"Hey, do you think Ray wasn't actually playing around with what he said at your sister's party?" I asked (y/n). She looked up from her science book and narrowed her eyes at me.

"(f/n), how many times do I have to say this? He was just joking around," she answered. We were in the school library studying for our tests, but I got sidetracked thinking of (y/n) and Ray. "So for the love of God, please stop asking that."

"But how about the karaoke night?" I said, grabbing her attention. I tried being quiet since of what location we were in. "You're literally living in those super long enemies-to-lovers fanfiction I pull all-nighters just to read!"

"I was forced to sing," (y/n) explained, going back to her book.

Why does she have to be so stubborn sometimes? "Well, the (y/n) I know wouldn't even put that much effort at any chance with a duet with him."

"Maybe I wanted to actually sing for once," she fired back. I changed the subject slightly.

"But just think of all the possibilities!" I answered excitedly. "He's not that bad when you think about it, sure he's a bit of a flirt sometimes, and kinda pisses me off in journalism club, but that's just some minor flaws."

I added, "Besides, in Ray's defense, what's so difficult about him? He seems nice, and he's a pretty smart guy. Not to mention he's in student council with us as treasurer!"

"(f/n), he's just, hard to figure out. Sure I admit he's kinda sweet, and his grin compliments him and-" she said while smiling to herself. I raised my eyebrows at her. "Wait. Forgot I said that."

I nodded slowly. "Yeah, I'm not planning on forgetting that. So you yourself said that you think Ray's sweet and he has a pleasant smile. Also, you said the word, "and". That basically means you have a whole list of why you like him."

I was about to go on when a certain voice interrupted me from the side.

"Who thinks I'm sweet?" Ray said checking out classic literature books from the side. My eyes widened as (y/n) hid her face in embarrassment. We watched as Ray strolled toward us, carrying his bookbag. Guess it's time for me to leave. My presence would honestly just make things even more awkward.

"I, um, forgot I had to walk my fish," I muttered to them before running out. (y/n)'s gonna kill me tomorrow. And, (f/n), what kind of excuse was that?! Walking your fish?!

I immediately went to the convenience store to buy (y/n)'s favorite drink as a peace treaty.

Today is our second-to-last day before Christmas break. We just have to get through all our final tests today, and it'll be smooth sailing. The next day is just a relaxation day. I really don't know why we still have school tomorrow.

I came to school bright and early in my usual spot next to (y/n). No one was here yet, so I thought I would use my free time to study. After about ten minutes, she arrived. "(y/n), please accept this gift of my deepest apologies. I am sorry for saying those things."

However, she didn't seem to be listening and just stared at her desk. She seemed to be in shock. "Uh (y/n), you good?" I said while waving my hand in front of her face. She shook her head slowly.

"Ray and I studied yesterday," she stated.

"Studying? That doesn't seem that terrifying," I replied. But she continued and I wholeheartedly took back what I said.

"You're right, it doesn't seem that bad. But it was not just studying," she said while looking at me like she just saw a ghost. "He kept playing with my feelings, calling me cute and stuff."

Then (y/n), literally grabbed me and started quietly crying on my shoulder. As someone as cold to most people as she is, she can be prone to emotional outbursts from time to time. For example, in the karaoke night, when we were walking home, she started sobbing because she didn't know if Ray was telling the truth or not.

(y/n) has the mindset of a seven-year-old at times.

At least no one besides the two of us is here.

"Why does he have to be such a tease?!" she said, burying her face onto my shoulders. I awkwardly patted her head. "It annoys me on how so confusing he is."

Poor girl doesn't even know the concept of romance anymore.

"(y/n), that's just how he is sometimes," I said. She seemed like she stopped silently crying. She quickly fixed herself up as we heard more students pour into class. (y/n and I greeted others while she scanned her textbooks. Then we were asked to take our seats and the final exams have begun.

I stretched and drank some water. "I thought our tests would never end! I hope I did well!" I told (y/n). She was busy unpacking her locker. "Why are you already packing? We still have tomorrow, you know."

She nodded. "So I can leave and never look back here for two and a half weeks once the bell rings."

"That's smart. I'll just pack later. Well, see you tomorrow, (y/n)," I waved at her and she waved back.

I felt kind of bad that I had to leave her right there, but I had a plan. As you all may already know, my sole purpose in life is for (y/n) to experience young love before I die. And the perfect person for that is Ray.

Once I came home, I instantly started working. Tomorrow's our last day, so I had to get this done.

"Congratulations, (f/n), you finally finished it," I said to myself before falling asleep on my bed.

I barely had any sleep tonight but that's the least of my concerns. I quickly got ready and headed out the door, with a lightly toasted brioche bun in my hand.

While eating my breakfast, I carefully thought of my plan. Before I knew it, I was at the school's gates. Then I got an idea.

I dashed through the open corridors and burst into the student council room. Just as I thought. Norman and Emma were there. And strangely, extremely close. Well, we'll just look into that later.

