Christmas Shot
People have secrets.
Secrets are normal for people to have and without a doubt, every single human being to ever walk on this earth has them. As its name suggested, no one is supposed to know, it's being held so close to heart, and kept million lengths away from others. It could be in every possible form you could think of–could be something incredibly embarrassing its owner rather die than having some population knew of it, the best choice is bringing it with them until they're six feet under.
Or it could be something traumatizing–refused to be shared with another soul, too dark to comprehend, fear towards changes of attitude directed towards them in case they're too trusting it would backfire. Much worst definitely knowing it would be underestimated and brushed aside by people owning lack of empathy.
It could be a big one–an extremely important information gaining any chance to be misused by immoral beings, leading many innocents to their doom without them even realizing. Could be nothing at all–something extremely mundane changed drastically into a secret caused by unsupportive environment, society's dictatorship, old-ways rejected to soften even though the time's up for them.
Saionji Ukyo, of course, had secrets of his own.
Secrets were the little parts molding him to what he was currently. He had them during his childhood growing up as a good boy with healthy amount of mischief just like normal children in his age. He had them during his school years–occasionally skipping classes, a few cheatings during tests and quizzes, puppy crushes leading to confessions then rejections, many events he hid from his parents to avoid scolding and grounding altogether. He even had some in military training and his whole career as a Sonar Operator.
That's why he didn't mind Shinko hiding some things from him–if he had secrets why can't she?
Said young woman did try her best to be subtle for it. However, if you've known someone well, the slightest hitch in the routine you knew would become as apparent as sun shining brightly during rain–maybe anomaly served as a better term for it.
Back to the topic, Shinko did try hard to not make it obvious–it did fool many of them. Women tended to stick together, a tendency which didn't change even for more than three hundred decades and being accepted normally in their society. So no one really questioned Yuzuriha and Shinko's act of hanging out together more often than before.
It did fool pretty much everyone while Ukyo wasn't included in the list because he already figured out the pattern in less than five days.
He didn't mention anything though–seeing how much of a struggle she tried to hid it especially from him must be rewarded somehow. For now, Ukyo would play dumb and pretended to be innocent.
"Maybe we should scout further." He suggested, pointing out to the blank part of the map–a place they have yet to discover. "Our numbers are growing so we should gather more for winter."
Winter was a season of deadly beauty–temperature drastically dropped until below freezing, greens hidden under piles of white, ice and frost crawling on every surface possible. Deprived of warmth and flourishing vegetation, animals were bound to be out of sight.
So, before that happened, Kingdom of Science needed to start hunting season in order to have a reassured amount of food stock. They were no longer feeding several mouths, and along with Ishigami Village's residents, there's at least a hundred of people around to sustain until spring.
Shinko hummed in agreement. "We still can trap some near our headquarters but it won't be much. Animals are starting to avoid areas where there's a lot of humans in it."
Senku had been giving Ukyo and Shinko the honor to form a hunting team. While most of Kingdom of Science's population were considered superhuman in terms of strength, only some of them truly be able to hunt in long range–which means the only choice existed to gather food quickly was relying Ukyo and Shinko working together.
Both of them hunt in silence, lowering the risk of their potential prey from being startled by heavy footsteps and running away. With Shinko's acute sight, they're pretty much guaranteed to have a haul that's why it's important to choose the strong ones so they could bring everything back.
"I think we should start tomorrow or the next day," Ukyo announced because the sooner they start, the sooner they would process their catch to preserved it in its best condition. But of course, for a plan to run smoothly, a brief would be needed. "Are you okay with me choosing who's coming with?"
"Of course," Shinko nodded without hesitation, throwing him a smile. Ukyo unconsciously returned it. "You're best person for it. I trust whoever you chose, Ukyo-san."
When she fully put her trust on him, he would never ever think of disappointing her.
"Thanks. I guess that will be all for today's meeting." The sonarman was basically chuckling at his own words with the young woman shared the same sentiment. For him, it couldn't be categorized as a meeting–it felt as if any other day he's having a conversation with Shinko, always easy, light, and flowing ever so smoothly. "Are you free now? How about we-"
"Shinko-chan!" Yuzuriha's call was something unexpected to him. The brunette was waving at them from the distance before cupping her hands around her mouth to amplified her voice. "It's time!"
