Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

How strange… Soyo thought.

She was used to being alone in the huge penthouse where she and her mother lived. It once felt like no one really lived there at all. And yet, in just a week, Soyo felt like a lot had changed.

Anon had stayed over the past week, citing some family matter.

Soyo reluctantly agreed in exchange for Anon helping her with the chores. And there was nothing overtly changing there. They cleaned, cooked together, and washed the laundry, basic stuff.

However, with Anon gone now, something felt different.

No, it wasn’t like she missed the pink-haired girl already.

Soyo shook her head, sitting on the sofa.

“Aah, Soyorin~ your sofa is cozy. Let’s watch something together~”

Her gaze then fell on the bookshelf.

“You’ve got an interesting collection here. Do you mind if I borrow one?”

“Why? I thought you only read textbooks.” Soyo teased.

“That’s mean. I read novels too. Besides, I want to know what you like.”

Soyo frowned, her cheeks warming at the memory.

She walked to her bedroom, hoping to finally get some rest, only for the emptiness to resonate again when she saw only her bed, and no futon lay on the floor.

“Can’t I really sleep on your bed, Soyorin~?” Anon asked with puppy eyes.

But Soyo was firm.

“No. What did you bring the futon for if you’re only going to sleep on my bed in the end?”

“Eeh~ we’ve got a whole week. Just once, please?”

Soyo sighed. The penthouse now reeks of Anon. Every corner does. And she couldn’t decide if that was comforting or unbearable. And now she was feeling…

She shook her head again, not wanting to give life to the word she was thinking, and acknowledge it.

“But maybe, I should’ve let Anon sleep on the bed with me at least once, after all.”

Chapter Text

Warmth enveloped her as consciousness slowly returned. Anon caught the familiar floral scent of the sheet and the soft comforter over her body.

She stirred gently, contemplating whether to open her eyes or maybe not yet. It was a weekend anyway, and she could sleep in as much as she liked. Or so she thought, until her elbow brushed against another beside her.

Anon finally opened her eyes to confirm what she already suspected.

Soyorin… Hmm~

Should’ve opened my eyes sooner.

Soyo had stayed over at her place, and somehow shared the bed with her, with little pleading needed from Anon.

Did she even plead at all? Anon only proposed the idea, and Soyo agreed, much to her surprise.

“I have a futon ready here, if that’s what you were worried about.”

“Lay down before I change my mind.”

“O-Oh, okay, sorry.”

How strange. But maybe she was making up for last time? She wondered to herself.

She carefully brushed a strand of hair behind Soyo’s ear.

There, I could see her face better.

Soyo’s face was serene, a small smile resting on her lips, her eyes relaxed even in sleep.

How beautiful.

Anon unconsciously smiled to herself. The world felt still, and watching Soyo still sleeping soundly in her bed felt so right. She felt her eyelids get heavy again, and she drifted off again with her hand on top of Soyo’s.

Chapter Text

Whose idea was it to shoot their MV more than two hours away from Tokyo?

It shouldn’t even be a question.

The whole idea of creating an MV itself started with the same person. It was none other than Chihaya Anon. And while they were mostly opposed to the idea, turning the tables was a domino effect.

It started with Tomori wanting to try it, Raana getting baited with treats, and Taki finding it agreeable that an MV could be another way to showcase Tomori’s voice and lyrics.

Anon really has a way of turning the tables to her way.

And what about Soyo? She didn’t even get a chance to agree.

“At this flow of things, don’t think you could still reject the idea, Soyorin~”

The pink-haired girl should have at least offered her something, right?

The train swayed gently along the tracks, the rhythmic clatter filling the quiet cabin as the city lights outside blurred by.

Soyo subtly glanced at her side, where Anon was happily checking the photos she had taken with her phone throughout the day. She said she was looking for photos to post in their account later, as a teaser for the MV. The video camera itself was already kept inside her bag, also for her to check later.

Just how much energy does this girl have?

“Ahh, maybe I’ll just choose this one, then this one…”

Normally, Anon would also ask for their opinion on which photo would be good to post. But, looking around, Soyo found the three already dozing off. They were sitting across from them. Raana and Tomori were both leaning on Taki’s shoulders, while Taki herself had her head leaning on the backrest.

A giggle escaped her lips, finding Taki’s situation amusing.

Snap.

The sound caught Soyo off guard. Turning to her right, she saw an equally stunned pink-haired girl with her phone still held up.