They instantly separated with Emma exclaiming, "We're not dating!" I chose to ignore that as I quietly set up my laptop.

"Uh, (f/n), do you need something?" Emma asked. I looked up and gestured to them.

"Yes, I do. I need your guy's help."

My plan was to recruit our student council president and vice president to my mission. With their help, I can have important insight with Ray and devise a plan for him and (y/n).

With a click of a button, the projector slide rolled down, with my presentation I worked so hard on last night. I spoke on it as the two listened attentively. They seemed very engaged with it. I came prepared with every piece of information I know about them, such as their class schedules, common interests, zodiac signs, etc.

When I finished they gave a small round of applause. I extravagantly bowed.

"So you're saying that you want our assistance in setting up y/n and Ray?" Emma asked.

I nodded. "Well, are you in?"

Norman crossed his arms and smiled mischievously before answering,

"Oh hell yes."

Ah finally, two and a half weeks of freedom. More than enough time to finally complete all my unfinished shows. But first, the actual plan.

(y/n) and Ray are both very much night owls and very busy people, considering what they do outside of school. Like (y/n) just watches anime, eats, sleeps, and repeats. And Ray, well, he takes photos for the newspaper and volunteers at the local library, so he's also preoccupied with that too.

So we can proceed with our ideas without giving them false excuses.

Norman, Emma, and I spent our first day at his house, trying to find a way to way to make "sparks fly" between them. But luckily we just might have just gotten a foolproof plan.

Phase 1: Confirm. Our proposition is to have a Christmas Eve party. We first asked Emma but she said she probably can't at her home because her house is messy, from all her babysitting supplies. So instead, we decided on Norman's place. But now, we needed to make sure that (y/n) and Ray are coming. This is an important step so all can work out from there.

Norman was in charge of asking them since he's the least suspicious person to do it. For example, if I asked (y/n), she'll immediately think something's up because of the countless schemes I tried with her and Ray.

Fortunately, Norman said they could attend. Better yet, they were excited too. Emma then sent invites to our other friends, such as Don and Gilda, because just five people isn't a party at all.

Phase 2: Our method. This was kind of difficult because we didn't know what to do at first. All three of us had a sleepover at Emma's house and spent the whole night watching Christmas movies, in search of inspiration.

First Emma thought of Secret Santa but quickly discarded that idea because of how slim the chances would be for them to get each other. Next Norman thought of karaoke, but also thrown that away because that kinda already happened.

But, yours truly came up with a classic strategy: mistletoe. I swiftly explained how it's gonna work and they seemed to be on board with it. The only thing was where we were gonna place it.

Emma suggested we hang multiple flowers on the ceiling. It would increase our chances, but the two could catch on any moment, noticing why there are so many hanging on the roof. This could lead to all our work being wasted. In addition, I wouldn't wanna be caught under one with a random person either.

Norman said to only place one, but to a spot where we know for sure, the two would meet. This made sense so we went with his idea. The only question was, where?

I thought of near his tree, but shook my head on it because why would they even go there in the first place? Norman had an idea to hang them in the kitchen if we ever baked cookies, but we didn't decide on that because we know Ray would already bring homemade cookies, to begin with.

Then Emma said, "Why don't we put it near the food table?" She explained that she notices the two always get food at the vending machine together, so of course, they would want to get a dessert or something there too. We agreed on this and finally moved on to the next step.

Phase 3: Preparation. We had to hold off on our plan for about a week until the day of Christmas Eve. I even brought my old walkie-talkies from middle school and we decided on code names.

"Ok, I'll be CherryBlossomTwig. Don't ask why," I said. Norman and Emma seemed to be confused but chose not to ask why. I actually have no reason for that name in particular; it's just something I came up with on the spot.

"Norman, you can be AlbinoCrescent, and Emma you can be TangerineAntenna," they agreed while we laughed. Hey, at least they make sense!

And now let Operation Mistletoe commence!

We put up decorations while Norman helped Emma with our deciding factor, the famous Christmas flower, of course. I waited beside the door and I watched as Don and Gilda came.

"Hi, (f/n)!" Gilda greeted, her glasses glinting with every word. "Thanks for inviting us."

"We even brought food!" Don exclaimed, lifting up a decorated cake.

"Glad you two could make it," I said, leading them to the kitchen. We weren't gonna put the dessert on the table just yet. So, they placed the cake on the table for now.

Earlier, Norman, Emma, and I decided not to set up the dessert table till after most of the people leave. The party will probably last till midnight and most guests will probably leave earlier. Food will be located in the kitchen at our recipient's ease of course.

Anna came next, bringing some honey-baked ham. Nat followed as well. More people came. I recognized some of our classmates from homeroom, some from extracurricular activities, and more. The only thing we were missing is Ray and (y/n).

Just when I thought that the doorbell rang. Norman went and answered it, and he was greeted by the two of them.

"(y/n) is wearing Ray's scarf!" Emma whisper-screamed. I made little jumps up and down.

