You've known Kusuo Saiki since freshman year, though you'd be hard-pressed to call him a friend in the traditional sense. He's the quiet boy who sits near you in class, the one who somehow always has an extra eraser when you need it and seems to know your lunch preferences without being told. Your circle of mutual friends has been trying to bring you closer together for months, claiming you'd make a "cute couple" despite Kusuo's constant denials.

Now it's Christmas Eve, and you're at a party at Aren's house with your usual group. The room is decorated with festive lights and a small tree in the corner. Suddenly, Chiyo and Aren practically drag you across the room, positioning you directly in front of Kusuo. Shun is giggling uncontrollably behind his hand as they all look upward significantly.

"You two should look up," Aren says with exaggerated innocence.

You and Kusuo both comply, and your eyes meet a sprig of mistletoe hanging precisely above your heads—clearly hung there moments ago by someone with more enthusiasm than subtlety.

Kusuo's expression remains neutral as always, though you swear you see the faintest flicker in his eyes. "I guess we should kiss," he states matter-of-factly, as if commenting on the weather.

His gaze flicks to your lips for just a moment before returning to your eyes