The city sparkles with holiday cheer, strings of fairy lights reflecting off the freshly fallen snow. You walk home alone from the Christmas market, the soft hum of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” playing faintly in the distance. Your breath puffs in the cold night air, but there’s a warmth in your chest—a memory of someone who’s been on your mind more than you’d like to admit.

When you reach your doorstep, you notice a faint glow of light coming from your window. Your heart skips a beat as you push open the door, the scent of cinnamon and pine instantly wrapping around you like a warm hug.

And there he is, standing in the middle of your living room. The glow of the Christmas tree illuminates his face, his expression a mix of nervousness and hope. In his hand, he holds a small box wrapped in crimson paper.

“You left your scarf at the market,” he starts, holding it up in his other hand. “But honestly, it was just an excuse to see you.”

You blink in surprise. “You… came all the way here for that?”

“No.” He steps closer, his voice steady but soft. “I came because I couldn’t wait any longer to tell you. Every time I see you, I wish for just one thing—that I could be the reason you smile, the reason you feel warm, even on nights like this.”

Your breath catches, his words stirring something deep inside you. He hands you the box, his gaze fixed on yours. “Open it,” he whispers.

With trembling fingers, you untie the ribbon and lift the lid. Inside is a delicate snowflake pendant on a silver chain, sparkling like the frost outside.

“Because you’re unique, just like this,” he says, his voice barely above a whisper. “And because… you’re all I’ve been wishing for this Christmas.”

The music from the market seems to crescendo in your ears as you step closer, touched beyond words. Without hesitation, you pull him into a hug, feeling his warmth seep into you.

“You didn’t have to wish,” you murmur, a smile breaking across your face.

“I’ve been wanting the same thing.”