Christmas Special: A Snowy Chaos
Kiss the heroine not me
Christmas Special: A Snowy Chaos
The holiday season had swept through the academy like a gust of fresh snow, bringing with it decorations, festivities, and a faint smell of roasted chestnuts in the air. Aetrial, however, felt no joy in the season. She was currently crouched behind a row of festively wrapped boxes in the academy courtyard, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and exasperation.
"Why are they all chasing me?!" she hissed to herself.
It all started that morning when the academy decided to hold a grand Christmas fair. Aetrial thought it would be a great chance to enjoy some peace and quiet, maybe sip hot chocolate and browse the festive stalls. What she didn't expect was for all five male leads-and somehow the main villain, Anos-to be lurking around every corner, acting suspiciously friendly and... attentive.
Unbeknownst to her, they all knew the truth she was desperately trying to hide: Aetrial Ranolf wasn't the aloof nobleman everyone thought she was. She was, in fact, a stunningly beautiful young woman-something that each of them had figured out long ago.
---
Arthur Lionheart: The Persistent Protector
The first encounter came with Arthur. The crown prince was at the hot chocolate stand, looking absurdly regal in a crimson coat lined with fur.
"Ah, Aetrial," Arthur called, his voice warm. "Would you care for some hot chocolate? I was just about to order for two."
"No, thank you," Aetrial replied hurriedly, trying to sidestep him.
But Arthur was quick, moving to block her path. "It's chilly today. You shouldn't be out without something warm to drink." His tone was gentle, but the determination in his eyes made Aetrial feel like a cornered rabbit.
"I-I'm fine!" she stammered before darting away, leaving Arthur staring after her, bemused.
---
Tyler Knightneurs: The Overenthusiastic Helper
Aetrial barely caught her breath before running into Tyler, who was carrying an enormous Christmas tree like it weighed nothing.
"Aetrial!" Tyler called out, grinning. "Help me decorate this tree!"
"I don't think I'm qualified," she muttered, backing away.
"Nonsense! You're great at tying knots, right? Help me with the garlands!" Tyler didn't wait for a reply, grabbing her wrist and dragging her toward the tree.
"I'm really not-" Aetrial began, only to slip out of Tyler's grip and flee, leaving the swordsman looking both confused and slightly disappointed.
---
Stephan de'Gold: The Gift-Giver Extraordinaire
As she dashed into the shopping area, Aetrial found herself face-to-face with Stephan, who was holding a beautifully wrapped box with a golden bow.
"Aetrial," Stephan said smoothly, his smile dazzling. "Merry Christmas. I got you something special."
"I-uh-don't have anything for you," Aetrial stammered, her cheeks heating up.
"Your presence is enough," Stephan replied, his voice like silk.
"I have to go!" she squeaked, ducking around the merchant heir and his suspiciously charming grin.
---
William Middleton: The Quiet Observer
Next came William, who somehow managed to appear from the shadows of a book stall.
"Aetrial," he said softly, his grey eyes glinting. "Would you like to see the rare manuscripts I found? I thought you might be interested."
"Not right now!" Aetrial yelped, practically tripping over her own feet in her haste to escape.
---
Leo: The Caring Protector
Just as Aetrial thought she might have found a moment of peace, Leo appeared with a tray of gingerbread cookies.
"You've been running around all morning," Leo said, his expression gentle. "You should rest. Here, have some cookies."
"Why does everyone keep offering me things?!" Aetrial burst out before bolting again, leaving Leo blinking in mild confusion.
---
The Villain's Embrace
Aetrial's frantic escape ended abruptly when she tripped over a stray stone on the street. She let out a startled yelp, bracing herself for impact with the cold, hard ground.
But instead of falling, she felt strong arms wrap around her, catching her just in time. She looked up to find Anos Voldigoad, his crimson eyes glowing softly against the snowy backdrop.
"You shouldn't run so much," Anos said, his voice deep and soothing. "You might hurt yourself."
Before Aetrial could respond, Anos pulled her into a gentle embrace. His warmth was a stark contrast to the winter chill, and Aetrial's heart thumped wildly in her chest.
"Aetrial," Anos murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You are far too precious to me, and the thought of anything causing you pain is unbearable."
Then, to Aetrial's utter shock, Anos leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
---
A Blushing Confusion
Aetrial's face turned scarlet as Anos pulled back, his gaze tender and almost... affectionate?
"I-I-" Aetrial stammered, her brain short-circuiting.
"Take care of yourself," Anos said with a small smile before disappearing into the snow-covered streets, leaving Aetrial standing there, flustered and bewildered.
"What just happened?" she muttered, touching her forehead where Anos had kissed her.
---
A Final Message
That evening, as Aetrial sat in her dormitory, reflecting on the day's bizarre events, she looked up with a soft smile.
"Thank you for reading and spending this special day with me," she said, her voice warm. "I hope your Christmas is filled with joy, laughter, and maybe a little less chaos than mine."
She giggled softly, her cheeks pink, before giving a small wave. "Happy holidays!"
End of Christmas Special