Phantom Lights of Christmas Nights - Calilynx Studios
Snow fell gently outside the Thieves Den, blanketing the bustling city of Tokyo in a serene white glow. Inside, however, it was a different story.
Monomi, the ever-cheerful bunny, was hard at work transforming the usually sleek and rebellious hideout of the Thieves' Den into a winter wonderland of holiday cheer.
"Phew!" she wiped her fluffy paw across her forehead, careful not to smudge the sparkly tinsel wrapped around her ears. She stepped back to admire her handiwork.
Strings of twinkling lights draped elegantly across the rafters, casting warm, colorful glows on the walls. Ornaments, some tastefully crafted, others adorably amateurish, hung from every possible surface. A makeshift Christmas tree stood proudly in the center of the room, cobbled together from bits and pieces scavenged from Mementos. Its mismatched ornaments sparkled like treasures beneath the dim, cozy lighting.
On the table, Monomi had set out steaming mugs of cocoa and neatly arranged trays of cookies, some of which bore suspiciously bunny-shaped decorations.
"Heehee, it's perfect!" she chirped, clasping her little paws together, "I just know everyone's going to love it! Ooooh, I hope they get here soon!"
She hopped to the couch and perched herself on a cushion, ears twitching excitedly as she imagined the reactions of her guests. The Phantom Thieves had promised to gather tonight for a rare moment of holiday respite. After all the Palaces, trials, and general chaos, it was high time for some lighthearted fun.
As Monomi adjusted the tiny Santa hat perched between her ears, she began to feel a little...awkward...waiting completely on her own.
Monomi was used to spending time by herself and letting her students do her thing. Makoto usually went off to spend time with his friends and establish confidants, leaving her some time to do whatever she wanted. It typically involved exploring the nearby world around her, but this time, it was kind of anxiety-inducing just sitting around and waiting for everybody to show up.
Monomi ended up doing random things to keep herself busy, like moving Kaede's mug slightly to the left. It made no real difference, but anything to make the room look a tad nicer. Still, that didn't really help.
"Where is everyone?" she murmured, glancing at the clock. "They're late... but maybe they're just busy! Yes, being a student is VERY important work, after all! Plus, Hajime and Komaru have their own things to be getting on with!""
She fidgeted with her paws, her nerves bubbling up.
"Or... what if they forgot?" she shook her head and stood, pacing in tiny circles, "No, no, they'd never forget! They'll be here any minute. I just have to wait!"
Monomi sat back down and nibbled on a candy cane, her ears flicking toward the door at every little sound. All she could do now was wait...and hope.
Eventually, the door creaked open, and Monomi's ears perked up immediately. Her heart leapt with excitement as she turned toward the entrance, expecting to see Makoto Naegi and the others arriving at last.
"Makoto? Everyone!? Is that-!?" she began, only to pause when a familiar figure stepped inside.
"Good afternoon, Monomi. Merry Christmas," Kyoko Kirigiri said, her voice calm and composed as always. She carried a small bag, her scarf neatly draped over her shoulders.
"Oh! Merry Christmas, Kyoko!" Monomi blinked, surprised, then quickly hopped to her feet, "I uh...I'll be honest, wasn't expecting you to be the first one here!"
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