The two of them felt like they were trapped inside a fairytale. Jun carefully planned every movement, every step, determined to do everything right.
"Jun…"
"Yes? What is it?"
"Let's get something to drink… to warm up?"
"You're cold?" he asked, already taking off his coat.
"Relax," she laughed. "Calm down a bit."
"But you're cold. Here, take my coat."
"You don't need to, I'm fine. Come on, let's go."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," she smiled. "Come on."
She took his hand and led him to a drink stand. They got spiced mulled wine and sat under a tree. She settled into his arms, relaxing completely.
"You know, Jun… I used to dream about this moment. There were nights I couldn't sleep, just thinking about you."
He gently touched her face as she continued.
"I thought this would never happen… I thought you didn't like me…"
"Sorry… I'm sorry for being so cold to you," he said after a pause. "I was afraid of this feeling. These emotions are new to me."
She looked at him.
"You've never been in love before?"
"Never," he said, taking a sip. "You're my first… and my only one."
Those words made her feel like she was floating.
"You're my first love too…"
He kissed her forehead.
"Have you told Kenji?"
She looked down at her nearly empty cup.
"Not yet… and speaking of that, I want us to keep it a secret for now."
"What? You don't want—"
She placed her hand over his mouth.
"Just until after the holidays. I don't want to ruin anyone's New Year."
Jun didn't like it. He already knew he'd have to watch Kenji hugging her and touching her all the time during the trip.
"I don't know if I can do that," he said frustrated. "He's going to keep hugging you, wanting you… I don't think I can hold myself back."
"Jun… trust me. I won't let anything happen. I like you. Only you."
She kissed him.
"Do you trust me?"
He pulled her close, exhaling softly.
"I trust you… but now let's enjoy our night."
He took her to game stalls, ring toss, and fishing games. They had fun like children. The night was perfect. He treated her like a princess, and she became more and more enchanted.
"I don't want to let you go," he said when they arrived at her house.
"I don't want to either… but I have class tomorrow."
"Ah… my girl, so responsible. I love that."
"You're so cute," she said, hugging him. "I'll see you tomorrow, right?"
"Of course. Tomorrow… and the day after… and the day after that."
"Haha, you're silly. I'm going inside. Go home and rest."
"Good night."
"Good night, Jun…"
To avoid waking her parents, Sayuri walked in quietly and went upstairs. She changed into her pajamas and lay down, but she couldn't sleep. She was so happy her body refused to shut down. She picked up her phone and looked at their photo from the festival.
"He's so handsome… so caring," she sighed.
Her eyes were getting heavy, and just as she was about to fall asleep, a message appeared.
"I got home. I can't wait to see you tomorrow." — Kenji
"I should not reply now… I'll think about it tomorrow."
She turned off her phone and fell asleep hugging the teddy bear Jun had won for her.
The next morning, she was surprised: Kenji was waiting outside her house.
"Good morning," he said, hugging her immediately.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, pulling away.
"I missed you. I wanted to see you."
She looked into the car.
"Yume didn't come with you?"
He found it strange.
"Why would she come?"
"I don't know… I need to go to class."
"That's why I'm here. I'll take you."
Before getting in, she looked toward Jun's house, hoping to see him, but he was probably still asleep.
At college, Kenji tried to kiss her, but she turned away.
"So… ready for the holidays?"
"Yeah… it's going to be amazing and special for everyone."
"I'm excited too."
He hugged her.
"Good girl…"
"Hey, lovebirds," Yume said, getting out of a car. "Already excited?"
"Good morning, Yume."
"Hey, little apprentice, did you miss me?"
"Not at all," she replied.
Kenji hugged her teasingly.
"I know you did. You can't live without me."
"Haha, so full of yourself. Come on, Say, I want to show you something important."
"Hmm, secrets," Kenji said. "Have a good class, girls."
Yume leaned toward Sayuri and whispered:
"Aren't you going to kiss him?"
"Not now… let's go," Sayuri replied, uncomfortable.
In class, Yume opened her laptop excitedly.
"Look at this," she said. "I created a website for the boys. They can upload their music and receive fan comments."
Sayuri lit up immediately, knowing how important this would be for Jun.
"That's amazing, Yume. They're going to love it. Are you going to show them?"
"Yes. It'll be a surprise. On New Year's Eve, we'll upload the first song."
"Wow… that's going to be really special. You really think of everything."
"You're coming with me today, right? To tell them?"
Sayuri didn't hesitate. It was a chance to see Jun again.
Jun arrived at the studio and immediately apologized to Kenji.
"Sorry about the other day… I lost control. I didn't mean to hurt you."
Kenji shook his hand.
"It's fine. I understand. But you need to move on now, Jun. Forget about Sayuri."
Jun nodded, grabbing a beer.
"And your arm? You good?"
"Yeah… I'm fine. You're weak, you didn't hurt me much," Kenji joked. "But your arm looks bad."
"It's better now. I had a good nurse," Jun said, smiling.
They sat on the couch and waited.
"So, what is that little girl up to now?" Jun asked.
"No idea… but knowing Yume, anything is possible."
On the way to the studio, Sayuri couldn't hold herself back. She wanted to get there as fast as possible.
When she opened the door, she smiled instantly. Jun was there, tuning his mic.
"Juuuun!" Yume shouted. "How are you? I heard you got hurt."
"I'm fine. And you guys?" he asked.
"Better now," Sayuri said softly.
Yume noticed and found it interesting.
"Sit here, I want to show you something," she said.
Jun sat next to Sayuri and discreetly held her hand.
"So… I created a website for the band."
"Seriously?" Kenji said excitedly. "That's amazing, Yume!"
"Yes. I'll upload photos and songs. The first track will be released on New Year's Eve."
"That's incredible. More people will hear our music," Jun said.
"You're amazing!" Kenji added.
While she explained everything, Yume noticed Jun and Sayuri's hands touching—but said nothing.
"Jun, come on, let's grab drinks and snacks," Kenji said. "We'll be right back."
Once they left, Yume turned to Sayuri.
"Do you have something to tell me?"
"What? I don't understand."
"You and Jun. What's going on?" she asked, teasing.
"Nothing, Yume… nothing is going on."
Yume closed the laptop.
"Don't lie to me. I saw you holding hands. Don't play dumb…"
And so, unable to escape anymore, Sayuri told her everything.