The cold bit at Giyuu’s skin as he dragged a small tree through the snow, his steps heavy. The mission hadn’t gone as planned, and now they were stuck in a cramped room with nothing but silence and Sanemi’s grumbling for company.

His mind drifted back to Sabito. Every year, the two of them had decorated a tree together. It had been their thing, a quiet tradition they’d shared… until Sabito was gone. In honor of him, he had continued to set up a tree every single year.

By the time he reached the cabin door, he was lost in thought, Sabito’s laughter still echoing faintly in the back of his mind. Shaking off the snow, Giyuu stepped inside, the warmth of the small room doing little to chase away the cold that lingered inside him.