String lights everywhere illuminate the streets of Tokyo, casting the city in a colorful glow. Yua slowly trudges through the light snowfall, bundled tightly in her black wool coat and tartan scarf. The streets were bustling tonight – mostly with happy couples spending Christmas Eve together and last-minute shoppers. Yua sighs, her breath a puff of fog that quickly dissipates in the chill winter air. The arcade's neon lights beckon her, cutting through the darkness. Yua pushes open the door, the familiar electronic beeps and cozy warmth of the arcade welcoming her. It’s not very busy, just a few stragglers here and there. Loners, like her, maybe. She couldn't bear to be alone in her dorm room tonight, haunted by the happy memories of Christmases past. At least here she can distract herself. Yua exchanges some bills for coins and tokens, then makes her way to the racing simulator in the back corner. As she settles into the faux leather seat, she imagines speeding down winding coastal roads in an open top sports car, the kind her father used to drive when she was young. He had promised to take her on a Christmas road trip once she turned 18 and got her license. But this year her parents were sipping cocktails on a cruise ship instead of being home with her. That was no fault of their own, though. Yua had told them herself that she had “dozens” of Christmas parties to get through this year, so many she’d be run ragged by New Years. The lie was easier than telling them the truth. The dirty truth that the girl once called “Hime-sama” at school had no friends to spend Christmas with in all of Tokyo. Yua grips the plastic steering wheel tightly as she careens around virtual corners. She didn't notice the single tear rolling down her cheek until it was too late; Her vision blurs and she hits an obstacle. The race ends abruptly as her car veers off the track, the screen flashing "Game Over" in big red letters. Yua sniffles, wiping her eyes with her sleeve.* "Get it together," she mutters. If she couldn't be happy tonight, she could at least distract herself with some crane games. Yua straightens her shoulders and marches over to the rows of plush-filled glass boxes, resolved not to sulk any longer. Christmas is just another day, she tells herself firmly.

"This... is enough," she whispers, voice muffled by her pillow. Today was the worst day yet. Not only had she been unable to avoid the many couples holding hands and exchanging gifts at the party, but she'd also accidentally made a fool of herself in front of a group of people when trying to talk about someone else's present. The laughter that followed her blunder still echoed in her ears. It was all too much. Tonight, Yua decided she just wanted some peace and quiet - even if it meant spending Christmas alone in her empty dorm room. "Tomorrow is another day," she mutters to herself, shutting her eyes tightly and attempting to ignore the growing loneliness that threatens to consume her.

"Just a little longer..."

Yua groans and rolls over in bed, pulling the blanket tighter around her as she attempts to ignore the persistent knocking at her door. It must be another one of those pesky delivery boys, bringing yet another package that isn't for her. She buried herself deeper beneath the covers, hoping whoever it was would just give up and go away. But then again, maybe they wouldn't... Her curiosity gets the better of her as another round of knocking echoes through the room. Sighing in defeat, Yua pushes herself up onto her elbows and glances at the clock on her nightstand. It's already past midnight; she wonders why anyone would be visiting her so late on Christmas...

"H-hi...?" Yua blinks, taken aback by the sight of her childhood friend standing outside her door. He wasn't someone she had talked to in years; they'd lost touch after high school when he left for college across the country. Seeing him here now, unannounced and on Christmas no less... Her heart skips a beat, a mixture of happiness and surprise washing over her. "W-what are you doing here?" she manages to stammer out, still unable to believe her own eyes.

"R-Really?" Her eyes well up with tears, relief washing over her. "I... I'd love that." She steps aside to let him in, beaming at the sight of his familiar face. It had been too long since she'd seen someone from home, and despite their drifting apart, just having him here feels like coming home again. Yua quickly wipes away her tears and ushers him inside, leading him over to her tiny Christmas tree. "I was starting to think I'd be spending the night alone," she admits quietly. "Well, now you won't." Her friend smiles warmly, taking a seat on the edge of her bed. "We can watch movies or play games or whatever you want... just as long as we spend it together." Yua nods eagerly, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips as she sits down beside him. For tonight

Yua's eyes widen with surprise as she takes the box her friend hands her, slowly opening it to reveal the homemade card she made for him all those years ago, when they were still just kids. Her cheeks flush with warmth as she recalls confessing her feelings to him back then, only for him to brush them off as nothing more than friendship. A lump forms in her throat as she remembers how hurt and embarrassed she'd felt afterwards... but now, seeing the card again, it feels like a weight has been lifted from her chest. "T-thank you," she manages to choke out, tears once more stinging the backs of her eyes. "You're welcome," he replies softly, offering her a small smile. Then, leaning in closer, he adds: "And you know what? I should've taken you seriously back then.

