Merry Christmas

The lights were bright, and the air was cold. He could hear Christmas carols in the background with a frivolous atmosphere. What did all this matter to Kirihara Akaya, anyway? Nothing. It meant nothing. He had never actually liked this holiday. Christmas was always so boring. Just gifts, gifts, and more gifts.
Kirihara sighed. He might as well go back home to where his family was partying. What else could he do? The eighth grader had snuck out of the house to get a break from all the celebration, just to be met by the same – maybe even more intense – manner.
He walked on toward his house but suddenly stopped. Hesitating for a second, he figured it was just his imagination.
“…Kirihara-kun!” A voice in the background was heard. Akaya whipped around and was met with the sweet smile of Tachibana An.
“O-oh, hey.” His face became pink as he stared at her. Wait, what the hell am I doing? He snapped out of his short daze.
“Why the face? It’s Christmas!” An said, grinning. She was wearing a Santa hat, a puffy jacket, and regular jeans. Akaya couldn’t help but stare at her.
“H-huh? It’s nothing,” he replied, looking away.
“Okay, well then, let’s go get some hot chocolate!”
“Whaaaat???”
“What?”
“Uh, fine…”
An smiled. “And then let’s take a walk… somewhere!”
So she was practically saying “Let’s go on a date!” Well, Akaya didn’t really mind all that much, but weren’t their feelings for each other totally and only friendly?

---

The warm beverage was sweet and delicious. The two of them sipped their cups in silence walking side-by-side on a bridge.
“So why aren’t you at home celebrating with your family?” An inquired.
“It’s none – “ Akaya thought carefully about what he was going to say. “Um, I got tired of celebrating and wanted some fresh air.”
“Hmm….”
“Wh-what about you?”
“Me? Well, about the same reason as yours.” She smiled, but was she really telling the truth?
He looked at her with a skeptic look.
“Wh-what?? I’m serious!” she insisted. “My family celebrates as if it’s their last party! And – well –“ she struggled for words. “Why do you care so much, anyway?”
“Hm? Oh… nothing…” Akaya smirked.
“You still don’t believe me! Argh!” An was frustrated – very frustrated. He could tell by how she swung her arms around everywhere, and the way her eyes were. “See, my family celebr-“ She stopped abruptly as Akaya’s face came closer to hers. They were not three inches away. Two inches… An’s eyes closed.
“Akaya’s heart beat faster and faster. One inch… He could feel her hand tense up in his. One more centimeter. After what seemed like an hour, their lips brushed against each other.
An pulled away, red in the face. They were still holding hands, though not conscious of it. She looked into his face.
Akaya wasn’t sure what to do now. Should he run, or should he strike up a conversation? That was his first kiss. “So, uh…”
She smiled. “Merry Christmas!” An gave him a little kiss on the cheek. Turning, he walked away.
He just stared and stared at the distancing figure of Tachibana An. “Merry Christmas.”

~ Shloe-sama

Written on December 25, 2006
Typed up on January 11, 2007