"A-ah! Alright, Yuzuriha-chan! I'm coming!" However, it wasn't unexpected for Shinko. Turning to face him, she smiled in apology. "I'm sorry, Ukyo-san. I have something to do with Yuzuriha-chan probably until late."
"It's okay." He was quick to dismissed it. Shinko was free to hangout and having a chat with whoever she liked, she had no reason to stay with him all the time nor did he have a reason to keep her occupied by him only. Besides, Kingdom of Science's residents were someone he could trust. "Have fun."
"I will!" Bidding him a short goodbye, Shinko immediately jogged towards the brunette. As soon as she's near, Yuzuriha was already snatching her hand eagerly and dragged her to wherever she had in mind. Sure he could hear their conversation clearly from this distance, however he decided to make himself busy in marking several places on the map to avoid eavesdropping.
It marked the first time Shinko proclaimed to be busy.
Soon it turned into the second time, the third, and the fourth, which pretty much confirmed that she had a certain (not-so-secret, for him) secret plan in motion with Yuzuriha probably the only person who knew. No, Shinko didn't ditch him completely (as Gen said), although her late evenings and long stretching nights were reserved for undetermined time.
"Around… like this?"
"Yeah! That's right! You're getting a hang of it, Shinko-chan!"
Ukyo tried not to eavesdrop most of the time, but he's a human being–as simple as that. As a human being, he's bound to get curious and that curiosity kept nagging the back of his head and formed an itch unable to be scratched. The moment he's rather invested in the girls' conversation still audible in the middle of night, he slapped his hands on his ears to ground himself.
If Shinko was ready to talk to him about it, he's always on standby. But before that moment, Ukyo would zip his mouth shut and act as if nothing happened.
He's not going to invade their privacy, he would rather die than doing so.
Saionji Ukyo is a respectful man and he's going to act accordingly.
.
.
Yuzuriha loves handicrafts.
She found designing and making things to be the most exhilarating experience in her life. Getting to plan about everything from start to finish according to your standards, pouring all of your time, sweat, and feelings to assembly it, soaking all the giddy and immense proud after you brought it to completion. Through handicrafts, Yuzuriha learned and earned many things; dedication, resilience, diligence, perseverance, creativity, attentiveness, patience–she couldn't even mention all of them.
More importantly, she was glad that her passion played an important role in helping Kingdom of Science to reach its main goal–to revive earth's 7 billion population. Per Senku's request in fixing ruined and broken statues, the brunette upped her capability–now, the statues falling apart had equal chances to be revived even though it's in pieces. Yuzuriha felt proud that a normal, high school girl like her was useful for an incredibly enormous and grand ideal.
Most of the steps she's been through with handicrafts were done alone–well, she's also alone when having her secret mission on motion. During school, she's probably the most passionate one whilst others poured their spirit in a restrained amount. Just a few that could truly understand the fire she held and how gung-ho she'd be when she's in her zone.
Even though it's fun most of the time, Yuzuriha couldn't help but feel a little bit lonely.
"Yuzuriha-chan, can I ask you for something?" Shinko was her first friend in this Stone World.
When everything about their old world was nothing more than a memory, the brunette felt a bit lost. When she and Taiju finally rejoined with Tsukasa and watching him building his Empire of Might, she found it hard to socialize when most of the population consisted of men packed with muscles, intimidating glare, and unfriendly nature. There's a few recognizable faces here and there, but Yuzuriha didn't dare to approach.
Then there's Shinko, a new beyond apparent figure as Tsukasa's Empire addition. The young man rarely ever revived women and knowing Shinko's been freed from her stone prison meant she met his standards in order to gain the grandiose vision he dreamt of.
Shinko was polite (she spoke in an extremely formal way the brunette thought she's from an esteemed family of old-money) and rather quiet young woman when Yuzuriha first met her, preferring to talk in only few words as a respond. She didn't dismiss her attempt on being civil for a first impression–quite contrary, Shinko accepted her friendship initiation quickly and welcomed her with open arms.
