As promised, Settia was obediently waiting for him outside the shopping center the following afternoon.

He was easy enough to spot, standing in front of a massive string light display portraying a sleigh and reindeer. Settia’s windstrewn red hair appeared even brighter in the glow of millions of lights, and definitely appeared to be twinkling along with them. He was drawing all kinds of attention from people – girls in particular, as they passed him, sticking their heads together and giggling excitedly.

They probably took him for a model or something. Mizuki would’ve bought into that if he didn’t know better. Not that he knew anything. He made his way over, offering a slight wave to his companion, ignoring his own, somewhat lacking wits.

“Hey!” Mizuki panted, finally reaching him. “I hope you didn’t wait long?”

Settia shook his head. “It’s fine. I met someone I know, so I had company.”

Mizuki cast a glance in the direction of the vendor’s lot. He had a sneaking hunch of who this person might have been, but clamped his mouth shut.

Instead, he turned his attention back to Settia, whose breath was coming in trembling bursts of white vapor. He looked paler than usual.

“Are you cold?” he asked, a slight concern present in his voice.

Settia shook his head, however the chatter of his teeth made the performance less convincing.

Shaking his head, Mizuki put his gloved hand on the taller man’s shoulder, leading him towards the mall entrance. “Let’s get inside. I’ll treat you to some cocoa, okay?”

                                                               ❋❋❋❋

Though he didn’t seem to particularly enjoy the hot beverage, Settia gulped it down, clinging to the cup as if wanting to absorb as much of its heat as he could.

They sat shoulder to shoulder at a cramped table in the food court. Slowly, the color returned to Settia’s cheeks.

“I definitely think you need a new jacket. A thick one.” Mizuki grinned, nudging the other male. “And a hat. Those aren’t much use in this climate.” he gestured to the earmuffs still riding on top of Settia’s head.

“Yeah,” Settia had another sip. “To be honest, I don’t do well in the cold.”

“I kinda figured as much. That makes two of us. I guess we’re both used to higher temperatures, huh?”

“You may say that,” Settia smiled secretively.

“Can’t you like…tell me more about yourself?” Mizuki urged. “It’s kind of strange having you living at my house and…hanging out like this, without knowing anything about you. At all.”

“There isn’t much more to know.” Settia replied with a shrug. “Like I said, I’m on a mission.”

“And will you tell me what it is?”

“In time,” a glint of mirth lit up Settia’s green eyes.

Mizuki sighed.

“Okay, but what else? How old are you? What do you do when you don’t force your…friendship on strangers?” he chuckled softly.

Settia placed his cup on the table and stood, dragging Mizuki to his feet. “Never you mind. Come on, I want to get that coat.”

Together they prowled the mall, searching through a number of stores before finding the longest, thickest cat possible – the price tag was enough to make Mizuki’s wallet recoil and his head spin. This feeling was enhanced by the endless loops of jingles and carols from the overhead speakers everywhere, as well as screaming children and scolding parents around them. Settia however, was all smiles. The atmosphere seemed to energize him.

Because of course he was.

“Isn’t this fun?”

“You’re delusional.”

Mizuki pointed towards the coat hanging over Settia’s arm. “Bit pricey isn’t it?”

Not that it was any of his business, but how could someone who didn’t even own the clothes on his body, afford that coat?

Settia grabbed a pair of gloves and a knit beanie, piling them on top of the coat. He shrugged.

“Would you believe me if I said my grandfather is paying?”

It was anyone’s guess if he was joking or not. Mizuki didn’t press further.

                                                               ❋❋❋❋

They finally left the store, Settia already zipping up his coat, as if he was cold even indoors. Mizuki on the other hand, felt clammy with sweat and ready to melt away inside his parkas.

“There’s one more thing I wanna do,” Settia announced, dragging Mizuki towards the hardware store adjacent to them. “In here.”

Mizuki followed him inside, surprised to find that it resembled an outlet store more than a hardware; all kinds of stuff was crammed into the shelves and palls on the floors, from office supplies to kitchenware, and even a table brimming with Poinsettia flowers.

As if on instinct, Settia drifted over to the table. Mizuki watched him as he seemed to be fawning over them; leaning over the table. His lips seemed to be moving. Was he…talking to them? Mizuki moved closer, listening for his words.

A crooked smile crossed his face. “What, you’re longing to be with your own kind?”

He nudged the other man playfully, deciding not to dwell on how sincere that question may or may not have been.

“Maybe,” Settia picked up one of the plants, it was smaller than the rest, and looked sort of wilted. Settia’s eyes sparkled as he stroked his fingertips gently over the velvety leaves. He turned to Mizuki with a smile. “But you’re fine too.”

Struck by another flash of heat Mizuki avoided his gaze.

“What are we looking for anyway?”

“Christmas Stars.”

“Aren’t you holding one?” he glanced quizzically at the plant in Settia’s hands. For a moment…he thought it looked perkier, but…

“Not like this…” Settia laughed, lowering the plant back down. He leaned closer, whispering something that sounded like ‘You’ll be okay’, before turning away from the flowers. “Come!”

Settia lead the way as they maneuvered through the aisles, going deeper into the store until they reached the section for lamps and lights for every occasion. The heat from the ocean of glowing bulbs was unbearable.

“One of these!” Settia picked up a metal star with a cord attached. The box next to it read ‘Advent Star’.

“What…is this?”

“It’s a tradition in many European countries to hang one of these in the window during Advent. Isn’t it pretty?”

“Didn’t I tell you that I—“

“You hate Christmas, yes. But there’s nothing wrong with lights, right?”

“Uh…”

“Did you know that they became so popular partially because they literally light up the darkest season of the year?” his grin widened.

Sometimes it was like Settia was able to see inside his mind – Mizuki had after all, admitted that the lights were the best part of the season.

“You don’t hate stars.” Settia’s voice was persuasive. His feet were already inching towards the cash registers. He looked comical – his slim frame drowning in the massive coat, his face radiating excitement as he placed the package before the cashier and paid.

With a defeated laugh, Mizuki followed behind him.

                                                            ❋❋❋❋

That same night, he watched Settia hang the star from a hook in the small window facing out towards the street, casting it’s golden sheen over the room.

Mizuki had to admit it was kind of pleasant. Cozy even.

“You’re right.” He said. “I guess I don’t hate Christmas stars.”