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The cold of December had firmly settled in the city of Kamikoshi. Snow covered the streets, and Christmas lights twinkled on every corner, creating a brilliant contrast against the grayish sky. Okarun, dressed in his gray coat and red scarf, walked slowly down the streets, eyes on the ground. He was supposed to meet Ayase-san in front of the square. The lights of the gift shops flickered, and the fresh air sent a chill down his back.
It was Christmas Eve, but the young man wasn’t feeling the holiday spirit. He has never felt the need to celebrate because he always spent his time alone, without friends and with his parents away for work. But this year was different, everything has been different. He had been thinking about it all day. Ayase-san . The girl he’d embarked on so many strange and terrifying adventures with. Ever since they met, everything had changed for him. He began to realize his life would be different with her—full of chaos and mystery, but also something else: a real connection , something warmer than the Christmas lights themselves; warmer than fluffy marshmallows in hot chocolate; warmer than matching ugly sweaters; warmer than dinners with friends and family. She was everything he needed for Christmas to feel that event beautiful.
At the end of the street, he spotted a familiar figure in the distance— one he would recognize anywhere, even with his eyes closed . Momo Ayase. She was wearing her black leather jacket with fur and a red dress that stood out against the cold. Always so determined and confident, yet somehow, she looked… Lost, maybe even a little lonely amidst all the holiday hustle. Was she looking for him?
Okarun walked toward her, unsure of what to say. When she noticed him, her face lit up with a smile that made the cold disappear for a moment. That was the effect she had on people. On him.
—Okarun, I was waiting for you. What has made you late? — Momo asked, her voice as direct as ever, but with something warm in her eyes. Her cheeks and ears were red from the cold.
—I was thinking…— he said, hesitating. Then he cleared his throat, embarrassed. —I was thinking about you. About us.
Momo looked at him for a moment, her expression a little confused. But then she instantly realized what he meant. He's been overthinking like he always does, right? She raised a hand, gently brushing his red scarf with a tenderness and care that, though it might sound selfish, was something he only wanted for him.
—Are you okay?— she asked, almost whispering, her eyes narrowing with a small smile of concern.
Okarun blushed, unable to help it. The closeness of Momo made him nervous, but it also made him feel something warm inside, as if the snow around them was just a distant dream. There could be a storm raging around them, but if Momo was by his side, he wouldn’t feel it at all.
—Yeah… It’s just…— He looked up at the snow-covered sky. —Ayase-san, do you want to do something different this year? I don’t know… something Christmas-y, but without ghosts or aliens or… well, you know, those weird things.
Momo raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
—Something Christmas-y? You, Okarun, suggesting something ‘normal’ for Christmas? And without any creatures from the beyond? —she said, laughing a little. But when she saw he wasn’t joking, her tone shifted. —Sure, why not? With you, everything sounds amazing.
She looked him over carefully and then started walking toward a small square nearby, where a Christmas tree decorated with bright lights stood in the center, surrounded by benches covered in snow. People came and went. An atmosphere of familiarity and warmth enveloped the square. They both sat on one of the benches as the snow continued to fall gently around them. Momo pulled out a small thermos with hot chocolate and marshmallows that she’d packed in her backpack. She offered it to Okarun, who gladly accepted.
—I never thought Christmas could feel like this... so calm and warm, —Momo said, gazing at the lights on the tree. There was something in her voice that sounded genuine, as if she, too, needed a break from the everyday life. —Since we started all these paranormal things, I haven’t had time to appreciate the little things this season brings. Christmases with my grandmother were always lonely until you came into my life, Okarun. You, Aira, Jiji, Vamola, Kinta, even Rin.
Okarun smiled, his cheeks flushing from Momo’s recent confession, sipping the chocolate and grabbing a marshmallow along the way.
—Sometimes, what we need most is a break from all the chaos, right? —he replied, looking at the tree. —Anyway, Ayase-san, mine weren't any better either. They were lonely too, and at least you have your grandma with you. I didn't have anyone until you came into my life. It feels like a dream.
There was a comfortable pause as they sat in silence, watching the lights flicker. Snowflakes fell gently over the city.
—Okarun, did you know I’ve always believed in the magic of Christmas? Not the kind of magic that shoots lightning or summons weird creatures, but the… peaceful kind of magic. The kind you make with the people you care about. —Momo looked at him, her gaze softening from her usual defiant or teasing attitude. As if she was saying that just for him to hear it.
Okarun stared at her, feeling his heart race. Only she could make him feel that way. Only she could make the colors look so bright to his eyes. Her and only her. Of course, he believed in magic. In the magic she did to him.
—I believe it too, Ayase-san. Especially now… —Okarun responded genuinely, as his shy eyes met hers, and for a second, the noise of the city disappeared.
—If you want, you can come home with me tonight. My grandma told me to make cookies with her. At first, it seemed boring to me, but if you come, it will surely be a thousand times better. —she said with a bright smile and pleading eyes. —Then we can do anything else Christmas-y you want. We can even invite the rest of the group. What do you think?
They leaned in slowly, the cold air wrapping around them in a bubble that seemed to protect them. Okarun reached out and, with a bit of nervousness, gently placed his hand over hers. She didn’t pull it away. Instead, she squeezed his hand a little tighter, sending a shiver down his spine.
—I think this is the best Christmas present I could ever ask for. —Okarun said, smiling softly. His heart beating as fast as a train at full speed. It was now or never.
Momo smiled too, and before she could say anything, Okarun surprised her by leaning slightly toward her. It was a soft kiss, almost shy, but filled with the warmth they had built together all year long. The snow kept falling around them as if the world around them had stopped, giving them the chance to enjoy that moment. When they pulled apart, Okarun looked at Momo, and instead of words, there was only the soft murmur of people moving about. Nothing was more important now than the two of them and their immense affection, love, and adoration for each other.
—Merry Christmas, Momo, —he said, his voice warm, full of more than just affection.
—Merry Christmas, Ken, —she replied, and in her eyes shone something brighter than the lights on the tree.
And as winter and the people continued their course, they stayed there, surrounded by peace, knowing that the magic of Christmas doesn’t always come with gifts or miracles... sometimes it’s just about being in the right place with the right person.