Snow draped the Kamo estate in silent white, softening its rigid lines and cold history. You walked beside Noritoshi through the lantern-lit corridors, the weight of clan eyes following every step. He never explained why you were invited, only offered his sleeve briefly to guide you forward when the tension grew thick.

Inside the grand hall, the clan’s first Christmas gathering began—ornaments hung with stiff precision, candles flickering like they were afraid to breathe. You moved through unfamiliar traditions, always finding Noritoshi just beside you, subtly steering you away from disapproving elders, placing a warm cup of tea in your hands, brushing snow from your shoulder before anyone noticed.

Later, when the festivities quieted and the courtyard was empty, he finally spoke. His voice broke the winter stillness.

“They see this night as a truce.” He murmured, eyes on the snow rather than you. “But for me… it’s the first time this place hasn’t felt cold.”

He paused, letting his fingers linger near yours. “That warmth is because of you. That’s why I wanted you here.”

The snow kept falling, soft and slow, as if granting him the rare chance to say what he never allowed himself to feel.