The winter air was colder than ever, sharp enough to sting the skin yet softened by the warmth of the city lights. Miyazaki walked alongside Jousuke, her hands fidgeting inside the pockets of her coat, heart thundering like it was trying to escape. She had never imagined the last day of the year would turn out like this—bumping into him, of all people, on New Year's Eve.
The scarf.
Her eyes couldn't stop straying to it. That same navy-blue scarf she had given him on Christmas Day. It was wrapped neatly around his neck, the fabric moving slightly whenever he breathed out a puff of white mist. Her heart squeezed. He was actually wearing it.
"He... really is wearing it... He's keeping it warm around his neck... My scarf... Daikuhara-kun..." she thought.
Her cheeks burned so hot that the cold air barely touched her anymore. Every time she stole a glance at him, she had to quickly look away before he caught her.
"Uhm..." she began, her voice shaky as she tried to bring up a topic—any topic, just to fill the silence. "D-do you... usually go out on New Year's Eve?"
Jousuke turned his head slightly, giving her that relaxed smile of his. "Not really. I was just out to look around, maybe grab something warm to eat. I didn't think I'd run into someone I know."
Her heart leapt. "Someone I know." she thought.
She wanted to scream that she wanted to be more than that. But the words tangled inside her throat.
She tried again, gripping her notebook-filled bag tighter. "I-I was just... shopping. For... for some supplies. You know, uhm, study stuff. Even though it's winter break."
He chuckled softly. "That sounds like you. Always studying."
Miyazaki nearly stumbled over her own step. "That sounds like you." she thought.
The words felt like a compliment too precious to handle.
The streets grew busier as they walked further into town. Stalls lined the sidewalks, selling skewered food, warm soup, candied apples, and steaming cups of amazake. The scent mixed with the crisp air, wrapping everything in a festive charm. People gathered in anticipation of midnight, laughter and chatter echoing around them.
"Looks like everyone's heading for the countdown." Jousuke said, glancing ahead. "Do you... want to stay and watch the fireworks?"
Miyazaki almost answered too quickly. "Y-yes!"
Her voice cracked, making her flinch in embarrassment. But Jousuke didn't laugh. Instead, he gave her a reassuring nod. "Then let's stay. It'd be nice."
Her hands clenched into fists inside her coat. "Nice... nice... He said it'll be nice if we stay together. Just the two of us... for the fireworks..." she thought.
They stopped at a plaza near the river, where most of the crowd had gathered. Lanterns swayed gently overhead, glowing golden against the night sky. Families huddled close, friends linked arms, couples leaned into each other. Miyazaki felt out of place for a moment, surrounded by so many hearts already joined together.
But then she looked at him. Jousuke, standing next to her with his scarf—her scarf—around his neck, his breath visible in the cold. And she realized she didn't feel out of place at all.
Still, her nerves refused to settle. She kept blurting out random things to cover the pounding silence of her heart.
"Uhm, i-it's cold, isn't it?" she said.
He chuckled. "That's what winter usually feels like."
"Right, of course! S-sorry, that was obvious."
Moments later—she spoke again. "The stalls are really crowded tonight."
"They always are on New Year's Eve. Do you want something to eat?" he replied.
"N-no, I'm fine! I mean... maybe later." she replied.
And then again—"Your scarf looks... warm."
Jousuke blinked, then touched it lightly. "Oh, this? Yeah, it's perfect. Keeps me warm."
Miyazaki nearly stopped breathing. Her voice slipped before she could control it.
"I-I'm glad..."
Jousuke tilted his head, noticing how red her face was despite the cold. She looked down immediately, pretending to be fascinated by the snowy ground.
He noticed. He definitely noticed. [Oh no, oh no, Kaede, get it together!]
The clock tower above the plaza began to chime. Ten minutes to midnight. The crowd grew louder, cheers rising with each passing second. Children waved glow sticks, couples pressed closer together, and strangers exchanged warm wishes.
But Miyazaki could only hear her own heart.
She wanted to say it. She wanted him to know. The weight of her feelings had grown unbearable ever since Christmas. That day replayed in her head endlessly—him accepting her gift, the gentle smile he gave, how her chest swelled with warmth. And now, seeing him wearing it tonight, she couldn't stop trembling.
Daikuhara-kun glanced at her, concern flickering in his eyes. "Miyazaki-san, are you... okay? You seem nervous."
Her throat went dry. "I-I..."
The final countdown began.
"Ten!" the crowd shouted.
Miyazaki's hands clenched against her chest. She couldn't hold it anymore.
"Nine!"
Her legs felt weak. Every nerve in her body screamed.
"Eight!"
The world blurred around her.
"Seven!"
All she could see was him.
"Six!"
The scarf. His smile.
"Five!"
The way he always listened to her.
"Four!"
The warmth he carried even in the cold.
"Three!"
Her lips quivered.
"Two!"
Her tears almost welled.
"One—!"
Before the final cheer could erupt, Miyazaki moved.
Her body leaned forward, trembling, heart hammering against her ribs. She kissed him.
Not a quick peck. Not a mistake. But a long, trembling kiss, her lips pressed softly yet desperately against his, her eyes shut tight as if the world would shatter if she opened them.
Jousuke froze in shock, eyes widening. The fireworks exploded above them, colors of crimson, gold, and violet scattering across the sky. The crowd roared with celebration, but Miyazaki only heard the thunder of her own pulse.
She pulled back slowly, breath unsteady, her face burning with tears and courage. Her voice shook, but it was louder than the fireworks.
"Daikuhara-kun... I like you."
Her words hung in the cold night, bolder than she had ever been in her life.
Jousuke stared at her, the fireworks reflecting in his widened eyes. He opened his mouth, but she kissed him again before he could say a word.