I. Sae x [Y/n] | Muslim girl AU

Chapter 8°•°•°

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ೋ| As December neared its end, the festive spirit seemed to fill the air.

The streets and shops glowed with colorful lights, the air was filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts and warm drinks and even the school halls were decorated with garlands and handmade ornaments.

[Y/n] had noticed this excitement all around her, and while she didn't fully understand the traditions, she found it magical.

One evening, Sae's family invited [Y/n]'s family over to celebrate Christmas. Sae's mother had prepared an invitation with little hand-drawn snowflakes and Sae proudly handed it to [Y/n] one afternoon after school.

"You come ?" He asked, his eyes bright with hope.

"Me ask mama and papa first !" She replied with a smile while taking the invitation.

[Y/n] took the invitation home and showed her parents. Although they didn't celebrate Christmas in their faith, her parents smiled and agreed that it would be nice to join their neighbors as guests.

They felt it would be a good opportunity to share kindness and show respect for their new friends, even if they would skip certain parts of the holiday that didn't align with their beliefs.

The night of the celebration arrived and [Y/n]'s family dressed warmly for the evening. Her mother wore a beautiful scarf and her father, dressed in a woolen coat, carried a tray of pastries they'd made together, a gift of gratitude for Sae's family's hospitality. [Y/n] was excited but also a little nervous, not quite sure what to expect.

When they arrived, Sae's home was warm and glowing with soft lights. A small tree stood in the corner of the living room, decorated with colorful baubles, tiny bells and strings of lights that twinkled like stars.

Sae, dressed in a cozy sweater, greeted [Y/n] at the door, his excitement clear. He held up a small red-and-green hat and offered it to her.

"Here !" He said, handing it to her. "For fun !"

[Y/n] laughed and put on the hat, feeling a little silly but happy. Sae led her inside where their parents exchanged warm greetings.

Sae's mother accepted the pastries with gratitude, admiring the intricate designs on each one, and set them on the table beside a plate of her own Christmas treats.

His mother had prepared traditional holiday treats, like Christmas cake– a beautiful, fluffy cake topped with strawberries and whipped cream.

As they settled in, Sae's family shared stories about their holiday traditions, explaining that while Christmas in Japan was often celebrated a bit differently than in other places, it was still a time for joy, sharing, and bringing people together. Her family listened with interest, happy to learn more about their friends' culture.

[Y/n]'s eyes sparkled when Sae offered her some cake as she took a bite, savoring the sweet, airy texture and the burst of strawberry flavor.

At one point, Sae's mother suggested they sing some songs together, but sensing some hesitation from [Y/n]'s family, she kindly changed the topic, offering tea and sweets instead.

[Y/n]'s mother smiled in appreciation, glad that Sae's family respected their beliefs without making them feel out of place. They spent the evening eating treats and sharing stories, laughing as Sae and [Y/n] playfully stole extra bites of cake when they thought no one was looking.

When it was time for presents, Sae's family handed [Y/n]'s family a small gift wrapped in shimmering paper– a set of beautiful tea cups, each painted with delicate designs of snowy mountains and Japanese landscapes.

[Y/n]'s parents expressed their heartfelt thanks, touched by the thoughtfulness of the gift. They explained to Sae's family that, although they didn't celebrate Christmas themselves, they were honored to be included and grateful for their kindness.

The night continued in warm conversation, the two families sitting together as if they had known each other for years.

Sae's mother and [Y/n]'s mother talked about the recipes they used for their dishes, exchanging ideas and laughter. [Y/n]'s father and Sae's father talked about their favorite places in the city and how much the children had grown over the past few months.

Sae and [Y/n] were playing together, mostly Sae drawing things and her trying to draw it back.

Rin was beside them, as always holding Basmah since every time she came, [Y/n] would give little Rin her teddy bear as he seemed to really love it.

When it was time to leave, Sae ran to the door to see them off. He hugged [Y/n], his eyes twinkling with the joy of having shared his favorite holiday with his best friend (for now 😏).

"Me so happy coming !" He said, looking at her with a smile that was both shy and full of excitement.

[Y/n] beamed, hugging him back. "Me too ! I having fun." She glanced back at her parents, who were warmly saying their goodbyes to Sae's parents.

After the hug, [Y/n] went towards Rin,as the little boy gave him back Basmah although reluctantly, giving her a shy pout.

"No worry, Rin ! Me coming back soon and give you Basmah." She reassured while ruffling the teal eyed toddler's hair as his eyes sparkled in hope.

As they walked back home through the quiet streets, [Y/n] held her father's hand, thinking of the warmth and kindness they had just experienced.

It was a night she would remember, not for the holiday itself, but for the feeling of connection, understanding, and the kindness of new friends who had opened their home and hearts to them.

She glanced back one last time at Sae's home with its little twinkling lights in the distance, she felt that her world here in Japan had grown just a little bit more like home.

She thought about how they'd walked home with her that night after Sae's holiday party, her father's voice warm with stories of his own childhood when his family had taken him to different countries.

"Home isn't just one place", he had said as they walked, his hand gently holding hers, "it's all the places and people you carry with you."

Looking out over the city, [Y/n] smiled softly, feeling the warmth of her father's words settle over her even though she didn't really understood the fullest meaning of them.

Snow was still a strange thing, and the language and customs were so different but she was beginning to understand that maybe "home" could grow, could include this place and the people here, without taking anything away from her past. | ೋ

— Sae's_Wifey18 ♡

13/11/2024

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(A/n) : I'm back ! Not for long but I'm still here 😂. Well, I don't have anything to say so. See ya ! 😉