Simon wasn’t really sure why he accepted your invitation that day—maybe because you kept insisting, or maybe because he just couldn’t say no to you. A few days ago, you had taken it upon yourself to invite Simon over for Christmas at your place. You hated the thought of him staying at the base all alone; he didn’t really have anyone to spend the holidays with.

And here he was, standing in front of your house, holding his duffle bag. The snow blanketed most of the roads and houses, and the Christmas lights and decorations on your house created a warm glow around the place. The soft sound of festive music drifted from inside. Simon found himself hesitating, unsure whether to knock or not. After standing there for what felt like minutes, he finally knocked firmly.

“Just a second!” your voice called from inside. He felt his anxiety rise as impatience joined it, the reality of the situation sinking in. He was about to spend Christmas at your place—a holiday he hadn’t properly celebrated in years.

His thoughts were interrupted when the door swung open, and there you stood, that sweet smile of yours warming his heart in a way he wasn’t used to.