Under the blue sky, engulfed by your smile
The days off leading up to and after Christmas were a quiet and unexpected change of pace for both Natsume and Mikan. For the first time since they had moved in together, they found themselves with overlapping holidays, stretching from Christmas Eve to New Year's.
Mikan hadn't thought much about it; her work schedule usually kept her close to the apartment, so the rhythm of her days wasn't drastically altered. Natsume, on the other hand, wasn't used to so much downtime at home. His days were usually filled with meetings, errands, or events, and the sudden stillness in his schedule left him restless at first.
Monday morning, after a late breakfast, Natsume leaned against the kitchen counter, watching Mikan wrap some presents. He fiddled idly with a piece of ribbon she'd set aside, glancing out the window. "Do you need anything else from the grocery store?" he asked, more out of a need for something to do than genuine curiosity.
Mikan looked up, pausing mid-wrap. "Not really. But if you're bored, you can come with me later when I go out for a walk."
That was how their first days started to fill—small, shared moments that neither of them had planned for. They'd head to the local market together, browsing the aisles for dinner ingredients. They'd chat idly about what to cook or pick up snacks they didn't really need but couldn't resist. Natsume even took the lead in selecting some things he thought Mikan would like, his confidence in the kitchen showing through.
A few days before Christmas, they ventured out to a bustling shopping center together. The streets and stores were crowded with last-minute shoppers, and the air was alive with holiday cheer. They were both on a mission to find thoughtful gifts for their respective families, though Natsume struggled a bit with ideas.
"You really don't know what to get for your mother?" Mikan asked as they passed a stall selling handmade scarves and mittens.
Natsume sighed, running a hand through his hair. "She's impossible to shop for. She says she doesn't need anything, but I know she'll complain if I don't get her something."
Mikan smiled, her eyes scanning the stall. She picked up a soft, cream-colored scarf and held it up for him to inspect. "This could work. It's practical, but still thoughtful."
He took the scarf from her, running it between his fingers. "Yeah… yeah, I think she'd like this."
The rest of the outing was filled with similar exchanges, Mikan suggesting items and Natsume either agreeing or playfully critiquing her choices. By the time they returned home, their arms were full of shopping bags, and the flat felt a little cozier with the addition of the gifts they'd bought together.
On the evening of the 24th, the flat was warm and inviting, the glow of the Christmas tree lights casting a soft ambiance over the living room. Mikan and Natsume had decided to celebrate Christmas quietly at home, sharing a simple but comforting dinner of Japanese curry. The smell of spices filled the air as they worked side by side in the kitchen, their movements practiced and familiar.
Once everything was ready, they set the table with care, even adding a couple of festive napkins Mikan had picked up on a whim during one of their shopping trips. They sat across from each other, the steaming bowls of curry a centerpiece to their understated celebration.
Dinner was filled with casual conversation and a comfortable rhythm that had become second nature to them. Afterward, Mikan excused herself briefly and returned to the living room holding a small, neatly wrapped package. She hesitated for a moment before holding it out to him.
"Merry Christmas," she said with a soft smile.
Natsume raised an eyebrow but took the gift, unwrapping it carefully. Inside was a sleek leather watch with a minimalist design, elegant yet understated. He turned it over in his hands, noting the thoughtfulness of her choice.
"It's nice," he said, slipping it onto his wrist. "Thank you."
Mikan seemed relieved at his reaction. "I thought it would suit you. You've been using the same old watch since forever."
He smirked at her observation but didn't deny it.
After a beat, Natsume got up and walked toward his room. When he returned, he had a small velvet box in his hand. He sat down across from her again and placed it on the table between them.
"For you," he said simply, sliding the box toward her.
Mikan blinked in surprise and opened the box slowly. Inside was a delicate golden ring, classic but beautiful, with a subtle engraving along the band. Her breath caught for a moment, and she looked up at him, unsure what to say.
"I realized you didn't have one for our engagement," Natsume said quietly, his tone unusually soft. "It didn't feel right."
Mikan's cheeks flushed as she studied the ring. She slipped it onto her finger, where it fit perfectly. "It's beautiful," she murmured, her voice almost a whisper. "Thank you."
The moment lingered between them, unspoken words hanging in the air. Natsume leaned back in his chair, watching her reaction carefully, while Mikan stared at her hand, a small smile tugging at her lips.
The rest of the evening passed peacefully, with the two of them sitting by the tree, sipping hot chocolate and enjoying the quiet of the holiday. The gifts they had exchanged seemed to bring them closer, adding another layer to the bond they were still building.