“What was that, Anon-chan?” she whispered sharply. Her glare made Anon lean back, tucking away her phone.

“Hehe… sorry, couldn’t help it.”

“Delete that right this instant.”

Soyo leaned closer, attempting to grab the phone from Anon’s pocket.

Anon then swiftly slipped an earbud into Soyo’s ear, grinning. “Please accept this as my apology,” she said as soft music started playing from it.

Soyo sighed in defeat. “This doesn’t feel enough for what you’ve taken.”

Anon patted her lap. “You can take this.” Then tapped her shoulder. “Or this if you like. I recommend the lap; more comfy.”

Soyo wanted to glare, but the smile and sincerity on the girl’s face softened her instead. She gave in, resting her head on Anon’s lap. She felt Anon tensed for a moment, seemingly surprised by her choice.

“If you take another picture, the payment will be more expensive,” Soyo whispered before letting herself drift off to sleep with the music still playing in her ear.

Chapter Text

Anon found herself in a daze the whole day.

She may have attended lectures, but she absorbed nothing of value. Her mind was still stuck, looping the events that led to her morning earlier.

She was working late finalizing a design assessment due the next day. She was so focused since getting back to her dorm room that she overlooked the time, nor did she realize when her roommate had returned.

Anon was worried about what she felt was missing from the dress. She had been sketching alternatives, trying different colors, pairing various accessories, yet she wasn't satisfied.

What could it be?

But then, she felt weak when something savory filled her senses. She recognized tomato, some herbs, and broth.

Soup... hmm...

Her stomach grumbled at the smell. Only then did she realize she hadn't eaten since lunch.

"Finally caught your attention."

Anon turned to the source of the voice, only to see her roommate staring at her with a frown.

"S-Soyorin! Since when did you get back? Aah, first, welcome home."

Soyo grunted, returning her gaze to the pot.

"As you can see, I've been here long enough to finish preparing my ingredients for this," Soyo answered, pointing her ladle at the arrangement of the remaining vegetables she hadn’t put in the pot, and the pasta.

"S-Sorry. I was just stuck here."

"Well, that's fine. I understand. But make sure you eat on time. Seriously, what are you gonna do if I weren't your roommate?"

Anon smiled, watching her cook. Soyo was still sharp with her words even after they got into university. But the fact that the brunette had agreed to be her roommate showed how much Soyo had softened up to her.

"I simply won't let that happen. I'll make sure you will be my roommate even if they change the dorm rule to randomized roommate assignments."

Soyo didn't answer to that, but to Anon, the hints of red at the tip of her ears were enough.

They ate the minestrone Soyo cooked. Then Anon continued, and Soyo also worked on her own papers, not before making tea for both of them.

Morning came, and Anon surprisingly found herself in bed.

Did Soyorin help me get here...?

She got up and saw her stirring on her bed as well. Then suddenly, Soyo sat up, eyes closed, a few strands of hair on her face.

Anon was going to brush them back when Soyo slowly lifted her gaze to her.

"Anon-chan~" she whispered.

And like a sun just about to rise, Soyo’s lips curved into the sweetest half-asleep smile Anon had ever seen.

Her heart pounded, alerting her body. On the other hand, Soyo was still smiling at her, but looked like she was going to fall back asleep.

"S-Soyorin...?"

As if on cue, Soyo lay down again, a smile still on her face. And that sweet smile remained in her mind for the rest of the day.

Chapter Text

There were almost no quiet evenings for Soyo since starting university, since becoming roommates with Anon.

The only nights when it would be quiet would be when Anon had a design assignment or presentation to do. Not totally quiet, though. Her usual chit-chat would be replaced with hums, groans, scribbling, and frustrations.

Soyo realized she would much prefer the chit-chat to watching her struggle with herself.

Tonight, however, it was completely silent. Her roommate hadn't gone back yet, but it's not that late. Anon only said she'll be a little late.

Soyo began preparing dinner. Just a bit late meant Anon would still eat dinner with her. She has worked hard lately.

So, maybe, it would be just right to let her have this.

She brought out the salmon she’d marinated for a smoky flavor yesterday. She planned it since the last time Anon didn't even notice her come in.

For once, I could spoil her, she told herself, but that for once was a lie, and she knows it.

Soyo made use of what they had and the limitations set by the dormitory. She only used the air fryer. It should still be good enough... and Soyo did not want Anon to think that she tried hard for her.