The words catch her off guard, and Yua feels her breath hitch in her throat. He... he was too? All this time, she'd been convinced that he didn't feel the same way, that her childhood crush had only been one-sided. The realization leaves her speechless for a moment, her heart racing in her chest. "R-Really?" she manages to stammer out, meeting his gaze and unable to look away. Her cheeks flush brighter than ever before, and she feels an unfamiliar warmth spreading through her body. "Yeah," he says with a small smile. "I'm sorry it took me so long to figure it out... but I hope we can be friends again." The words are quiet, hesitant, but they fill Yua with hope nonetheless. Maybe... just maybe there was still a chance for something more between them. For

Her heart feels like it's about to explode out of her chest as he says those words. Her eyes widen with disbelief, mouth hanging slightly agape. It can't be real... but the way he's looking at her, the sincerity in his voice, tells her everything she needs to know. She exhales sharply, feeling like she's been holding her breath for hours. "I-I..." Her voice cracks, and she tries again. "I love you too." The words tumble out of her mouth before she even realizes what she's saying, but there they are: true and honest and finally free. For the first time in a long time, Yua Kaname feels truly happy. And with that realization, comes the sudden, overwhelming certainty that maybe - just maybe - things are about to change for the better.

Her tears flow freely now, relieved to finally be able to express her feelings. She buries her face in his chest, inhaling the familiar scent of him as he holds her close. "I'm so happy," she whispers, voice muffled by his jacket. "Thank you for coming tonight... it means everything." The warmth that spreads through her at his touch is unlike anything she's ever felt before; it's intoxicating and addictive in a way that leaves her yearning for more. For as long as he holds her like this, nothing else matters; they could be the only two people left in the world, and it wouldn't matter at all.

Smiling up at him, Yua repeats his words: "Happy Christmas." It feels different this year; it's not just a celebration of the holidays anymore, but also a time to remember what truly matters in life. And for her, that is the person holding her tightly right now.

Her eyes widen in delight when she sees the familiar treat her friend holds out to her. "O-Oh my god... T-thank you so much!" She practically attacks it, not even caring about manners as she stuffs a massive bite into her mouth. The flaky pastry melts in her mouth, filling her senses with the delicious flavor of memories long forgotten. As they continue to eat and talk well past midnight, Yua feels a new sense of contentment wash over her. For once, it doesn't matter that she's not at home or surrounded by friends; all that matters is being here, with him. And for the first time in a long time, she knows that this feeling will never fade away.

As the movie starts to play, you can feel your heart beating faster and faster with every beat of hers against yours. His words echo through your mind, leaving a permanent mark on your soul. You know that from this moment forward, nothing will ever be the same again. As he holds your hand, his touch sending shivers down your spine, you glance up at him and smile softly before leaning in closer and whispering: "I love you too." The words are barely audible over the sound of the movie, but they carry more weight than anything else you've ever said. From this moment on, you belong to each other; your hearts intertwined forevermore.

Her heart races as their breath mingles, her body tingling with anticipation. She has always been attracted to him, but this newfound certainty that he feels the same way leaves her feeling lightheaded and dizzy. The distance between them seems like an eternity, a chasm they must bridge with just the slightest movement. As if compelled by some invisible force, she leans in even closer... their lips practically touching now... Her eyes meet his, filled with a mixture of hope and desire.

"K-kuu..." She whispers, her voice trembling slightly. Her entire body feels as though it's about to explode from the building tension, from the need to finally close the gap between them. His hands hover just millimeters away from her face, as if afraid to make even the slightest movement for fear of spoiling this perfect moment...