That day, Yuzuriha didn't feel so lost anymore.
"Sure, Shinko-chan!" The brunette replied with a smile. "Is there something you need?"
The young woman gave their surroundings a quick glance before beckoning Yuzuriha closer. Of course, Yuzuriha was more than okay lending an ear when she whispered. "If my thoughts were right, in a few weeks it's holiday. I want to…"
The grand-plan (it was grand, and Yuzuriha wouldn't say otherwise) sent shockwave through her being.
"OF COURSE!" Gripping Shinko's hands tightly in hers, Yuzuriha agreed in a millisecond. "I'LL HELP! We will make it to the very best!"
She especially loves it when her friends came to her with an idea and trusting to her to help them with their projects. Which was why she was beyond enthusiastic when Shinko came up to her, bringing along several plans for a mini-project settled just between the two of them.
"Thank you, Yuzuriha-chan," Smiling sheepishly, the archer rubbed the back of her neck nervously. "I don't know where to start though."
"Don't worry!" The brunette exclaimed in ease. "I know just what to do!"
Yuzuriha was more than happy to have Shinko as a friend.
.
.
Last time Shinko celebrated Christmas was undoubtedly before the petrification ever grazed humanity.
Snow was drizzling lightly outside her traditional Japanese-style abode, blanketing the garden in pure white. Thankfully, she stayed inside the living room as it's cozy from the warmth the fireplace provided. It's on December 24th, she remembered, night of Christmas Eve.
There's Christmas tree with golden fairy lights in the corner of the room, there were Christmas thistles in red and green above the fire place, cranberry scented candles, wreaths in the middle of the tables, fake gingerbread house, and wrapped candy canes. Every inch of the house was doused in Christmas spirit, red, green, gold, and sparkles.
Her family didn't have any guests nor planning to spend the eventful night in the crowded city of Tokyo–having a private dinner instead to celebrate holidays. They did wear matching colors though, her mom insisting they had knitted red sweaters. Shinko didn't mind the outifit–it's comfortable and warm, she couldn't ask for a better deal.
Dinner was nothing sorts of grand–just a lot of feasts aligned on their large wooden dining table. Her mom and grandpa browsed for recipes like a storm few weeks before the date, whilst her dad had a quite shopping spree for decorations. Her grandma was busy completing knitted winter-gears because she preferred to stay at home–sometimes Shinko joined her, being taught here and there about knitting or just spending time with her on her rocking chair and served her favorite hojicha as a companion.
Shinko remembered how the whole day was especially busy for preparations–her grandma was in charge of making the sides, adding her own Japanese touch to the dishes. Her mom busying herself with the star of the dinner; roasted whole chicken stuffed with mixed rice. Her dad was excited to pop the expensive sake he saved for this exact occasion. Her grandpa being in utter dilemma of choosing the right napkin to compliment the table's decoration. Kin, their Golden Retriever, had too much fun with his newest squeaky reindeer toy to even care about meat dishes there were.
There were presents included after dinner–Shinko remembered getting the latest console game, which she's dying to get her hands on. Her allowances went untouched for the sake of it and of course she's beyond happy.
She didn't get to celebrate it the first year after being revived in this new world, though. With Stone Wars looming as a threat in winter, they're mostly stood on guard and alert almost all the time. Thoughts about Christmas flew over her head, forgotten in the midst of anxiety and worry. Aside from it, it was hard to keep track on exact date and day without any sorts of physical reminder.
Shinko missed celebrating holidays–one of the only reminiscences they had from modern times, the traditions rooted and passed down from generations to another. Most importantly, the thrill she felt to commemorate them–each were special.
That's why Senku's unexpected idea to held a simple Christmas bazaar was undoubtedly something the whole kingdom have been waiting for and Ishigami Village's utter delight. There were light bulbs glowing on the trees, mini stalls serving cotton candy, ramen, even roasted meats and warm drinks. The biggest tree having the most light reminded Shinko of those enormous man-made Christmas trees in plaza during modern times.
