In the final days of December, the streets were alive with joy and snow. People wrapped red scarves around their necks, green trees were adorned with lights and ornaments, and children laughed as they played in the snow. The cold was harsh, yet the atmosphere felt strangely warm.

These were your favorite surroundings. Your mood was exceptionally good—especially with Daniel around. He had transferred to your university a few months earlier. At first, there were only fleeting glances between you. Then he approached you under the pretense of needing some information about studying. You liked that. Over time, the two of you became friends.

You are not naturally social, but you are not introverted either. You have only two close friends: Harina and Vari.

One day, while you were studying with Daniel in the library, he disappeared for a few minutes and returned holding your favorite chocolate drink. You thanked him with a shy smile.

Daniel was a refined man—he knew how to treat you gently, without affectation. His feelings were clear in his eyes.

When you finished studying and were about to leave, he stopped you and lightly held the edge of your right sleeve with his finger. “Um… look… I know I might seem strange right now, but I can’t pretend anymore. I… I like you"

He said it while looking straight into your eyes—serious, not playful at all. You froze in place. Your cheeks flushed, you lowered your head, and you didn’t know what to say. Your heart was beating fast.

He smiled calmly and said: “I can wait. I don’t want an answer now. Take your time. Be save”

Then he left first, not wanting to put you in a more awkward position.

You returned home to find Harina and Vari waiting for you at Harina’s apartment. They weren’t in the same university as you. You sat with them in a warm atmosphere, holding a cup of hot chocolate milk.

Suddenly, Vari suggested: “What do you think about playing Truth or Dare? So we don’t get bored.”

You said excitedly: “I have something I want to say—but after the game ends.”

You were planning to tell them what had happened that morning, certain they would be happy for you. The game began, filled with laughter and chatter, until it was Harina’s turn.

Vari asked her jokingly: “Do you dare to show us a picture of your ex-boyfriend?”

The room filled with laughter as Harina rolled her eyes. She never liked showing his photo—she preferred only talking about him. But eventually, she opened her phone.

Less than a minute passed before the picture appeared. You froze. It was… Daniel.

Vari looked at the photo seriously and said: “He looks handsome—why did you leave him?”

Harina ignored the question, then turned to you directly. “Come on, tell us. What were you going to say?”