly lined myself up with her. As I stood there, my manhood just inches away from entering her, I realized that we had resoundingly failed to avoid having sex on our first date. How did things come to this?

"Shit, I don't have a condom…"

Shino's eyes got a bit wide as I said that, and then she reached down for her purse, which had been left beside my bed on the floor. She ruffled around in it, and pulled out something round inside a foil packet. With upturned eyes, she shyly handed it to me.

She had one all along?!

I slowly took it out of the package, pinching the tip and rolling it on (I practiced that beforehand too). Then, I realigned myself, prepared for a second try at this.

"…Go ahead…" she whispered.

And so I did. I placed my head on her entrance, feeling the intense heat already. I pushed forward a bit, until I slipped inside her soft folds. Then, I pushed harder, forcing my way completely inside.

Shino groaned softly as I bottomed out. I hope I didn't hurt her too much. But man, she really was soaking wet. My cock moved inside her with ease, facing little friction despite how insanely tight she was.

"I'm gonna move a little, alright?" I said, not so much asking as telling her.

"I'm okay. It doesn't hurt too much," she replied, her face still looking slightly pained.

I didn't really want to hurt her, but my mind could only focus on the searing pleasure I felt. I began to move, slowly at first, then with more vigor. Each thrust felt like I was being pulled penis-first into a world where nothing but warmth and pleasure existed. It was nearly overwhelming.

Soon, slapping sounds began to resonate in my quiet room as bare skin hit bare skin repeatedly. The wet squelching sound coming from us was so lewd, but I couldn't afford to get embarrassed this late in the game.

I looped my arms underneath her legs, pushing them farther up, and went in even deeper than before. In that provocative position, I kissed her again, hungrily seeking her lips.

I lost track of how long we spent like that, just forcing our bodies as close together as we could get them. We went slow, fast, and everything in between. I don't know if it was the condom or what, but I lasted a surprisingly-long time.

However, everything has to end eventually.

As Shino's sweet groans and whimpers filled my ears, I began to speed up, feeling the finish line quickly approaching.

"Shino, I'm going to…!"

"Do it! Don't stop…! Mmmmaahh?!"

Covered in sweat, her face looked prettier than ever as she begged for me to finish. I could never deny such an earnest request, but this was no longer a rational decision anyway.

My crotch felt like it was melting as a sharp pleasure built steadily underneath my penis. It grew and grew, until the pleasure flooded my whole body. Overwhelmed, I collapsed on top of Shino as my cock throbbed over and over, spewing semen into the condom.

"Shino…!" I groaned, barely able to form words.

"Haaahhh?!" she squeaked as my penis jumped around inside her. Each time it did, it felt like her walls were wringing me in tandem.

I rode out the orgasm with my arms wrapped tightly around Shino's small back. Her hands desperately gripped my shoulders, digging her nails into me. At last, I felt the powerful orgasm dying down. I slid out of her, which prompted a tiny gasp.

"Oh wow…" Shino whispered.

The condom was absolutely full. Thank goodness I put it on…

"That… was incredible…" I muttered, still breathing heavily.

"Yes…" Shino nodded and smiled up at me, clearly a bit dazed.

As I tossed the used condom in the trash, it really started to sink in: we had done it. This was stone cold reality. So much for all that pretty talk about not doing it on the first date. Should I feel ashamed of myself?

"We really did it, huh?" I mused aloud.

"Mm. We did…" Shino trailed off. "Do… you regret it…?"

"No," I answered with no hesitation. "Maybe it wasn't the plan, but I feel so much closer to you now… it was really great."

I took my seat next to her, and she leaned her head on my shoulder again like before. Our hands found each other, tightly entwining. As we sat there in my warm room, completely nude, I happened to glance out my window between the curtains.

"Snow…"

Outside, tiny little flakes were falling from above. They had already started to collect on tree branches and roofs, slowly wrapping the world up in a pure-white blanket. We had been so intent on copulating that we hadn't even noticed when it had began.

My heart grew warm as I watched the flakes drifting around. I looked down at Shino, and noticed her eyes were moist.

"It's so beautiful… a White Christmas…"

I looked up at the clock above my door. It was only about 30 minutes shy of midnight. It seemed that it would indeed be a White Christmas this year.

I stood, finding my discarded clothes, and began throwing them on. Shino looked up at me questioningly.

"Let's go outside!" I said excitedly.

Shino's eyebrows went up, then she quickly stood up, still buck naked.

"O-Okay!"

We tromped down the stairs, finding the first floor silent and empty, as expected. I rushed to the entrance way, slipping on my shoes, and pushed the door open.

Outside, a winter wonderland greeted us. Shino stepped out after me, and her eyes glittered like perfectly-cut gems when she saw the scene.

"So lovely…" she muttered.

The town was aglow. The illumination of street lights reflected off the white sheet that covered everything, chasing the winter night's darkness far away. Even as I stood there, the flakes began to pile up on my shoulders and head.

I used to dislike winter. It's cold, dark, and kinda depressing. But I think I had it all wrong. It may be cold, sure. But tonight, as the world rests on this silent night… I can't contain the boundless joy filling my heart.

I turned to look at the source of that joy. She was holding her hands out like a cup, letting the little flakes accumulate inside them. Her white hair all but blended into the snowy background, as did her pale skin. It was a portrait of pure beauty that I would surely never forget, even if I lived to be a hundred.

"Naoya-kun," she whispered, cupping the snow in her hands. "I… I'm so happy right now…"

Tears welled up in her pretty eyes as she continued on, her voice sounding reverent and full of wonder.

"I hope I never forget this feeling… God, please… don't ever let me forget this…"

Shino whispered that humble prayer as she watched the innumerable snowflakes falling from heaven. If there was anyone up there to lend an ear on this holy night, he certainly must have heard that heartfelt prayer. I just know it.

She let the snow slip through her fingers, and turned to face me. She smiled adoringly, her beauty putting even the angels to shame. Her lips mouthed those special words - words that I hoped to hear many more times as the years go by. That was the prayer that I offered up to that snowy Christmas Eve sky.

"Naoya-kun, I love you!"

(Aishiteru)

The End