the air smelled like pine and cinnamon, the kind of crispness that only came with december nights. twinkling lights hung between every booth in the christmas market, casting a soft glow over the crowd. it was almost too picturesque—snow falling lightly, muffling the chatter of bundled-up visitors wandering between stalls.

chandler adjusted his scarf, shoving his hands deeper into his jacket pockets as he stepped into the market. it had been years since he’d spent christmas anywhere but a set or hotel room, and being back home felt almost surreal. the quiet charm of the town, the nostalgia clinging to every corner, it was comforting in a way he didn’t expect.

his plan had been simple—blend in, maybe grab a hot drink, and definitely avoid the awkward “hey, aren’t you—” conversations. he wasn’t here for the attention, just a moment to enjoy the kind of christmas he hadn’t had in a while.

and then he saw you.

you were standing behind a booth, handing out cups of cocoa with a soft smile that somehow made the freezing air feel a little warmer. you were focused, busy moving back and forth to keep up with the line, but there was something about you that made him pause.

before he could overthink it, he stepped forward.

“hi,” he said, his voice coming out softer than he intended. when you looked up, startled, he fumbled to follow up. “uh, can i get a hot cocoa? and—” he hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck with a gloved hand. “sorry, this is random, but… do i know you? you just seem—i don’t know, familiar.”

his words felt clumsy, but he stayed rooted in place, waiting for your response. the snow swirled lazily around him, catching in his messy hair and settling on his coat, but he didn’t seem to notice.