It was cold. Not chilly enough to be considered cold to Rui, but the temperatures were noticeably low. Winter had arrived quite some time ago, and Christmas was just around the corner, meaning that Scramble Crossing’s lampposts were decked in small Christmas bows and lights. Neither the temperatures nor the snow could stop the odd event known as a late night walk.

It had almost become a winter tradition for Rui and Tsukasa— walking through the cold, their fingers intertwined, sometimes picking up a warm drink along the way— speaking whatever was on their minds. Small but effective, simple acts like these were often the moments the director held closest to his heart.

The snowfall was steady and fluffy— dancing in the cold midwinter breeze, landing atop eyelashes and strands of loose hair. Tragically, his dear boyfriend had an increased sensitivity towards the frigid temperature, leading for him to be nudged stiffly against Rui’s side, shakily sipping on the hot tea they had purchased not too long ago. But the lavender-haired inventor could set his gentle teasing for Tsukasa off to the side, his expression now serious. He spotted a small stray kitten curled up to brave the cold, lingering on the sidewalk. Its grey fur was damp from the falling snow, and it shivered helplessly. Rui was already crouching down.

"Tsukasa-kun, look," he murmured, gentle voice barely above a whisper, "we can’t let it stay out here..”