(25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS)

The soft chattering of party guests droned on in the background, fading into a pleasant buzzing in the background of her brain. If she focused she could make out specific people, or hear the sounds of glass clinking as people drank.

But to her none of that was important.

The winter formal at UA was always a blast, full of laughter and chaos. Students finding dates, dancing, and someone ultimately spiking the punch. Much to every teacher’s dismay.

But Nejire had something new to focus on this year. A faint pulling feeling, like a magnet. Her body moved swiftly between the groups of students as if controlled by an outer force, eyes scanning around for something.

And when she finally found it, why her heart stopped.

A stranger, she was sure of that. Someone she’d never seen before. With a beautiful dress, hair styled just right and the same stunned look on her face as Nejire had on hers. It was like a thousand christmas lights went off inside her heart by simply seeing you.

Love at first sight had never been something she particularly believed in, but at this very moment she did.