The darker the nights get, the closer the Christmas holidays are. I'm already packing my luggage, getting ready to see my family, to spend this wonderful time of the year in my native country. I can't wait to feel the real Christmas atmosphere of Europe. An overdecorated Christmas tree, making every room in the house smell like pine needles, tender lights everywhere around, magical fairytales playing in the background. Also fried carp, potato salad and the whole family together at a rich dinner, my younger siblings eagerly waiting for my mom to finish eating so they can open their gifts.
I already said goodbye to Yuki and Aito, since I'm flying tomorrow, early in the morning, and I'm meeting with Hoshi tonight. We are planning to go on a walk in the park, late on this cold night, which I'm really looking forward to. I can't wait to enjoy the good 12 centimetres of snow outside, and maybe even more, since the weather forecast predicts some heavy snowing later. And I'm also glad I will get to spend my last December night in Japan with my dear Hoshi. Although I still can't get the thought of confessing my feelings to him out of my head. If I did it today, I won't have to see him for another 2 weeks, therefore, we both would have time to take it in, and accept whatever fate is waiting for us. But at the same time I still don't know if I'm ready, nor I want to ruin the Christmas holidays for him.
I finished packing up at five, falling on the floor and just scrolling my instagram. An unexpected message from Aito suddenly comes to the volleyball group.
Aito is the leader of our team for actual match preparations and match organisations. These are not compulsory, but if enough of us sign up to play in the match, we can attend an amateur match among Japans' schools.
Yet this message doesn't regard any organisational, not match info at all. I read it, and I'm not sure if I want to cry or laugh.
"Quick announcement. From the beginning of the upcoming year we'll gain a new member. I'm sure some of y'all know him (especially Nikko haha). It's Harada Takamori.
Btw: Merry Christmas to everyone!"
I read the message again, my eyes almost falling out.
"What do you mean Takamori joins the volleyball club!?"
I immediately text Aito to a private chat.
"I don't know. Guess he is stalking you" He texts sarcastically, but I don't really feel like laughing. Takamori for sure goes to the gym, and his aggressive manners won't make it easy, nor safe to play against him.
"I hope he won't kidnap me out of the volleyball club then, cuz I feel like something is making me leave soon"
"I can't blame you"
"Or maybe I can kick his ass again :)"
"That's the spirit!"
I decide to leave it as it is, maybe (hopefully) Takamori will change his mind. I'm not really happy about it, since Takamori is lately just annoying, toxic and maybe even a little bit aggressive. But I don't want to think about it now. I have much more important things to focus on tonight, right?
.
.
.
.
Three hours later it's already the time to meet up with Hoshi. I look at myself in the mirror for one more time. I see a short, European boy, blue eyes, messy brown hair, beige coat. Not a supermodel, but a relatively cute guy, who burns with love and optimism inside. I can't help forming a happy smile. Then I turn off the lights of my tiny kingdom, and leave to meet my prince.
Hoshi is already waiting outside in front of his car, wearing his usual black coat, and a white scarf. We both smile at each other when I walk towards him. He said he'd pick me up and we'll drive to his apartment, since the park we plan to visit is near there.
"Hey Nikko." Hoshi says, his lips slightly smiling.
"Hiiiii" I answered excitedly. "Should I get in?"
"Sure, let's go."
So I take a seat in his car, buckling up. It smells nice inside. Clean, but very specific. He must have one of those little things that let out pleasant odors to make a place smell nice.
A snowflake falls on the window from time to time, as we are fastly passing the city lights.
I love this very specific atmosphere, when you drive around the city at night, in cold December, just watching the bright lights from the window. Snow is all around, and a pleasant Christmas chaos fills up the streets.
It's not the same as in my country, but I can still sense it and I am trying to enjoy the most out of it. I don't own a drivers licence, yet I love long car rides. And this is my very first car ride in Japan, and it's with Hoshi sitting beside me, driving. The best car rides companion.
"I love car rides" I say.
"Do you? Me too. Something about it is so pleasant."
"Indeed. I think it's the feeling of being free, not having to work, just sit and think. Think about everything, or anything."
"Really? For me it's just listening to music and singing. It's fun," he laughs.
"Do you prefer to be a passenger, or a driver?"
"Driver, because I can focus on something. And have some fun as I said. You?"
"Passenger, ideally in a full car. Because people around me can talk, while I can peacefully look out of the window and observe the fastly moving pictures"
"I see. I'm sometimes confused about you. You're really outgoing and all into getting to know random people, but you're actually very introverted." He says and I think for a bit.
"The thing is I love people, but just being with them, having them around, quietly doing my own thing. Weird, I know." I shrug my shoulders with a shy giggle.
"Extroverted introvert. You're always so special… I love it" he softly smiles, as he keeps his eyes on the road. "We're here" he stops, and we get out of the car.
"The park is near, come." Hoshi makes a gesture, indicating for me to come with him.
"Why did we even decide to go for a walk so late, in a dark park?" I say my thoughts out loud.
"I don't know, I thought you always went to bed early" he mocks me, trying not to let out a scoff. I playfully poke him with my shoulder, as we keep walking to a place unknown to me.