December 31st. Demund used the whole day contemplating about what he had done. Last night, he had come home without thinking much about what he had done. He had been genuinely worried for Enariss, so when he asked her out on New Year’s Eve, it had been nothing but a kind gesture. Something he had always asked Jothan. Somehow, Enariss was taking on the role of Jothan in Demund’s heart.

He had slept without worrying much. He had spent the week in his dream carefree and happily. Melsei’s stomach had shown signs of expanding, which was wonderful. He would have another sibling soon. Garthan was all worried; it was a side of his father he had never seen before. Well, maybe when he was an infant. But seeing his new character made Demund feel warm and fuzzy inside.

He could now speak to his parents to get his ideas across. For his birthday, he had asked for books—lots of books—on everything, magic mostly. His father had looked a little sad (maybe it was his imagination), but they had provided him with a pile of books, many of them hand-me-downs from Rother. He was spending his days reading the literature and trying out new spells inside his room. The picture books of monsters and creatures were especially exciting. He couldn’t wait to meet some of them.

So when he came back to reality, all the memories of the night before flooded into his mind.

Oh no, oh shoot, why did I say that?!

He rolled in his bed in the morning, pillow over his head, half-screaming. What had he done?! And what had she said?! She had accepted!

Now what? He had to message her.

The reply came soon after he sent it. He had said he would come pick her up at ten; he’d show her around the town, and they’d go to the market area to watch the fireworks. She had agreed and had said see you then.

She had even sent a cute emoticon that was doing a thumbs up sign.

He didn’t know what to feel. This was a first for him. Spending New Year’s Eve alone with a girl? He was extremely happy. And nervous. And scared. He shook in his socks and jumped around the house.

“Demund! Be careful!” his mom told him. “You only just healed from your injury!”

“Mom, guess what,” Demund said with a smile. “Guess who’s spending tonight with a girl?”

“Sit down and eat. Why are you so weird today?”

Demund sat down for lunch while his mom set the table. His father soon joined them.

“…Are you really spending the evening with a girl?”

“Who knows?” Demund replied with a grin.

He finished his meal and fetched a book to read. He had to cool his head, so he decided to go with something written by Dane Luckter. His books were easy to understand and explained a lot of dilemmas and concepts of superheroes. Demund had gotten used to his writing after months of reading, and he found himself enjoying books with increasing difficulty.

The hours passed quickly as he was immersed in his book. When he became too tired, he went outside and stretched in the cold. Suddenly feeling energetic after remembering his date (kind-of), he built a large snowman and put in all of his effort into decorating it. He took a picture and sent it to the study-group chat.

He went back inside and continued his book. Soon, dinner arrived.

After eating. He started to feel nervous. Three hours until the meet. What was he going to do?

Unlike on Christmas, he hadn’t planned anything special. He knew the town’s structure, like the pretty places he had gone with Jothan, so he didn’t feel the need to. But worry crept in his mind. This was going to be even more peasant-life than Christmas. Would Enariss enjoy the small things?

Now that he thought of it, he should have invited Riley and Rhyne too. He took out his phone and sent a chat to Riley.

D: [Hey Riley, whatchu doing for the night?]

R: [Just staying with family. Why?]

D: [I don’t know. I’m probably going to spend it with Enariss.]

R: [What? Why?]

D: [That’s the question. I asked accidently and she said yes.]

R: [Wow.]

D: [I know.]

R: [Are you going to confess?]

D: [What! No! We’re just friends.]

R: [Uh-huh. Sure.]

D: [I don’t even like her.]

R: [Really? Don’t lie.]

D: [I mean, not romantically. She’s a good friend.]

R: [Yeah sure.]

D: [……should I?]

R: [Don’t ask me.]

D: [Okay. Hope you have a good New Year’s Eve!]

R: [??? You too.]

If Riley was spending it with his family, then Rhyne probably was too. What was set was set. He had to prepare now.

He looked through his wardrobe for nice-looking clothes. But all he had were two winter jackets, one black, one blue. He really had to get some nice clothes.

He took out a black sweatshirt and put it on along with some black pants. Then he put on his black jacket and looked at the mirror. He looked alright? Black was simple and nice. It was also the best he had.

He went downstairs and saw his mom.

“Mom, how do I look?”

“You look handsome, Demund.”

“I mean for real, do my clothes suit me?”

“You look good with everything.”

With a sigh, Demund retrieved his wallet and headed outside. There was no snow today, thankfully. The weather was still very cold. He got on his bike and headed out, eager and nervous to spend New Year’s Eve with Enariss.

〄 〄 〄

“I’m so sorry about this,” whispered Enariss.

“It’s perfectly fine,” replied Demund.

When Demund had arrived at the Zarke residence, it was not Enariss who had greeted him, but Mr. Zarke himself. With a smile and gesture, he had asked (ordered) Demund and Enariss to get in the car, stating that he would drive them to their designated spot.

They were now heading towards the marketplace upon Demund’s request.

