Archive of Our Own ^beta

The alarm carved through the dark at 5 a.m. Maki slapped at her nightstand until the beeping died, then lay there a moment, staring at the ceiling. She hated mornings. Especially in the colder months. She debated calling out for a second, but duty won the fight, like it always did.

Dragging herself out of bed, she hopped into the shower, letting the hot water burn a little life into her, and prayed the universe would let her get through the day without dealing with anyone’s nonsense. Coffee, black, strong. Hair up, badge clipped, mask in her pocket. 

The hospital lobby greeted her with its bright lights and familiar antiseptic smell. She nodded to the nurses at the station, and slipped into her office, sinking into her chair like gravity had doubled overnight. She opened her first stack of patient charts and exhaled. At least the paperwork didn’t talk back.

Nozomi shook Nico’s shoulder, a little too enthusiastically for someone who’d been up late editing an audition video.

“Rise and shine, superstar. You’ve got thirty minutes before you’re late...”

Nico blinked awake, realizing she’d fallen asleep on the couch again. Her back ached. Her hair was a disaster. 

“6:30?!”

She bolted upright, stumbling over her own blankets.

Toothbrush. Water. Face wash. Clothes. Bag. She executed the routine in a frantic blur, tripping into her shoes as she ran out the door.

Nozomi called after her, “Have a good day, Nicochii~!”

Nico waved her hand.

She sprinted the last block to the café, chest heaving, and swung the door open at exactly 6:59.
Her manager looked her up and down with that exhausted, ‘why do I put up with you’ stare.

Nico tied on her apron, tucked her hair under a cap, and slid behind the counter with a bright, customer-service smile she absolutely did not feel inside.

Maki moved through her rounds like she was running a well-programmed script. Vitals. Notes. Adjustments. Updates. She delivered instructions in a calm, clipped tone. Rin caught her in the hallway just as she finished checking in with a post-op patient.

“Makichan~” Rin trotted over with her usual bounce, a small ponytail bobbing behind her. “Are you excited for Christmas? Hanayo and I already made a list of places we wanna go! The big light garden in the park, the bakery with the gingerbread contest… oh! And we’re gonna try making our own cookies this year!”

Maki pretended to skim the chart in her hand. “Sounds… festive.”

“You don’t have plans…?” Rin asked softly, tilting her head like she already knew the answer.

Maki used to love Christmas. The chef’s cooking, the music playing through the house, afternoon snowball fights…Now the thought of going home made her chest seize.

She straightened. “I should get back to rounds.”

Rin watched her go, worried, but didn’t push.

-*-

Her apartment was quiet the moment she walked through the door. Shoes off. Bag down. Instant noodles in the microwave.

She pressed the voicemail button on her phone without thinking.

“Maki. It’s your father.”

 Her hand froze mid-reach for chopsticks.

“If you’re able… we’d like you to come home for Christmas. Your mother misses you. I do, too.”

Delete. Her thumb hit the button before her brain caught up.

Her heart thudded painfully against her ribs. She hadn’t seen them in two years and didn’t know if she wanted to break that streak.

The next message clicked on.

“Hi, Maki. It’s Riko.”

Maki froze again.

“Um… I still have a few things at your place. Could I swing by sometime this week? Let me know what works.”

Maki stared at the microwave timer ticking down. Her throat tightened. Her breakup with Riko had been messy. She didn’t delete the message. She didn’t respond to it either.

When the microwave beeped, she didn’t even flinch.

*

Nico stirred a pot of pasta, humming through a line from her upcoming audition script. She’d been practicing all afternoon, trying to nail the emotional beat of a character falling out of love. 

“Nozomi better hurry up,” she muttered, plating her pasta. “I’m starving.”

She took a seat at the tiny dining table, script propped open beside her plate, and twirled noodles while mouthing her lines.

Her voice softened as she reached the confession scene. 

-*-

Maki was drinking now. The box of Riko’s things sat in the corner where she’d shoved it two weeks ago, half out of sight, fully out of mind. At least until tonight. Maybe she should just mail it to her… But she didn't have her new address.

One drink had turned into three, and the soft buzz behind her eyes nudged her toward the box like it was whispering, Just get it over with.

Maki crouched down, lifted it, and exhaled sharply. Seeing Riko’s clothes again made her remember the last time Riko wore them for a date. She decided tonight was the night she would move on. 

Before she could talk herself out of it, she grabbed her phone and called.

Riko showed up within fifteen minutes, smelling like expensive perfume and trouble. She leaned against Maki’s doorframe with a smirk.

“You look good,” Riko teased, eyes lingering. “Miss me?”

Maki crossed her arms. “You asked for your things. I’m just giving them back.”

Riko’s smile softened. “We haven’t talked in a month… don't you wanna catch up?”

Maki looked away. The liquor made her tongue looser than she liked. “ You broke up with me,” she muttered. “Isn’t that how this works?”

“That doesn’t mean we can’t talk,” Riko said gently, stepping closer. “I still care about you.”

The air thickened between them, memories and old habits trying to stir, but Maki was done being someone’s half-priority.

She handed over the box, 

“Here. Goodnight. Riko.”

She shut the door before the temptation to keep talking could take root. She leaned against the door once it clicked closed, exhaling shakily.

The front door opened with a bright, bubbly squeal.

“Nicooo~ I’m hoooome!”

Nozomi’s boots tapped excitedly on the floor as she came in, cheeks pink and eyes shining.

Nico perked up. “Oh someone’s happy.”

Nozomi froze… then giggled. “Well… I think Elichii might propose soon.”

Nico shot up from the couch, nearly knocking over her script. “Nozomi! That’s awesome!”

“I know!” Nozomi squealed, grabbing Nico in a tipsy bear hug. “And you’ll be my maid of honor, obviously. There’s no world where you aren’t.”

Nico laughed into her shoulder, squeezing back.

“Of course I will. Duh.”

Nozomi pulled away with a dreamy grin, wobbling only slightly as she headed up the stairs.

“I’m gonna go pass out for a week now… goodnight, superstar…”

“Goodnight!” Nico called, amused.

Maki hovered near the coffee machine like it was life support.

Rin poked her head in, spotted Maki instantly, and made a beeline for her.

“Maki-chan! Morning!”

Maki gave a tiny nod. “Hey.”

Rin squinted at her. “You look… tired. More than usual tired. You ok?”

Maki sighed, defeated. “Riko came by last night. I finally gave her the rest of her things.”

Rin’s face lit up. “Good! That’s really, really good.”

Maki stared into her coffee. “I’m not sure if it is.”

Rin leaned against the counter, crossing her arms. “You’re in that breakup fog. Holidays make people feel extra lonely… and extra clingy. But you don’t need her to feel whole again.”

Maki frowned. “I’m not… lonely.”

Rin raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.

“Have you made plans with your family?”

“No.”

“Maki.” Rin softened. “You should go home for Christmas. You haven’t seen your parents in forever.”

Maki stiffened. “Rin-”

“You never know what could happen,” Rin added quietly. “And If you really don’t want to go. You can join Kayochin and I on Christmas.”

She threw away her cup and stood abruptly. “I should get back to rounds.”

Rin didn’t try to stop her, just offered a gentle smile.

“Think about it, okay?”

*

The apartment felt colder tonight. Maybe because she’d been replaying Rin’s words all day, or maybe because she’d thought of her dad’s voicemail more times than she wanted to admit.

She sat on the edge of her bed, phone in hand. Before she lost her nerve, she dialed.

He answered almost instantly.

“Maki?”

His voice was so warm

“Hi, Dad.”

“Oh, sweetheart, I’m so glad you called. How are you? Are you eating well? ”

Maki pressed her palm to her eyes. “Yeah. I’m fine. Busy.”

The lie slid out too easily.

“That’s my girl,” he said softly. “I miss you. Your mother misses you. It’s been far too long.”

She swallowed hard. “I wasn’t exactly… welcome last time.”

He exhaled shakily. “I’m sorry. Really. Things were said that shouldn’t have been. We want you home. Both of us.”

Silence stretched.

“So… will you come home for Christmas?” he asked.

Maki hesitated, until he added, brightly:

“ We’d love to meet your girlfriend. Bring her too.”

Her blood ran ice-cold.

“Your mom and I… we’ve talked about it,” he continued cheerfully. “If she matters to you, she matters to us.”

Panic shot through Maki like voltage. 

“I… yeah. I’ll bring her.”

She immediately regretted it.

“Oh, wonderful! We can’t wait to see you both.”

Maki hung up slowly, staring at the screen like it might explode.

*

Rin slipped in without knocking, carrying two cups of tea.  She spotted Maki pacing like a trapped panther.

“Whoa,” Rin said, handing her a cup. “I haven't seen you like that since college finals. What’s going on?”

Maki took the tea but didn’t drink it.

“I lied to my dad.”

Rin blinked. “Okay… about what?”

Maki squeezed her eyes shut. “I told him I’d bring my girlfriend over for Christmas.”

Rin’s eyebrows shot up. “Maki…”

“I know!”

“Why?”

“Because I panicked!” Maki exploded, resuming her pacing. “He sounded so… excited to talk to me. And they’ve finally stopped pretending I don’t exist, or pretending I’m just going through some ‘phase’... I didn’t want to ruin it by saying I’m alone again.”

Rin watched her with a soft frown.

“Okay. So what’s the plan?”

Maki froze. Then groaned. “I don’t know… I didn’t think that far ahead.”

Rin slowly put her cup down and rubbed her forehead.

“Maki.”

“What?!” Maki snapped defensively.

“You really thought panic-lying your way into a girlfriend would fix anything?”

Maki crossed her arms. “It sounded brilliant at the time.”

Rin tilted her head. “So… are you thinking about asking Riko?”

Maki hesitated. “…Maybe.”

Rin nearly dropped her tea.

“No. Absolutely not. That’s the worst idea I’ve ever heard. She dumped you, Maki.”

“I know!” Maki said helplessly. “But they know her name, and she’s-”

“No,” Rin repeated, slicing the air with her hand. “Have they actually met her?”

Maki shook her head. 

“Then don't ask her. It’s just going to be messy again”

Maki sank into her chair. “So… who?”

Rin brightened. “Umi!”

Maki didn’t even pause. “No.”

“But-”

“No. Kotori would murder me. She already glares every time I stand too close to Umi. I want to live to see January.”

Rin paused, imagining it.

“…Okay, yeah, Kotori would destroy you.”

They both snorted.

“So what now?” Maki asked, hopeless.

Rin planted her hands on her hips. “Get out there and find someone. You’re gorgeous, tall, smart, rich, hell, you’re a surgeon. People ask Santa for a woman like you.”

Maki dragged a hand down her face. “It’s too soon to date. And too late to find someone serious.”

Rin suddenly snapped her fingers.

“I’ve GOT it.”

“Oh no,” Maki whispered.

“Hire someone!”

Maki stared. “…No.”

“YES!” Rin said, eyes sparkling. “Hire an actress! That’s their job, literally. You pay, they act, everyone’s happy!”

“That is unethical,” Maki deadpanned. “And insane.”

Rin shrugged. “So? It’ll work.”

“I would never do that.”

-*-

She did it. Well… she tried.

Laptop open, anonymous profile created, Maki scrolled through dating sites with the same dread she used to reserve for cadaver lab.

Every photo, every bio, every smiling stranger made her stomach twist. She imagined dragging one of these women to her parents’ house, lying to them, using someone, it felt awful. She closed the site after twenty minutes, guilt gnawing at her, and rubbed her temples.

Her phone buzzed.

New Voicemail - Dad

She didn’t listen right away. But it stared at her until she caved.

“Sweetheart, I hope you’re having a good day.”

 His voice was bright.

“We can’t wait to meet your girlfriend. Your mother is already talking about dinner, and we’re… just excited, Maki.”

The message ended warmly, gently, with no pressure, just love. Which somehow made it worse. Maki closed her eyes, sinking back against the couch.

“This is a disaster,” she muttered.

