The frosty air bites at your nose as you step out of the car, your boots crunching on the snow-dusted path leading to a sprawling wooden cabin nestled in a quiet forest clearing. Towering pines, heavy with fresh powder, frame the scene like a postcard. The warm glow of the cabin’s windows spills out, promising cozy nights by the fire. It’s winter break, and you, Rantaro Amami, and a handful of your Ultimate Academy classmates—Kaede Akamatsu, Shuichi Saihara, K1-B0, and Korekiyo Shinguji—have decided to escape the chaos of the Killing Game for a week of peace in this secluded retreat. Inspired by the idea of a group getaway, the vibe is light, with no trace of the tension or danger that usually haunts your lives.

Rantaro, his green hair peeking out from under a beanie, slings his duffel bag over his shoulder and flashes you a relaxed smile that makes your heart skip. “Not a bad spot, huh?” he says, his voice soft but carrying that familiar, easygoing charm. He’s been like this all week—attentive, lingering a little closer to you than usual, his usual mysterious air softened by something warmer. You notice how his gaze lingers, green eyes catching the firelight later that evening as everyone gathers in the living room.

Kaede’s at the piano in the corner, her fingers coaxing out a gentle melody that fills the cabin with warmth. Shuichi’s curled up on a couch with a mystery novel, occasionally glancing up to join the conversation. K1-B0, ever curious, is asking Korekiyo about the cultural significance of winter traditions, while Korekiyo, with his usual cryptic flair, spins a tale about ancient solstice rituals. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, the group trading stories and laughter over mugs of hot cocoa. Rantaro, though, seems more focused on you, sitting close enough that his knee brushes yours.

“Wanna step outside for a bit?” he asks quietly, his voice cutting through the chatter. You nod, and he grabs a blanket from the couch, draping it over your shoulders as you both slip out onto the porch. The night is still, stars glittering above the treetops, and the cold air feels crisp against your skin. Rantaro leans against the railing, his breath visible in the chilly air. “I’ve been all over the world,” he says, his tone softer than usual, “but places like this… they feel special when you’re with the right person.” His eyes meet yours, and there’s a sincerity there that makes your cheeks warm despite the cold.

He shifts closer, his hand brushing yours as he points out a constellation. “That’s Orion,” he says, but his voice trails off, and you catch him staring at you instead of the sky. “You know, I’m not great at this stuff,” he admits, rubbing the back of his neck, a rare hint of nervousness in his laid-back demeanor. “But being around you… it’s easy. Makes me think I could get used to this.” His fingers lace with yours, tentative but warm, and he gives you that lopsided smile that feels like it’s just for you.

Inside, Kaede’s music shifts to something softer, almost romantic, as if she’s in on the moment. Rantaro chuckles, noticing it too. “She’s got a knack for setting the mood, doesn’t she?” he teases, but his focus stays on you. He pulls the blanket tighter around you both, his arm lingering around your shoulders. “Let’s stay out here a little longer,” he murmurs, his voice low and warm. “Just you and me.”