"EAT WHATEVER YOU LIKE, IT'S ON ME!" Ryusui's declaration became another great addition for the celebration, accompanied by resounding cheers on every corner. At days like this, the greediest man never forgot to make it even more grand. Much appreciated though, everyone could forget everything for a moment and simply basked in joy.
"Man, it's amazing we can still celebrate Christmas, right~?" Gen mused, craning his neck to gave the biggest tree a better look. "Although Senku-chan definitely think of this as more of a moral support."
Shinko giggled. "We know it's just a façade now, do we?"
Whatever face or reason the scientist tried to put up, both her and Gen caught on the real intention underneath better. Senku's 'all for the sake of moral boost to keep the meatheads going' became ineffective to them–the two decided to go with the flow though, there's no harm in joining the act he's playing.
"We celebrated this too, last year that is." Approaching the two, Kohaku remarked. Her blueish-eyes held a sense of nostalgia as she landed her gaze upon the tree. Then, she snorted harmlessly. "Senku didn't say anything. All he did was guiding us to a tree near the village and saying it was a test."
Gen chuckled. "It's an honor to be the first humans to celebrate the first Christmas in this stone world."
"While this will be our first time," Ukyo joined the three of them with ease. On his hands were two cups of ramen piping hot straight from the stall, the steam rising was visible in puffs of white. Stepping closer, he gestured Shinko to take one which one from his hold. Once she got her hands on her choice, the warmth wafting from the cup seeping onto her palm. Hot food in the middle of freezing winter was a pure delight.
Whispering her gratefulness for the meal, Shinko diving head first to taste the soup–eager to warm herself because cold was basically a frenemy. Sighing in content, she muttered. "Thank you, Ukyo-san. I thought I saw you being dragged away by Yo."
"He's busy having an eating competition with Magma," The sonarman chuckled, hand holding chopsticks as he stirred his share of ramen. "I slipped away when he has his attention elsewhere."
Ah, that explained the on-going rowdiness of people with a mix of chanting and cheering for the said competitors to finish a huge portion of feast prepared by Francois for this specific event–which wasn't a problem, it added merry to what they had on plate and livened up the atmosphere.
"We didn't have much knowledge about this Christmas," Kohaku's head perked up as she recalled. Then, she averted her gaze to the three, eyes shining with curiosity. "What is Christmas and how do you actually commemorate it three thousand years ago?"
"According to Catholic beliefs, Christmas is a day where the, world's savior, the Christ was born. I don't know the details though," Shinko smiled apologetically because the blonde was looking even more perplexed than before.
"Well, that aside, we usually do many things to celebrate Christmas," Ukyo quickly added, changing the topic to answer her second question. "It's usually in private between families, but you can celebrate with close friends as well."
"We decorate trees with ornaments and lights, like this," Shinko pointed to the looming and glowing tree before them. Even though lacking the usual baubles, thistles, wreaths, and star on top, it was more than enough in a barren world devoid of modernity they're currently living in.
"Then we enjoy feasts, sweets, and some wine or alcohol if you're allowed," At his joke, Ukyo earned a heartful elbow on his side from Shinko–to which he returned with a playful poke on her forehead. "If you're high on energy-"
"We sing songs too!" Mirai's beamed, bumping into Shinko's back on purpose–little arms hugging her waist. Her interjection was unexpected but still a pleasant surprise. Bundling up cutely in Yuzuriha's special winter gear, it looked like the cold needed to do a better job to dim her excitement. She's a bouncing ball of energy currently. "And presents! We give and get presents!"
"B-but Suika doesn't have any presents to give to everyone!" Of course, if there's Mirai then Suika was bound to follow closely. Even in winter, the little girl loyally wore her watermelon helmet.
"It's not something you have to do, Suika." Knowing the said little girl in the verge of a panic as she shuffled on her feet restlessly, Ukyo tried to calm her down immediately.
Shinko nodded, adding more assurance on his statement. "Presents aren't a must. The main purpose of celebrating Christmas is celebrating it and having fun together, regardless they're presents or not."