She didn’t know how, or who, or when… but she needed a girlfriend by Christmas. Even a fake one. Against her better judgment, and Rin’s enthusiastic nagging, Maki decided to be honest, and updated her dating profile.

“Looking for a temporary girlfriend for the holidays. Fake relationship only.”

It felt mortifying to write, but lying to her dad had already destroyed her dignity. What was one more step into chaos?

Against all expectations… She got matches. Too many, honestly. She scheduled five dates for her next day off, all at the café she used to study at in college.

The bell jingled as Maki stepped inside. Warm lights. The smell of fresh bread.  And behind the counter, 

“MAKI-CHAN!” Honoka practically somersaulted over the espresso machine to hug her. “You’re alive!”

Maki snorted. “Barely.”

Honoka grinned. “Your private booth is ready. And don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone you’re using my café as a fake-girlfriend interview arena.”

“Thank you,” Maki murmured, mortification sinking deeper. “I trust you.”

Honoka winked. “Break a leg. Or don’t. You’re a surgeon. You’d have to fix it.”

Maki groaned and took her seat.

-*-

First Date.

A petite girl sat down across from her, vibrating with nervous energy.

“H-Hi! I’m… AH! Sorry- I practiced a whole speech but I forgot it!”

She knocked over the sugar jar, then her water, then almost knocked over Maki.

“I’m really calm usually, okay no I’m lying, I’m a mess!”

Maki smiled politely but already felt her soul leaving her body.

Ten minutes later, the girl apologized twelve times and sprinted out of the café.

Honoka slid Maki a scone like a condolence gift.

-*-

Second Date.

The next woman sat down silently.  Didn’t blink. Didn’t smile. Her voice was smooth, cold, almost ominous.

“So. Fake girlfriend.”

“Uh… yes,” Maki said carefully.

The woman leaned in. “You ever stolen an identity?”

“What?! No-why…?”

She shrugged. “Just checking your vibe.”

Maki froze.

The woman then asked if Maki believed in ghosts, and  “the government’s surveillance bees.”

The date lasted six minutes.

-*-

Third Date.

The third woman arrived in glitter. Full glitter.

“HELLOOO, BEAUTIFUL!” she sang, loud enough for the entire café to turn around and stare. Maki wanted to dig a hole and hide. Honoka dropped a cup in the back.

Maki winced as the woman launched into a dramatic monologue about how she would be the most spectacular holiday girlfriend ever, complete with a choreographed performance using milk foam.

People clapped when she left. Maki wanted to evaporate.

-*-

Fourth Date.

This one had danger written all over her. Leather jacket. Sunglasses indoors. She sat, stared, and said:

“You ever faked your death? Asking for a friend.”

Maki stood up, grabbed her coat, grabbed Honoka, and whispered, “Never seat me near her again.”

Honoka nodded. 

-*-

Fifth Date.

Maki had lost all hope, was it really that hard to find someone to pretend to be her girlfriend for a couple days? She wanted to give up, but a beautiful woman entered the cafe, it looked like she had come out of a magazine cover. 

Maki straightened. Hope flickered.

Her date sat down, smiled gently, and immediately burst into tears.

“I’m sorry! You just… you look like my ex!”

Maki blinked. “Oh… uh…”

“And she left me for a dentist! A dentist, they’re not even real doctors!!”

Maki spent the next thirty minutes handing her tissues and rubbing her back.

By the time the woman apologized and left, Maki felt emotionally wrung out.

Honoka slid her another pastry.

“You okay?”

Maki slumped forward onto the table.

“I’m never doing this again.”

Honoka patted her sympathetically.

“Hey… at least the crying one was pretty?”

“Honoka.”

“Right. Sorry ...”

Maki was halfway through her notes when Rin burst into her office without knocking, holding her phone like she’d found the cure for cancer.

“Maki-chan! Look!”

She shoved the screen in Maki’s face.

“Be My Girlfriend?  Looking for a woman to introduce to my parents and survive the holidays.
¥10,000 week. Strictly Platonic. Contact: [email protected]”

Maki blinked. Read it again. And again. Then slowly looked up at Rin.

“…you didn’t.”

Rin beamed. “I did!”

“RIN!” Maki practically lunged over her desk. “What- why- how- Rin, people are going to think I’m a serial killer!”

“No, they won’t,” Rin said, unbothered. “It’s a cute ad!”

“CUTE?” Maki gasped. “It literally screams ‘I will harvest your kidneys.’”

Rin waved her hand. “You’re being dramatic.”

“YOU POSTED A PERSONAL AD FOR ME WITHOUT MY CONSENT.”

“Well, technically,” Rin said thoughtfully, “I used my account, so nobody even knows it’s for you... Yet.”

“RIN!”

Rin plopped into the chair in front of Maki’s desk like she planned to stay forever.

“Look, you’re not making any progress. I’m trying to help you.”

“I don’t need this kind of help,” Maki muttered, rubbing her temples. “This is… humiliating.”

Rin leaned in with a cat-like grin. 

“Ok but imagine, you actually meet someone worth it. And then you fall in love, in a year you get married. You’ll thank me. You’ll see!”

“No. No, absolutely not.” Maki leaned back, flustered. “I’m not that desperate.”

Rin gave her a pitying look. “Maki… you tried dating apps.”

Maki froze. “That was…different.”

“Uh-huh.” Rin smirked. “And how many girls cried on you?”

Maki groaned and dropped her forehead onto the desk.

“Rin, please.”

Rin stood, brushed off her pants, and stretched.

“Fine. Are you going to tell your parents the truth?.”

“I don't know…”

Rin sighed “ how about I pretend to be your girlfriend?”

“No… they know you. And you've already made plans with Hanayo. I'm not stealing her girlfriend away…”

“ well… telling the truth would be the best thing to do. I won't stop you” 

Maki straightened, surprised. “Really?”

“Yep.” Rin headed toward the door, waving her phone. “But… just in case… ”

She sent something. Maki’s phone buzzed.

Rin winked.

“You change your mind. Keep it. For emergencies..”

Rin sent Maki the link to the ad she had posted on her behalf.

“Rin!”

The fluorescent lights of the hallway felt colder than usual as the heavy double doors of the audition room loomed ahead. Nico adjusted the bow in her hair for the tenth time, her fingers trembling just enough to be annoying.

Then, a familiar warmth enveloped her hand. Nozomi didn’t say anything at first. She just interlaced their fingers, her grip firm and grounding. She leaned in, "Nicochii," Nozomi whispered, "The cards said something good was coming. This stage is already yours; you’re just going in there to claim it."

Nico huffed, trying to summon her usual bravado, though she didn’t pull her hand away. "Of course it is. They’d be idiots to hire anyone else."

Nozomi smiled. She gave Nico’s hand one final, supportive squeeze. "Go show them what a No. 1 actress looks like. I'll be right here."

Inside, the room was a vacuum of silence. Three judges sat behind a long table, their faces obscured by the glare of the overheads.

"Nico Yazawa. Whenever you’re ready."

Nico took a breath, and the switch flipped. The slumped shoulders vanished, replaced by a spine of steel and a radiant, practiced beam. She launched into the monologue, her voice projecting with a clarity that filled the room. Every gesture was sharp, every emotion calibrated to perfection. She hit the comedic beats with precision and transitioned into the final, soulful beat without missing a breath.

When she finished, she held the pose, a perfect, lingering moment of silence. One of the judges actually stopped tapping their pen.

"Thank you, Yazawa-san," the lead casting director said, scribbling something on a legal pad. "That was... very polished. Truly."

Nico’s heart leaped.

"However," the director continued, not looking up. " We're looking for someone with a bit more... height? A different 'vibe' for the ensemble. You understand."

Nico’s smile didn’t falter, it couldn't, it was baked into her DNA, but the light behind her eyes dimmed. "I understand. Thank you so much for your time."

She bowed, a perfect, 45-degree angle of professional grace, and turned on her heel.

The heavy doors thudded shut behind her. The adrenaline evaporated instantly, leaving a hollow ache in her chest. Her shoulders, so rigid and proud moments ago, slumped forward. 

She saw Nozomi’s boots before she looked up. Nozomi was already standing, her bag over her shoulder, her eyes searching Nico’s face. She didn’t need to ask. She saw the way Nico’s thumb was nervously picking at her dress.

"Nicochii-"

"Don't," Nico snapped, though there was no bite in it, only exhaustion. "I’m tired. I want to be alone."

Nozomi’s expression flickered with a shadow of worry. She reached out, her hand hovering near Nico’s shoulder before dropping back to her side.

"Okay. But text me when you get home? Even if it’s just a sticker."

Nico didn't want to talk. She didn't want to explain. But the smell of steamed flour and sugar was a siren song she couldn't resist.

The bell chimed as she pushed inside. Honoka was behind the counter, wiping down a tray, her bright orange hair slightly messy from a long morning rush. She looked up, her face lighting up instantly.

"Nicochan” 

Honoka paused. She took in the sight of Nico: the slumped frame, the slightly rumpled blazer, and the eyes that looked everywhere but at her. Honoka’s voice dropped an octave, losing its usual boisterousness. "Hey. Come sit at the bar."

Nico climbed onto the stool, resting her chin in her hands. "I'm not hungry," she muttered.

"I didn't ask if you were," Honoka said gently. She turned her back, busying herself with a small pot on the stove.

Nico reached up, her fingers fumbling with the pink bows she had tied so carefully that morning. With a sharp tug, she pulled them free, tossing them onto the wooden counter like colorful scraps of a persona she was too tired to lead. She slid the elastic bands off and felt the sharp tension in her scalp finally snap.

She shook her head, letting her dark hair fall forward in a heavy curtain. It cascaded over her shoulders, masking her face and hiding the shine of tears she refused to let fall.

“…Do you think I’m a bad actress?” she muttered, staring at the grain of the countertop.

Honoka didn’t hesitate. “You were the best actress in the entire theater department. Everyone knew it.”

Nico groaned, the weight of the day finally breaking her posture. She dropped her forehead onto the cool counter with a soft thud. “Then why can’t I land a single part?”

“Hey...” Honoka reached across the wood, her hand a steady, grounding weight as she patted the top of Nico’s head.

She turned away for a moment, the sound of a steaming wand and a clinking spoon filling the silence. Honoka grabbed a heavy ceramic mug, filled it to the brim with thick, dark hot chocolate, and slid it directly in front of Nico’s slumped form.

“Here. On the house,” Honoka said softly.

Nico looked up, her hair still messy and framing her face. Her cheeks were puffed out in a stubborn pout, and her eyes were a little red, but she managed a small, grateful smile.

The quiet of the shop was filled by the soft, tinkling notes of Christmas music drifting through the speakers. Nico wrapped her trembling hands around the mug, the ceramic heat seeping into her palms. She took a slow, careful sip, letting the sugar and the warmth settle the ache in her chest.

Honoka wiped the counter nearby, glancing at Nico from the corner of her eye. She saw the way Nico’s hair fell, the way she looked so much softer without the stage persona.Then, a memory clicked, all the failed dates that Maki had days before. Maki was looking for an actress. Someone reliable. 

Honoka thought of the screenshot Rin had sent her of the ad they'd put together. Her gaze softened as she looked at the girl sipping cocoa in front of her. Nico didn’t just fit the description; she was perfect.

Quietly, Honoka stepped back toward the register. She raised her phone, catching the light just right, and snapped a quick picture. In the photo, Nico looked small and soft, her face framed by her loose hair and illuminated by the golden glow of the café’s Christmas lights. Honoka tapped her screen and sent it off to Maki with a flurry of typing.

Meanwhile, kilometers away, Maki was pacing circles in her living room. The air in her apartment felt thin. She held her phone like a live grenade, trying to convince herself to just call her dad and come clean

Finally, she stopped pacing. She closed her eyes, gathered every ounce of her courage, and hit his name.

The line rang.

As she was waiting for the other end to pick up, her phone vibrated against her ear. A text notification. She pulled the phone away for a split second to silence it, but the preview caught her eye.

