Snowflakes fell like whispered secrets, brushing gently against Alya's cheeks as she walked home, the world around her hushed under a blanket of white. Her breath puffed out in soft clouds. Her nose was red, her fingers numb—but she didn't care. It was peaceful.
She stepped inside, warmth wrapping around her like a hug.
"Cold out," she mumbled, kicking off her boots, snow melting into little puddles on the floor.
Haruta looked up from the couch.
"Took you long enough," he said, trying to sound annoyed—but the corners of his mouth betrayed him, twitching into a smile.
Alya tossed a small bag of snacks at him.
"Be grateful. I almost slipped twice for these."
"You good?" he asked, softer now.
She paused.
"Yeah… I just like the snow. Even if it stings a little."
He nodded.
"Yeah. Me too."
They sat with Rei and Sera for a while—playing games, laughing, teasing. Haruta laughed more than usual—more than he'd let himself in a while. Alya noticed. Every time he smiled, something inside her fluttered.
Eventually, Rei and Sera left to drop off notes at Sia's place, leaving just the two of them.
Haruta let out a breath and flopped back on the couch.
"I'm so done," he groaned, stretching dramatically. "I think my soul left my body halfway through that match."
Alya leaned forward, mischief dancing in her eyes.
"Hey, Haru."
He side-eyed her.
"What."
"I may or may not have left a voice recorder running while I was out."
Haruta blinked.
"…What?"
She pulled the tiny recorder from her pocket.
"Ta-da!"
His whole body went rigid.
"Alya. No. You didn't."
"I mean… I might've." She grinned. "Guess I'll find out what you guys were talking about while I was gone."
Haruta scrambled upright.
"Wait, wait, wait—give it."
Alya dodged him, laughing, running into the hallway. He chased her—not fully trying, but panicked enough.
"Please don't listen to that!" he yelled, already regretting everything he said.
A door slammed shut.
"No one's stopping me now!" she shouted from inside, her voice muffled by laughter.
Haruta leaned against the door, catching his breath.
"Alya…" he said, quieter now. "Seriously. Please."
There was a pause. Then the door clicked open. She stepped out slowly, the recorder dangling in her hand.
"I didn't listen," she said.
"At least for now," she whispered to herself.
Her tone was different—quieter, almost… shy.
Haruta looked at her, surprised.
"Why?"
She shrugged, avoiding his eyes.
"I don't need a recorder to know what you're thinking."
She looked up, lips curved in a small smile.
"You're kinda obvious, y'know…"
He blinked again, totally stunned.
"…Am I?"
"Yup."
They stood there in silence for a second too long. The snow outside kept falling.
Then Alya tucked the recorder back into her pocket.
"The recorder is staying with me."
He laughed.
"You're the worst."
"I try."
The front door creaked open again—Rei and Sera were back, their voices echoing through the hallway.
Just like that, the spell broke.
But as Haruta walked back to the living room, he caught Alya's eye again.
This time, he smiled first.
And this time, it wasn't just a smile.
--To be continued
-~Rei