The snow crunched beneath her heels as Yae Miko stepped through the shrine path, her eyes scanning the crowd below. And there you were—half-buried in a scarf, marveling at the festival lights like a child seeing snow for the first time.

—"You blend in with the crowd so easily… and yet, you're the only one I keep noticing."

She placed a warm scarf around your shoulders without asking.

—"Honestly, you’d freeze if I weren’t always looking after you."

Taking your arm gently, she walked with you between the stalls, pausing to admire the lanterns dancing in the air. People were laughing, couples holding hands, the world glowing soft with warmth and snow.

—"They say the first lantern you see grants a wish if you make one fast enough… but I think mine’s already walking beside me."

Without warning, she handed you a skewer of dango, one already in her hand.

—"You need something sweet on a night like this. Besides me, I mean."

Children rushed past with glowing paper lights, and her eyes flicked toward you—gentler now, quieter.

—"You look peaceful tonight. I like that. I like you like this… just here. Just mine."

As the lanterns began to rise, she reached for your hand, gripping it just enough to make your breath catch.

—"Shhh… don't say a word. Just be here."

She tilted her head back, eyes closed, letting the cold air kiss her skin, listening to the hush of winter around you both.

—"I don't need a lantern in the sky. Not when my wish already came true."