“My dad was worried that criminals might appear again…he’s just making sure,” explained Enariss. “Once he sets his mind on something, no one can change it.”

“I’m actually relieved that your father is coming with us,” said Demund. “Aside from the protection, it’s nice to have a ride in the cold.”

“I guess?”

Mr. Zarke could hear everything. He chuckled internally.

They arrived at the outdoor marketplace which was already bustling with people. Mr. Zarke dropped Demund and Enariss off near the entrance.

“What time will you two finish your date?” he asked.

“Dad, it’s not a date,” Enariss replied. Though she thanked her father for creating misunderstandings.

“We’ll be done by 12:30, Mr. Zarke,” Demund replied.

Mr. Zarke rolled up his window and drove away.

“Let’s go,” said Demund. “I’ve got lots to show you.”

They walked through the busy crowds. The place was packed with stands selling drinks and fried food, along with Christmas souvenirs and mini-game shops.

“Hey Demund, let's go over there,” asked Enariss.

They went to the area of the market where various carnival-like game stands were set up. Enariss smiled and pointed towards one of them.

“I’m a master at that. Want to have a contest?”

“Any time.”

The stand turned out to be pop-the-balloons-with-darts. After paying a small fee, Enariss proceeded to obtain a perfect score, winning her a medium-sized plushie toy that looked like a potato with arms and legs.

“Here, take it,” she said. “Sorry I couldn’t give you a Christmas present.”

Demund vaguely felt like their roles were reversed here, but he gratefully accepted the stuffed potato.

“Thanks. It’s my turn now!”

“No! Let’s go eat something. You can’t beat me anyway—I got a perfect score.”

Demund smiled. This pushy side of Enariss was cute too. She suddenly grabbed his arm and pulled him away into the crowd.

Demund felt his heart thump. His breath became heavier and time felt like it was slowing down.

What was this he was feeling? This sensation?

They continued to move around the market, enjoying the food and events. And every time Demund looked at Enariss’s smiling face, he felt weird. Every time she pulled on his arm, his heart skipped a beat.

Enariss was just enjoying the market. She rarely had moments to play around in places like these. The last time she had come to something like this—how long had it been? Three years? Four years?

She glanced at Demund. The last time had been very similar to now. Except that she had been with someone else.

Demund quickly glanced at his phone after he noticed a shift in the crowd. The time was nearing 12.

“Enariss, it’s almost time. Let me show you someplace cool.”

Demund held Enariss by the arm and pulled her away from the crowd. It was fine right? She had done it to him. He was oblivious of the peculiar expression Enariss was making at that moment.

Like she had thought, Demund reminded her of her first love too much.

Demund led her out of the market through a series of trees.

“Where are we going?”

“Somewhere special.”

Enariss noticed that the ground was sloping up. They were going up a hill that the small forest was located on. But it wasn’t that high. She could see the top already.

“Are you sure this is a good place?”

“Trust me, I created this place with a friend.”

Created? What did Demund mean by that?

They reached the top of the small hill that was behind the market. However, the view was still blocked by the trees. It really wasn’t a good place. Then Demund stopped and smiled.

“Look up.”

Enariss tilted her head up to find…nothing. No, there was something between the trees. Some kind of platform?

“The ladders are here,” Demund told her. “I’m sure you’re not afraid of climbing ladders?”

Enariss rolled her eyes. “Do you think I would be?”

Demund shrugged. “Ladies first,” he said.

Enariss went to where Demund was standing and looked behind the tree. There really were ladders. After feeling its stability, she started to climb up.

In reality, Demund had taken a giant gamble. This ladder had been created when he and Jothan were in middle school. With the help of their parents, a small platform was set up where they could enjoy the annual fireworks. It had been here the year before, but there was a chance that someone could have removed it. Now he felt relieved.

Demund climbed the ladder after Enariss to the top. Enariss was already seated on a plank when he poked his head out above the platform. He slowly got on and sat down next to Enariss.

“This is pretty dangerous,” she said. “These planks look old, and there’s no railing to hold on to.”

Demund looked at Enariss. Her eyes shined in the moonlight.

“But I guess it’s fine.”

Just then, the sound of a firework being launched echoed out. With a loud explosion, the empty night was filled with marvelous colors of red and green, white and blue, yellow and magenta. More fireworks shot up, filling the air with flashes of light and sound. In the distance, the sounds of people cheering could be heard. 2155 had arrived.

“Happy New Year, Enariss.”

“Happy New Year, Demund.”

They sat in silence as they watched the colors decorate their vision. Demund glanced at Enariss. She was leaning on her hand. Her hands. He wanted to hold it. His heart beat faster. He couldn’t hear the fireworks anymore.

“Hey, Enariss?” whispered Demund.

“Hmm?”

“This year, can we…”

Enariss’s alert level shot up. Was Demund going to do it here and now? It was too early for her taste. She would have to refuse gently with a hint of shyness. She prepared herself for Demund’s next words.

“Let’s be good friends again.”

“……Okay.”

They continued to observe the fireworks in silence.