When Anon finally came home, the girl immediately recognized the smell.

"Soyorin! Smoked salmon?!"

"Yes. And welcome home Anon-chan."

Soyo took notice of the guitar case on her back.

"Oh, I went for maintenance. I gotta be ready for our next rehearsal."

"Right right. Hurry. Dinner's ready."

"Yey!"

Dinner was delightful. Not for its taste, but for the smile of the person enjoying the food she made. Not that she would admit it. It was enough that Anon knew she made it because it was Anon’s favorite.

Chapter Text

"Have you ever thought about it, Soyorin?"

"Thought about what?"

Anon smiled. She only wanted to check if Soyo was still awake, thus the question. But what now? She didn't actually plan for anything.

The band had gone on a camp, and they were separated into two tents. She and Soyo were in one, Tomori, Raana, and Taki on the other one.

It was the last day, and Anon couldn’t sleep. Soyo is known for sleeping early, so she totally didn't expect her to answer.

Anon stirred on the futon, turning to face Soyo. Much to her surprise, Soyo was already facing her direction.

"Have you ever thought of what if we never met?"

Yes, it was a follow-up. But it was not like it just came out of her mind to suddenly ask. More like, she pulled out from the archives of her what-ifs and brought it to Soyo.

There was barely any light, so she couldn't make out what face Soyo was making.

When Soyo still didn't answer, Anon continued.

"I may not have formed a band at all. Then maybe, you succeeded in reuniting CRYCHIC. Then who knows, I'd still be able to be friends with Tomorin, and she invites me to watch your live. Only then would I get to see you."

Anon felt her throat dry up the more she thought about it.

"...." She caught Soyo exhale, and was still looking at her.

"I'll probably think— aah…" Anon felt a lump in her throat, then a hand on top of hers.

"I wouldn't have succeeded in forming CRYCHIC again, whether we met or not," Soyo whispered.

The softness in her voice tugged something in Anon, as if tightening her chest even more.

"But I'd like to think one way or another we would still meet..." Soyo entwined their fingers together. "And that we would still arrive where we are now... Together."

She couldn't see it. But Anon could feel how Soyo's gaze was intensely on her. And what seemed to be a smile on her face. And, she couldn't help a tear rolling down her face.

Her heart ached for the what if there could've been any chance that Soyo would not choose to be with her. But what she just said spread warmth inside her.

This was the same person who used to say she didn't need her.

"Soyorin."

"Yes?"

Anon pressed their foreheads together and whispered, "No matter the universe, I'll come find you and love you."

Chapter Text

With their finals approaching, Soyo had been busy studying with her classmates.

Their band had also agreed to cut back on practice sessions for a while. Taki constantly treated Raana with sweets and promised they would have a live show as soon as everyone passed their exams.

Being in their third year of high school made the exams more challenging and important because it affected their chances of getting into a good university. Because of this, Soyo was more exhausted than usual from having to keep up her façade during study sessions with her classmates.

Strangely, she felt more comfortable around her band members now, especially a certain pink-haired girl. Speaking of which, she hadn't spoken to her in some time. It was odd because, even when they weren't meeting up as a band, Anon would still find ways to talk with her.

Maybe Anon-chan was simply busy studying, too.

Soyo pulled out her phone and wondered if she should maybe surprise Anon this time. Maybe something like, “If you're studying too much, stop that. You're already smart enough.”

But before Soyo could even type a message, a chat came in.

"I want to see you."

And again, before Soyo could even react, the message was removed and only read as “Unsent message.”

Soyo stared at the text for a minute. She was on her way home, in the middle of the crowded street, towards the train station. And suddenly, the world seemed to quiet down, leaving only the sound of her pounding heart.

The next moment, Soyo found herself walking towards Anon’s house, taking the train to get there, and walking a little more until she was in front of their gate.

Then she rang the doorbell. Anon answered the door and froze the moment Soyo saw her. "Soyorin."

"You do have your cute side to you, Anon-chan, " she teased.

But in fact, they both had the same warm smile upon seeing each other.

Chapter Text

Anon had fallen asleep on her table again.

Since becoming roommates, Soyo had become a witness to how hard Anon actually works.

The pink-haired girl always buried herself at her desk doing her design homework or presentation until she finished them, regardless of whether she ate on time or slept on her bed.

And now she did it again.

Seriously, this girl…

"Anon-chan," she called, leaning close. "Move to your bed."

