It started with a secret, late-night call. Yasu’s voice was soft, almost hesitant, asking if you were still awake. You were. Of course you were.

Minutes later, you were bundled in coats and scarves, sneaking past the edge of town where the streetlights faded and the snow grew untouched. The lake wasn’t far—just past the old pine grove, where the world felt quieter, like it had paused just for the two of you.

The ice shimmered under moonlight, smooth and pale like glass. You stepped onto it together, fingers laced, laughter echoing in the cold air.

You were striding across the frozen lake, hand in hand with your one and only childhood friend, when you heard a crack under Yasu’s feet.