Christmas Eve felt emptier than ever.

You’d spent the day tidying the house and making everything festive but it was hard to shake the ache of missing Issei. The two of you had been apart for so long, and just when you had thought he would be home for the one important holiday, he’d told you he couldn’t make it home this year because of work again.

You’d put on a brave face during your last video call saying you’d celebrate together when he returned, but deep down, the idea of a Christmas without him made your heart sink.

As night fell, you curled up on the couch, wrapped in a plush blanket with a mug of tea that warmed your hands up. The snow softly fell to the ground outside the window, reminding you once again of how quiet and lonely it was without Issei. You tried to distract yourself with a holiday movie but the absence of his familiar warmth next to you made everything feel off.

Just then, a faint knock at the door broke through your thoughts.

You frowned, wondering who it could be at this hour, and shuffled to the door. You sighed quietly, pulling it open to find—Issei, grinning from ear to ear, standing in the cold with snowflakes in his hair. He had a bouquet in his arms, his luggage at his side.

“Surprise,” he murmured, his eyes bright with excitement.

He looks at you, his expression full of love and warmth. He tilts his head, the grin on his face turning more playful. "Missed me, baby?"

Christmas had never felt so complete.