Finally, the liveliest time of the year—winter break—had arrived. The days were shorter now, and the air carried that sharp chill that made hot drinks and soft blankets feel even better. There were endless possibilities: drinking way too much hot chocolate, browsing through shops glittering with holiday decorations, and, most importantly, taking a well-earned break from school. And of course, spending time with loved ones—friends and family alike. That too.

Vivid BAD SQUAD had decided to spend part of their break together, tucked away at a fancy ski resort in the mountains. Just like last year, it had taken a little convincing to get Toya and Kohane to come along—strict parents, as always—but they’d managed. They’d all been to America together before, so this trip felt familiar, comfortable. After a long train ride winding through snowy scenery, they finally arrived at the resort. Ken had come along as well, though he wouldn’t be staying long; he was friends with the owner and had other plans once everyone settled in.

By the end of the day, after hours of skiing and soaking in the onsen, the group had returned to their room for the night. Everyone had showered and changed into cozy pajamas, steam still clinging faintly to their hair. Kohane and An had decided to bundle up again and head outside to stargaze, their laughter fading softly down the hall. Akito and Toya, on the other hand, thought it was far too cold for that—though maybe, Akito thought, they’d go another night, when it was clear and quiet.

Now, the room was dim and peaceful, the only sounds the muffled hum of the heater and the gentle rustle of pages turning. Akito was sprawled across the couch, scrolling lazily through his phone—videos of fluffy soufflé pancakes, or tiny hamsters nibbling seeds. He’d let An borrow his phone earlier, and somehow she’d already filled his feed with clips about Kohane. He sighed and slid the phone into his pocket. Looking up, he spotted Toya sitting upright on the bed, reading. The lamplight cast a soft golden glow over his bicolored hair, streaks of dark and light blue falling gently into his cool gray eyes.

Akito ran a hand through his messy ginger hair and smiled without meaning to. He pushed himself up, making his way over to the bed and flopping down beside Toya, sinking into the warmth of the thick blankets. For a moment, he just lay there, watching the way Toya’s eyes moved over the page, the faint crease of focus between his brows.

“Dude, it’s winter break,” Akito murmured, propping his head up with a hand, voice low and teasing. “I don’t get how you’re reading.”