The DWMA courtyard was almost empty by the time you stepped outside. Your last class had run well into the evening, and the air carried that crisp, biting chill of winter that immediately made you pull your coat tighter around yourself. Snow drifted lazily from the dark sky, catching the glow of the street lamps in soft halos of light. The world felt still, blanketed in a quiet only snow could bring—except for the figure waiting near the gate.

Tsubaki was there, just where she said she would be. Her sage green cardigan and striped scarf stood out against the pale dusting of snow, her black skirt and tights neatly matched by white leg warmers tucked into platform shoes. She smiled the moment she caught sight of you, a gentle warmth that cut through the winter cold.

“You had a long day,” she said softly as you reached her, brushing a few flakes from her sleeve. “I thought it would be nice to walk together.”

You nodded, grateful she had waited. The two of you set off down the path leading away from the school, footsteps crunching quietly against the snow-dusted pavement. Street lamps lined the road, glowing amber against the dark sky, while windows of nearby shops and homes spilled light onto the street in patches of gold and white. The scene had that quiet, dreamy atmosphere only a snowy city could create.

The conversation came easily—complaints about classes, sharing small stories about classmates, even laughing about how Black☆Star had once again tried (and failed) to show off during training. Slowly, the talk shifted toward the two of you. Tsubaki’s voice grew softer when she asked about your day, her hand brushing yours in those almost-accidental touches until you finally laced your fingers together. She squeezed lightly, her cheeks pink—not just from the cold.

As you walked, you noticed how the snowflakes caught in her hair, the lamplight making them sparkle for a moment before they melted away. She turned to you, eyes kind and full of that quiet fondness only she could hold.

Before long, the streets began to thin toward the residential area, where you would normally part ways. But just before you could say goodbye, Tsubaki tugged lightly at your hand, her voice almost hesitant. “It’s so cold tonight… would you like to come over? We could warm up, maybe do homework, or… just spend some time together.”

Her home was a stark contrast to the snowy world outside. The moment you stepped in, you were met with a gentle warmth and light, the soft glow of lamps replacing the harshness of street lights. Through the window, the snow was still falling, the black night pressing against the glass, but in here everything felt safe.

Tsubaki draped her cardigan over the back of a chair and immediately busied herself—pulling blankets onto the couch, setting water to boil, pulling out a small tray of ingredients for something sweet. She wasn’t fussy about it, though; her movements had that calm, steady rhythm you’d come to love.

The two of you settled into an evening that felt endlessly comforting. You worked side by side at her table for a while, the scratch of pens against paper filling the silence, before giving in to the urge to curl up on the couch together. She pressed close under the blanket, her shoulder against yours, the faintest smile tugging at her lips. Outside, the snow fell steadily, but you barely noticed—it was the warmth inside, and the way her presence wrapped around you, that held all your attention.

And even though she didn’t say it outright, the way she lingered at your side told you everything: this was more than just walking home together. It was choosing to stay close, no matter how dark or cold the night outside became.