Snowbound Flames

Chapter 36: A New Year's Eve Celebration (Special)

Morning arrived in Tempest, painting the frosty landscape in hues of soft gold. Rimuru stretched in her bed, a small smile tugging at her lips as she thought about the day ahead. New Year's Eve was a big deal here now, with everyone buzzing with excitement to celebrate the start of another year. Still, work came first.

Dressed and ready, Rimuru headed straight to her office to begin her paperwork. Guy, ever the guardian—or menace, depending on her mood—was already waiting for her.

"I'll walk you there," he declared smoothly, ignoring her protests.

"I can walk myself, you know!" Rimuru huffed, but Guy merely smirked and matched her pace.

Once inside the office, Rimuru quickly got to work, letting herself focus on the tasks at hand. The rhythmic scratching of her pen filled the air, broken only by the occasional rustle of papers. She was making steady progress when Guy placed a tray of food on the desk.

"Eat," he said firmly, holding up a spoonful of freshly prepared miso soup.

Rimuru glanced at the soup, then back at Guy. "I'll eat later. I need to finish this first."

Guy raised an eyebrow. "You'll eat now."

"I said—"

Before she could finish her sentence, Guy gently but firmly cupped her jaw, guiding her head forward. She blinked in surprise as he brought the spoon to her lips.

"Open," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Rimuru reluctantly complied, her cheeks flushing slightly as the warmth of the soup spread through her. Every time she tried to take the spoon herself or turn away, Guy either guided her jaw back or simply waited patiently, the corners of his mouth twitching in amusement.

"You're impossible," Rimuru muttered, but she ate nonetheless.

By midday, her work was done—well, the easy half, thanks to Guy's not-so-subtle interference. He dragged her out of the office, insisting it was time to enjoy the celebrations.

***
The streets of Tempest were bustling with activity, festive stalls lining the roads with colorful decorations and mouthwatering aromas. Rimuru and Guy sat at a small outdoor table, indulging in a special New Year's Eve lunch.

The meal started with a steaming bowl of ozoni, a traditional soup made with mochi, vegetables, and a light soy-based broth. Next came platters of osechi ryori, featuring meticulously arranged dishes like datemaki (sweet rolled omelets), kuro-mame (sweet black beans), and tazukuri (candied sardines). For a heartier bite, there were sushi rolls, tempura, and grilled fish served with daikon radish.

"This is amazing," Rimuru said between bites, savoring the delicate flavors.

Guy nodded in agreement, though his focus seemed more on Rimuru than the food.

***

After lunch, they wandered through the festival, visiting various game stalls and sampling sweet treats. Rimuru tried her hand at ring toss, goldfish scooping, and even a strength test. Despite her best efforts, she kept losing, much to Guy's quiet amusement.

Finally, they stopped at a plushie stand where the grand prize was a soft, fluffy bunny. Rimuru's eyes sparkled as she tried to win it, but she failed yet again.

"Move aside," Guy said, stepping up to the booth.

With one perfect throw, he knocked down all the targets and handed the bunny to Rimuru.

"For you," he said, smirking as he noticed her stunned expression.

"You didn't have to," she mumbled, clutching the plushie tightly.

"But I wanted to."

***
As evening fell, they headed to a massive treehouse high above the town. The tree somehow thrived even in the dead of winter, its branches adorned with shimmering fairy lights.

Dinner was a feast of grilled wagyu beef, steaming bowls of ramen, and warm soba noodles to symbolize longevity. Dessert was an assortment of mochi ice cream, castella sponge cakes, and a decadent chocolate yule log.

They ate together, the quiet of the treehouse offering a peaceful contrast to the lively festival below. Rimuru found herself relaxing more than she had in weeks.

***

After dinner, they climbed down to join the crowd in the central square, where everyone gathered to watch the fireworks. As the first burst of color lit up the night sky, Rimuru couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of it all.

Guy stood beside her, his crimson eyes reflecting the vibrant display.

"They did a good job," he commented, gesturing to the Tempest citizens who had worked tirelessly to make the event happen.

"They really did," Rimuru agreed, smiling.

The countdown began as the final minutes of the year ticked away.

"5... 4... 3... 2... 1... HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

Cheers erupted, and Rimuru felt a wave of warmth as everyone celebrated together.

***

Later that night, Rimuru and Guy joined their friends in the treehouse for a sleepover. Shion, Shuna, Benimaru, Souei, and Diablo were all there, chatting and playing games.

When it was time for truth or dare, the room grew rowdy with laughter and groans.

"Guy, truth or dare?" Souei asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Dare," Guy replied without hesitation.

"I dare you to share a mattress with Rimuru tonight."

The room erupted in laughter as Rimuru's face turned bright red.

"Why am I getting dragged into this?!" she exclaimed, waving her arms in protest.

Guy, however, took it in stride. "Fine," he said smoothly, earning cheers from the others.

When it was finally time to sleep, Rimuru lay on one side of the mattress, clutching her plush bunny for dear life. Guy lay on the other, his presence both comforting and maddeningly distracting.

By the time sleep claimed them, they had unconsciously shifted closer, their breathing steady and peaceful.