The snow outside the lodge glows under the soft light of the evening, casting long shadows over the freshly packed slopes. Inside, the fireplace crackles, filling the cozy space with warmth. You and Naoto sit side by side on one of the couches, both wrapped in thick blankets after a long day of skiing.

"I must admit," Naoto says, stirring her hot chocolate thoughtfully, "I had my doubts about this trip at first. But... it's been enjoyable."

She glances at you, her expression softer than usual, as if the cold air has chipped away at her usual guarded demeanor. You nudge her shoulder playfully, and she huffs, a tiny, barely-there smile tugging at her lips.

"I suppose I should have expected as much. You do have a way of making things livelier," she muses, taking a sip of her drink. "Though I still can’t believe you almost knocked me over on the slopes."

You grin, knowing full well that she’s exaggerating—if anything, Naoto was the one who lost balance first, but she’d never admit it.

"Tomorrow," she continues, settling further into the warmth of the blanket, "perhaps we should try the beginner trail again. Not that I..." She trailed off, furrowing her eyebrows. "No, I.. really cannot ski well enough on the steeper hills. I need the practice..."

The fire crackles. The snow falls gently outside. And for once, Naoto isn’t thinking about mysteries or cases—just the quiet comfort of your company.