Falling for the Goddess

From Now On, Every Christmas, I'll Spend with You

On Christmas Day, the streets were decked out in festive decorations. Storefronts displayed twinkling Christmas trees adorned with golden ornaments and red stockings. Windows featured smiling Santa Claus decals with snowflakes drifting down, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere that made passersby smile.

It had already fallen by dusk when Adrian Blake arrived to pick up Sara Hart. Snowflakes swirled, coating the ground in a soft white blanket.

A gust of chilly air followed when Sara opened the car door and slipped into the passenger seat. The warmth from the car's heater quickly chased away the cold.

"Are you cold?" Adrian reached over to hold her hand. It wasn't icy, but it wasn't warm either. He adjusted the car's temperature a bit higher.

"I'm fine." Sara handed him a small bag. "Here, my senior gave me these."

"What's this?"

"Apples and oranges. It's a tradition."

Although Sara didn't care much for celebrating holidays, the school had a festive atmosphere, and students often exchanged fruit or cards on Christmas Eve.

Adrian placed the small box—decorated with a Santa Claus logo—on the dashboard, then started the car.

The flowerbeds lining the streets were dusted with a light layer of snow.

"It seems like it's snowed a lot this year," Sara said, gazing out the window, her lips curving into a soft smile.

"Yeah, it's snowed more than usual." Adrian glanced at her, a smile playing on his lips as well.

When they arrived home, a fresh blanket of snow covered the lawn.

"If it sticks by tomorrow morning, we can build another snowman," Sara said excitedly.

"Already thinking about playing in the snow again?" Adrian teased, holding her hand as they walked inside.

Sara, a girl from the south, never tired of the northern snow. No matter how many times she saw it, she always grew excited. Now, with Adrian by her side, she felt freer and happier—more like her true self.

Sara grinned sheepishly. Last time, she'd spent too long in the snow and caught a cold. Since then, Adrian had kept a close eye on her.

She tugged on his arm, swaying it playfully. "Let's see how it looks tomorrow morning, okay? It might not even stick."

Adrian chuckled but didn't say anything.

Sara reached for the light switch when they stepped inside, but Adrian gently stopped her.

"Wait."

"Huh?" Sara blinked in confusion.

"Don't turn it on just yet."

Sara could see faint lights twinkling in the living room through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Adrian knelt to help her change into slippers, took her hand, and led her inside. When the scene in the living room came into full view, Sara froze, her heart beating.

The entire room was decorated for Christmas.

A tall Christmas tree, nearly taller than her, stood in the corner, adorned with glowing fairy lights, stars, and snowflakes. Beneath the tree was a pile of neatly wrapped gifts of all shapes and sizes.

On the sofa sat a plush snowman that looked strikingly similar to the one they'd built together. The coffee table held a small Christmas-themed cake and various adorable holiday figurines.