𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒍𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔 | 𝑫𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒖𝒌𝒆 𝒙 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓

₊· ͟͟͞͞➳ Cold Snow, Warm Feelings

The past week had been a whirlwind of shopping, bouncing from store to store, ensuring every family on the Operation Santa list was covered.
Most of the lists were already checked off, leaving just a few last-minute items.

Today, it was just you and Daisuke tackling the remaining shopping.
It had become something of a routine by now: shopping, a bite to eat after, and a stop for coffee and donuts before calling it a day

As you walked down the aisles, clipboard in hand and pen at the ready, you scanned through the list, murmuring items under your breath.

"Alright, we need a couple more toys for the younger kids,"
you said, completely absorbed in your task.

Behind you, Daisuke was uncharacteristically quiet.

He was pushing the cart like you'd instructed him to, but his attention wasn't on the shelves or even the list. Instead, his eyes were on you.

You were too focused to notice, pacing ahead slightly, occasionally crouching down to examine something on a lower shelf. There was a natural ease to the way you moved, completely at home in this chaotic store setting.

Daisuke found himself captivated by it, the way you furrowed your brow when you were deep in thought or how your lips moved slightly as you read through the list.

"Daisuke, did you hear me?"
you called over your shoulder, glancing back.

"Uh, yeah. Totally. What did you say again?"
He blinked, startled out of his thoughts.

You sighed, shaking your head.

"I said we need to grab a couple of art supplies for the 8-year-old on this list. Let's head to the next aisle."

"Right. Got it,"
he replied, steering the cart to follow you. He couldn't figure out why he was so distracted today.

Usually, he was the one cracking jokes or trying to make you laugh, but today, he felt quieter, more reflective.

As you reached the art supplies section, you crouched down to check out a watercolor paint set.

"This one looks good,"
you said, placing it in the cart.
"It's got everything—paints, brushes, even a little palette."

"Yeah, that's perfect,"
Daisuke muttered.

"What's up with you today?"
you asked suddenly, standing and turning to face him.

"What do you mean?"
he asked, a little too quickly.

"You've been super quiet. That's not like you, usually, I can't get you to stop talking."

"Just... thinking, I guess."
He shrugged, scratching the back of his neck.

"Thinking about what?"
you pressed, raising an eyebrow.

"Stuff,"
he replied vaguely, pushing the cart forward to avoid your gaze.
"You know, Operation stuff, life stuff. The usual."

You didn't push further, figuring he'd talk if he wanted to.
Instead, you turned back to the list, crossing off the item you'd just added.