our world is a nebula

“What’s this for, Kohaku-kun⋯?” Noeri questioned with perplexity etched onto her mien, her quivering fingers refusing to open the delicately decorated box.

Kohaku had invited her out suddenly, the text message he had sent her sounding awfully dour—but as she glimpsed at his expression, she realized it was because he was nervous.

“Well, you’ve done a lot for me—it’s only fair I get ya a Christmas present, right? I made sure to pick something with all my heart and gratitude,” Kohaku’s complexion illuminated with rosy hues as he elucidated his reasoning, “Now are ya gonna open it or should I take it back?”

“D-Don’t take it back⋯!” Noeri panicked, even if she knew he was only mirthfully teasing her, and kept the box close against her chest; feeling her heart resonating with rapture at every beat. “I’m really happy you got me something.”

An anxious eagerness bristled along Kohaku’s veins in a white-hot rush as he watched the producer’s petite fingers unravel the bow enveloping the box, her own mismatched eyes gleaming in unparalleled excitement.

Kohaku could tell that from the bottom of her heart, Noeri was delighted by his gesture. And for him, that appeared to only exacerbate the embarrassment thrumming in his gut.

Prying off the lid with languid movements, Noeri espied a glimmering hairpin nestled on the soft cushion inside. The illumination of vivid Christmas lights made it shine prettily as she held it up—it was an ornate cherry blossom cradled by amber-hued leaves; and it was truly a pulchritudinous design.

“Kohaku-kun, it’s so beautiful!” Noeri gushed effusively, gaze mesmerized by the exquisite details as she unremittingly extolled the present. They both knew she was going to wear it every day with how stupidly devoted she was to Kohaku.

In spite of how his heart throbbed in his chest, Kohaku beamed with unbridled pride, saying, “If ya like it, that’s all I’ll ask for.”

Discerning that pure visage of Kohaku’s, Noeri sprung forward and wrapped her arms around Kohaku with all her strength—her own feelings of felicity and appreciation coalescing inside her, galvanizing her into hugging him.

“Ah, Eri-han, what’re ya doin’?!” Kohaku gasped at the abrupt sensation, her actions disquieting him for an ephemeral second.

Squishing him tautly, Noeri cooed, “Thank you! I’ll cherish it!”

Kohaku felt Noeri’s cheek nuzzling against him, and he heaved a sigh before acquiescing and enfolding his own arms around her. Although he was patently gawky in his movements, unused to such affections (especially by the older girl).

“Merry Christmas, Eri-han,” Kohaku whispered against her ear, just loud enough for her to hear, as the snowflakes around him silently cheered exultantly for him.

After all, his own wish had just been fulfilled♪