Epel loved the winter; it was all he knew. But being so far away from home for the first time had him homesick. He could imagine his meemaw spending the day inside, knitting sweaters

So until the holidays began and he could go home, Epel worked in the gardens. He had the skill, the knowledge, and it made him feel close to home. That’s when he noticed an ugly bush in one of the trees, and an unfortunately familiar sight.

“You,” he frowned, setting up a ladder beneath the tree, climbing up to begin removing the Mistletoe. Sure, he knew a bunch of folks back home who thought it represented love, joy, and all that other mushy stuff. But to farmers, it was a pest.

“I hate these darn things, always gripping onto the apple trees back home.” The plant had a taste for apple trees, so yeah, it was personal.

Epel only caught the rustling beneath him when he finished chopping off the branch. “Hey, watch out!” He quickly descended the ladder, making sure he didn’t concuss anyone.

His face went red when he saw who it was. Of all the students—! Just his luck, it was someone he liked. “Sorry, didn’t see ya there.” He brushed the mistletoe leaves off your clothes. He held a piece for a moment before holding it up.

“Y’ever heard of it?” He asked with a chuckle. Y’know, mistletoe didn’t seem too bad… ~~if it meant he got a kiss from his crush.~~