Chapter BGM:
"Best Part" by Daniel Caesar ft. H.E.R.(Because some people don't need to say "I love you" to mean it.)
"Nuvole Bianche" – Ludovico Einaudi(For quiet rooms, glowing pendants, and the promises you wear close to your heart.)
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"Some people give you stars. Others teach you how to wear them close to your heart."
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She reached into her bag and pulled out a small box.
"New Year's gift," she said, handing it to him.
Nolan's eyes lit up. "Can I open it?"
"Go ahead." She nodded, a bit nervous.
She wasn't sure if he'd like it.
He opened the lid and tilted the box into his palm. A thin silver chain spilled out—simple, elegant. Hanging from it was a small jade charm and a gold-edged cross.
The style was subtle but familiar. The kind Southern and Southeast Asian boys often wore—for protection, for peace.
"It's been blessed," she murmured, eyes down. "Nothing fancy… Jett has the same one. I just… want you both to stay safe."
When he didn't reply, she grew flustered.
"I saw the cross in your diamond earring," she added quickly. "Thought maybe this would match."
Nolan stared at the necklace for a long moment.
How could she say it wasn't worth much?
He could tell right away—the jade was high-grade, the carving was exquisite, warm and translucent. And the gold detailing? Not off-the-shelf. It was from the most exclusive line at Jett's family goldsmith—a piece only insiders knew to ask for.
This wasn't just a gift.
It was thoughtful. Deliberate. Quiet care in silver and gold.
He closed his hand around it and smiled, voice low like the wind.
"You really… know how to hit me right in the heart."
Celeste froze.
She hadn't meant for him to see through it so easily. The blessing was from their usual feng shui master, the design picked with Jett's help. All she did was choose the style and wrap the box.
She didn't expect Nolan to recognize just how much it meant.
For a second, she didn't know what to do with her hands.
But then he smiled—gently, as if to save her from her own overthinking.
She opened her mouth to speak, but he beat her to it.
He pulled out a small velvet box from his coat and handed it over.
"I got you something too."
She took it, lifted the lid—
Inside sat a glittering Saturn pendant, encrusted with diamonds. The ring sparkled like frozen light, and a tiny golden moon was tucked along its edge. A halo of micro-gems danced in red, green, and blue—like orbiting stars.
"Vivienne Westwood?" she gasped. "How'd you even get this model?"
"Had a friend bring it from London," Nolan said, watching her.
She leaned closer, suspicious. "You sure your friend could get a limited custom model?"
He cleared his throat, a little awkward.
"My cousins get jewelry custom-made every year. I saw it in a Japanese magazine… figured you'd like it."
"I love it. Like, really love it!" she cut him off, eyes sparkling.
Nolan grinned, voice soft as sea breeze.
"You're like the center of my orbit. Without you, I'd get lost."
Her lashes fluttered. She bit her lip, then whispered:
"Then you'd better not lose me."
She'd gotten gifts from guys before—but this one felt different. Not flashy. Not performative.
It was expensive, yes, but quiet in its intent. Intimate in its delivery.
Even a girl as spoiled as Celeste felt just a little unsure what to do.
"May I?" he asked softly.
She nodded. "Of course."
She picked up his necklace while he bent slightly forward. He took the Saturn pendant from her hands.
Together, they put the chains around each other's necks.
When his fingers brushed the back of her neck, her skin felt warm and delicate.
When her hands reached behind him, she could feel the heat under his collar.
Her pendant settled over her collarbone, gently swaying. A few strands of hair framed her neckline like silk threads.
The scent of her—light and floral—wrapped around him like a slow tide.
Nolan's fingers curled slightly, like he was holding something back.
As she reached behind his neck, their eyes met for just a moment—soft, unspoken, and steady.
The kind of look that didn't need words. The kind that stayed.
The cold night didn't make them flinch.
He stood in a custom white shirt, the platinum chain gleaming against his skin.
She wore her little Saturn pendant, shining like it belonged on her.
Then suddenly, she laughed—and jumped up to hug him.
"Happy New Year!"
It was the kind of hug that felt polite. Proper.
So he held back, gently wrapping his arms around her instead.
"Happy New Year," he said, voice soft like waves on shore.
She smiled, gave a lazy wave, and turned to go inside.
The hallway light flicked on. She didn't look back—but she could feel him still standing there.
Then she turned. Just for a second.
And saw him—leaning on the car like he never left. Like he never forgot.
The last light clicked off behind her.
Nolan didn't leave until the lights did.
That night, Nolan returned home with a rare lightness in his step.
He greeted his parents with quiet warmth, kissed them on the cheek, and simply said,"Happy New Year."
Then he sat down, slowly unpacking the bag of gifts—sharing stories about his friends, the fireworks, the late-night food stall, and how Celeste had wrapped a little jade charm just for him.
It wasn't loud. It wasn't dramatic.
But something had quietly shifted.
For once, he didn't ask for silence.
Didn't flinch at the sound of fireworks echoing outside.
He just sat there, smiling. Present.
He looked in the mirror and didn't just see silver.
He saw her.
And for once, he didn't feel alone.
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"Somewhere down the hallway, Mai leaned against the wall, arms crossed, listening to the muffled laughter inside.
He didn't say a word. Just let out a small breath of relief.
For now, all was well."