Harmony amidst Chaos | A Jori story

Merry-maybe

-TORI'S POV-

I absolutely adore Christmas.

The twinkling lights, the cozy sweaters, the way the air always seems to carry the scent of cinnamon, pine, and something sweet baking in the distance—it all wraps around you like a warm blanket. There's just something about this time of year that makes everything feel softer, slower, and a little more magical.

At home, it means evenings spent with family—untangling lights while sipping hot chocolate, arguing over which ornaments go where, and blasting holiday music way too loud while decorating the tree. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I love how the city transforms, too. Every street seems to glow, storefronts go all out with glittery displays, and houses sparkle with blinking lights that make even the gloomiest corners feel bright.

Hollywood Arts has also caught the holiday bug—and when a school full of artists and performers decides to celebrate, things get extra festive. Candy canes appear in the most random places, students break into carols mid-conversation, and the decorations? Honestly next-level.

We've got the most creative-looking Christmas trees you've ever seen—for example, one's decorated with tiny musical instruments and fairy lights, another with paint cans and paint brushes.

Mistletoe is hanging everywhere and sometimes it absolutely feels like a trap, and I'm pretty sure someone swapped out the hallway air fresheners with peppermint-scented ones. It's weird, chaotic, and kind of perfect.

It's the kind of season that makes me want to sing at the top of my lungs, bake a dozen batches of cookies just to give them away, and hug everyone I love at least twice—just because I can.

Though, apparently, André isn't really feeling the Christmas spirit right now.

"You need to calm down," I say as I push open the door to Sikowitz's class.

"I can't calm down!" André throws his hands up, his frustration practically radiating off him.

"It's not the end of the world." I tell him.

"Yeah, it is—it's absolutely the end of the world!" He keeps arguing, following me into the classroom.

I sigh, adjusting my bag on my shoulder. "You have all of next semester to make up for it."

We shuffle toward the only two empty chairs left, at the back of the classroom.

"I don't care. I'm just gonna give up music! Just forget it. Forget everything!" André drops into his seat with a dramatic huff, arms crossed tightly over his chest.

At that moment, I realize how loud we were. The entire class is quiet, all heads turned in our direction. Only, André is too busy sulking to care.

Jade, sitting a row ahead, has turned in her seat, one eyebrow raised—curious, maybe even mildly entertained. She doesn't say anything, just watches.

It's easy to mistake that look for mockery. I've done it before. But, I've started to recognize the difference. There's a certain stillness to her when something really catches her attention—like she's waiting to see how it plays out before she decides whether to laugh or act on it.

I flash her a quick smile, and she returns it in her own way—barely there, subtle enough that no one else would catch it. But I do.

In the corner of my eye I see Robbie spinning around in his chair, dressed head to toe in a Santa suit like he's been waiting all year for this. "HO HO HO and jingle bells!" he quips, beaming straight at André.

Wrong move.

I see the look in André's eyes and whip my head toward him. "André, don't—"

Too late.