Honoka: “Maki-chan! How about her? We’ve been friends since college, she’s amazing. Her name is Nico. I can give her your info if you want!”

Maki tapped the notification, the photo expanded.

She stared. Nico looked nothing like the disastrous, over-rehearsed dates Maki had been before.  The way her eyes sparkle under the christmas lights, pulled Maki in.

Her father’s voice broke through the haze.

“Maki? Honey, is everything ok?”

She swallowed  and blurted the first thing she could manage:

“Yeah.. I just called to let you know. We'll be there on the 21st.”

-*-

The following afternoon, the smell of freshly baked manju filled the air at Homura. Nico was behind the counter. With her schedule suddenly a void of empty audition slots, the extra shift was a practical necessity, even if it felt like a consolation prize.

What she didn't realize was that Honoka had been vibrating with a secret for the last three hours.

Ten minutes before the clock struck four, Honoka cornered Nico.

“Absolutely not,” Nico said instantly.

“Come on, Nico-chan,” Honoka pleaded, clasping her hands together as if in prayer. “You need the work, the pay is great, and you're the only one who can pull this off!”

“Do you seriously think I’d sell myself for money? I’m an artist, Honoka.”

“You’re not selling anything!” Honoka insisted, her voice rising in pitch. “It’s a performance! And Maki is wonderful. You’ll see.”

Nico narrowed her eyes, her hand pausing on her hip. “What do you mean 'I’ll see'?” She took a menacing step forward. Honoka took a step back.

“I… may have already said that you agreed. Maki’s coming in ten minutes,” Honoka admitted, wincing as she braced for the explosion.

Nico’s jaw dropped. “Oh my god… you’re worse than Nozomi! You can’t just go around volunteering my life!”

Honoka tried a guilty smile; Nico threw her hands up, pacing through her frustration. When she finally calmed down, Honoka showed her the ad Rin had created.

Nico had even more questions now, starting with whether Honoka was trying to get her murdered by a serial killer.

“It’s fine,” Nico muttered to herself, settling at a corner table. It can’t be that bad. She then glanced at her reflection and winced. Baggy overalls, her hair split into two low buns, a beanie, combat boots, she suddenly wished she’d dressed better. What if this “Maki” was some handsome guy? Honoka didn’t show her a picture. 

The door opened. Maki stepped inside, immediately spotting Nico. She shot Honoka a look; Honoka beamed and gave a thumbs-up.

Maki inhaled shakily and walked over. Nico looked up, startled.

“Hi,” Maki said, trying to sound calm. “I’m Maki. Nice to meet you.”

“You’re Maki?” Nico blinked. “You’re… a woman.”

Maki’s eye twitched. She glanced at Honoka with a silent Seriously? before turning back.

“Is that a problem?” she asked.

Nico let out a breath of pure relief. “Actually, that’s better. I was prepared for a serial killer.”

Maki laughed, relieved for the first time in days. She sat in front of Nico. 

Nico leaned forward. “So why put up an ad like that? You’re pretty. It’s hard to imagine you having trouble finding someone.”

The compliment caught Maki off guard, a soft blush creeping up.

“It wasn’t exactly my idea. My friend… posted it.”

Nico didn’t look convinced, so Maki shifted the focus.

“Why did you accept?”

Nico glanced toward Honoka, who suddenly found the espresso machine very interesting.

Maki understood immediately. Nico had been ambushed.

“You don’t have to do this,” Maki offered gently.

“No, it’s fine,” Nico said with a shrug. “I need… a distraction. And the pay is good, that part is true, right?”

Maki nodded.

“Perfect.” Nico smiled, and Maki found herself smiling back.

“Any questions about the job?” Maki asked.

“Oh yeah. How long?”

“Just a few days. Twenty-first through the twenty-sixth. I’ll pay for the whole week thou.”

Nico nodded, satisfied. “Alright then. We’re set.”

Maki blinked. “We’re not going to… talk about it more?”

Nico shrugged again. “Do you want to? Seems pretty straightforward to me.”

Nico was fussing with her zipper, avoiding direct eye contact with Nozomi, who was leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed.

"I'm just saying, it’s weird I’ve never heard of this 'childhood friend' before," Nozomi said, her voice light but trailing with a hint of a challenge. "What was her name again? Saki? Aki?"

"Maki," Nico corrected sharply, "And we just... lost touch. She moved away for a while and recently got back into contact. It’s a Christmas reunion thing. Don't make a big deal out of it."

Nozomi didn't believe a word of it. She knew every name in Nico’s limited circle of trust, from the girls they went to school with to the neighbors Nico secretly helped with groceries. But she also saw the lingering shadow of the failed audition in the way Nico’s shoulders were set. If Nico needed a "childhood friend" as an excuse to escape the city and her own head, Nozomi wasn't going to tear the mask off.

"Alright, Nicochii," Nozomi said gently, stepping forward to help straighten Nico’s coat. "But you text me if you need me, okay? For any reason. Even if you just get bored."

Nozomi paused, her hand lingering on Nico's arm. "Did you let your mom know you aren't going home for the holidays?"

Nico nodded, her expression softening for a brief second. "I already mailed the presents. Besides," Nico offered a small, genuine shrug, "Mom actually won a raffle at work, a small resort vacation package. She and the kids are heading to the hot springs for a few days. The timing worked out."

It was the only part of the conversation that wasn't a lie.

Nozomi moved to the window, pulling the curtain back just an inch. A black car was idling at the curb.

The driver's side door opened, and a tall woman stepped out. Even from the third floor, she was striking, deep red hair that stood out against the gray winter street, wrapped in a purple coat. She leaned against the car, checking her watch with an air of practiced composure.

"Your ride is here," Nozomi said, turning back to Nico. The worry in her chest shifted into something more curious.

Nico grabbed her bags, taking a deep breath. Before she could reach for the door, Nozomi pulled her into a firm, warm hug.

"Merry Christmas, Nicochii. Stay safe," Nozomi whispered into her ear. Nico lingered in the hug for a second longer than usual. 

"Stop worrying so much, Nozomi! Honestly, you’re like a mother hen." She pulled away and gave Nozomi a playful, dismissive wave. Nico reached for the door handle, a mischievous glint returning to her eyes. "Just enjoy having the apartment to yourself. Now you and Eli can finally make as much noise without worrying about me"

Nico slipped out the door before Nozomi could even think of a comeback, leaving the apartment feeling much larger and quieter than it had been a moment ago.

-*-

Maki didn't say much as Nico approached; she simply offered a polite nod and reached for Nico’s bags.

"I've got it," Maki said, her voice smooth and professional. She stowed the luggage in the trunk with a practiced ease before holding the passenger door open. It was a gesture of chivalry that made Nico feel nervous.

As Maki climbed into the driver's seat and the engine purred to life, the reality of the situation finally began to sink in.

Nico stared out the window at the familiar sights of her neighborhood slipping away. She realized, with a sudden jolt of anxiety, that she had been incredibly reckless the day before.

What was I thinking? she scolded herself. I’m an actress, and I didn't even ask for a character profile.

She glanced at Maki out of the corner of her eye. Maki’s hands were steady on the wheel, her profile sharp and focused. They hadn't discussed a single detail. How did they meet? How long had they been "dating"? What were Maki’s parents like? Shrugging it off in the café had felt cool and professional at the time, but now, trapped in a moving vehicle heading toward an unknown destination, it felt like a disaster waiting to happen.

"So," Nico started, her voice sounding a bit louder than she intended in the quiet cabin. "Since we’re ‘officially’ meeting your parents, don't you think it’s time for the highlights reel? Or are we just going to wing it and hope your parents don't notice we don't know each other’s favorite colors?"

Maki gripped the steering wheel a little tighter. "I... I'm working on it.”

Nico looked down at her phone, which was vibrating in her lap. A message from Nozomi: “Don’t forget to drink water.” 

Nico’s thumb hovered over the "Share Live Location" button. Every instinct told her to send it. If something went wrong, if Maki wasn't who she said she was, Nozomi would be the only one who could find her.

But then, she looked at the "childhood friend" lie she had already spun. If she shared her location now, Nozomi would watch that little blue dot like a hawk. She’d never let Nico hear the end of it, and worse, she’d never let Nico take the "tracking" off for the rest of her life.

She shook her head and tucked the phone firmly into her pocket. No. She was a professional. She was a No. 1 brilliant actress . She didn't need a map or a bodyguard.

Seeing as how Maki was making no progress and the silence was starting to feel heavy, Nico decided to take charge. She was the professional, after all. If the client wasn't going to provide a script, she’d have to write it herself through interrogation.

"So, your parents know the name?" Nico asked, crossing her arms.

Maki nodded, her gaze fixed on the highway. "Right, her name is Riko Sakurauchi. That's all they know."

"Alright. Well, how does she act? Is there anything I need to keep in mind? Do I speak softly, or was I loud? Did you ever talk about me on the phone, or-"

Maki cut her off, her voice a bit tighter. "No. Actually, they’ve never met her at all. They haven't heard her voice or seen her. So... you can just be yourself."

Nico blinked. That was a relief, but also a challenge. "Fine. How long have we been together?"

"About two years." Maki didn't blink as she merged into the fast lane.

"Two years? Wow, we're practically married in parent-time," Nico muttered. "And what do I do for work? What about you?"

"I'm a doctor. You," Maki paused, a small, complicated shadow crossing her face, "are a professional pianist."

Nico’s heart nearly stopped. "Wait... a professional? Does that mean I'm famous? Doesn't that mean they know who I am? What if they look me up?" She leaned forward, her hands gripping the dashboard. "Maki, this is a huge lie! Google exists!"

"They don't," Maki said, her voice dropping into a flat, almost cold tone. "They never cared enough... Besides, there aren’t a lot of pictures of Riko online. She’s camera shy"

Nico let out a breath, but a second later, a new horror dawned on her. Her eyes widened to the size of saucers. "Oh my god... what if they ask me to play?! I can’t play piano, Maki! I can do a mean 'Twinkle Twinkle' on a toy keyboard, and that’s it!"

Maki almost laughed. "Relax. They don’t own a piano. Not anymore... and they won't ask."

"Alright. If I'm going to be your girlfriend of two years, I need more than a job title," Nico suggested, trying to shake off the piano-panic. "Let’s actually get to know each other. Favorite season? Favorite movie? Food?"

Maki seemed to actually think about it this time. "I like winter. Favorite movie? Maybe Whiplash." She glanced at the GPS. "And food... fresh tomatoes."

"Fresh tomatoes? That's not a meal, that's a snack."

"It's a preference," Maki countered. "What about you? Favorite movie?"

" Love Letter," Nico replied without a second of hesitation.

Maki’s nose crinkled slightly. "That movie is old…”

"Yeah, but it's beautiful," Nico snapped, defensive of the classic romance. "Honestly. It’s a masterpiece."

“Can I ask you something?” Maki said, her voice dropping into a lower, more serious register. “And be honest. Are you… gay? Or is there another reason you agreed to this so easily? It’s a lot to ask of a stranger.”

Nico tilted her head, the movement shifting her beanie slightly. She actually stopped to think about it, staring at the little dancing charm hanging from Maki’s rearview mirror.

“Am I gay?” she muttered to herself, testing the weight of the words.

Maki stole a quick glance at her.

Nico eventually just shrugged it off, her expression unreadable. “I don’t know. I’ve never really sat down and thought about it, I guess. I’ve been a little busy trying to become the world’s best actress.”

Maki let out a long, heavy sigh, looking almost exasperated. “Wait, so you just- You’re agreeing to play my partner for a week without even knowing if you’re attracted to women?”

Nico turned in her seat, holding up a hand to stop Maki’s spiraling thoughts.

“Look, I’ve had crushes on women before,” Nico admitted, “But I’ve never actually dated them. And yeah, I’ve kissed a few, it comes with the territory of being in the performing arts and… well, being me. But I don't know. I can't really give you a multiple-choice answer on a whim.”

She looked back out the window, watching the sunset bleed into a deep, bruised purple over the horizon.

