Snowbound Flames

Chapter 37: A New Dawn [New Year's Day] (Special)

Happy New Year (2025) Everybody!

The first light of New Year's Day crept through the windows of the treehouse, illuminating the quiet scene within. The festivities of the night before had left everyone sprawled across makeshift beds and piles of blankets, their soft snores filling the room.

Among them, on a shared mattress tucked in the corner, Rimuru and Guy lay closely entwined. Rimuru's head rested against Guy's chest, her plush bunny loosely held in her arms. Guy's arm was draped over her, keeping her securely tucked against him even in his sleep.

The first to stir was Guy, his crimson eyes fluttering open to the sight of Rimuru's peaceful face. He blinked, momentarily surprised to find her so close, but instead of moving, he allowed a rare, genuine smile to grace his lips. The warmth of her presence, the gentle rise and fall of her breath—it was oddly comforting.

Rimuru stirred shortly after, her eyes slowly opening. The moment her gaze met Guy's, realization hit her like a bolt of lightning.

"G-Guy!" she stammered, her cheeks turning a brilliant shade of red as she realized how close they were.

"Good morning," he said, his voice low and smooth, still laced with sleep.

"Let me go," she whispered, squirming slightly, but his arm didn't budge.

"I don't think so," he replied, tightening his hold just enough to stop her attempts to escape.

"Guy!" she hissed, glancing around in panic. "What if someone sees us?!"

"Let them," he said with a shrug, clearly unbothered. "It's not like we're doing anything wrong."

Her protests were cut short by the sound of soft footsteps. Rimuru froze as Diablo and Shuna appeared, having just woken up themselves. Both stopped in their tracks, their eyes widening as they took in the sight of their Demon Lord and Primordial Red still cuddled together.

"Oh my," Shuna said, a hand covering her mouth as a small smile crept onto her face.

Diablo, on the other hand, smirked. "Well, well. This is quite the scene to wake up to."

Rimuru groaned, burying her face in Guy's chest to hide her embarrassment. "I can explain!" she mumbled, her voice muffled.

"Don't bother," Guy said, smirking down at her. "Let them think what they want."

                                           ***

Once everyone was awake and had sufficiently teased Rimuru about her predicament, the group began preparing for the day ahead. Rimuru, still flustered, avoided eye contact with everyone, especially Guy.

Breakfast was a grand affair, with Shuna and Shion working together to prepare a feast. The table was laden with traditional New Year's dishes, including zoni (mochi soup), taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste), and grilled salmon. There were also Western-style dishes like pancakes and scrambled eggs, ensuring there was something for everyone.

As they ate, the group exchanged wishes for the new year, their voices filled with hope and laughter.

                                           ***

After breakfast, the group split up to enjoy the various New Year's Day activities scattered throughout Tempest. Guy, ever the shadow to Rimuru's light, insisted on accompanying her.

Their first stop was the shrine set up in the central square, where citizens had gathered to offer their first prayers of the year. Rimuru and Guy stood side by side, the crowd parting slightly to let their Demon Lord through.

"What do you pray for?" Rimuru asked, glancing at Guy as she tossed a coin into the offering box.

"I don't," he replied simply. "But if I did..." His eyes flicked to her briefly before looking away.

"What?" she asked, curious.

"Nothing," he said with a smirk, refusing to elaborate.

                                           ***

Lunch was another feast, this time enjoyed at a long communal table in the town square. The menu featured dishes like chirashi sushi, tempura, and sweet tamagoyaki. Rimuru couldn't resist a plate of sekihan (red bean rice), which Shuna had made specially for the occasion.

Afterward, they wandered through the festival again, trying their luck at more games. Rimuru, determined to redeem herself after the previous night's losses, managed to win a small fox plush. She held it up proudly, her grin lighting up her face.

"Not bad," Guy said, pretending to be unimpressed.

"Better than you thought, huh?" she shot back, sticking her tongue out at him.

                                           ***

As the day wound down, the group gathered once more in the treehouse to reflect on the past year and share their resolutions for the next.

Benimaru spoke of strengthening the nation's defenses, while Shuna expressed her desire to perfect her cooking even further. Souei, as always, vowed to protect Tempest with unwavering loyalty. When it was Rimuru's turn, she hesitated.

"I guess I just want everyone to stay happy and safe," she said finally, her voice soft but sincere.

The others cheered at her words, and Diablo, ever the dramatic one, pledged his eternal devotion once more.

"And what about you, Guy?" Shion asked, turning to him.

Guy leaned back, his crimson eyes gleaming. "I resolve to keep things interesting," he said vaguely, earning a few chuckles.

                                           ***

After a long, fulfilling day, Rimuru returned to her room in the treehouse. She changed into her nightwear, feeling the exhaustion of the day catching up to her. As she sat on the edge of her bed, she thought back to the morning—how close she and Guy had been, how natural it had felt despite her embarrassment.

With a sigh, she lay down, hugging her new fox plush tightly.

In the room next door, Guy smirked to himself, recalling the same moment.

"Happy New Year, Rimuru," he murmured, his voice low and amused.