We took the train to another city, where we had rented a house. The house was surrounded by snow, and each home was spaced apart for privacy. The owner had mentioned that the house was decorated with a Christmas theme and that we could cook there. So, we decided to celebrate Christmas in this cozy place.
Christmas is a time for family. I wanted to cook, bake, and watch movies by the fireplace, avoiding the crowds. After checking in and putting our things away, I began exploring the house. The house had a Western-style design, with cream-colored wallpaper and decorative lights in various corners. There was a fireplace and a Christmas tree adorned with small gift boxes, stars, dolls, ribbons, and stockings. Below it, a few empty gift boxes were placed as decoration.
I climbed the stairs to the upstairs, which was about half the size of the lower floor, with a railing for safety. The bed looked incredibly comfortable—a welcome change after sleeping on futons in the previous city. Even though we said it was fine, I couldn't deny the soreness in my back.
I glanced down and saw Jay looking at the Christmas tree with interest.
"Jay," I called out. He looked up. "The owner decorated it beautifully, didn't they?"
"Yeah."
"Shall we go shopping?"
"Yeah."
We headed out, taking our rented car since we needed to carry groceries, and drove through the snow to the store.
"What do you want to eat?" I asked.
"Cake."
"Of course, we'll make a cake. Usually, people cook turkey for Christmas, but we won't be doing that. Let's go to the candy section first." I took Jay's hand and led him to the sweets aisle. We filled our basket with various treats before I spotted marshmallows.
"Do you want this?" I asked, holding them up.
"Sure."
"We can make hot chocolate with marshmallows." I placed them in the basket, then moved to the savory food section. We wouldn't be cooking too much—just the two of us. Cake and hot chocolate would be enough.
"Mashed potatoes and garlic bread?" I suggested.
"Sure."
"And steak. Perfect."
"Won't you be too tired?"
"You'll help me."
"Of course."
After shopping, we had lunch at a restaurant before returning home. We arrived around 1 PM, so I immediately started cooking. Jay helped prepare some dishes, and before long, everything was ready. There was still time before dinner.
"Let's make a snowman," I suggested.
"Yeah."
"You always go along with my ideas," I teased.
Jay simply replied, "That's right."
We went outside to build a snowman. I had never made one before, so I just piled up the snow. At first, the shape looked strange. "Why does it look weird?" I asked.
"I'll fix it."
I stepped back and let Jay add more snow to the uneven areas. Now it is starting to look better.
"This is just the base," I said as the cold wind blew. "It's freezing!"
"Should we go inside?" Jay suggested.
"No, I need to finish this."
"I can finish it for you."
"No, then it wouldn't be my work," I insisted.
"Alright."
We continued, adding a smaller ball for the body, then the head. I felt proud of our creation. The last time I made something like this was a clay sculpture in elementary school. Jay found some twigs to use as arms.
"Oh, now it really looks like a snowman! What about the eyes and nose?" I asked.
Jay checked a picture on his phone. "Looks like they use buttons for the eyes."
I looked at my coat. "Should I sacrifice my buttons?"
"I have an idea." He broke small twigs and used them as eyes, then added a smile and eyebrows. "But for the nose..."
"He doesn't need a nose. He's already cute." I smiled, taking out my phone and snapping a photo. "We're pretty good at this. We should enter a snow sculpture contest," I joked.
"We could do it."
"You can only win if you practice a little."
"And we will win."
"Haha, why do you think so?"
"Because I'll kick over everyone else's snow sculptures."
I laughed loudly. "That's called cheating. Let's go inside; it's getting colder." I led him back into the house, where it was warm thanks to the heater. We also decided to light the fireplace for extra coziness. I read the safety manual on how to start it.
"Want to light it?"
"Let me try first." I carefully followed the instructions, and soon, the fire was burning.
"Oh, it worked! It's not that hard."
Jay gave a soft smile. "Yeah, Dan is amazing."
I returned his smile. We sat on the couch, waiting for the night to fall before serving dinner and dessert. I flipped through the TV channels with the remote, looking for something interesting.
"Dan."
"Hmm? Oh, I forgot." I pulled out something—a Santa hat I had bought, along with a costume and a fake white beard. "You'll be Santa for me."
"Yeah," Jay agreed immediately. "Do you want me to wear the full costume?"
"Hmm." Jay put on the Santa outfit, the fake beard, and the hat. I couldn't help but smile at how adorable he looked. "You're a handsome Santa. Let's take some photos." We snapped a few selfies. "Can I try the fake beard?"
"Yeah."
"How do I look?"
"Cute." Jay leaned down and touched my lips through the fake beard, making me giggle. Before I knew it, he lifted me and laid me on the couch. Gently, he removed the fake beard, and our lips met. The kiss started soft but deepened. Before long, he pulled away. "We're doing this on the couch?"
"You don't mind?"
"Alright."
The room was dimly lit by Christmas decorations and the glow of the fireplace. Soft holiday music played in the background. On the large couch, we slowly undressed, our bodies pressed together, the sounds of skin meeting and quiet gasps filling the air. I embraced every sensation he gave me.
Over an hour later, he helped me clean up and dress before letting me rest on the couch, exhausted.
"Are you okay, Dan?"
"You do it whenever you want," I murmured. He leaned down and gently bit my lip.
"You know I'd stop if you said no."
I didn't answer, just pouted.
Jay smiled. "I'll get the food and dessert."
"I'll help you."
"Rest, Dan. Save your energy for tonight."
We ate while watching TV, the warm atmosphere feeling absolutely perfect.
"Next year, we'll celebrate Christmas together again," I said, even though I already knew the answer.
"Every year, from now on."
I rested my head on his shoulder, holding onto his arm tightly.
"I love you."
He kissed my head. "I love you too, Dan."
No matter what year it is, as long as we're together, that's enough.
[HAPPY ENDING]