tears of mercury | beastars

✧.* 2024 SPECIAL: CHRISTMAS DAY

𖤣𖥧.𖤣𖥧𓆏𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧
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The streets of the bustling public market were alive with the lively chatter of vendors and the rustling of shoppers weaving through the crowd.

It was Christmas Day, and while the rest of Cherryton Academy's students scattered to celebrate the winter break announced last week, (Name) found herself in familiar territory.

She walked through the market with practiced ease, her sharp eyes scanning the stalls for the best deals. The air was crisp, biting at her exposed skin, but she welcomed the cold; it made her feel alive.

The market was a chaotic symphony of sounds: the calls of vendors advertising their goods, the clatter of coins exchanging hands, and the occasional laughter of children tugging at their parents' coats.

For (Name), Christmas always started the same way.

But this year, she'll spend the first part of the holidays with her father and his girlfriend before flying to her mother's home country to celebrate New Year's Eve. While her family dynamic was unconventional, it was one she had grown to cherish over the years.

Today's task was simple: gather fresh ingredients to cook a hearty meal for tonight's dinner.

She moved from stall to stall, inspecting vegetables and fruits with the discerning eye of someone who had done this countless times before. She stopped at a fruit stall, her gloved hand reaching out to pick up an apple when someone bumped into her shoulder.

"Ah, sorry." came a muffled voice, hurried and apologetic.

Turning around, (Name) was about to brush it off when her gaze fell on the person's hooded figure. Their hood shifted slightly, revealing a pair of twitching ears. Her heart skipped a beat as recognition dawned on her.

"Gorou?" she called, her voice cutting through the background noise.

The figure froze mid-step before slowly turning to face her. Sure enough, it was Gorou. His tan, dog-like features were partially obscured by the oversized hoodie he always wore, but his amber eyes were unmistakable.

"(Name)!" he greeted, his voice warm but cautious. His gaze darted around, clearly uncomfortable in the crowded marketplace.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, though the answer was obvious as her eyes fell on the cart he was pushing.

"Work," he replied, gesturing to the cart filled with fresh vegetables. "Deliveries. The farm's busy this time of year."

Gorou was one of her closest friends, a rarity in a world where interspecies individuals like him were often treated with disdain.

As the child of a human and a shiba inu, Gorou faced prejudice daily. His ears and tail, though hidden, marked him as different. But despite society's harsh judgment, he remained one of the most genuine and kind-hearted people (Name) had ever met.

As they spoke, Gorou rummaged through his cart and pulled out a bundle of vegetables. "Here," he said, holding them out. "Consider it a Christmas gift from me and my family."

(Name) blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Gorou, I can't just take this—"

"You can," he interrupted, his tone firm but kind. "Think of it as a thank you. Your father. . . he's one of the few human who stands up for interspecies like me. I respect that."

His words were sincere, and for a moment, (Name) felt a lump form in her throat. She accepted the vegetables with a grateful smile.

"Thank you," she said softly. "Really."

He gave her a small smile in return before glancing at the bustling crowd. "I should get going. Deliveries don't make themselves."

"Stay warm, okay?" she called after him as he disappeared into the sea of shoppers.

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Back home, the comforting warmth of the small kitchen greeted her as she stepped inside. She set the vegetables on the counter and began unpacking her market haul.

The stew was already simmering on the stove, its savory aroma filling the air.

As she worked, her thoughts drifted back to Gorou. Despite everything he faced, he remained kind, resilient, and fiercely loyal to those who treated him with respect. She couldn't help but admire him.

The front door creaked open, and the sound of voices filled the house.

"We're back!" Sara—her father's girlfriend, cheerful voice echoed through the hallway.

Sara entered the kitchen with Kamaji—her adoptive brother, both of them laden with bags of groceries. Kamaji, ever the helpful sibling, quickly unloaded the bags before giving (Name) a quick greeting and heading back to his own place.

Sara lingered, her hands busy organizing the items they'd brought. Her movements were quick and efficient, but there was a nervous energy about her.

"First Christmas with the family." Sara said with a tentative smile, glancing at (Name).

It was true.

This was Sara's first time spending Christmas with them. (Name) had been wary when Sara entered their lives, unsure of how to feel about her father dating.

But over time, she saw how much happiness Sara brought to Hoshi's life.

"Let's make it a good one." (Name) replied, offering a small smile of her own.

The two of them worked together in the kitchen, the initial awkwardness between them melting away with each shared task. They laughed over small mistakes and exchanged stories as they prepared the dishes.

By the time Hoshi returned from his patrol, the wooden table was laden with food: steaming bowls of stew, freshly baked bread, roasted vegetables, and an assortment of side dishes.

His eyes lit up at the sight of the spread, and he let out a low whistle.

"Looks like I'm late to the party~" he teased, shrugging off his coat and joining them at the table.

The three of them ate together, their conversation light and filled with warmth. The soft strains of jazz music played in the background, adding to the cozy atmosphere.

Later that evening, they gathered in the living room.

The couple settled on the couch, their hands intertwined as they watched a Christmas movie. (Name) sat in the armchair beside them, a blanket draped over her legs and a cup of hot cocoa warming her hands.

The warmth of the room contrasted with the chill outside. Snow had begun to fall, the first flakes of the season drifting lazily from the sky.

(Name) turned her head toward the window, her breath catching at the sight of the snow-covered world outside. The news played softly in the background, announcing the snowfall and advising caution on icy roads.

She gazed out at the frosted glass, her thoughts drifting to Gorou and his family. She hoped they were warm and safe, and that everyone, no matter their circumstances, had someone to share the holiday with.

For a moment, the world felt still, as if the snow had muffled all the noise and chaos of life. She closed her eyes and sent a silent wish into the cold winter night.

And for the first time in a long time, she felt a deep sense of peace.

✅ EDITED