"So, you aren't required to give someone something during Christmas?" Kohaku concluded, tilting her head sideways.
"No, Kohaku-chan!" This time, it's Yuzuriha who graced them with her bubbly presence– skipping towards the little group they formed. "You're free to give someone presents, though! And speaking of presents,"
She trailed her words off on purpose, Shinko had no doubt in it–especially with the additional frantic side glances referring to a certain someone and occasional snickers in between. Having Yuzuriha stared at her straight in the eyes wasn't exactly a subtle gesture because the archer already felt several stares of confusion landing on her. The young woman replying to her signals with a nervous smile–she's probably the one who's the most excited while Shinko would be the last to feel so at the moment.
Before the reminder, Shinko already had a good grip on her composure and had her bubbling nervous under controlled–unfortunately, it turned to a wreck immediately as it dawned on her like a bucket of ice water that she had to do it. Her hands slowly being drained of warmth and felt clammy in just a few seconds.
Shinko sighed slowly–the sooner she got this done, the sooner she got over the turmoil of feelings storming in her chest.
Clearing her throat to gather more courage, Shinko kneeled down to meet Mirai and Suika's height. The snow was cold underneath her knees, but it didn't bother her that much. "How about you two ask Gen-san for some magic tricks? Surely the party needs a performance."
Her suggestion brought a new wave of energy for the two, the twinkling in their eyes became apparent for those who gave time to look. Immediately latching onto Gen, the little girls were grabbing a hold of his hand each and dragged the said mentalist (maybe magician was more fitting in this matter) towards the crowd forming not far from where they initially stood. They seemed to be already expecting him.
"Now, come on, Kohaku-chan!" Setting the plan onto action, Yuzuriha took it to herself to take over the other part. She hooked her arm around Kohaku's and pulled her along to a certain direction. "I have something to show you and Nikki-chan!"
That left Ukyo and Shinko still standing before the tree side by side with their surroundings busy with their own agenda.
"Yuzuriha is up to something, isn't she?" Ukyo snickered, to which Shinko couldn't help but sigh in reply.
"Of course it would be obvious."
Both of them shared a short laugh before comfortable silence fallen in between. Shinko applauded herself for not having a mini mental-breakdown. Sure, she's extremely nervous and her heart beating in frenzy inside her ribcage, threatening to render her eardrums deaf from the sheer intensity. It wasn't supposed to be a big deal, yet here she was contemplating everything in a hundred miles per second.
Fiddling with her fingers behind her back, it brushed slightly against the wrapping–the coarse surface almost made her flinch out of surprise. Maybe she could just shove the thing towards the sonarman and then sprint to oblivion, never to resurface ever again. That sounded like a brilliant idea if not for Yuzuriha made her swore an oath (yes, yes she did) to give it to Ukyo in a normal manner–which included congratulating him, waiting for him to unwrap, and hearing his opinions.
It's more possible for Shinko to die mid-way than surviving until the end.
"Hey, Shinko," The sudden call almost sent her soul to high heavens.
Stiffly trying to face said young man, she replied meekly–which sounded more similar to a squeak. "Y-yes?"
Ukyo burst out laughing–of course, her abnormal antics served as a comedy for him. "What are you nervous for exactly?"
Shinko didn't know if he did this on purpose knowing how close she was to mid-crisis or just plain having fun watching her stumbling and act as if the world was ending. Either way, it magically wiped out her nervousness completely. Pouting, the young woman grumbled underneath her breath. "Various reasons which you will make fun of."
"Can't say I won't." The sonarman grinned. "Are you the one who's stealing the stollen I saved?"
She snorted. "As if you didn't know it was Yo-san all the time."
Exhaling slowly, Shinko even forgot what she's nervous about. He made it clear that she didn't have to feel that way for whatever reason. This was Ukyo. A simple fact that served as an assurance on its own.
Because it's Ukyo–it gave her sliver of courage.
Shinko wondered if the sonarman could hear how loud the thumping in her chest was.
