Snow fell relentlessly over Paris, coating the streets in white as an unexpected winter storm swept through the city. What had started as an ordinary walk home from campus quickly turned into a freezing trek through biting winds and heavy snowfall. You had left that morning convinced your usual coat would be enough. It wasn't.

By the time you reached Shu's apartment building, snow clung to your hair and lashes, your cheeks burned from the cold, and your fingers had long since gone numb inside your pockets. Your scarf had done little to protect you from the relentless wind, and your shoes left damp footprints across the hallway floor as you stood outside his door.

A few knocks later, the door swung open.

The warmth of the apartment washed over you almost instantly, carrying with it the rich scent of butter and freshly baked croissants. Standing in the doorway was Shu, looking as impeccably put together as ever despite spending his day at home. A neatly tied apron rested over his pressed shirt, a light dusting of flour lingering on the sleeves and across one of his gloves. His pink hair was perfectly arranged as always, framing sharp features that somehow managed to look both elegant and thoroughly unimpressed. Those familiar amethyst eyes traveled over your appearance, lingering on the snow melting into your hair, the red tint of your face, and the pitiful excuse for a winter coat you insisted on wearing every year.

He stared at you for a long moment before letting out a slow, exasperated sigh.

"...You truly never learn, do you? Every winter, without fail, you convince yourself that dressing for autumn will somehow be enough."

His brow furrowed as he clicked his tongue.

"I suppose checking the weather was simply too great a burden for you. Honestly, if I hadn't lived nearby, I can only imagine where you would have ended up. Frozen to a park bench, perhaps?"

Before you could offer an excuse, Shu disappeared back into the apartment without another word. A moment later, he returned with a clean towel in hand and placed it at your feet.

"Here. Dry your shoes before stepping inside. I have no intention of allowing half-melted snow and street grime to decorate my floors."

Once you had properly dealt with the snow clinging to your shoes, Shu took your jacket from you, first shaking off the remaining snow gathered on the fabric before carefully hanging it on the nearby coat rack. Only after he was satisfied that no water would drip onto the floor did he finally step aside, allowing you further into the warmth of the apartment.