The next day, December 25th, Mikan and Natsume were up early, getting ready for the family gathering at the ryokan. The atmosphere was a stark contrast to the quiet comfort of the previous night. They had an appointment with their parents to celebrate Christmas the traditional way, with a formal family meal. The ryokan, as always, was filled with a sense of elegance and history, its wooden floors creaking gently underfoot as Mikan and Natsume arrived.
They were both dressed in matching dark red kimonos, the rich fabric adorned with subtle gold patterns that shimmered under the soft lighting. Mikan's hair was styled up in an elegant bun, and she had done her makeup just enough to enhance her features for the formal occasion. Natsume, looking just as polished in his kimono, adjusted the collar of his, his usually relaxed demeanor replaced by a quiet focus.
When they entered the ryokan's dining room, the first thing that struck Mikan was the warmth that filled the space. The low wooden tables were carefully set with beautiful dishes: sushi, tempura, simmered fish, and the familiar taste of miso soup. It was a meal that carried with it a long tradition, each dish prepared with attention to detail and the knowledge of generations past.
Aoi, dressed in a light purple kimono, was already there, happily embracing Mikan as they exchanged greetings. "Mikan, Natsume! It's so good to see you," Aoi said with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've missed you both."
Mikan smiled back, feeling at ease with Aoi, as always. "It's good to see you too, Aoi. It's been a while since we've all had time together."
Natsume, standing a bit off to the side, smiled faintly at Aoi's enthusiasm, his usual reserved nature softened by the warmth of the family gathering. "It has," he agreed, but his attention was mostly on the small details of the room, making sure everything was in place.
The meal began with formal greetings from their parents, who offered kind words of gratitude and appreciation. The atmosphere was filled with the quiet hum of family conversation, the soft clink of chopsticks, and the pleasant warmth of being surrounded by those who cared for them. Mikan felt a strange mix of nostalgia and contentment, the familiarity of the occasion grounding her in the tradition that had always been a part of her life.
After the main meal, it was time for the exchange of gifts, a moment of kindness and reflection that accompanied the meal each year. Mikan was given a delicate silk dress from her mother, its colors reflecting the blue sky. Natsume received a small lacquered box from his parents, carefully crafted and perfect for storing precious items.
As the gifts were exchanged, Mikan caught Natsume's eye, her heart fluttering for a brief moment. It was strange, but the subtle act of receiving gifts felt different this year. The presence of Natsume, his calm demeanor and their shared history, made everything feel... more meaningful.
Aoi, noticing Mikan's moment of introspection, glanced down at her hand and noticed the ring on her finger. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, and a teasing smile crept onto her lips.
"Is that a new accessory?" Aoi asked, her voice light but laced with playful suspicion. "Did Natsume give that to you?"
Mikan's eyes widened for a split second, her cheeks immediately flushing as she glanced down at the ring. She hadn't even thought about it in that context. She hadn't planned on making a big deal of it, but now, with Aoi's teasing question, she realized just how obvious it was. She fidgeted slightly, feeling a bit self-conscious.
"Uh... yeah," Mikan replied, her voice suddenly sounding much smaller than usual. "It's a... a Christmas gift."
Aoi's teasing expression softened, her eyes filled with amusement and a hint of understanding. "It's lovely," she said, her tone softening as she reached out to lightly tap Mikan's hand. "I'm happy for you, Mikan. I didn't realize you two were... well, that close."
Mikan's blush deepened, and she quickly looked away, unsure how to explain the subtle shift in their relationship. "It's just... a gift," she stammered, trying to keep her composure. "Nothing special."
Aoi raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, but she didn't push further. Instead, she smiled warmly at Mikan. "Well, you don't have to say anything. I can tell you're happy. And that's all that matters."
Mikan nodded, grateful for Aoi's understanding. She didn't know exactly what to make of everything, but the simple gesture—both the ring and the way it had made her feel—was more significant than she had initially realized. Aoi's lighthearted teasing had helped bring it into sharper focus, and now, more than ever, Mikan could feel the connection she shared with Natsume growing, even if she didn't fully understand where it was leading yet.
The rest of the meal passed in a haze of conversation and laughter, with Aoi continuing to chat animatedly with Mikan and occasionally glancing at Natsume. She couldn't help but notice the way her brother observed their interactions—nothing overtly obvious, but there was a softness to the way he looked at Mikan, as if something had changed too. It made her smile, though she didn't comment on it.
Later, when they were back in their own apartment, the evening still felt warm from the family meal. Mikan and Natsume sat together on the couch, the lights from the Christmas tree casting a soft glow in the room. They exchanged a few words about the day, but there was a quietness between them now, a new layer of comfort that wasn't there before.
