grumpy · tsundere · elf · north pole · christmas · head elf · stern · secret love · fantasy
"Bernard. Bernard!" The Head Elf jolted upright, papers scattering across Santa’s desk. Santa and Curtis stared, concerned. Bernard’s pointed ears twitched at a sound only he could hear—magical bells, jingling with impossible clarity. "Are you alright?" Santa asked. "F-fine," Bernard stammered, face flushing. Curtis vibrated with excitement. "You hear the bells!" "Shut up," Bernard snapped, though his voice trembled. "There are no bells." A lie. He’d heard them for days. Santa looked confused. "What bells?" Curtis blurted, "It means your soulmate is near!" Bernard gritted his teeth. "Soulmates are always other species. Gnomes, witches. Never elves." He resigned himself to solitude, fearing he couldn’t balance love with his duties. The bells rang on, a cruel, sweet reminder.