She only got a low murmur. The girl was really asleep.

Soyo gathered her remaining strength to move Anon to the bed. But as she lay her down, her strength gave out, and she ended up falling on top of Anon.

Her heart pounded, in contrast to the quiet heartbeats from Anon’s chest. She wondered what it would be like to keep her close and stay forever, even after they graduate.

Soyo covered Anon with a blanket as she finally got off her.

"Once you wake up, I'll demand you spoil me for the day."

Chapter Text

In the midst of a cold night, Anon was awakened, unable to sleep.

She felt her temperature had finally gone down. She took her phone and immediately typed in a message.

"Soyorin~ my fever's down. I can probably come to practice tomorrow."

Sent.

I just needed rest after all.

She almost walked out of her room when she noticed the plastic bags on her desk.

"Hmm?"

When she went to check on it, she saw fruits and medicine inside, and a note.

"Your mom let me in, so I cooked porridge. You can reheat it if you're hungry when you wake up. It's in the fridge. -Soyorin"

Anon chuckled at how Soyo wrote the nickname she gave her. The next moment, her eyes widened in realization.

Wait! Soyorin was here???

A buzz from her phone snapped her back before she could dwell on that. Another surprise. It was past midnight, and Soyo was calling her? Soyo, do not stay up late.

She answered the phone, and before she could say anything, Soyo spoke first.

"Don't think about practice yet. Recover first," came her sharp voice, sounding like a warning.

"Soyorin? Why are you still awake?"

"Because someone supposedly sick suddenly messaged me as I was falling asleep."

"Ah, haha… You're right. I didn't think of the time. I just thought you should know first."

There was a pause on the other line, and Anon couldn't even hear Soyo's breath.

Is she even breathing?

"Soyorin, are you okay?"

"I-I’m fine. You're the sick one here. I should be the one asking that," Soyo replied quickly.

"Yeah, I'm feeling a lot better now. I saw your note.” Anon smiled, eyes wandering back to the note Soyo left. “Thank you. I'll eat some porridge now."

"Good then. Then make sure you rest more. Good night."

"Good night~."

Then Soyo cut the line. It was as if Soyo only waited to say good night too, and was hurrying to end the conversation.

Was she coming down with a cold as well?

Soyo was already caring for her even before they started dating. The only difference was that it was coated with indifference, so she didn't suspect much back then, yet. But now, Anon could tell... Soyo probably already loved her even then.

Chapter Text

Soyo hates the rain.

It wasn't the typical "rainy days are so troublesome" kind of rain. The dark skies, the heavy downpour, wet studio floor... disbandment...

The rain brings her back to that day when everything fell apart for CRYCHIC.

"Ah, Soyorin. I'm glad you're still here."

The bright, cheerful voice of her bandmate brought her back.

She's really keeping that nickname...

Soyo had resolved to stay with her new band now. Tomori never let go of her hand, and this pink-haired girl also pulled her back. And now, her being called with a nickname felt like a step closer to each other, but she wouldn't admit that.

Soyo wasn't even sure yet if she could call them friends already.

"Oiii~ Soyorin, were you listening?"

"No,” she admitted. “What was it, Anon-chan?"

"Eeh, you really weren't listening? Okay fine. I was asking if you know..."

The rain. Anon fidgeting. Herself with an umbrella in her hand, about to go home.

Ah...

"You didn't have your own umbrella?" Soyo asked, putting the puzzle pieces together.

Their band practice had just finished. Raana went off somewhere, while Taki took Tomori home upon seeing the girl a little feverish.

Soyo and Anon had already bid farewell to each other earlier, which was why Soyo was already on her way. Now, Anon had chased after her.

"Well, I did have my umbrella..."

"You did? Then, what happened?"

"I just remembered, I left it for the kittens at the back of the school earlier... I couldn’t take them home, so that was the least I could do, right?"

Soyo only stared at her for a moment, blinked once, then twice.

"Pfft."

"Ehh?"

Soyo covered her mouth, trying to hold back a laugh.

"What's so funny about that?" Anon whined, brows knitted.

"I don't know if that's stupid or heroic."

"Ha??? What would be stupid there?"

Soyo exhaled, relieved from her laughter. Instead of answering, she opened her umbrella and then looked at Anon.

"Aren't you coming?"

Anon pouted but joined in anyway. "Let me carry it."

"No."

"Why?"

They started walking, barely matching each other's pace as Anon tried to hold the umbrella. Soyo remained firm and said, "I'm taller than you. So, I should be the one holding."