“Does it matter?” Nico asked softly. “I’m an actress, Maki. If you need me to be head-over-heels in love with you by the time we hit your parents’ driveway, I will be. My personal 'labels' don’t change the quality of the performance.”

Maki stayed silent, but the tension in her shoulders seemed to ebb away, replaced by a strange sort of curiosity. She had spent her whole life following a rigid path, medical school, expectations, a clearly defined future. Hearing Nico talk about her own identity with such casual fluidity was… jarring. And a little bit enviable.

“I guess it doesn't matter for the job,” Maki finally murmured. “I just... I didn't want you to be uncomfortable.”

“Trust me. After the auditions I’ve been through, sitting in a fancy car with a pretty doctor is the least uncomfortable thing I’ve done all year.”

Nico leaned over slightly, invading Maki’s personal space just enough to be noticed. She wore a mischievous, cat-like smirk “Besides,” Nico added, her voice dropping into a playful, honeyed lilt. “Since I’m a professional and all…  I’ll still kiss you plenty. I have to make it look realistic, right?”

Maki’s foot jerked slightly on the accelerator, causing the car to surge forward for a split second before she caught it. A deep, furious crimson rushed from her neck all the way to the tips of her ears. She stared straight ahead at the road, her eyes wide, looking like she’d just been short-circuited.

“You-!

“What?” Nico sat back, looking the picture of innocence as she adjusted her beanie. “We’re supposed to be in a devoted, two-year relationship, Maki-chan. If we don’t look like we’ve ever touched each other, your parents are going to smell the lie before we even get through the front door.”

Maki opened her mouth to argue, then closed it, realizing Nico was correct.

-*-

The rest of the ride passed in a comfortable, low-frequency silence. The radio hummed softly, some jazz station Maki had picked to keep her nerves steady, and eventually, the rhythmic motion of the car won out over Nico’s adrenaline. Her head leaned against the cool glass of the window, her breathing slowing until it was deep and even.

Maki found herself checking on Nico every now and then. The messy hair from the beanie and her face softened by sleep, made Nico look less threatening. 

The smooth asphalt of the highway eventually gave way to a winding gravel path, the tires crunching loudly in the stillness of the woods. When the car finally came to a halt, Maki didn't get out immediately. She sat with her hands still gripped at ten and two, staring at the cabin ahead.

Maki hadn't been here in years. The last time she’d walked through those doors, she had been a child under the heavy weight of her father’s expectations. Now, she was returning with a fake life in tow.

Her chest tightened, a familiar pressure making it hard to draw a full breath. She reached out and clicked the engine off. The silence that rushed in was absolute.

“Nico,” Maki whispered, reaching over. She hesitated for a fraction of a second before gently shaking Nico’s shoulder. “We’re here. It’s time.”

Nico’s eyes fluttered open. She blinked at the dark woods, then at the glowing cabin, and finally at Maki. For a brief moment, she looked disoriented, her guard completely down. But as she saw the sheer panic flickering in Maki’s violet eyes, the "switch" flipped.

Nico sat up, stretching her arms over her head with a cat-like yawn that ended in a sharp, determined grin. She reached up, adjusting her beanie and tucking a stray lock of dark hair behind her ear.

“Alright,” she said, her voice dropping that sleepy rasp and gaining its polished, professional edge. “ Let’s do this, Doctor.”

She reached out and took Maki’s hand, interlacing their fingers before they even reached the porch.

“Relax,” Nico murmured, her thumb tracing a soothing circle over Maki’s knuckles. “You’re supposed to be happy to be home with your girlfriend. Now, smile like you actually like me.”

Maki took a shaky breath, looked at their joined hands, and forced her face to soften. It was only for a couple days, she reminded herself.

They stood in front of the door longer than necessary. Nico watched her out of the corner of her eye. Maki’s fingers were twitching, a rhythmic, nervous habit that screamed she was seconds away from bolting back to the car.

Nico didn't say a word. She simply shifted her weight and squeezed Maki’s hand.  When Maki looked over, startled and wide-eyed, Nico gave her a small, confident nod.

Maki swallowed hard, squared her shoulders, and knocked.

“Maki!”

Mrs. Nishikino didn't wait for a greeting. She pulled Maki into a hug so fierce it nearly knocked the wind out of her. Maki froze at the warm welcome. She had expected a cold, clinical reception, stiff handshakes and judgmental glares. Instead, she was being smothered.

Then, the focus shifted. Mrs. Nishikino pulled back, her eyes bright , and turned toward Nico. “Oh! You must be Riko! Welcome, welcome!”

Before she could say something Mr. Nishikino appeared. He clapped a hand on Maki’s shoulder and wrapped Nico in a surprisingly sturdy hug as well.

“Come in, come in out of the cold,” he urged, ushering them in.

Maki looked like she had walked into the wrong house. She cleared her throat, her voice sounding small. “Mom. Dad. This is... Riko Sakurauchi. She’s my girlfriend.”

She stepped forward, smoothing her expression into one of warm, humble grace, and bowed. “It’s very nice to meet you. Thank you so much for having me in your home.”

Both parents beamed.

“Oh my~” Mrs. Nishikino’s eyes drifted upward, a mischievous glint appearing in her gaze.

Nico and Maki followed her look. Hanging from the timber beam directly above them was a thick bundle of mistletoe, tied with a velvet red ribbon.

“Well?” Mrs. Nishikino clasped her hands under her chin, grinning like a teenager. “You two know what to do”

Maki turned into a statue. Nico stepped into Maki’s space, closing the gap until she could feel the heat radiating off her. She slid her hand up, her palm resting firmly against the back of Maki’s neck, her thumb brushing the sensitive skin just below her ear.

She leaned in, her eyes locking onto Maki’s for a split second, Follow my lead, and then she kissed her.

Maki’s intake of breath was sharp against Nico’s lips, but after a heartbeat of pure shock, Maki leaned into it, her hand finding purchase on Nico’s waist.

Mrs. Nishikino clapped, letting out a delighted "Perfect!"

The moment they broke apart, the world went back into fast-forward.

“You must be starving,” Mrs. Nishikino said, “Come, Riko-chan, help me in the kitchen. We have so much to talk about!”

She grabbed Nico’s arm with surprising strength and started dragging her toward the back of the cabin.

“M-Mom-” Maki started, her voice a bit breathy from the kiss. She began to follow, her protective instincts finally kicking in.

Mrs. Nishikino waved her off without looking back. “I gave the staff the holidays off. It’s family time!”

Maki’s brow furrowed. “Is that… a good idea? You know you don’t really know your way around a stove, Mom.”

“I’ll help!” Nico chirped, slipping into the role of the helpful, domestic partner with terrifying ease. She shot Maki a wink over her shoulder that only the red-head could see. “I’m a great cook.”

“Oh, wonderful!” Mrs. Nishikino’s face lit up. She reached into a drawer and pulled out a ruffled floral apron, handing it to Nico “Here, put this on.”

“Go help your father with the suitcases,” Mrs. Nishikino added, shooing Maki away with a flick of her wrist. “Stop hovering, Maki. You’re being overbearing.”

Maki stood in the middle of the hallway, looking completely displaced. She looked at Nico, who was already tying the apron strings behind her back “Are you sure you’re okay?” Maki asked, her voice laced with genuine concern.

Nico smiled at Maki, and nodded.

-*-

Upstairs, Maki found her father in her old bedroom, a space that felt like a time capsule of her teenage years. He was carefully setting Nico’s suitcase down near the wardrobe.

“I thought you would make us sleep in different rooms,” Maki said, her voice echoing slightly in the quiet room.

Mr. Nishikino straightened up, smoothing the front of his vest. “It’s fine, Maki. We’re not that old-fashioned. You’re both adults, and you’ve been together for two years. There’s no need for us to play pretend.”

Maki’s smile was polite, but it felt like it was carved out of stone.

“Right. Thanks, Dad.”

Acceptance. It was the thing she had spent years craving, the very reason she had hired an actress in the first place. But now that it was being handed to her so freely, it felt... overwhelming. And deeply unsettling.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that these people weren't her parents. The parents she knew were distant, preoccupied with prestige and legacy. These people were warm, flexible, and welcoming.

She bit her tongue before she could ask if they were feeling alright. She didn't want to ruin this, even if it felt like she had stepped into a parallel universe.

“I’ll go check on... Riko,” 

She headed back downstairs, her steps muffled by the heavy rug. As she reached the bottom of the staircase, she stopped short. The hallway was empty now, the sounds of her mother’s laughter and the clinking of pans drifting in from the kitchen.

But the mistletoe was still there. Maki stared at it. She looked toward the kitchen, then back at the sprig of berries. Without a second thought, she reached up. Her fingers snagged the velvet ribbon, and with a sharp, decisive yank, she pulled the whole thing down.

She walked to the small trash bin near the sideboard and tossed it inside, burying it under a discarded piece of wrapping paper.

Enough surprises for one day.

The dining room was filled with the rich, tangy scent of garlic and basil. Nico moved with a fluidity that was almost hypnotic, setting down plates of simple pasta in a vibrant tomato sauce. Maki watched, surprised despite herself. She hadn’t expected Nico to actually cook.

Her parents took their first bites simultaneously.

There was a beat of silence. Mrs. Nishikino’s eyes widened, her hand flying to her mouth. “Oh!”

Mr. Nishikino chewed slowly, then nodded with a look of genuine approval. “This is excellent."

Maki blinked at them, then at Nico. Of course. Nico had always been good at this, when she did something, she did it well. If there was one thing Nico could trust, it was her culinary skills.

They ate in comfortable silence for a few moments.

Then, inevitably, the questions began.

“So, Riko,” Mr. Nishikino said gently, setting his fork down and leaning back. “What do your parents do? Maki hasn't told us much about your family.”

Nico didn’t hesitate. She didn’t even look at Maki for a cue. “My mom works an office job in the heart of Tokyo. She’s very dedicated. And my dad…” She paused, her gaze dropping to her plate for a fraction of a second. “He passed away when I was young.”

Maki froze internally. That was new. She hadn’t known that. But she’d told Nico to be herself, so Maki forced her expression into something neutral, like this was information she’d already heard a hundred times.

Mr. and Mrs. Nishikino exchanged a look.

“Oh… dear, we’re so sorry,” Mrs. Nishikino said quickly.

“It’s okay,” Nico replied calmly, waving it off with a small, bittersweet smile. “It’s part of life.”

Mr. Nishikino nodded thoughtfully. “And you’re a pianist, correct?”

Nico’s shoulders tensed, just a little.

“Yes,” she said carefully. “I enjoy it very much.”

Mrs. Nishikino’s face lit up immediately. “Oh! Then you should play for us! We still have the piano… you know, the one Maki used to practice on when she was little.”

Maki’s head snapped up.

“You… still have it?”

“Of course we do,” Mr. Nishikino said, sounding surprised that she’d even ask. “We could never sell it, Maki. It’s part of this house.”

Nico’s smile faltered for half a second.

Maki stared at her parents, horrified. “I thought you sold it years ago.”

Mrs. Nishikino waved a hand. “Never. It’s in the study.”

She turned back to Nico, eyes shining.

“Would you play something for us, Riko-chan?”

Nico inhaled.

Nico took a slow, deep breath. Maki could practically hear the sirens blaring inside Nico’s head. I can't play. I can't play. I can't play.

But Nico smiled, perfectly convincing, and nodded.

“Of course,” she said.

After dinner, still reeling from the narrow escape with the piano, Maki led Nico to her old bedroom.

The space looked frozen in time. Posters of constellations and old composers still adorned the walls. Books on advanced medical theory and neatly arranged piano scores were tucked into the corner.

"Was cooking with my mom difficult?"

"No," Nico replied, shaking her head. "She's very nice. And a good cook herself." She watched Maki hover nervously. 

“Really?” Maki raised an eyebrow, “ Last time she cooked something she burnt it”

Nico chuckled.

"Is there anything I should change?” 

Maki stopped and stared at Nico confused. Nico cleared her throat 

“About how I’m doing… Anything you don't like?"