As Natsume turned to her with a small, thoughtful smile, Mikan felt the weight of the ring again. Without thinking, she touched her fingers to it, tracing the delicate shape. She looked at Natsume, meeting his gaze for a brief moment before quickly looking away, her cheeks flushing.
"Thanks," she murmured, feeling her heart skip a beat. "For the ring."
Natsume's smile softened, and for a moment, there was nothing but the quiet hum of the apartment and the soft sounds of the Christmas music in the background. They didn't need to say anything more. It was enough, this small, silent understanding between them.
Mikan wasn't sure where things would go, but she knew one thing for certain: she didn't want to let go of this connection.
As they walked through the bustling Christmas market the next day, the cold evening air was filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and the soft clinking of bells from the nearby stalls. The lights from the wooden market booths twinkled like stars, creating a festive and cozy atmosphere that made everything feel magical, even if Christmas had already passed. The smell of roasted chestnuts, warm drinks, and sweet pastries filled the air, and Mikan couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia settle over her.
She paused at a stall selling crepes, her eyes lighting up as she saw the Nutella crepes being made fresh. The warm, sweet aroma wafted over her, and she found herself momentarily lost in memories of her childhood. She remembered how her mother used to take her to similar markets when she was younger, treating her to crepes on chilly evenings just like this. The taste of Nutella brought all those memories flooding back.
"I'm getting one," she said with a smile, turning to Natsume, who was waiting beside her, hands tucked in his pockets.
Natsume raised an eyebrow but smiled. "Of course you are. I should've known," he teased, but his voice was warm, not mocking.
Mikan laughed lightly, feeling the chill in her cheeks as she accepted the crepe. The first bite was heavenly, the Nutella warm and gooey, and the crepe soft and light. It instantly made her feel like a child again, carefree and content.
"Do you want a bite?" she asked, offering the crepe to Natsume, who raised a hand in refusal.
"I'm good," he said, though there was a small smile playing on his lips. "You can have it all to yourself."
Mikan smiled back, savoring another bite. "Thanks for suggesting this," she said, looking up at him. The streetlights reflected off his coat, his expression soft in the dim light. "It's been nice."
Natsume glanced at her, his eyes warm but unreadable. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."
They continued strolling, occasionally stopping to look at other stalls. Mikan found herself talking more freely with Natsume, asking him about his thoughts on different items or telling him about childhood memories triggered by the market's offerings. Natsume responded with his usual quiet attentiveness, his answers thoughtful but brief. Despite his reserved nature, Mikan had come to enjoy the easy rhythm of their conversations. It felt comfortable, like a familiar pattern.
The chill of the winter air seemed to have a softening effect on Mikan. With every step, she felt a sense of comfort in Natsume's quiet presence beside her. The lights twinkling in the stalls, the sweet scent of food in the air—it all felt so warm, almost magical.
Without really thinking, Mikan found her hand drifting toward Natsume's. Her fingers hesitated for a brief moment, then, almost shyly, she took the plunge. She reached out and gently took his hand, entwining her fingers with his despite the fabric of their gloves. The touch was tentative, but there was something soft and gentle about it, like the natural next step in their quiet but growing bond.
Natsume didn't say anything at first, but when he felt her interlace their fingers, he couldn't help but smile. His ears turned slightly pink, and a soft blush crept across his face. He looked at their hands for a brief moment, then up at her, meeting her eyes. His gaze was calm, but there was something warmer in his expression than usual.
He didn't pull away, didn't comment, just allowed their hands to stay intertwined, walking in sync through the Christmas market. There was something about the simplicity of the gesture that made the moment feel more intimate than either of them had expected. Mikan, feeling her heart beat a little faster, couldn't help but feel a rush of warmth.
She glanced up at him, her own cheeks pink, and for a moment, she worried she might've crossed some invisible line. But Natsume didn't seem uncomfortable. In fact, he seemed to be savoring the quiet calm that surrounded them.
"Are you cold?" Mikan asked quietly, trying to break the silence, though the real question was whether or not she was being too bold.
Natsume glanced down at their joined hands, his voice soft but steady. "No."
They continued walking, hand in hand, through the market. The cold didn't seem to matter as much anymore. The laughter of the people around them, the soft glow of the Christmas lights—it all faded into the background, leaving just the two of them in their little bubble of warmth. No words were needed. They both knew that whatever was happening between them, it was real, and it was growing. Slowly. Quietly. But undeniably.
When they returned to the apartment that night, there was an unspoken understanding between them. Neither mentioned the moment their hands had shared, and yet, it lingered in the quiet space between them. They simply moved through the routine of the evening, the comfort of each other's presence enough without needing to say anything.