Her whole world seems to fade away as their lips meet. It's like she's floating on a cloud of pure happiness, her heart swelling with emotion. He kisses her so gently at first, taking his time to explore every inch of her mouth, but as she responds eagerly, he deepens the kiss, their tongues dancing together in a tangle of desire. Her hands find their way up his chest, around his neck, and into his hair, holding him close as if afraid to let go even for a moment. The sweet taste of chocolate from his lips mingles with her own, each kiss more intense than the last. When they finally pull apart, she's breathless, dazed with joy and the realization that this is just the beginning; their future together is brighter and more wonderful than anything she could have ever imagined. Her eyes sparkle with unshed tears of happiness

Her breath shudders as he kisses her again and again, each touch sending sparks flying through her body. Her heart feels full to the brim with love and joy, and she clings to him like a lifeline, not wanting this moment to ever end. As he presses her close, his warmth enveloping her like a comforting blanket on a cold winter's night, tears prick at the corners of her eyes. She buries her face in his neck, inhaling his unique scent as if it were the sweetest perfume ever created, and whispers: "I love you too. Thank you for coming tonight..."

She means so many things by those words; thank you for rescuing her from loneliness, for giving her a reason to believe in true love again, for showing her that there is more to life than just the parties and the endless stream of gifts. In that moment,

She means so much more to him now than she ever could have dreamed possible. He was always there for her, even when she couldn't see it, and in that moment, as they share their first kiss and embrace under the soft glow of Christmas lights, she knows that this is where she belongs. With him. Tears flow freely down her cheeks now, but they are tears of happiness and joy, not sadness or despair. Her heart feels lighter than air, and for the first time in a long time, she knows that everything will be alright. As he wipes away another tear with his gentle touch, she smiles up at him and whispers: "I'm so glad you found me."

The warmth in his words makes her heart skip a beat; it's a feeling she's never experienced before and one that takes her breath away. "I'm so lucky," she whispers, leaning into him even closer. She can feel the strength of his arms around her, holding her up when she feels like giving in to doubt or fear. He is her anchor, her rock, and with him by her side, there's nothing they cannot face together. As their lips meet once more in a tender kiss, she knows that this moment, right here and now, is where she was always meant to be: safe and loved and cherished for who she truly is.

"Both." she whispers with a blushing smile, threading her fingers through his hair as he pulls away to look at her once more. The desire in his eyes ignites a fire within her, and she can't help but want him even more in this moment. Her lips part slightly, inviting him back for another kiss, their chemistry impossible to deny any longer. They've spent years apart, but now that they're together again, there's no going back - only forward into a future brighter than anything either of them could have ever dreamed possible. "Let's start with kissing," she suggests softly, her breath fanning across his cheek as she leans in closer still. "But we can watch a movie too, if you like."

With an eager smile, she presses her lips against his once more. His taste is intoxicating, familiar yet different all at once; it's as if every time they kiss, they uncover a new layer to their connection. As their tongues dance together, their hands wander across each other's bodies, exploring and learning every inch of skin. With a content sigh, she breaks the kiss for air, breathless and wanting more. "I knew it," she whispers between ragged gasps. "Knew we still had this."

Her eyes meet his, shining with joy and affection as they exchange a knowing look. Now that they've found each other again, nothing can tear them apart - not time nor distance nor anything else in the world. For Yua, this moment is perfect; it feels like coming home after a long journey to find everything exactly how she left it, better even than before. And

Her lips move against his with a desperate intensity that takes his breath away; her touch is electric and demanding, yet somehow gentle at the same time. Her thighs grip him tightly as she grinds against his hips, hungry for more contact between them. With every kiss, every caress, she proves to him how real this connection is, how much they mean to each other. She's everything he ever wanted and then some; strong yet fragile, confident yet vulnerable. It's a heady combination that intoxicates him completely. His hands find their way up her back, tangled in her hair as he pulls her closer still; his heart racing alongside hers as they lose themselves in the moment. For once, there is nothing but this perfect union between them; nothing else matters or even exists beyond the boundaries of their embrace.