Maki shook her head, running a hand through her hair. "No, actually, you’re doing... too good." She stopped herself, then added, almost disappointed, "I think my parents like you." The ease of the lie didn't sit right. She had been expecting to argue with them, to be judged, but everything was going too perfectly.

Maki knelt, pulling out an old, slightly flattened futon she kept in the corner, a relic from Rin and Hanayo’s sleepovers. She put it next to the bed, smoothing the sheets and arranging the pillows.

"I’m sorry," Maki said quietly, still kneeling. "I really thought they’d make us sleep in separate rooms. I should have planned for this."

Nico walked over and leaned against the doorframe, watching. “It’s fine. I’ve slept in worse places.”

Maki snorted softly.

While Maki fussed meticulously with the bedding, Nico wandered the room, her eyes landing on the collage of photos, Maki at different ages, always seated at the piano.

“Wow, were you any good?” Nico asked, genuinely surprised, glancing back at Maki.

Maki stood, laughing a little, embarrassed by the sudden spotlight. She pointed toward the opposite wall.

Trophies, medals, certificates framed carefully. A dense, glittering shelf of them.

Nico’s eyes went wide. She grinned. “I guess no, huh?” she teased.

"You could say that."

Maki hesitated near the beds, suddenly feeling the weight of the small, shared space.

“So… top or bottom?”

Nico blinked “Huh?”

Maki flushed instantly, feeling the heat rise to her neck. "I mean- Which one do you want? Bed or futon?"

Nico stared at her for a second, then burst out laughing “Either’s fine, Doctor. I’ll take the futon.”

Maki nodded quickly, relief washing over her, and climbed onto her old mattress, pulling the covers up immediately. Nico stretched out on the futon on the floor, settling in and staring up at the dark ceiling.

Minutes passed in heavy silence, punctuated only by the distant tick of a grandfather clock downstairs.

“Are you asleep?” Maki asked softly.

“No,” Nico replied.

She fiddled with the edge of the blanket, then spoke again, her voice quiet. “Your parents are… nice.”

Maki hummed. “They are, huh.”

There was a long pause

“Why didn’t you-”

“Good night,” Maki cut in quickly, the words a shield. She turned onto her side, pulling the blanket up to her chin, her back now facing Nico.

Nico bit her lip, the question left hanging in the air like smoke. 

“Good night,” she whispered.

The room fell quiet.

When Nico woke up, Maki was already gone. The bed beside her was neatly made, like it had never been slept in at all.

Nico checked her messages. There were a few from her mom, and Nozomi. One from Honoka asking how it was going. 

Nico typed in a quick: everything’s fine. I think they like me… why does Maki have to lie?

Honoka read the message but didn't respond, leaving a double blue check mark. Nico sighed. It seemed she was not getting an answer from anyone soon.

Nico brushed her teeth, washed her face, and headed downstairs, following the low hum of voices and the smell of coffee.

Maki sat at the table with a book in her hands, already dressed, hair tied back. Mrs. Nishikino stood by the counter, pouring coffee into two mugs.

Nico crossed the room and leaned down, pressing a quick kiss to Maki’s cheek.

“Good morning.”

Maki startled visibly, just for a second, then recovered.

“Hi, honey,” she said, forcing the word out like it didn’t feel foreign in her mouth.

Mrs. Nishikino smiled fondly at the sight. “Would you like some coffee, Riko?”

“Yes, please,” Nico replied easily.

Mr. Nishikino entered moments later, cheerful and already dressed for the cold.

“Finish up,” he said. “We’re going out to pick a Christmas tree.”

Maki blinked. “Now?”

“Now,” he repeated.

-*-

The drive to the Christmas tree market was quick, but the market itself was a sensory assault. It was cold and chaotic, filled with the sharp, unmistakable scent of pine and frozen dirt. Families bundled in winter coats milled about, their voices creating a muffled, holiday buzz. Pine needles crunched underfoot with every step.

Maki immediately stiffened, her focus shifting entirely to the task at hand, finding the perfect tree. Something she actually used to really enjoy doing. 

She pointed at one, but her mother responded. “That one’s too thin,” not even slowing down, to look at it properly. Maki sighed. They kept walking and she found another one, her mother once again didn't like it. “That one’s uneven, the top is bare.” And again one more time for the next tree Maki picked. “That one’s definitely lopsided; it would tilt the moment we put lights on it.”

Mr. Nishikino only offered patient, noncommittal nods, clearly used to this argument. Nico, however, found the scrutiny exhausting. She felt the need to act like a supportive partner, but the cold was seeping into her boots. She slipped her arm through Maki’s.

“Maybe we should look for one that speaks to us, honey,” Nico suggested softly, leaning in close so only Maki could hear, using the term of endearment deliberately to make Maki flinch.

“ Are you cold?” 

Nico was shivering. She locked eyes with Maki and shook her head. “It's ok, don't lie” Maki added, Nico nodded “ I'm freezing,” Maki held Nico tighter for a moment. 

Nico took a deep breath and smiled “ fine, lets find the perfect tree” 

“I don’t like any of these…” Maki kept looking at them. Her mom came from behind and grabbed Nico’s other hand.

They turned down a narrow path. Mr. Nishikino was lagging slightly behind, admiring the wreaths.

“Which one do you like, Riko-chan?” mrs Nishikino asked

Suddenly, Nico paused, pulling Maki to a stop in front of a modest fir. It wasn't the towering, perfect specimen Maki was searching for, but it was full, bright, and had a lovely, classic triangular shape.

“I like this one,” Nico said simply, stepping around to examine the bottom branches.

Maki looked at it critically. It was acceptable, but it wasn't the best. She opened her mouth to say how she did not agree.

“You have great taste, Riko. This one is charming.”

“It’s perfect,” Mr. Nishikino agreed instantly, pulling his gloves on tight. “We’ll take it. Maki, sweetheart, go find the attendant.”

Maki stared at them, in disbelief. Her parents had dismissed every tree she suggested, but accepted the first tree Nico had pointed to.

“...Of course,” Maki finally managed, the word a flat sign of defeat.

Back at the cabin, the fresh pine scent of the newly acquired tree filled the living room. Mrs. Nishikino was directing the operation: she and Maki were draping strands of simple white lights, while Nico sat cross-legged on the floor, efficiently untangling a hopeless knot of older, multi-colored ones.

Nico glanced over at Mrs. Nishikino. “So,” she asked casually, without looking up from the mess of wires, “what was Maki like as a kid? ”

Mrs. Nishikino laughed, “Very responsible. Quiet. Always keeping to herself, but incredibly ambitious.” She smiled wistfully at Maki. “She had a very serious nature.”

Nico finally untangled the last knot and stood up, carrying the now-coiled lights. She met Maki’s eye and gave a soft smile. “That tracks.”

Mrs. Nishikino disappeared briefly into a nearby closet and returned, holding a heavy, leather-bound photo album.

“Oh no,” Maki muttered under her breath, dropping the string of lights she was holding.

But Nico leaned in eagerly as Mrs. Nishikino flipped the brittle pages. The album revealed small Maki at piano competitions, awkward school photos, messy hair, and serious, focused expressions. Nico pointed to a picture of Maki wearing a ridiculously oversized bow.

“She’s adorable,” Nico said sincerely, her voice low and delighted.

Maki groaned, pressing the heel of her hand against her forehead. “Please stop. This is torture.”

Mrs. Nishikino laughed, enjoying her daughter's discomfort. She lingered on a picture of Maki holding a violin, looking thoroughly unimpressed. “And how did you two meet again?”

Maki froze, the motion of adjusting the lights completely still.

Nico’s smile vanished, too. “We… um, through mutual friends,” Maki stammered, rushing the words.

“Yes! We both frequent the same cafe,” Nico interjected clumsily, pulling the lie in another direction.

Mrs. Nishikino raised a skeptical eyebrow.

“The truth is, Mrs. Nishikino,” Nico said, "I fell in love with her the moment we locked eyes at that café. She took my breath away. She was intense and beautiful, and I couldn’t let her walk away, so I-I had to introduce myself. And ever since then, I just… keep falling in love with her.”

The confession, though fabricated, was laced with Nico’s real passion for performance, making it utterly believable. Maki’s face burned, a mix of shock at the lie and a dizzying rush from the intensity of Nico's gaze.

Mrs. Nishikino looked genuinely touched. She stepped forward, hugging both of them tightly.

“I’m so happy you found each other,” she said warmly, her voice thick with emotion. She pulled back, grasping Nico's hands. “You’re such a sweet girl, Riko. You guys make a great couple ”

Maki raised an eyebrow, surprised to hear her mom talking like that.

“Are you really happy?” Maki asked her mother suddenly, her voice low and shaking with unexpected anger. “That I’m dating her ? Do you mean it?”

“Of course I am, Maki. I love you. I want you to be happy.”

Maki frowned in disbelief, turned away, and left the room without another word.

Behind her, Nico and Mrs. Nishikino remained standing by the tree. Nico watched the doorway wondering if Maki would return.

When Nico returned to the bedroom she expected to see Maki there, but she was nowhere to be found. Nico tried to sleep. She stared at the dark ceiling, listening to the house settle, but the silence felt too loud. Eventually, she slipped out from under the heavy duvet. Her feet hit the cold floor, and she padded downstairs, guided by the flickering, amber glow of the dying fire.

Maki was there. She was curled into an armchair, her knees pulled up to her chest, an unopened book resting in her lap.

“Hey,” Nico said gently, “Are you okay?”

Maki glanced up, “I couldn’t sleep.”

Nico nodded, stepping fully into the room. “Me neither. Brain won’t shut off.”

They stayed silent for a minute. 

“Want some hot chocolate?” Nico offered.

Maki shook her head, staring back at the embers. “No, it’s fine. You don't have to.”

Nico went to the kitchen anyway. By the time she returned, two steaming mugs were cradled in her hands. She handed one to Maki without a word. After a second of hesitation, Maki took it, her fingers brushing Nico’s.

Nico sat on the rug in front of Maki , leaning her back against the base of the chair. She watched the fire dance, sneaking glances at Maki.

“I haven’t had hot chocolate in a long time,” Maki said quietly after a slow sip.

Nico smiled. “Your parents are really into Christmas, aren't they?”

Maki huffed. “They always have been. When I was little, they were always busy. Late nights at the hospital, endless business trips... sometimes we didn’t even have dinner together for weeks.” She paused, her voice lowering. “So at Christmas, they went all out. The decorations, the food, the mountain of gifts... I think they were trying to make up for the rest of the year in one week.”

Her lips curved in a faint, bittersweet memory. “I loved it. It was my favorite holiday.”

Nico tilted her head, a flicker of concern crossing her face. “And now?”

“It’s… complicated.”

Maki went silent, then turned the question back. “Did your family ever do stuff like this?”

Nico shrugged, her gaze returning to the flames. “They tried. But money wasn’t always there. When you’ve got three siblings, you learn pretty fast that some things just aren't possible. You make your own magic.” She hesitated, then added, “Your parents seem really accepting”

Maki let out a humorless breath. “Now they are.” She stared into her mug. “Before, it was hard...”

Nico hesitated before asking, “Why didn’t you tell them about the breakup?  surely they’d understand.”

“They raised me to be the best,” Maki said, her fingers tightening around the ceramic. “Perfect grades, perfect future, perfect doctor. When I came out, they were… extremely disappointed. When my dad called to ask me to come and bring you… I guess I didn't want to give them another reason to see me as a failure.”

“I’m sorry,” Nico said immediately.

Maki shook her head. “It’s okay. They’re clearly over it now.”

“You seem upset about it, though.” 

Maki fidgeted, her thumb tracing the rim of her mug. “I just don’t know how to take it. I honestly thought we were going to argue or it would be awkward. But they’re trying so hard to get to know you, to make you feel welcome... I just-”

“Wow,” Nico interrupted, her eyes widening in mock horror. “Did Doctor Nishikino actually plan to make me deal with homophobic parents? Is that why the pay was so high?”

