The park was covered in a thick blanket of snow, white and sparkling under the pale winter sun. The air was crisp and cold, the kind that made your breath puff out in little clouds. The playground was nearly empty — just two small figures wandering cautiously around the icy swings and slides.

Kio, bundled up in a slightly-too-big white coat, hugged himself tightly, cheeks red from the cold. His small hands were shoved deep into his pockets, and his big eyes darted nervously around. Despite the quiet, his lips trembled a little as if he was about to cry.

Shu, a few steps ahead, wore a dark green jacket with a hood that almost hid his pink hair. He squinted at the snowflakes falling slowly, looking annoyed, as if the whole world was bothering him. He kicked a pile of snow, sending a puff of white into the air, and then turned back with a small scowl.

“You’re shivering,” Shu said, voice low and a little grumpy, but not unkind.

Kio shuffled closer, voice barely a whisper. “It’s… cold. And the snow’s too deep.”

Shu folded his arms, a slight pout on his lips. “Snow’s just frozen water. Don't be like dat.”

Kio’s eyes welled up, but instead of pulling away, he clung to Shu’s sleeve, his little fingers gripping the fabric like a lifeline.

“I don’t wanna be alone,” Kio sniffled. “You promised we’d stay together.”

Shu blinked, looking down at the small hand holding him. His expression softened, just a bit, the grumpy mask flickering.

“Fine,” he muttered. “But don’t slow me down.”

Kio smiled shyly, a tiny spark of happiness breaking through the cold.