"Excuse me??? Taller than me? Just two centimeters difference!" Anon exclaimed, pulling the umbrella to her side.

"That is still a two-centimeter difference. And stop pulling. My shoulder is getting wet."

Anon was in defeat and didn't say anything more.

Soyo sighed, finally, back with peace. Or so she thought.

Anon held on to her umbrella again, but this time not on the body, but on top of her hand by the handle.

"Hehe~." The pink-haired girl smiled widely at her, letting a fang show.

"What are you doing, Anon-chan?"

"This way, we're both holding it. Both our wins~."

"It's not about winning or losing. It's about logic, Anon-chan."

"Ehh~ but you can't deny it's warmer this way." Anon tilted her head to her, keeping their arms stuck with each other.

“....” Soyo glared but loosened her expression the next moment.

"Do as you please."

"Yey!"

In the end, they were both a little wet on one side of their shoulder. And yet, it had been the warmest rain Soyo had had in a while.

Chapter Text

It's December 24th. Thanks to Anon’s persistence and her success in sparking the idea in Tomori as well, they managed to convince the rest of the band to have a Christmas party.

Naturally, Anon also convinced Soyo to host it at her penthouse. She knew it was unfair to involve Soyo's mother, but when asked why she had her contact number, she simply said, "She gave it to me," which was true, but there was more to it—something Soyo didn't need to hear yet.

"Anyway, it's fine, right? Even your mom said it's better than you being alone on the 24th."

When Anon asked Soyo's mother for permission to hold the party at the penthouse, she was more than happy. She felt bad about working on the 24th and could only go home and spend Christmas with Soyo on the 25th.

"You're a lifesaver! I can breathe easy now," Soyo's mother said. Anon could hear her relief and excitement through the phone.

"Don't worry! Leave Soyorin to me!" was her response.  

"Suit yourself," Soyo finally said, defeated. "But don't expect me to put up any decorations."

"That's fine, I’ll handle that!"

Anon cheerfully planned everything with everyone two weeks in advance—who would bring what, games to play, movies to watch, and help with the decorations.

"I want to do band," Raana said.

"Did you mean playing together during the party?"

Raana nodded, beaming at them.

"Waaah! That's a great idea, Raana-chan!" But then she looked at Soyo. "Would it bother your neighbors?"

"It should be okay, as long as we don’t overdo it."

"Yay!" Anon and Raana cheered, sharing a high five.

"I'll bring some percussion instruments, too," Taki said, unexpectedly excited.

Usually, Anon would tease Taki about that, but she held back, seeing her smile at Tomori, who was asking her what she could help with. They all seemed excited, even Raana, who was usually indifferent and mostly bribed with snacks, made that suggestion.

She then turned her gaze to Soyo, whose greyish-blue eyes stared back with a relaxed but slightly flustered expression. Soyo looked away a second later, and so did Anon, her heart pounding a little for reasons she wouldn't admit aloud.

When the day arrived, Anon came to Soyo's penthouse much earlier than everyone else.

"I need to put up the decorations before everyone gets here!" she said before Soyo could ask.

"Sure, sure. Come in."

The heater was already on when Anon entered. She hung up the decorations she brought, including cutouts, store-bought items, and some she made herself.

"I take pride in my arts and crafts," she declared proudly to Soyo, who somehow started helping her.

"Right, right, but you still lack some sense. I'm sure you're planning to post a photo on our social media."

"Of course, that’s part of it. But mostly, I just enjoy doing this for everyone."

"...I see."

Not so long ago, Anon first visited Soyo's penthouse. Back then, it was around the beginning of summer, quite different from the cold winter now. It was also because she wanted to talk about the band and confront Soyo about recent events then.

Now, it was all in the past, but Anon couldn’t help feeling nostalgic about their progress. Maybe she’d even gotten close to Soyo. And perhaps she should start thinking more carefully about her feelings. Or should she just be impulsive?

Hmm... No, definitely not. And that’s not something to think about right now, or at least, that was what she told herself.

They spent a quiet time together, resting after putting up the decorations. Their Christmas party followed as soon as everyone arrived. It went by quickly, and everyone stayed over, exhausted from the celebration.

Who wouldn't be? They ate, played games, jammed together, and talked a lot. Tomori even started writing lyrics, while Taki and Raana composed music. Anon secretly took photos of everyone before helping Soyo wash the dishes.

