[Chapter 27: Just the Two of Us]
Winter had turned the city into a snowy dream. The streets were decorated with lights, and couples walked hand in hand through the festive crowds. Among them today—Takumi and Yuri.
Takumi waited outside the station, black coat zipped up, hands tucked into his pockets. He glanced at his watch just as he heard soft footsteps.
"There you are," Yuri said, approaching with a gentle smile.
She wore a beige coat, fluffy scarf wrapped around her neck, and soft curls framing her face. She looked… stunning.
Takumi blinked. "...Wow."
"Hmm?" she tilted her head.
"You look like a snow fairy. Just—less icy and more cute."
Yuri flushed, caught off guard. "W-Well… you don't look bad yourself. You cleaned up."
Takumi smirked. "I always look good. You just finally noticed."
She rolled her eyes. "Sure, sure. Shall we go, Mr. Modest?"
[Stop 1: The Amusement Park]
The park was filled with laughter and flashing lights. They tried almost every ride—from the Ferris wheel to the spinning teacups.
On the rollercoaster, Yuri screamed while Takumi looked completely unbothered.
"You're way too calm!" she pouted, hair slightly messy afterward.
"I was screaming internally."
"Yeah? Show me your soul next time."
They shared cotton candy, and at the haunted house, Yuri clung to Takumi's arm the whole time.
"You weren't even scared," she said when they exited.
"Nope," he replied.
"Then why did you hold on to me halfway?"
"Cold fingers," he said coolly.
"Liar," she laughed.
[Stop 2: The Movie Theater]
They watched a light-hearted romance film.
Yuri laughed at all the cute moments, while Takumi leaned back quietly, sneaking glances at her glowing face during the funny scenes.
When their fingers brushed in the popcorn bucket, she didn't pull away.
Instead, she held his hand.
[Stop 3: Dinner]
The restaurant was cozy, candle-lit and warm. They shared pasta and dessert, teasing each other between bites.
"You eat like a prince," she said, amused.
"You eat like you skipped lunch."
"I did," she admitted with a grin.
Their conversation flowed easily. Every moment felt more intimate than the last.
When they stepped outside afterward, light snow had begun falling again.
[Walking Home: A Promise Remembered]
Takumi walked Yuri to her house under a silent sky of stars and snowflakes.
"Today was nice," she said softly. "Really… special."
"Yeah," he agreed. "Being with you made it feel like time slowed down."
She smiled, cheeks pink from both cold and his words. "And… remember what I said after the trip?"
Takumi raised an eyebrow. "About kissing me first?"
She stepped close, eyes shimmering. "I always keep my promises."
And before he could reply, Yuri leaned up and gently pressed her lips to his.
It was soft. Sweet. Short. But it sent warmth through Takumi like a spark in winter.
When she pulled back, both of them were blushing.
"…I think you cheated," Takumi muttered, flustered.
"Oh?" she teased, turning toward her door. "Then you can take revenge next time."
Takumi chuckled, shaking his head. "Count on it."
She smiled before heading inside, waving one last time.
Takumi stood there for a moment, touching his lips.
"…Yep. Caught feelings."