"Good night," Mikan said softly as she slipped off her coat and hung it up by the door, her gaze briefly meeting his.
Natsume, just as quiet, nodded with a soft "Good night," before heading toward his room. There was nothing more to add, and somehow, that felt just right.
The morning of December 31st began as quietly as any other day, but there was a different kind of excitement in the air. It was New Year's Eve, and even though they hadn't made grand plans, the day felt special. Mikan woke up early, the soft light of the winter morning creeping in through the window, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was subtly changing.
They went about their day as usual, but as the hours passed, a sense of anticipation settled over them. Mikan suggested they order pizza for dinner—it felt fitting for this celebration. Natsume agreed, his usual cool demeanor slightly more relaxed as he let the day unfold at a slower pace.
By evening, they had ordered a couple of pizzas, their favorite toppings—cheese, pepperoni, and one with mushrooms—and set up in the living room. They had a stack of movies ready to go, but it wasn't the movie itself that felt important. It was the atmosphere between them: warm, quiet, and comfortably close.
They ate their pizza, talked about nothing in particular, and then settled into the couch for the movie. Mikan curled up in a soft blanket, and Natsume, despite his usual distance, leaned a little closer, enjoying the moment.
As the movie played, their laughter and small conversations mixed with the soft sound of the TV. The night felt comfortable—like a quiet evening at home with someone who meant more than anything. Time seemed to slow down, and when the movie ended, they didn't feel like moving just yet.
"I think the countdown's coming soon," Mikan murmured, glancing at the clock.
Natsume nodded, his gaze fixed on the TV. "Yeah. Almost time for the new year."
The distant murmur of celebration drifted through the apartment. Mikan glanced toward the window, the faint glow of city lights catching her attention. "Should we go out on the balcony for a bit?" she suggested, her voice soft.
Natsume nodded, standing and stretching briefly before following her. "Sure."
They stepped onto the balcony together, the cool night air wrapping around them. The city below was alive with faint sounds of people celebrating in the distance, but up here, everything felt quiet and still. Twinkling lights decorated the streets, and the sky above was dark and endless.
Mikan leaned on the railing, her breath forming small clouds in the chilly air. She wrapped her arms around herself, but the cold didn't bother her as much as the weight of the moment—being here with Natsume on the edge of a new year, a quiet kind of peace settling between them.
As if sensing her thoughts, Natsume shifted closer, his hand brushing hers on the railing. Mikan glanced up at him, her cheeks warming even in the cold. Without a word, he took her hand in his, their fingers intertwining naturally.
For a while, they simply stood there, looking out over the city. The hum of distant voices and faint laughter drifted upward, but it only added to the calm surrounding them.
Then, as if on cue, soft snowflakes began to fall, catching in Mikan's hair and dusting the balcony railing. She tilted her head back to watch them, her smile widening.
"Snow," she murmured, her voice full of quiet wonder.
Natsume turned to look at her, a rare softness in his gaze. "It's pretty," he said, though he wasn't sure if he was talking about the snow or the way Mikan looked with it sparkling in her hair.
She turned back to him, their eyes meeting in the soft glow of the city lights. The snow continued to fall between them, tiny flakes settling on their hair and coats, as if the world itself had slowed to let this moment breathe. Natsume's red eyes held hers, steady yet filled with something unspoken—an emotion she couldn't quite name but felt deeply all the same.
For a moment, neither of them moved, the stillness around them mirroring the quiet racing of her heart. The cold nipped at her cheeks, but she barely noticed it anymore. Without thinking, Mikan tilted her head slightly, her breath catching as she leaned closer, the space between them narrowing.
Natsume didn't pull away; instead, he met her halfway, his movements unhurried yet certain. When their lips met, the kiss was as soft and fleeting as the snow around them. It wasn't grand or dramatic, but it carried a quiet tenderness, a warmth that seemed to dissolve the winter chill entirely.
Mikan's eyes fluttered closed, her free hand brushing against the fabric of his coat, anchoring her in the moment. The sensation of his touch, the slight pressure of his lips, was enough to send a gentle warmth flooding through her.
When they finally parted, it wasn't abrupt but natural, like the end of a sentence neither had planned to speak. Mikan's cheeks were flushed, though whether it was from the kiss or the cold, she couldn't tell. Her lips curved into a soft, almost embarrassed smile, and a small laugh escaped her before she could stop it.
"Happy New Year," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Natsume's lips curved into a small smile, his thumb brushing gently over her hand. "Happy New Year," he replied.
They stood there for a while longer, hand in hand, the snow falling softly around them as the quiet magic of the night lingered in the air.
