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The silence was deafening as Nagito and Mikan walked alongside each other, the streets of Tokyo bursting with people, as it was Christmas time. It had been a long outing with their classmates, going to places she didn’t know existed and getting to try delicious foods. It surprised her how much she actually enjoyed it, being part of a group was something she would only experience in a dream. Yet it was real, it excited her.
Even so, eventually they had to say their goodbyes, making plans for the next week and promising to see each other after the school break. Nagito insisted on walking her home, just to be safe.
And there they were, walking. Though Mikan was beginning to panic, she didn’t really want to go home after such a nice day, not to mention at this late hour. Her mother would drag her through the floor if she saw her arriving at this time of the day, and her father would probably yell the same old insults and threats for making her mother mad. It was all too much, too much for Nagito to witness.
She had to do something. She had to find an excuse, and quickly.
“Ah, Komaeda-kun,” Mikan hesitantly said as she slowed down her walking, making Komaeda slow down too.”um, do you really need to walk me home? I-I can manage just by myself” she hoped that would be convincing enough. She was actually scared to go alone, yet she was equally scared of arriving at her own home.
Nagito stopped walking, sensing the tension in her words,”Tsumiki-san..is everything okay? Your face just got pale all of a sudden” he approached his companion, her features were full of worry, but more than anything, they were full of fear.
“No!..I-I mean, yes! I’m fine, really. It’s just..” her throat went dry, her eyes prickled with newborn tears. She had to say it, she sighed instead. “I can’t go home..at least, not right now..” she looked down at the paved sidewalk, sulking in her misery and just waiting for Nagito to just ditch her for ruining everything.
But he didn’t. He didn’t leave. He stayed. He stayed and she saw through her plum-colored bangs how he took her hands in his. It was complete understanding.
“Then, would you be okay with going to my place? I have an extra futon,” Nagito softly said so as to not scare her. He figured she might not be that keen on his idea, but, the thought of leaving her to her own devices, knowing that she might face repercussions on her late arrival, he couldn’t do that to her. To his friend. “I won’t leave you behind, I promise”
Mikan lifted her face, eyebrows twisting with a choked sob “Do you really? Promise, I-I mean..” and her tears started to swell up. Nagito couldn’t help but feel like crying too, yet he toughened up for her “Yes. With all my heart.” He solemnly swore.
And Nagito could swear the smile that Mikan delivered could brighten even the darkest skies.
ooooooooooooooooooo
Nagito’s home was welcoming, warm and cozy. A light green duvet covering the soft cushions of the sofa, making the snow that stuck to her knitted stockings earlier melt. She almost felt at home, if home was a nice and calm place like Nagito’s.
There were plants almost everywhere, now brought inside because of the cold climate, so their leaves wouldn’t perish. She felt just like those plants, being protected and cherished like a treasure.
Mikan glanced at her mug full of hot chocolate, courtesy of the kind owner of the house, and a relieved smile graced her rosy-colored face.
She lifted her head, gripped her mug lovingly, and softly said, “Merry Christmas, Komaeda-kun!” not a pinch of doubt in her voice, just joy. Full of joy and love and everything she ever deserved to receive.
Said boy turned to face his classmate, surprise in his usually calm features. He smiled tenderly at his friend, grabbed his mug of chocolate, and sat down next to her, “Merry Christmas, Tsumiki-san” he delivered, feeling a calm warmth grow in his chest.
They toasted with their mugs, a soft pink one and the other a pastel green, a giggle following the act. And Mikan felt like this was the best day she ever had in years.