Maki panicked “o-of course not, I-”

“I know. It’s okay,” Nico said, winking. “Besides, maybe they just really like me. I am great, you know.”

They stayed quiet for a bit, the only sound the crackle of the wood. Then, Maki asked, “So… why acting?”

Nico’s face brightened, “I’ve always liked performing. Making people look at me, making them feel something.” She smiled to herself. “When I was little, before my dad passed, he made up a catchphrase for me.”

She grinned, lifting her hand in a playful gesture. “Nico Nico Nii!”

Maki laughed again.

“My dad used to say I had the brightest smile,” Nico continued, her voice softening. “He named me Nico so I’d always smile. So I could make other people smile, too.” She shrugged “I did great in college. Lots of plays. But once you’re out... it’s harder. Everyone wants a specific look... If I were a few inches taller, I’d be unstoppable.”

Maki looked down at her, her gaze steady “You’re perfect the way you are.”

Nico felt a heat that had nothing to do with the fireplace creep into her cheeks. She looked away, her heart skipping a beat.

“Are you falling in love with me, Doctor Nishikino?” she joked, her voice a little higher than usual.

Maki’s eyes widened, and she immediately ducked her head, hiding her deepening blush behind her mug.

The following day passed in a slow, festive blur. 

Maki sat at the kitchen table across from her mother, tasked with decorating a mountain of gingerbread cookies. " Across the room, Nico was a whirlwind of focused energy. Her sleeves were rolled up past her elbows as she basted the turkey, her brow furrowed in deep concentration.

It was time for the annual Nishikino Christmas dinner. Apparently, her parents had decided to host this year, a "small detail" her father had conveniently neglected to mention over the phone. Maki hesitated, her piping bag hovering over a gingerbread man as she braced herself.

“How many people are coming tonight?” Maki asked.

Her mother didn’t even look up from her intricate lace pattern. “Oh, not too many, dear. Just the usual circle. Around ten or so.”

Maki’s hand slipped, leaving a giant blob of white icing on the table. Ten. It was more than she had ever expected Nico to have to handle.

Before Maki could interrogate her further, her mother excused herself, humming a carol as she went to find her husband.  Maki took the opportunity to slide off her chair and walk over to the stove.

“Hey,” she said softly, leaning against the counter. “I should probably explain how my family’s events usually go. They can be a bit- ”

“Can you taste this?” Nico interrupted. She didn't look up, already holding out a fork with a small. Her face was flushed from the heat of the oven, “I need to know if it’s dry. Be honest, Maki. My reputation is on the line.”

Maki blinked, the warning dying on her lips. She leaned in without thinking, and Nico fed her the bite.

Maki chewed, her eyes widening. “It’s… really good. Seriously. It’s perfect.”

Nico relaxed instantly, a small, triumphant smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Good. I was worried it would be dry”

Maki watched her turn back to the stove, the moment slipping away. Whatever she’d meant to say stayed lodged in her throat. She told herself she’d explain later.

By the time night fell, the cabin was humming with life. 

Maki stood alone in her old bedroom, staring at her reflection in the mirror with a look of profound betrayal. Her mother had insisted on matching Christmas sweaters.

On Nico, Maki was sure it would look adorable. On herself? She felt ridiculous. The bright red wool clashed violently with her hair, the pattern was loud, and the reindeer stitched across the chest felt like an insult.

Nico’s reflection appeared in the glass beside her, leaning in to get a better look.

“Don’t laugh,” Maki warned instantly, her eyes narrowing.

Nico lasted half a second before she broke, covering her mouth and laughing anyway. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry-”

“You’ve come too far for me to fire you before Christmas,” Maki muttered, huffing as she crossed her arms over the reindeer.

Still wearing a lopsided grin, Nico stepped closer. She reached out and gently tugged at the hem of Maki’s sweater, smoothing the wool and reaching up to fix the collar. The shift in atmosphere was sudden; the space between them vanished, replaced by an intimacy so quiet it made the noise from downstairs fade into a dull hum. Maki’s heart gave a traitorous thud, and she forgot to breathe for a second.

“Nico…” she said, the name slipping out before she could stop it.

Nico paused, her fingers still resting on Maki’s collar, and looked up.

For a moment, they just stared at each other. It was too close, the air between them thick with a tension that had nothing to do with the "job." 

Maki was the first to break, pulling her gaze away as she cleared her throat. “Yours is cuter,” she said, her voice flat in a desperate attempt to regain her cool.

Nico’s lips curved into a smirk, “Well, what can I say? Your mom clearly likes me more.”

Maki looked toward the door, muttering under her breath, “Yes. She does.”

-*-

The Nishikino cabin was crowded with relatives Maki barely recognized anymore.

There was the uncle who always dated women far too young for him. The aunt who asked invasive questions with a smile, as if it made it acceptable. Cousins who talked nonstop about startup funding, residencies, and achievements stacked neatly like trophies.

Nico stayed close to Maki’s side, fingers brushing her sleeve, a quiet anchor.

Mrs. Nishikino appeared beside them, eyes bright. “Maki, go introduce Riko to your aunt, will you?”

Maki sighed softly, but Nico squeezed her hand and smiled like it was nothing. They walked over together, hand in hand.

The aunt listened to their how we met story with rapt attention, then sighed dramatically. “Honestly, I should’ve ended up with a woman too.”

Maki rolled her eyes. Of course. Of course now everyone was progressive.

Nico laughed.

Before Maki could recover, her mother tugged her arm. “Go get your father. He’s outside staring at the sky again.”

Maki stepped out into the cold and found him standing by the porch, hands in his coat pockets.

“Hey, kiddo,” he said softly.

“Dad, it’s freezing. Mom’s looking for you,” Maki replied, shivering.

Instead of answering, he pulled her into a tight hug. Maki stiffened instinctively, then slowly relaxed into it. 

“I’m really glad you came this year,” he murmured. “I know it’s late… but I’m sorry. For everything.”

The last time she’d seen her parents, really seen them, was after her mother walked in on her making out with her girlfriend in her college apartment. Shock and silence. She left without saying a word.

When Maki had gone home to explain, they’d told her it was fine, distractions happen, med school was stressful, but they hoped she’d grow out of it. Find a husband. Get serious.

Maki had told them it wasn’t a phase. That she loved her girlfriend. They’d said they were disappointed. So she’d left. And she hadn’t come back.

Now she was standing here again, her father’s arms around her like none of that had happened, and it made her chest ache.

“Why now?” Maki asked quietly. “Why did you change your mind?”

He didn’t hesitate. “Because I don’t want to grow old without my daughter in my life.”

He kissed her forehead and guided her back inside.

Inside, Maki’s uncle, having had one too many glasses of wine, was leaning far too close to Nico, his voice a low, oily drawl as he asked if she’d ever considered the "stability" of an older man.

Mrs. Nishikino appeared like a guardian angel "Now, now, Hiroshi, don't monopolize her," she said, firmly tucking Nico’s arm into hers. "Come, dear. Music room."

"You’ll play for us, won't you?" Mrs. Nishikino asked. It wasn't really a question. The room was already filling with guests, their expectant gazes turning toward the "professional pianist."

Nico’s heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic, uneven rhythm. She stepped toward the bench, her fingers trembling. This was the moment the lie would shatter. She was a great actress, but she couldn't fake a virtuoso’s touch.

That was when Maki entered. She pushed through the crowd with her father, her eyes instantly finding Nico. She saw it immediately, the way Nico looked small and stranded in the center of the room.

Maki moved. She crossed the room and slid onto the bench beside Nico. The heat of her shoulder against Nico’s was a sudden. "Just pretend," Maki whispered, her voice a low vibration meant only for Nico’s ears. "Follow my lead."

Maki’s hands settled on the keys. She began to play Silent Night .Nico didn't look at the keys. She looked at Maki. She watched the way Maki’s eyelashes cast long shadows against her cheeks, the way her lips parted slightly in concentration. She looked so beautiful when she forgot to be defensive, when the music stripped away the doctor and the dutiful daughter.

Acting on an impulse, Nico leaned in. She pressed a soft kiss to Maki's cheek, before she began to sing. Her voice was clear and sweet, weaving through Maki’s notes until the room seemed to hold its breath.

When the final chord faded, the room erupted into applause.

Maki was almost immediately swarmed by a distant relative, pulled away into a conversation about the hospital. Nico retreated toward the fireplace, her heart still racing from the closeness of the bench. She was staring at nothing when Mrs. Nishikino and Maki’s aunt approached her.

“This is the first time Maki’s ever brought someone home,” the aunt said, “In all these years... you must be very special to her.”

Nico wasn’t sure what to say, so she just smiled politely. 

“I just hope my son finds a girl like you someday,” the aunt added, patting Nico’s hand.

The dining room was a portrait of holiday perfection, the candlelight reflecting off the polished silverware and the flushed, happy faces of the guests. As the meal progressed, the conversation inevitably turned to the feast.

"The seasoning on this roast is divine," one of the family members remarked, reaching for a second helping. "Nishikino-san, your chef has truly outdone themselves this year."

Mrs. Nishikino beamed, her pride practically radiating across the table. She reached over and patted Nico’s hand. "Actually, we gave the staff the week off. Our lovely Riko-chan prepared almost everything herself. She’s been a marvel in the kitchen."

A chorus of impressed murmurs rippled through the room. Nico caught Maki’s eye from across the table and winked.

Maki felt a strange, tangled knot of emotions tighten in her chest. She smiled back, but she felt deeply unsettled.

She watched as her father leaned over to ask Nico about her secret for the glaze, listening with an intensity he usually reserved for medical journals. Her mother was already talking about "next year" and "traditions," weaving Nico into the very fabric of their family history as if she had always been the missing piece.

Her parents spoke about Nico like she already belonged here. Like she wasn't a girl Maki had met in a café a few days ago, but the woman she was meant to spend her life with.

Maki’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second. Seeing Nico fit so seamlessly into her world should have been a relief. It was exactly what she had paid for. But as she watched Nico laugh at one of her father’s dry jokes, Maki couldn't tell if the fluttering in her stomach was happiness... or the absolute terror of realizing she didn't want the performance to ever end.

The next morning, the room was flooded with pale winter sunlight, but the space beside Maki was cold.

Maki pulled on her coat and drifted to the window. She half-expected to see Nico waiting on the porch, checking her phone, but instead, she spotted her and her mother in the garden. Despite the dusting of snow, they were bundled up and hovering over some dormant shrubs. They were laughing.

Nico moved with such confidence, gesturing with her gloved hands as if she’d lived on this estate for years. Something twisted in Maki’s chest. She had never imagined her parents could be this welcoming. Not after the cold silence that followed her coming out. Not after the years of feeling like a disappointment.

By the time she made it downstairs, it was just her and her father. He was already in the kitchen.

“Where’s Mom?” she asked. “And Riko?”

“They went to the market,” he said. “You hungry?”

“Are you… cooking?” Maki asked suspiciously.

He scoffed, offended. “I can cook.”

“I think I’ll just wait until Riko gets back,” she said quickly, remembering his previous attempts at toast.

He clutched his chest, leaning against the counter dramatically. “Wounded. My own daughter, a traitor.”

Maki smiled faintly, then hesitated. A thought from the car ride flickered in her mind. “Dad… have you ever seen Love Letter?”

He blinked, “Of course. It’s a classic. Your mother and I watched it on one of our first dates.” He paused, “I think I still have the VHS in the study somewhere. Want to watch it?”

Maki nodded. They hunkered down in the den, the old tape whirring and clicking into life. Twenty minutes in, she realized her father had fallen asleep, his head tilted back against the leather chair. Maki, however, was completely absorbed. By the time the credits rolled and the snowy landscapes of the film faded to static, tears were slipping down her face unchecked.

*

When Nico and her mother returned, Maki was sitting on the porch steps, watching the snow fall in the heavy silence of the woods.

“Are you okay?” her mom asked gently, pausing by the door with a bag of groceries.

“Yes,” Maki replied too quickly.

Her mother frowned, leaning in. “Your eyes are red, Maki.”