"Speaking of presents," Repeating Yuzuriha's previous words, Ukyo hummed in reply–signaling that he's indeed listening to her although they didn't face each other. Shinko reached out for the object she's referring, pulling it out from the satchel strapped on her back. The crinkling of paper already stole the sonarman's attention and there's no turning back from here. Handing out the present, Shinko mustered up the best smile she could.
"Merry Christmas, Ukyo-san."
There was a silence before Ukyo slowly reached out to accept it, holding it carefully as it made out of glass. His eyes teal looked lost but held slight wonder–without a doubt he was taken aback by the unexpected gift and his mind trying to comprehend that this was indeed real.
"…For me?" He quietly asked and Shinko nodded. The wrapping was incredibly plain and unattractive, though–just plain greyish crude paper with nothing. Maybe it would be better if she had it decorated a little. A bit too late for such plans.
"Can I open it?" Ukyo wasn't supposed to ask for permissions when technically it's his but who was she to ruin the moment. Once again, Shinko nodded.
Then he wasted no time to get the wrappings undone. In just a few flips here and there, the true nature of her gift was revealed.
"A scarf?" A white, hand-knitted scarf to be exact. Marveling the fabric on his hands, teal eyes widened in disbelief and realization. "That's why you're busy."
She chuckled at his respond. "You're always quick to catch on, Ukyo-san."
With Kohaku's help, Shinko managed to get a few sheep into the barn and gained their crude fur. With Yuzuriha's help, she managed to produce balls of yarn made for knitting in decent quality and under her tutelage, learning how to turn it into winter garments. Scarf was her choice, with additional detachable furs and a mini bow and arrow in yellow as signature on the edge. This was the only present Shinko could think of.
"Hopefully, it's decent though." She continued, fiddling her fingers. "It's my first time knitting. So, it's not as neat as Yuzuriha-chan's-"
"I love it, Shinko."
Ukyo's smile was blinding, beautiful, and breathtaking.
Suddenly, her tongue felt heavy in her mouth, all sorts of words in her mind were wiped clean–leaving her only with widened eyes and her traitorous heart thumping so loud she could hear it against her eardrums. For the first time, there's only her and him and everything went forgotten.
For the first time, Shinko truly looked at Ukyo.
Those glassy teal eyes that only held gentle and kindness–the very pair that held so much endearment she felt too undeserving for it.
"I'll treasure it forever." His words were warm and firm–holding a promise of eternity. "Can you wrap it around me?"
"Of course." Her mouth moved on her own–honestly, she didn't mind if her reflexes were to take over because her mind was floating far away. Half of her head was in a daze of both euphoria, relief, and most of all trying hard not to somehow burst into tears.
Shinko did as he requested–the fabric soon wrapped snuggly around his neck, protecting the skin from cold and light shower of snow currently drizzling. Everything felt like a fairy tale and for once, she didn't mind to dream as a protagonist in a children's story book where everything was to be promised with happily ever after. Ukyo sighed in content, burying his nose into the material–relishing on the warmth it provided and she was satisfied.
"Can I hug you, Shinko?"
She didn't know exactly when did she came to agree. However, it didn't matter anymore because all that matters were him and how his arms felt perfect around her. Ukyo's hugs provided security, warmth, and everything good she ever wished for–Shinko wanted to be in it forever if possible.
She wants to be right beside him forever if possible.
Hey, Shinko-chan? Do you like Ukyo-kun?
Minami's words suddenly echoed in her mind as she soaked into the warmth of Ukyo's arms. Tightening her grip around him, he returned it the same amount. Shinko buried her face into his neck, inhaling deeply–the question didn't sound frightening, throwing her off-guard, nor sending her mind spiraling like it usually did.
Maybe it's because she finally had a certain answer for it.
I do, Minami-chan.
Who would've thought realizing it could be so liberating?
.
.
Senku remembered the pile of gifts sitting innocently in his room during his elementary years.
As a peculiar child, he was never the one to believe in creatures of story books like his peers–in fact he never believed anything that couldn't be explained logically. While his friends occupied of being excited for the presents Santa Claus would give them, Senku busied himself reading thick book of rocket science and deadpanned about how such being didn't exist–a plain bogus.
