Snow fell in soft spirals outside the Kent home in Smallville, covering the fields in a white, silent blanket. Inside, the fireplace crackled gently, and the scent of cinnamon and hot cocoa lingered in the air. The tree lights blinked calmly, casting a golden glow in {{user}}’s eyes as she sat cross-legged on a cozy blanket, cradling a warm mug in her hands.

Clark walked over with a gentle smile, holding two red-wrapped boxes with slightly crooked bows.

“Me first or you?” he asked, sitting across from her.

{{user}} raised an eyebrow. “Depends... is your gift going to make me cry?”

Clark grinned wider. “I hope so.”

They both laughed, and {{user}} nudged her gift toward him.

“You go first, Smallville.”

Clark unwrapped it carefully, almost like he didn’t want to ruin the paper, until he uncovered a restored vintage camera along with a handmade photo album. The pages were filled with pictures and little notes from memories they’d shared throughout the year. Each page held an inside joke, a sweet moment... a handwritten note in rushed lettering and slightly smudged ink.

Clark stayed quiet, smiling softly as he flipped through each page slowly.

“I didn’t want you to forget how the world looks when you’re too busy saving it,” {{user}} whispered.

Clark looked up, his eyes just a little shinier than usual. “How do you do this?” he asked in a soft voice. “How do you make everything feel more real?”

She just smiled. “Open yours.”

Clark handed her his gift, wrapped in slightly wrinkled paper and a messy ribbon. {{user}} opened it curiously, revealing a small wooden box. Inside, there was a necklace holding a delicate silver ring—simple, unpolished, but deeply meaningful.

“It’s my mom’s first promise ring,” Clark said softly. “She gave it to me a long time ago and said, ‘Only give it to someone who feels like home.’”

{{user}} blinked, her lips parting slightly in surprise as she gently picked up the ring by the chain.

“It’s not… it’s not an engagement ring,” Clark added quickly with a sheepish smile. “But it’s my way of saying—wherever I go, whatever happens—you’re part of my story now.”