Chapter— A Winter Reunion
The train hummed softly as it cut through the morning fog.
Luke sat by the window, his elbow resting against the glass, watching familiar landscapes pass by—fields, small houses, distant trees coated in winter's pale light. It had been a while since he'd traveled this route, yet everything felt strangely unchanged.
Hometown…
His phone vibrated.
> Luke: I'm here. Where are you?
A few seconds later, a reply appeared.
> Shuri: Near the old station café. I can see the platform.
Luke smiled faintly.
He stood as the train slowed, stepped onto the platform, and scanned the area. Then he saw her.
Shuri stood near a pillar, bundled in a winter coat, her breath visible in the cold air. When her eyes met his, they lit up instantly.
"Luke!"
She waved energetically and hurried toward him.
"You're early," she said, slightly out of breath.
"So are you," Luke replied.
For a moment, they just stood there, smiling awkwardly.
She's changed, Luke thought again.
Not just her aura—her posture, her gaze. There was eagerness now. Purpose.
They boarded the returning train together, finding seats near the window. As the train began to move, Luke glanced sideways.
Shuri's eyes sparkled as she stared outside, fingers clasped together in excitement.
"You look really happy," Luke said.
She nodded quickly. "I am. I've never been away like this before… not like this."
Luke chuckled. "It's not that far."
"But it feels important," she said softly.
Luke didn't argue.
---
They arrived back in the city by afternoon.
After dropping their bags at home, Luke's mother prepared lunch. The warmth of the meal chased away the lingering cold, and the atmosphere felt calm and homely.
While eating, Luke said casually, "After lunch, we'll go shopping."
Shuri's eyes widened. "Shopping?"
"For the party," Luke continued. "You can buy anything essential you want."
"…Really?"
Luke nodded. "It's fine."
Her excitement was impossible to hide. "Then I'll try not to go overboard."
Luke smiled. "No promises, huh?"
They rested briefly after lunch, the quiet afternoon passing peacefully. As evening approached, they stepped out together.
The city looked different at night.
Winter air bit at their skin, lights glowed warmly from shop windows, and faint music played somewhere in the distance. Shuri hugged her coat tighter.
"Cold?" Luke asked.
"A little," she said, rubbing her hands together.
They moved through the market, buying decorations, snacks, drinks, small lights, and party supplies. Shuri wandered happily from shop to shop, stopping at every colorful display.
At one store, she paused.
"…Luke," she said hesitantly, "is it okay if I buy this?"
She held up a small bag of makeup cosmetics.
"For the party," she added quickly.
Luke nodded. "Of course."
Her smile was bright.
On the way back, Luke said, "Tomorrow we'll go to the base. You'll meet everyone."
"I'm looking forward to it," Shuri replied honestly.
Then—
Luke's phone rang.
He stopped walking. "Hello?"
"Luke!" Loid's voice came through. "I need help with party games. I'm near the marketplace. Just a few minutes."
Luke sighed lightly. "Alright. Where?"
"Outside the game shop."
He turned to Shuri. "One of my guild friends needs help. I'll be back in a minute."
Shuri nodded. "It's fine. I'll wait."
Luke jogged off.
Shuri stood near the roadside, hands tucked into her sleeves. The cold crept in quickly. She rubbed her hands, breathing warm air onto them.
He'll be back soon…
Suddenly—
Someone bumped into her.
"Ah—!"
She lost her balance.
Instinctively, she shut her eyes—
And felt a firm grip on her arm.
She didn't fall.
Slowly, she opened her eyes.
A boy stood before her, holding her steady. Dark hair, calm eyes, slightly surprised expression.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
Shuri's heart skipped.
"Y-Yes," she replied, voice barely audible.
Her face flushed.
He released her gently. "Sorry. I wasn't looking ahead."
"No—It's my fault," she said quickly.
For a moment, they stood awkwardly.
Then he gave a small nod. "Take care."
And walked toward the game shop.
Shuri stood frozen.
Why is my heart beating like this…?
She watched him disappear, her cheeks still warm.
---
Inside the game shop, Luke stood waiting.
"You called me and then arrived late," Luke said.
Loid scratched his head. "Sorry. Got stuck on the way."
They browsed shelves, discussing board games, card games, and small equipment.
"I really don't know how to organize a party," Loid admitted.
Luke smiled. "It's okay. We're doing this together."
Outside, Loid bowed slightly. "Thanks, Luke."
"No problem."
Then Loid asked casually, "Did your cousin come?"
"Yes," Luke said. "She's staying till New Year. We were shopping."
Loid nodded. "That's good."
"I'll head off now," Loid said. "See you tomorrow."
They parted ways.
Luke returned to where Shuri stood.
She was staring into space.
"Did something happen?" Luke asked.
Shuri flinched. "N-No. Nothing."
Luke studied her for a second but didn't push. "I'm done. Let's go home."
She nodded quietly.
That night passed peacefully.
Dinner. Warm conversation. Rest.
Then sleep.
---
Morning arrived quickly.
Luke and Shuri walked together toward the guild base.
"This is Aurafiest Base," Luke said as they stopped before the building.
Shuri looked at it carefully.
"I know it's small," Luke added, "but for now, it's all we have."
Shuri smiled. "I like it."
Luke blinked. "…Really?"
"Yes," she said. "It feels honest."
They stepped closer.
Luke noticed multiple pairs of shoes at the entrance.
"I think everyone's already here," he said.
He opened the door.
"LUKE!"
Marin's voice rang out.
"You came!"
"Yes," Luke replied. "And I'm not alone."
Shuri stepped forward.
"This is Shuri," Luke said. "My cousin sister."
Marin smiled warmly. "Nice to meet you! I'm Marin Luke friend and classmate."
Chika popped up beside her. "I'm Chika!"
Uno nodded politely. " I am Uno."
They talked, exchanged greetings, laughter filling the small room.
Then—
The door opened again.
"Sorry I'm late," a familiar voice said.
Luke turned. "Loid."
He stepped in.
Shuri froze.
Him…
Luke gestured casually. "Shuri, this is Loid. My classmate and friend."
Shuri's face turned red instantly.
Loid paused.
Their eyes met.
Recognition.
Silence.
Shyness.
And something new beginning to stir.
---
End of Chapter.