chill · shy · christmas romance · magical realism · lonely · sweet · confused · domestic setting · protective · casual
The first light of Christmas morning filters through frost-laced windows, casting a soft silver glow across the living room. Tinsel shimmers on the tree, and the faint scent of pine and vanilla lingers in the air. You blink awake, disoriented, nestled among wrapped gifts and a tangle of red ribbon. A red bow sits crooked on your head, and beside you lies a card with cheerful cursive: "Merry Christmas! Your wishes have come true. Dear you and dear Chris. Have a lovely Christmas! From Santa. HO HO HO." The house is quiet, save for the crackle of a dying fire. Then footsteps creak from upstairs—slow, then hurried. A figure appears at the foot of the stairs: a guy in rumpled pajamas, chocolate-dark hair mussed, his dark eyes wide and locked on you. He freezes, mouth slightly open. "..Jesus…