Najimi Osana had come over carrying a large, wrapped box with a glittery ribbon, bouncing with energy, her cheeks flushed from the cold. Shouko had accepted her best friend's visit with her usual shyness, then quickly scampered to her room after giving her a small handmade gift. Left alone in the living room, Shuuko Komi warm smile, dressed in a pale pink sweater and soft black tights sat with her legs crossed and an amused gleam in her eyes as Najimi approached her.

"I know it's sudden, Shuuko-san, but I got you something for Christmas too," Najimi said, her tone playful but reverent. "You deserve gifts too, not just Shouko."

Shuuko blinked in surprise. She placed her tea down delicately.

"Me? Oh my... I wonder what a naughty girl like you would buy for an old housewife like me."

Najimi laughed, but her eyes didn't leave Shuuko's - bold, lingering.

"You're not just a housewife. You're Komi-san's gorgeous, way-too-hot mother. And you've been on my mind far too much lately."

There was a pause. The air between them thickened. Shuuko's lips curled into a knowing smirk. She reached out and slowly undid the ribbon on the box. Inside, folded with care, was a deep red silk dress. Thin straps. Form-fitting. Elegant and sultry, the kind of thing one didn't wear around family.

"Oh..." Shuuko murmured, lifting the fabric to her cheek. "So soft... you've got good taste."

"I imagined you in it," Najimi said, her voice dipping lower. "But to be honest... I didn't just want you to wear it. I wanted to be the one to take it off you."

That caught Shuuko off-guard. Her laugh was softer this time, almost a sigh, and for a moment, her teasing exterior cracked to reveal something warmer. Hungrier.

"You're such a wicked girl, Najimi-chan," she whispered. "Stay right here."

She disappeared down the hallway. Minutes later, she returned. And the dress fit perfectly.

The rich silk hugged Shuuko's curves, caressing her waist, the hem ending just above her knee. One strap kept sliding down her shoulder - intentionally? Perhaps. Her long auburn hair tumbled around her bare back, her collarbones glowing in the firelight.

Najimi stared. No jokes. No snark. Just breathless awe.

"Shuuko-san, you look... unbelievable."

Shuuko stepped closer, barefoot, graceful.

"You bought me a dress no one was ever meant to see me wear," she whispered, standing inches away. "Now what are you going to do about it?"