“I was sitting close to the fire earlier,” Maki lied, wiping her face with her sleeve.

Mrs. Nishikino hummed a soft, unconvinced note but let it go, heading inside. Nico lingered, her gaze fixed on Maki.

“You sure you’re okay?” she asked softly.

Maki nodded.

Nico wanted to sit next to Maki and chat, but mrs Nishikino called her from the kitchen.

“I’ll be right back,” Nico promised softly.

At dinner, the tension reached a boiling point. Nico was brilliant, she laughed at the right times, shared stories, and fit into the rhythm of the house like a missing puzzle piece. Watching her parents look at Nico with such genuine affection made the lie feel like a physical weight on Maki’s lungs.

“I’m not hungry,” Maki said abruptly, her chair scraping loudly against the floor as she stood up. “I’m tired. I’m going to bed.”

She retreated to her room before anyone could ask questions.

Later, Maki sat on the edge of the bed, her journal open but the pages blank. A soft knock at the door made her jump.

“Is it safe to come in?” Nico’s voice came through the wood, playful as always.

Maki let out a weak laugh. “Yeah...”

Nico slipped inside, closing the door behind her. The joking facade dropped instantly. She walked over, her expression etched with seriousness. “Okay,” she said softly. “What’s wrong?”

Maki swallowed hard, her throat tight. “I can’t do this anymore, Nico.”

Nico’s brow furrowed. “Do what? Did I mess up? I can fix it, I can-”

“This!” Maki gestured vaguely at the room, at the house, at the whole situation. “All of it. The lying. The 'Riko' thing. Pretending we’ve been together for years. I didn’t think it would feel like this.”

Nico stepped closer, her voice calming. “Maki, it’s okay. I’m an actress, remember? I’m not having a hard time. I can keep this up as long as you need.”

“That’s the problem!” Maki interrupted, her voice shaking. “I don't want to keep lying to my parents when they're finally being kind. And I don’t want to... I don't want to keep pretending with you.”

“Then tell them the truth,” Nico said gently.

Maki shook her head, panic flashing in her eyes. She started pacing the small space between the bed and the window, her hands trembling. “I can’t. If I tell them, I’ll disappoint them again… what if everything goes back to the way it was. I’m spiraling, Nico, I’m-”

Nico didn't let her finish. She reached out, her hands warm and firm as she cupped Maki’s face, forcing her to stop.

“Maki,” she murmured, her thumb brushing over Maki’s cheekbone.

She pulled her in and kissed her.

Maki froze, her brain short-circuiting as the "performance" finally collided with reality. Then, the tension snapped. She softened, leaning into the touch, and kissed Nico back.

They broke apart, both of them breathless and startled. Nico let out a small, huffed laugh of pure surprise, her eyes wide. 

Without a word, they leaned in and kissed again, deeper this time, finally facing the one thing they couldn't act their way out of.

The room was silent, save for the steady calm thrum of Maki’s heartbeat. Nico lay with her head resting on Maki’s bare chest, the skin-to-skin contact making the room feel warmer than it actually was. Only a few hours ago, the frantic tension of the week had finally snapped, leaving them tangled together in the quiet dark.

Nico stared at the shadows on the ceiling, her mind drifting back to Maki’s question in the car. Are you gay? She still didn’t have a label that fit, and honestly, she didn't care to find one. All she knew was the weight of Maki’s arm around her and the way her own heart hammered when they touched. She liked Maki… a lot.

She began absentmindedly drawing slow, lazy circles on Maki’s palm with her thumb. Maki stirred in her sleep, a small, tired groan escaping her lips.

"Riko..." Maki whispered into the pillow, her voice thick with sleep.

Nico’s thumb froze. The air in the room suddenly felt freezing.

The warmth evaporated. It was like a bucket of ice water had been poured over her head, jolting her back to reality. That’s right, Maki didn't like her, she liked Riko. Every touch, every lingering look, every meal, it was a script Maki had bought and paid for.

Nico felt a wave of nausea. She felt guilty for enjoying the trip.  She quietly rolled away, turning her back to Maki and pulling the blanket tight around her shoulders. She forced her eyes shut, waiting for a sleep that felt more like a retreat.

When Nico woke up, the spot beside her was empty. She lay there for a long time, staring at the indentation in the pillow, bracing herself. She had to finish the job. She had to be professional.

She climbed out of bed, and wiped every trace of doubt from her face. By the time she reached the bottom of the stairs, she was in full actress mode.

She walked into the kitchen where Maki was standing with her mother. "Good morning, beautiful," Nico said, her voice a perfect blend of affection and morning rasp. She leaned in and kissed Maki’s cheek, the contact feeling like a lie that burned.

Maki smiled back, her eyes sparkling. "Good morning."

The look of genuine happiness on Maki’s face made the guilt in Nico's stomach sink even deeper. The lie was pressing in from all sides, suffocating her.

“Riko dear, would you like some coffee?” Mrs Nishikino asked. Nico smiled and nodded. The genuine smile of Maki’s mother felt like a slap. She couldn't do this for another hour. 

"Excuse me," Nico said quietly, her smile never wavering. "I just realized I forgot something upstairs. I'll be right back."

Maki had been dragged to a tennis match her father insisted they had. Even thou the snow was piled up on the court, he drove them to a nearby gym with an inside court. His reason was that last time they played, he only lost because family was around to distract him and needed a rematch.

A couple hours later, Maki returned. She burst through the front door, looking for the dark-haired girl. The house was strangely quiet.

"Mom? Where’s Riko?" 

Mrs. Nishikino looked up from the sofa, a confused frown on her face. "She got a call, Maki. Some kind of emergency back in Tokyo... she said she had to leave immediately."

Maki’s heart dropped into her stomach. "She... she left? Just like that?"

"She said she messaged you, have you checked your phone?” 

“Right.. I uhm havent.” 

“She caught the bus at the station," her mother added, tilting her head. "She said she was sorry. Really who leaves on christmas day?."

Maki went up the stairs to change out of her dirty clothes, and check if Nico really wasn't there. The room was perfectly tidy. The bed was made, the pillows fluffed. And there, sitting in the center of the covers, was an envelope.

Maki tore it open. Inside was the thick stack of yen Maki had paid her at the café, every single bill, untouched. Tucked behind the money was a small, torn piece of notebook paper.

“Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas!”

Maki laughed quietly to herself, the sound catching in her chest.

“I’m sorry I left. Even after saying I would stay with you ‘till the end. I’m not a very good actress after all. I can't take money for something that isn't a job anymore. Tell your parents Riko moved to Europe. Tell them whatever you want… Please forgive me. You don’t have to pay me… Nico.”

Without thinking, Maki reached for her phone, her fingers trembling as she scrolled to Nico’s contact. She pressed call, it didn't even ring.

“You’ve reached the world’s number one actress, Nico! I’m currently busy being a star, so leave a message after the beep!”

The upbeat, recorded voice was such a sharp contrast to the hollow silence of the room that Maki flinched. She exhaled. If Nico was going to leave anyway, why had she… Maki stared at the envelope of money on the bed, a knot of longing and pure frustration tightening in her chest.

She spent twenty minutes under the spray of a scalding hot shower, trying to get Nico out of her head. When she finally went downstairs, she sank into the living room couch, her shoulders pulled up to her ears.

Her mother didn't even look up from her book to sense the shift. “Maki? Are you alright, dear?”

“Yeah,” Maki lied, her voice cracking. “I’m fine.”

Mrs. Nishikino set her book down and moved to sit beside her. “You know,” her mother said softly, “parents tend to notice things. Even the things their children think are buried deep.”

Maki raised a skeptical eyebrow, “What kind of things?”

Her mother reached out, tucking a strand of red hair behind Maki’s ear. “Things you try to hide. To be honest, Maki... I think I always knew you were gay. Even when you were a little girl.”

Maki blinked, completely dumbfounded. “Wait... what? You knew?”

“It’s just something you notice as your kid starts to grow” she smiled softly.

“Then why?” Maki’s voice wavered, the years of resentment finally bubbling to the surface. “Why did you react so badly when I actually told you? ”

Mrs. Nishikino sighed, a shadow of regret crossing her face. “Well... you didn’t exactly tell us over tea, Maki. I walked in and found you and your girlfriend making out, half undressed… but that's not an excuse I should have been more supportive.”

She pulled Maki into a sudden, fierce hug. “I am so sorry, Maki. I never wanted you to think you weren't welcome or loved in this house.”

Maki choked back a sob and hugged her back, burying her face in her mother’s shoulder. “I’m sorry too, Mom. I shut down. I pushed you guys away..”

“It’s okay,” her mother murmured, rocking her slightly. “Sometimes we just need time to process. Maybe your girlfriend needs that time, too.”

Maki pulled back, her brow furrowed in confusion. “Who... Riko?”

Her mother gave a small, cryptic nod. “Sure. Riko.”

The guilt in Maki’s stomach turned into a full-blown ache. “I don’t know, Mom... I’ve been lying to you this whole trip. About everything.”

“I know,” her mother said quietly.

Maki stiffened. “What? What do you mean you know?”

“Oh, come on, Maki,” her mother said, looking exasperated but deeply amused. “Even after you switched hospitals, we kept in touch with Umi. She showed us a few photos of you and the 'real' Riko a year ago. Let’s just say the girl you brought home this week was... significantly shorter. And much more spirited.”

Maki’s jaw dropped. “You knew the whole time? Then why didn’t you say anything? Why did you let us keep up the act?”

Her mother shrugged, a tender smile playing on her lips. “Because I haven't seen you look that happy in years. And you two were so cute together. I don't remember the last time you smiled so much.”

Maki’s eyes welled up again, but this time, the tears felt different. “Mom... I really messed up.”

A shadow fell over them. Maki looked up to see her father standing by the armchair. 

“I think,” he said, his voice low and firm, “that you should stop crying in this cabin and go look for the girl responsible for that frown on your face.”

Maki let out a startled laugh through her tears

The drive back on the 26th was blinding. The winter sun bounced off the fresh snow, making the world look far more cheerful than Maki felt. When her phone buzzed in the cup holder, she didn't even have to look to know it was Rin.

“Hey, Maki! How was the big debut? Did the parents fall in love with her?” Rin’s voice was a burst of high-energy static through the speakers.

Maki’s grip tightened on the steering wheel “I… I don’t really want to talk about it, Rin.”

The silence on the other end was immediate. Rin’s tone dropped, losing its edge. “Oh. Alright… we’ll talk when you’re back in the city, then.”

Maki didn't say goodbye; she just tapped the end-call button. The silence that followed was worse than the noise.

Her mind kept looping back to Nico, the girl her parents met. The way her laughter sounded in the quiet of the cabin, the performative but perfect smiles she gave Maki’s parents, and the moments in between where the acting had seemed to stop.

On a sudden impulse, Maki jerked the car onto the shoulder of the road. With trembling fingers, she hit Nico’s contact again.

“You’ve reached the voicemail of-”

Maki hung up before the automated voice could finish. Her chest felt like it was being constricted by a cold wire

Back at the apartment, Nozomi was being relentless. She leaned over the back of the sofa, her chin resting in her palms as she peered down at Nico with eyes bright with uncontainable curiosity.

“So… how was your little getaway with this ‘friend’?” Nozomi asked, her voice singing with a teasing lilt.

“It was fine,”

“Nicochii,” Nozomi hummed, narrowing her eyes. “You’re hiding something.”

Nico cut her off with a heavy, deliberate sigh, refusing to look up from her lap. “Nothing happened,” 

That, of course, was like throwing gasoline on a fire. Nozomi’s grin widened. “Nothing happened? Nico, you’re a terrible liar! I know that look, something definitely happened!”

Nico rolled her eyes, her mind flashing to the way Maki had looked at her. She needed a diversion, and she needed it fast.

“Don’t you have your own life to worry about?” Nico redirected, finally meeting Nozomi’s gaze. “How was Christmas with Eli? Did she finally propose, or did she get cold feet after meeting your parents?”

