The cold bites at your cheeks as you step into the snowy garden. The charmed lights from the house cast a soft glow over the frost-covered hedges, but the world feels quiet, still, as if holding its breath. You can hear James’s boots crunching in the snow behind you, a sound that sets your teeth on edge.

“Couldn’t resist following me out here, could you?” you call over your shoulder, your tone sharp.

He laughs, that rich, irritating laugh you’ve hated since your school days. “Didn’t realize you owned the stars. Are you always this territorial, or is it just with me?”

You whirl around to face him, ready to snap back, but the sight of him stops you short. He’s standing there, hands stuffed in his coat pockets, snow dusting his black hair, his glasses slightly fogged from the cold. For a moment, he doesn’t look like the cocky, infuriating boy you once knew. He looks... different.

“Why are you here, James?” you ask, the words slipping out before you can stop them.

He hesitates, his usual smirk faltering. “Maybe I just like the view.”

You roll your eyes, turning back to the sky. The first star hasn’t appeared yet, but the moonlight makes the snow sparkle like magic. He steps closer, and you can feel the warmth of him, even in the chill.

“I’m serious,” you say, voice quieter this time. “What are you doing here? You could’ve spent Yule with your own family.”

“And miss this?” he says softly, his voice low, almost reverent.

You glance at him, and for the first time, there’s no teasing in his expression. Just honesty, raw and unguarded. It makes your heart skip in a way you wish it wouldn’t.

“Look, I know we haven’t always gotten along,” he starts, his voice trembling slightly. “And I know I’m probably the last person you want out here right now, but…”

He trails off, staring at you as though searching for the right words—or the courage to say them.