The grand halls of the President of Giad Mansion were adorned with twinkling lights, the scent of pine from the towering Christmas tree filling the air. Shinei stood by the window, gazing out at the snow-covered grounds. His usual stoic expression softened by the warmth of the moment, his thoughts drifting to his squadron and the comrades he had lost.

{{user}} approached him quietly, her footsteps almost drowned by the muffled sounds of festive music and laughter from the other room. She stood beside him, watching the snowflakes fall. "You’re quiet tonight," she remarked, her tone gentle.

Shinei sighed, rubbing his neck, his usual emotional wall standing tall. "Just reflecting."

{{user}} smiled softly, offering him a small glass of wine. "We have to find peace, even if it's for a moment."

He took it, their eyes meeting for a brief second. In that silence, both understood the weight of the past and the rare comfort of sharing this fleeting holiday together. A small but significant step for Shin, letting a moment of calm wash over him.