The trap worked instantly. Nozomi’s cheeks flushed a brilliant shade of pink, and she stood up straight, her hands flying to her face. “She didn't get cold feet! It was amazing! My parents finally met hers, and dinner… oh, Nico, everything went perfectly. I’m just so excited I can barely breathe!”

Nico listened quietly as Nozomi gushed, a small, genuine smile finally tugging at the corners of her lips. The bitterness she felt about her own situation softened, if only for a moment, bathed in the warmth and happiness radiating from her best friend.

“Good. I’m glad,” Nico said softly. Then, the walls went back up. She gave Nozomi a pointed look. “Now, shouldn't you be packing for Russia instead of fussing over me?”

Nozomi stuck her tongue out, realizing she’d been successfully distracted, but she let it slide for now. Nico quickly opened her book, hiding her face behind the pages as she tried to drown out the memory of Maki’s voice.

A few days later, Maki was buried under a mountain of blankets in her living room. The blue light of the television flickered against her face as she watched Love Letter for the third time. Watching it felt like the only way to stay connected to Nico. Maki found herself wondering which parts Nico loved most, and if she was watching it somewhere, too… thinking of Maki.

The next day, Rin found Maki at her desk with heavy eyes and a permanent scowl. Rin approached cautiously, like a cat deciding if it was safe to poke a sleeping leopard.

“You know, if you keep pouting like that, those wrinkles are going to stay that way,” Rin teased

“I don’t care,” Maki muttered, her eyes fixed on a stapler.

Rin pulled up a chair. “Let me guess. Still no word from Nico?”

Maki didn't even have the energy to snap back; she just let out a long, defeated groan.

“Didn’t you pick her up for the trip?” Rin asked, tapping her chin. “Why don’t you just go to her place and demand an audience?”

“We met on the street,” Maki said, her voice rising in frustration. “I don’t know which unit is hers, and I’m not going to knock on every single door in the building like a deranged stalker.”

Rin drummed her fingers on the desk for a moment, then her eyes lit up. “Wait! Doesn’t Honoka know her? Aren't they friends from college? She’s got to have some kind of lead.”

Maki bolted upright. She felt like a total idiot, it was so obvious. “Honoka. Of course she knows. Gosh, how did I not think of that?” She grabbed her coat, already halfway out of her chair. “I’m going now.”

“Now? Maki, your shift isn't over!”

“Tell Umi i had an emergency” Maki called over her shoulder.

Rin watched her go, a whistle of amusement escaping her lips. She had never seen the composed, logical Maki Nishikino this unhinged.

*

It took Maki thirty minutes to reach Honoka’s cafe, a drive that would have been shorter if the sudden snowfall hadn't turned every other driver on the road into a panicked amateur.

She burst through the door still wearing her hospital scrubs, her hair slightly windswept. Honoka looked up from the espresso machine, biting back a laugh at the sight of her.

“Well, well. Is there a doctor in the house? How can I help you, Maki-chan?” Honoka teased.

“Honoka” Maki said, leaning over the counter with a look of pure desperation. “I need Nico’s address. Now.”

Honoka’s playful smile faltered. She looked away, nervously polishing a glass. “I can’t do that, Maki. I really can't.”

“Why not?”

“Because,” Honoka gulped, “Nico would kill me.”

“Well, I might kill you if you don't!”

Honoka squeaked, waving her hands dismissively. “Okay… Please don't do that! Look, I can’t give you her home address, I promised her… but... I can tell you where her roommate works. If you can convince Nozomi , she might help you.”

*

Maki pulled up to the address Honoka had given her, the small production company where Nico’s roommate worked. It was a modest building, tucked away from the main road as if it were hiding. When she reached the entrance, her heart sank. A heavy sign hung behind the glass: CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS. SEE YOU JANUARY 4TH.

"You’ve got to be kidding me," Maki hissed at the wind. Was she really going to have to wait more just because Nico refused to answer her phone?

The jingle of keys broke the silence. An older man emerged from the side door, pausing to squint at Maki. "Can I help you with something, miss?"

Maki cleared her throat, straightening her coat. "I’m looking for Nozomi Tojo. It’s urgent."

The man’s expression softened into a smile. "Ah, Nontan. Is everything alright?"

"Yes, just perfect." Maki lied quickly, her pulse racing. "I just... I have something I need to discuss with her. I was hoping to catch her here."

The man rubbed his chin, studying her. Maki didn't look suspicious, but she did look desperate. "I’m afraid she’s gone to Russia with her fiancé for the holidays. I’m sorry, dear."

Maki’s stomach dropped. It was a long shot, but she had to try. "Could I get her home address? I have something for her…. I have to deliver it tonight."

The man hesitated. "Are you a close friend?"

"Yes," Maki said, the lie tasting like copper.

"If you know her that well," the man challenged with a playful glint in his eye, "you’ll know the name of the girl she lives with."

Maki didn't even blink. "Nico. Nico Yazawa."

The man chuckled, satisfied, and scribbled an address on a scrap of paper.

By the time Maki reached the apartment, the city was humming with the energy of approaching midnight. She paced the hallway, her mind a whirlwind of doubt. Should she demand an answer? Should she apologize? Before she could lose her nerve, she knocked.

The door swung open almost immediately. Nico stood there, messy hair piled in a chaotic bun, pajama shorts, a white tank top, and a pink robe held together by a loose knot.

"Wow, that was fast-" Nico stopped mid-sentence, the smile she’d prepared for a delivery driver vanishing. Her eyes widened. She froze, and for a second, the world went silent.

Then, panic set in. Nico slammed the door, but Maki was faster, shoving her shoulder against the wood. "Wait! Nico, stop!"

Not wanting to actually hurt her, Nico let go of the knob. She retreated into the dim light of the apartment, refusing to meet Maki’s gaze. "Why are you here? This is... this is basically stalking you know. Look, I’m sorry I didn't finish the job. Just go."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"Because I can't stop thinking about you," Maki stepped over the threshold, her voice low and steady. "I’ve called you a hundred times. I’m pretty sure I’ve broken your voicemail."

Nico flinched, a flicker of guilt crossing her face. "I’m sorry. I really can't see you, Maki."

"Why not?" Maki took another step forward, forcing Nico back into the hallway. She kicked the door shut behind her with a definitive thud. "Is it because you can't stop thinking about me, too?"

Maki leaned in, pressing her forehead against Nico's.

"You don’t even know me," Nico whispered, pushing feebly against Maki’s chest. "You like the 'Riko' you met at the cabin. I’m not her."

"Then let me know the real you. Don't make that choice for me."

"Maki, please..." Nico groaned, looking up toward the ceiling as if seeking an escape.

Maki followed her gaze. There, hanging from it, was a small bunch of red berries tied with a ribbon. A smirk tugged at Maki's lips. She wrapped an arm around Nico’s waist, pulling her flush against her.

"Mistletoe," Maki murmured, and before Nico could protest, she kissed her.

Nico’s body went rigid for a split second before she melted, her hands finding purchase in Maki’s coat. The kiss was desperate and long overdue, ending only when Nico nipped Maki’s lower lip, forcing her to pull back.

"What the hell was that?" Nico asked, breathless and annoyed.

Maki pointed upward, looking smug.

Nico rolled her eyes, cursing Nozomi for forgetting to take the decorations down. She grabbed Maki’s hand, not to push her away, but to pull her toward the couch, safely away from any holiday greenery.

They sat in the quiet for a moment.

"I watched Love Letter," Maki said.

Nico’s head snapped up. "You did?"

"Three times. I think I finally get why you like it."

Another silence stretched between them.

"Nico-" 

"Maki-"

They said in unison, then broke into startled laughter.

"You first," Maki offered.

Nico sighed, picking at a loose thread on her robe. "I’m loud. I’m overly girly. Some people find me annoying. I don't fit into your tidy, organized, 'doctor' life."

Maki grabbed Nico’s hands, 

"I work in a hospital, Nico. It’s loud, messy, and chaotic. I’m used to it," Maki leaned closer, her voice softening. "Feminine, tomboy, I like all of them… And I can be pretty annoying myself… and my parents like you”

“They like Riko” Nico corrected. 

Maki shook her head. 

"They knew from the start," Maki cut in. "They like you. And I like you. I know we met through really weird circumstances… but I want you”

“ you want a messy failed actress that's hiding from the world on new years eve?”

“ Not failed, she's the world number one actress. And yes. So bad” 

"You're sure?" 

"So sure."

Nico leaned in, her breath hitching as their lips grazed, only for the doorbell to chime loudly. The food had arrived. Nico let out a frustrated laugh, went to the door to get the food, and returned with a paper bag.

"I didn't know I'd have company," she said, setting it on the table. "I would have ordered more."

"That's fine," Maki said, standing up and cupping Nico’s face. "I’m not that hungry for food anyway."

She kissed her again, deeper this time, tasting the faint sweetness of strawberry lip balm. On the TV in the background, the countdown hit zero, and the room filled with the sound of cheering crowds, marking the start of a new year.

A month had slipped by, and the frantic chaos of the new year had finally settled into a soft, steady hum.

Maki lay draped across Nico’s chest, their legs tangled together under the covers in a messy knot. The room was quiet, save for the rhythmic sound of Nico’s breathing and the soft sound of her nails as she idly twirled a lock of Maki’s crimson hair around her finger.

“My parents want to meet you,” Maki said, her voice muffled against Nico’s skin.

The rhythmic petting stopped instantly. Nico stiffened under her. “Uh... why?”

Maki pulled back just enough to look at her with pure disbelief. “Because they want to meet my girlfriend, Nico. Why else?”

“Girlfriend?” Nico shot back, a playful, defensive glint entering her eyes. “I don’t remember you asking. Did I miss a memo?”

Maki glared “Are you serious? You’re seriously saying that while we’re both naked on your bed?”

“Well, I mean, it’s true. You never officially asked,” Nico teased, her lips curling into a smirk. “Maybe I just have a thing for kissing pretty girls. Doesn't mean we're engaged.”

Maki shifted, pinning Nico down with her weight, her expression turning mock-serious. “Don’t joke like that.”

Nico laughed, the sound vibrating through Maki’s chest. “Jeez, okay! So possessive.” She reached up, softening the moment by pressing a tender kiss to Maki’s lips. Maki let out a defeated huff and settled back down, resting her ear over Nico’s heart.

Nico took a deep breath, her playful mood gone. She swallowed hard. “Are we... are we going back to the cabin?”

“No,” Maki murmured, tracing patterns on Nico’s arm. “They’re back in Tokyo.”

Nico bit her lip, her mind clearly racing through a thousand worst-case scenarios. Maki reached up, caressing Nico’s cheek to draw her attention back. “Don’t worry. They’re going to love you.”

*

A couple days later they were standing in front of the Nishikino state. Despite Maki’s reassurances, Nico was a ball of nerves by the time they reached the front door. She kept smoothing out her skirt, her voice barely audible. “I’m nervous”

Maki caught her hand, lacing their fingers together and squeezing tight. “You’ll do fine”

Nico nodded, trying to find her center as her heart hammered against her ribs. They reached for the door together, but before they could even knock, it swung wide.

Maki’s parents stood there, framed by the warm light of the entryway. Their eyes lit up instantly.

Maki took a breath, stepping into the light with Nico anchored at her side. “Mom, Dad… I’d like you to meet my girlfriend. This is Nico.”

Nico looked at Maki, then at her parents. She moved to offer a deep, polite bow. “It’s...nice to meet you both.”

The air in the room seemed to lighten. The acceptance was immediate, washing away the last of the lingering lies from the cabin.

“Oh, it is so good to finally have you here, Nico!” Maki’s mother exclaimed, stepping forward with open arms to pull her into a hug.

Maki’s father chuckled, stepping up to take Nico’s hand in a firm, welcoming shake. “We’ve heard quite a lot about you. Welcome.”

Nico’s shoulders finally relaxed, a small, shy smile blooming on her face. She felt the steady, proud weight of Maki’s hand in hers.

"told you" Maki whispered.