"You can leave me here. You still need to put away the decorations," Soyo said, eyes on the plate she was scrubbing.

"Ehhh... those can stay a few more days."

"Huh? Why?"

Anon made her way beside Soyo and began rinsing the soap away from the glasses Soyo had finished scrubbing. "Your mom asked me to. She’d like to see them more now that she knows you helped me."

"How does she know about you decorating? And even about me helping?"

"We just chatted a little while ago, you know." She grinned at Soyo proudly.

"Ugh... I can't believe you're friends with my mom now. Seriously."

A bit of foam landed on her arm, as Soyo scrubbed harder.

"Hehe~ I guess I do have a natural charm."

Soyo placed a plate on top of her hands. "Yes, yes. Now get moving."

When they finished washing, they returned to find everyone else already asleep under the kotatsu.

"Ahh, I guess it’s really late now."

"Yeah. Looks like everyone had fun… Thanks for suggesting it, Anon-chan."

Soyo's voice was so soft that Anon found herself glancing at her. Soyo’s relaxed, drooping eyes and warm smile caught her heart. For a moment, all she could hear was her heartbeat. She only snapped out of it when Soyo spoke again.

"W-We should also be sleeping soon, Anon-chan," Soyo said, turning towards her bedroom.

"Y-Yes."

Watching Soyo go into her room, Anon felt a twinge of sadness. It was a reminder that the night was coming to a close.

She hadn’t even said good night.

But then Soyo reappeared with blankets in her arms. "Help me put these on."

"O-Oh, of course."

They each tucked a blanket over their friends and themselves, leaving two for her and...

Oh?

Soyo slid under the remaining spot at the kotatsu and covered herself with her blanket. "Aren't you sleeping yet, Anon-chan?"

Anon blinked twice, processing the moment. Then she finally said, "Y-Yeah, of course."

She took the last spot beside Soyo.

"Merry Christmas, Soyorin," she said as she lay down beside her.

"Merry Christmas, Anon-chan."

They drifted off to sleep, feeling the warmth of each other, side by side, in a space shared with everyone.

Chapter Text

This was their first Christmas together as a couple. Unlike last year when their band was able to spend the 24th together for a Christmas party, they couldn't do it on the same day, instead moved it to the 25th.

Everyone was fine with it, maybe even happy for Soyo, since her mother would be able to spend the day with her this time. Anon, on the other hand, had also checked with Soyo several times to see if she was okay with a date on the 23^rd, even on the day itself.

"We're already here waiting for our food. What part of this is still hard to believe?" Soyo asked, brows knitted, chin resting on her palm.

"It's just that I wouldn't mind a house date.” Anon shifted in her seat, looking from side to side. “I'm worried about your limited social energy."

This idiot.

"If you want to cancel our date right now, I'll just go home then."

Soyo pushed her chair, standing up, pretending to leave, but Anon quickly pulled on her sleeve.

"I'm sorry. Please don't leave," the pink-haired smiled with her pleading puppy grey eyes.

Soyo felt a little guilty when she caught a hint of panic in Anon’s eyes. She sat back and took her hand that was pulling her sleeve.

"Then please know that I agreed to have this date with you, Anon-chan, because I wanted to.” She locked eyes with Anon, holding her hand firmly.

Soyo sighed, her tone softening as she said, “Forget about social energy. I want to go to the places you want to go, together. I do have girlfriend energy… in case you didn’t know." Her thumb traced circles at the back of Anon’s palm.

They stared at each other for a whole moment before they both averted each other's gaze with equally pink cheeks.

"Okay, got it," Anon said, giving her a timid nod, lips curved into a small smile.

Soyo could only hum, covering her mouth. I can’t believe I really just said that!

That restaurant was the first stop on their date. Anon had a reservation beforehand, so they wouldn't have to wait in line.

Next stop was an art museum. It wasn't a usual date spot for teenage couples, but that was exactly why.

"Do you find it surprising, Soyorin?" Anon asked, tilting her head in her direction.

"Maybe, a little. I thought you'd be all for popular date spots. Then again, you also avoid mainstream."

"You know me well now, Soyorin."

"S-Shut up."

Anon giggled. "But more than that, this place is perfect. Not so crowded, we can enjoy ourselves peacefully. And also, a way for me to show some of my interests to you."

"I-I see."

