Just a Childhood Friend

I have always loved the sunshine. Its soothing light... and its comforting warmth that it brings along.

It is like magic. It can transform a gloomy, dark room into one that is inviting and vibrant. Through its embrace, it can turn even the coldest of days into something special and fulfilling.

My parents named me from that same special 'magic', hoping that one day I could be someone else's "warmth".

I don't remember if that was the reason I became the person I am – cheerful, always donning a smile and... very sociable as they say. Although not everyone understands or can relate to my effervescent nature, for me, it's my way of living up to that name.

... But as life often teaches us, we often take precious things for granted.

Much like that same sunshine, we only grasp its significance until it's hidden behind gray clouds and when that same gentle touch vanishes.

...

"So cold..."

I exhaled slowly, watching as my breath escaped into small, fleeting puffs like small whispers. Even with my jacket tightly wrapped around me, I felt my arms tremble from the chill air around me.

Amidst the cold place I was walking on, something else weighed on me; it was the emptiness. This place, normally filled with students and teachers, is now silent.

However, I don't feel any sadness. Instead, I'm enveloped by this peculiarly comforting yet melancholic happiness as I savor this rare moment of serenity, free from the bustling crowds, noisy classrooms, and the cheerful chatter that typically defines my daily life.

"Are you cold?" A voice cut through the stillness.

I glanced up, my eyes settling on the concerned figure before me. His brown hair slightly ruffled by the winter breeze, and his green eyes reflecting a hint of worry.

Despite the somber atmosphere that surrounded me, I couldn't help but break into my usual, cheery attitude.

"Nope, I'm doing just fine!" I responded with a radiant smile, as though my cheerfulness could banish the cold, "Instead of that, aren't you getting toasty in that bulky trench coat of yours?"

"Well," Yuichi began, his tone lighthearted, "I'm not exactly freezing over here, but I wouldn't say no to a bit more warmth. If only I can handle the cold like you."

"No, I don't think it's because I can handle it, but because you can't handle the cold," I retorted after chuckling playfully at his response. I glanced at him, noticing the blue muffler and mittens he is also wearing.

"You really can't say that if you can't handle the summer heat."

"Hold on right there!" I shot back, my brow furrowing at his sly grin, "Do you have any idea how scorching hot summer usually gets!? Seriously, we are not some eggs trying to be fried here!"

"Alright alright, I get it. You don't have to start stomping..." He chuckled at my exaggerated reaction as the sound of my feet echoed through the empty hallway.

This is why I liked winter more. For, this is the season that feels more magical and wonderland-like than the others. But even more than that...

"It feels cozier to just laze around under the kotatsu table. I could stay there for hours on end. If only I could live in it forever, muhehe..." I mused with a dreamy look in my eyes.

"Are you still a child or what?" Yuichi asked bluntly, a fond grin on his face as he playfully ruffled my hair.

In response, I stuck my tongue out, a mischievous "Teehee~" escaping from my lips.