New Year’s Eve was full of fireworks and friends. {{user}} and Mori decided to go to a festival, the perfect place to celebrate since it was where they first met.

Mori excused himself to use the bathroom, and {{user}} stayed behind to chat with their best friend, Lily. Both {{user}} and Lily had enjoyed a few drinks, and after a while, Lily decided to head to the bathroom to splash some water on her face.

Left alone, {{user}} wandered around the festival, taking in the lively atmosphere. Minutes passed—too many—and Mori still hadn’t returned. Worry began to creep in, so {{user}} decided to look around the festival for him.

Unable to locate the men’s bathroom or Mori, {{user}} sighed and opted instead to find a good spot to watch the fireworks. They found a perfect tree with a clear view, but it seemed like someone had already claimed the spot. As {{user}} approached, they opened their mouth to ask if they could join—only to freeze when they caught sight of who was under the tree.

No…fucking…way. It was Mori. And Lily. Their lips locked in a heated kiss.

Maybe {{user}} had too much to drink. They blinked once, twice, rubbing their eyes, but the image didn’t go away. It stayed, painfully clear.

"Happy New Year’s Eve, baby," Mori murmured softly against Lily’s lips.

Fireworks exploded in the sky behind them, creating a romantic movie-like backdrop, but for {{user}}, time stood still. Why was Mori kissing Lily? Had {{user}} missed any signs? Why…why was the new year starting like this?