𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖. [𝙼𝚒𝚢𝚊𝚖𝚞𝚛𝚊.𝙸]

Chapter twenty | 𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔

Ren pov

A day before the Christmas eve

Snow drifted lazily outside my window, the soft glow of Christmas lights casting flickering patterns against the glass. I sat on the couch, absently twisting a ribbon between my fingers, my gaze lost in the vibrant hues of the tree before me. The house was quiet-too quiet.

My parents had left early that morning for a business trip, apologizing between hurried goodbyes, promising they'd make it up to me once they returned. I had smiled, waved them off, told them it was fine. But the hollow ache in my chest told me otherwise.
It was always like this-every
holiday, they left, and every holiday, Haru would come over, keeping me company. We would binge watch movies or TV shows, snack on junk food or just spend a chill evening staying in. It had become our little tradition, our way of making the holidays bearable. But this year felt different

Later during the evening, Y/n would drop by to meet me, bringing me gifts and warm conversations. It was nice, comforting even. But after she left, I would find myself restless. Normally, Haru would stay over like he always did. But this time, I couldn't bring myself to ask him to. And it bothered me more than I wanted to admit.

That was why I had thrown together the Christmas party-to fill the silence, to surround herself with warmth and laughter, even if only for a night.

On the Christmas Eve

"Ren, thanks for hosting. The party was amazing," Kyoko said, slipping on her coat near the doorway.

Everyone was beginning to leave now. One by one, they hugged me goodbye, thanking me for the night, promising to meet again after the holidays. But when I suggested a sleepover, an attempt to stretch the evening just a little longer, they all declined.

"Ren, I really want to stay but Hiro won't eat cake or celebrate if the whole family isn't present," Y/n said regretfully, pulling her scarf around her neck.

"But please don't hesitate to drop by whenever you like. Or maybe just come with me at my place and stay the night," Y/n held onto my knuckles with an expectant expression.

"Nah, it's fine bestie. I'll live and don't you worry, I'll visit you later tomorrow. It's been a while I haven't met Hiro", I grinned, giving her my best smile.

And she returned a small smile turning back on her feet to leave, while Miyamura just gave me a small nod

As the last of my friends trickled out, I exhaled slowly, turning back towards the living room. And that's when I realized-Haru was still there, lounging on the couch, his attention solely on me as the main door shut.

I glared at him for a while and a sigh escaped my lips.

"Aren't you supposed to leave by now."
I said feigning disinterest as busied myself with tidying up

Haru tilted his head leaning on the couch, his eyes still on,
"Aren't we supposed to have a sleepover? I mean you kept insisting everyone so I thought I'd oblige." He grinned making his way towards me

"I changed my mind" I directed my gaze to somewhere else, anywhere but at him

Haru chuckled. "Oh so we're talking on talking terms now? Or do you want to ignore me a little more, for few more weeks perhaps?"