What wasn't there before |Sanemi Shinazugawa x Reader|

❄️ 2❄️

Months have passed by since you've last seen Sanemi. You would go to the village a few times a month to see if you would get at least a glimpse of him, but to no avail.

Feeling disappointed that you never even got to tell him your name. You decided to keep this secret from Shinobu because, knowing her, she would constantly tease you about it. More months passed when you finally decided to give up on your search and move forward from waiting for him to return. Winter was coming, and you and your family had to prepare for the snow that would come any day now.

Your duty was to help your mother prepare the meals while your brother and father went to get materials. As you were cutting up a carrot for today's lunch, you looked out the window and saw it started to snow. You have always loved snow, and remember yourself and your brother playing snowball fights and building snowmen. You giggled to yourself at your brother's failed attempt at a snowman and continued prepping all the vegetables for today's lunch.

"Mother, the vegetables are ready for the curry," you said as you carried the bowl of freshly cut vegetables to her.

Your mother gently grabbed the bowl and poured it into the curry mix, saying, "Thank you, dear. This helps a lot."

You leaned over the pot of curry she was making. The blend of vegetables and meat smelled amazing. Your mother's cooking never disappointed. 

"We are back home!" your father yelled from the front door, followed by your brother.

You ran over to them and helped them put away their winter coats. Your father and brother thanked you for the help. Your father started walking into the kitchen to help your mother serve lunch. Your brother stood next to you and ruffled your hair.

"Did you see it started snowing? Your favorite season just started", he said.

You grinned at him, "Of course! Are you ready for our annual snowman contest?"

Jun laughed, ruffled your hair, and said, "Sure, but just because I haven't won in the past does not mean I won't win this year!"

You both laughed and went to the kitchen for lunch. Everyone sat at the table and enjoyed a bowl full of curry and rice. When everyone was done, your mother said she had something to give you from her and the rest of the family. 

You tilted your head, "What's the occasion for the sudden gift?"

Your brother facepalmed his face, "Don't tell me you forgot?"

You furrowed your brows, " Forgot what?"

Your father, sitting across from you, grinned and said, "It's your birthday, silly daughter!"

You gasped out loud. You had forgotten that today was your birthday since you've had your mind preoccupied with a certain someone. You saw your mom round the corner from her room and bring out a box. She handed it to you and motioned for you to open it as she sat beside your father. 

When you opened the box, your eyes shone brightly. It was a delicately made haori made of blue silk, with a dark blue gradient on the edges of the sleeves and bottom. It even had patterns of snowflakes to blend into the gradient. You started tearing up at how beautiful it was and put it on immediately. You rushed over to your parents and gave them a big hug.

"It's beautiful! Thank you, Mother and Father. " You teared up more as you hugged them.

They both smiled and hugged back just as tightly. You let go and hugged your brother, which he gladly returned. You spun around in your new haori and couldn't help but feel giddy inside because of how much you loved it.

Your mother smiled. "Remember, later today, we are meeting with the Kocho family for dinner to celebrate your birthday."

You smiled and exclaimed, "I'll get a head start! I have to show Shinobu-chan my new haori. I will see you there later."