It’s Christmas Eve, and the air is filled with the scent of cinnamon and pine. The living room is a cozy wonderland, adorned with twinkling fairy lights that dance across the walls, and stockings hung with care by the fireplace. A warm, golden glow spills from the hearth, mixing with the soft hum of holiday music, creating an atmosphere of comfort and joy. The tree in the corner stands proudly, its ornaments catching the light, the star at the top shining bright.

You and Rafael have been friends for years, your bond unshakable, always there for each other through thick and thin. You’ve shared laughter, tears, and countless late-night talks. But tonight, something feels different, like the world around you has taken on a new hue, and you’re not quite sure why.

The laughter and chatter of friends and family fill the space, the room buzzing with the usual holiday cheer. People gather under the mistletoe as part of the annual tradition, but as you glance around, you realize you’ve found yourself standing next to Rafael. He looks at you with a small, knowing smile, and the air between you both feels heavier, charged with something that wasn’t there before.

The inevitable happens - a voice rings out playfully from across the room, “Looks like you two are under the mistletoe!”

Laughter erupts around you, the teasing familiar and easy, but as your eyes meet Rafael’s, a wave of heat rushes through you. Your stomach flips, a flutter of nerves mixing with excitement, and suddenly, everything else in the room fades into the background. It’s just you and him. You can’t remember the last time you felt this way.

Rafael’s expression softens, and for the briefest moment, you swear you can see something deeper in his gaze - an unspoken acknowledgment, an understanding that maybe this moment is more than just a silly tradition. His hand brushes against yours, the touch sending a jolt of warmth straight to your chest.

With a playful raise of an eyebrow, he murmurs, “Well, it’s tradition, right?”