It was indeed quiet once they were inside. Anon guided her around the place and pointed out some of her favorites. Artsy Anon was a side she barely knew. It was a contrast to her loud, dorky self. Not that she minded any of them. This Anon was also naturally cool. But she won't tell her that.

Next stop was a park. Anon walked her around the flower field before taking a break on a nearby bench. When Anon was about to go off to buy food, Soyo stopped her.

"I brought some food." Soyo lifted the bag she'd been carrying, showing it to Anon.

"O-Oh, so that's why you've been carrying that. What is it?" Anon sat back down beside her. As Soyo pulled out the box wrapped in plastic, she saw Anon's eyes light up.

"Fruit sandwiches, from that same store where we bought them for your birthday."

"Wow! Really? I love those! Thank you, Soyorin!"

"They even mentioned how much they’d improved it since last time. So, let's see."

Her heart warmed at how Anon’s smile widened when she revealed it. The fruit sandwiches indeed tasted better than last time, but they weren't nearly as sweet as her girlfriend's smile.

The last spot of their date was the nearby amusement park. It was the most crowded place they've been to for the day. Anon even looked hesitant when she mentioned it, knowing there would be a long line for the Ferris wheel. Even with her advanced booking of the ticket, they still needed to line up for the ride itself.

"You're right, I usually dislike this kind of place. If I wanted a view from a high place, I could just look out my window."

"Right?" Anon said, dejected.

Soyo reached a hand to her pink hair and brushed off some snow. She let out a giggle and said, "But, as I said, I have girlfriend energy. And it's not running out anytime soon."

And maybe, just for today, she was spoiling Anon. There shouldn't be anything wrong with that. They're a couple anyway.

Anon finally smiled, a tint of red present on her cheeks.

Soyo smiled back, poking her cheek. “Since becoming my girlfriend, you’ve really become much more considerate, haven’t you?”

The cheek she was poking puffed out. “Hey, I’ve always been considerate.”

I know~ she said internally, but what only came out was, “And pushy at the same time.”

Soyo raised her eyebrows at her, daring her to say otherwise. But instead, Anon giggled. And soon after, Soyo did, too, until they were both laughing together. They held hands throughout the line that way, which later settled into talking about various things. Before they knew it, they were already next in line.

Once they were inside the cabin, they both released a sigh of relief. The world became finally quiet, save for the sound of their breath and the mechanical creak of the ride. It was already sunset. A perfect time for them to be on the ride. And while Soyo had expected Anon to be taking pictures already, the girl was only taking deep breaths.

Was she preparing herself for something?

She got her answer a few moments later when Anon finally brought out a wrapped box from her bag.

"Here, Soyorin. Merry Christmas," she said, handing the box to her. She could still make out the light tint of red on her cheeks even as the light of the setting sun struck on her face.

Soyo’s lips curved into a smile as she also brought out the box she's been hiding in her coat. She took Anon’s gift, then placed hers on her hand.

"Merry Christmas to you, too, Anon-chan."

Anon’s grey eyes widened, almost sparkling. "Ehh, you also prepared, Soyorin?"

"Why are you even surprised?"

"Hehe... I thought it was already the fruit sandwiches earlier."

"That's a different story."

"Oh... right."

They shared a few chuckles together before turning their attention back to their gifts.

Soyo laid the gift on her lap. "Well, shall we open them?"  

"Yes!" Anon exclaimed.

They nodded at each other as they proceeded to unwrap their gifts. The rustle of wrapping paper filled their silence for a while until exchange gasps followed. Soyo took out the bracelet from the box. She looked at it closely. She wouldn’t think it was handmade at first glance. But the more she examined it, the more she could tell every ornament was no doubt chosen by Anon, even the lotus as her choice of flower.

Out of the corners of her eyes, Anon was also carefully checking the necklace she had bought for her.

"S-Soyorin, isn't this?"

"Yes, from that brand. Don't ask me how I know. It's obvious you like their accessories."

"Hehe, I see. Thank you, Soyorin! And I hope you like that, too."

If it weren't for needing to keep her balance in the cabin, she would have embraced her right there, and then. so instead, she did it on the gift itself. Soyo clasped the bracelet between her hands, holding it close to her chest, then looked at Anon in the eyes again.

"I love it," Soyo said. You.

Anon was in a daze for the last few minutes of their ride, so it was Soyo who took pictures of the view for her and their picture together. They shared a scarf on their way home until they went their ways, almost wishing they could go home to the same house. But none of them would voice that just yet.