It didn't even take a second to know that those Christmas presents were Byakuya's doing–that's why their garage was devoid of the four-wheeled vehicle. He took Santa Claus's role too seriously. The old-man was sometimes too much, Senku couldn't help but chuckle bitterly.
Both of them loved space, both of them shared the same dream–since when did blood relation mattered?
Senku loved space, but sometimes it hurt to even look–not that he could ever run away from it. The sky followed him no matter where he went. The Milky Way was majestic and held so much mystery he eager to solved, however the Milky Way also became a permanent reminder that he's the unluckiest being to ever breathe.
It reminded Senku of the person no longer roaming the earth who once shared the same love and dream with him, reminded him of grief that would linger for eternity.
Even so, he couldn't stop looking–just like today. The night sky was especially bright today even after it's lightly snowing. While everyone finally tired themselves out from the party and retreated to their own place, Senku still had some energy left to spend.
Standing in front of the 'Christmas tree', his ruby red eyes stared straight and unwavering. This was one of the fruits of his labor–he managed to gain electricity after six months of separation from Taiju and Yuzuriha and now, he built himself a small town with everlasting power source. The dark was conquered by humanity once again.
"I knew you would be here, Senku-san."
"Ten billion percent knew you won't leave me alone."
Shinko was an unexpected company and she always had her way to slipped into his vicinity. The scientist had no say to where she's supposed to be or forbid her in anything. The young woman never drove him to the edge, little teasing she brought here and there was something he could withstand without breaking a sweat.
Chuckling in amusement, she made herself comfortable standing beside him. "Aren't you being a little mean wanting to hog the tree to yourself, Senku-san?"
He scoffed harmlessly. "You've been staring frozen at the damn thing for minutes like an idiot."
"And of course you knew." She muttered underneath her breath but still audible for Senku.
Comfortable silence fell between them–it's always been this way. There's no urgence for any of them to start or to continue their conversations, everything fell into place on its own and flowing smoothly as if it meant to be. They might not share the same sense of humor, however she never took his sarcasm to heart nor did he ever feel insulted by her teasing. It's been a while since Senku gained this kind of freedom.
"Time sure flew by," He heard her sighed lightly and he shared the same sentiment. They're living on a whole new unimaginable world, having to be able to passed another year was considered accomplishment.
"Yeah," He replied. "It's been three years for me and two for you."
"And many, many more years will come." She added, and he could hear her smile. "I hope we can celebrate future Christmases."
Senku hummed–he hoped for the same. Maybe they could celebrate even more holidays as well; omisoka, Coming of Age for some of them who's going to be 20 next year, setsubun, Valentine's Day, hina matsuri, obon, Children's Day, tanabata, and many more.
He was too immersed in his thoughts to notice Shinko's movement. Senku was pulled out of mind the moment warmth and softness engulfed his neck. He's not cold, but he also welcomed the additional warmth seeping through his figure. The extremely familiar material he never thought would be available this quick in this world.
Thumbing the material between his fingers, he opened his mouth. "…You made this?"
Shinko nod was an answer. "Yes, with Yuzuriha-chan and Kohaku-chan's help. I hope it's decent."
Knitted white scarf with furs on its edge along with Kingdom of Science's rocket logo. It's made by clumsy and inexperienced hands, Senku knew that much even though he's not an expert in handicrafts. It's not perfect, but the effort poured into it made up for it.
Shinko gave him a smile. "Merry Christmas, Senku-san."
Everyone smiled at Senku all the time, however her smile was somehow always different in his eyes.
It's brighter and somehow, he could see colors better. It made his stomach churning–sending weird and tingly sensation engulfing his entire figure. It made words vanished from his tongue and rendered him voiceless. He didn't like this immediate reaction he's feeling–something he deemed similar to allergic or some sorts.
But most importantly, he's displeased with the fact that he had to cover the half of his face with his hand–fighting heat crawling up his cheeks with all his might and had to lose every time.
Displeased with how his heart traitorously speeding up without his consent.