Alone in the Rooftop

Under the Mistletoe [Filler Episode]

December 25, Christmas Eve.

"Hey, do you know about the mistletoe?" The girls start talking in their seats.

"Eh? About what?" the other one replied as they continued to fill the air with their chatter.

"The mistletoe! You know, if you walk under it, you have to..." Their voices slowly got quiet as they walked out of the cafe.

I took a sip of my drink as I heard the door open. When I lifted my head, it was Kaede.

Mika: You took so long.
Kaede: I'm sorry, I had to help my mother clean the house.
Mika: Are you sure you want to join the Christmas party?
Kaede: Of course!

We talked about what to bring and prepare as we headed to buy some decorations. The mall was lively as always, with kids running around as parents bought food and decorations. I found a mistletoe, reminding me of the girls who were talking about it. "Mistletoe..." I mumbled as I bought one unconsciously.

After buying some decorations, we headed to Kei's house. We had already discussed the plan with Kei through text, and she agreed to the Christmas party.

Kei: We're gonna make this party perfect!
Kaede: As long as it's going to be fun, it doesn't have to be perfect.

The living room slowly filled with laughter as we started to decorate and called our friends, hoping this Christmas party would be a great way to get to know each other more.

Kei: Mika, what are you going to wear for the party?
Mika: The one that I'm already wearing.
Kei: Eh!? It doesn't even match with the season! Don't you have better clothes?
Mika: Better clothes?...

Kei sighed as she dragged me towards her room. I could clearly see her disappointment on her face. She grabbed a bunch of Christmas-themed outfits and borrowed some for me.

Kei: See, much better!
Mika: Do I look okay?
Kei: You look perfect!

I peeked through the door and saw others chatting and laughing. I didn't have the courage to walk in with a dress. Kei looked at me, seeing my helplessness, and decided to drag me back to the living room.

Kei: Sorry if we took long; someone was quite shy.
Mika: Kei...

I could already feel my face burning as I saw Kaede looking at me. I didn't know what to do as I slowly sat on the chair, watching others eat and talk to each other, feeling like I was left out.

Kei: Mika, can you help me for a second?
Mika: Eh? Sure...

I followed Kei to her room again, and after a few minutes, Kaede was dragged by Kei too.

Kei: Alright, now you two... Look up!
Kaede: What kind of joke is this?

We looked up and saw mistletoe hanging from the ceiling. I didn't know what it meant, but I could see Kaede getting all red. Before we could even notice, Kei was already gone, and it was only Kaede and me left in her room under the mistletoe.

Kaede: S-so...

Kaede tried to gather his courage as he slowly looked at me. I was just standing there blankly, staring at Kaede.

Kaede: Do you know the rumors about the mistletoe?
Mika: I heard one.

My comment made Kaede all flustered again. He froze on where he was standing, slowly moving his hand to my cheek as he caressed it. Pulling me closer, our faces only inches apart, my face all red while Kaede closed his eyes.

Mika: Kaede...

My words cut off as I felt warmth on my lips, slowly closing my eyes.