"They even came together!" Norman added. "Wonder how Ray convinced her or something."

"Alright, guys scatter!" I said, shooing them away. The three of us set up certain positions so we can survey the whole party. We all had our means of communication, aka our walkie-talkies, so we were all set. All we need to do now is wait.

We watched as Ray converses with (y/n) while she removed his scarf and handed it to him. I had to physically stop myself from singing out loud.

Then the two walked into the kitchen. Norman from his watchguard, said they brought cookies. So we were right, Ray did bring his cookies. But does that mean they baked it together? I guess there's only one way to find out.

"Hey, AlbinoCrescent! See if they baked it together, over," I stated. He nodded from his assigned position.

"Alright, CherryBlossomTwig, over and out," he said before shoving his walkie-talkie in his back pocket. I walked next to Emma's position on the stairs to see what was happening.

When we saw Norman meet up with them, they seemed to be, laughing? I wonder what they are saying? However, our questions were answered when we saw Norman make a discreet thumbs-up behind his back. One thing confirmed, they spent this whole day baking Christmas cookies together.

The guests ate already, so we suggested party games. We played charades, Pictionary, the like. It was pretty lit. We all laughed at everyone's crappy acting and drawing skills. (y/n) even told me how much fun she was having. I was glad that at least she's not crying herself to sleep over someone who doesn't exist right now.

We looked at Norman's digital clock on his kitchen counter. 11:30 pm. Most of the guests left, besides Don, Gilda, Ray, and (y/n) of course.

"It's go time, over," I quietly said in my walkie-talkie. Emma looked at Norman and my direction.

"Got it, over and out," she said. We all set up the dessert table, placing the cookies, cake, and hot chocolate slowly. We wanted to make sure everyone was busy with whatever they were doing. Currently, it seemed that our guests that were still here were having a good time, all watching Christmas movies.

Now, Phase 4. The most important step: execution. We decided last week for me to tell (y/n) first because she usually takes a while choosing her desserts. Then just as she's getting ready to go back, Norman asks Ray to get a slice of cake for him and Emma. Easier said than done.

Right now I was sitting next to (y/n) on the couch. We recently took our spots right after we completed setting it up. No one seemed to notice the newly prepared food table. Emma made the "ok" sign with her fingers and the plan proceeded.

"Hey (y/n)," I said. She turned to me. "Don and Gilda brought a cake, maybe you would want to try it?" I suggested.

She nodded. "Oh sure, their cakes are always so good," she answered while standing up and walking toward it. "I should ask them what bakeshop it's from..."

I beamed. "It's your turn AlbinoCrescent, over," I whispered in my walkie-talkie.

Just as we speak, we saw (y/n) take a long time choosing if she wants just a slice, or a cookie too. We watch as she nods and I look at Norman, who is already asking Ray.

"Ray, can you get a slice for me and Emma?" he questioned.

"Aw how cute, you two are sharing a cake?" he teased. I watched as Emma's face flushed. After this plan, I'll make my other ship sail. "Sure, hold on."

At this point, we didn't even care about what happened in the movie. These crucial minutes could make or break us.

Ray walked to where (y/n) was standing, but next to her. She seemed to be grabbing her hot cocoa. They seemed to be talking, as he sliced the cake. We leaned closer, trying to see what happens.

Then, (y/n) looks up at him. She noticed the flower and her face said it all. She touched Ray's arm and she pointed up. Ray's expression changed as well.

Right between and above them, was the mistletoe we spent an hour looking for in the garden center. They were probably six inches away from each other. Emma grabbed my shoulders in excitement and I had to contain myself too. I saw (y/n)'s cheeks line with pink, and she glanced below at her feet. Ray seemed to be flustered too, judging by how his hand rubbed his neck in embarrassment.

But we still needed to complete the final step, Phase 5.

Phase 5: persuasion. Emma called Don and Gilda to get some cookies, but also for them to witness this historical event. Norman then broke the silence.

"Guys, is everything okay?" he started. "You're taking a while..."

Don and Gilda's faces shown of enthusiasm as well. Maybe they were secret (y/n) x Ray shippers as well!

I quickly went to one of the positions, right on the stairs so I could have a perfect view of what was going on.

"(y/n), you did meet him under the mistletoe," Emma added. I don't even need to know what the two were saying. But it seemed like they were deciding whether to proceed with the legend of the famous Christmas flower or drop out.

I silently pleaded that (y/n) keeps her pride and doesn't back out. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but I hoped it was meaningful.

There is no reason for me to feel so nervous over what was going on. A week's preparation led up to this one moment, and I wanted it to be worth it. I don't want her to keep crying over fictional characters. I don't want her to feel like she isn't good enough for anyone. I don't even care if it isn't Ray she falls in love with. I just want (y/n) to experience happiness at least once in her life.

Then the next two seconds happened so fast that I couldn't even process it.

(y/n) seemed to be explaining something as, Ray leaned slightly to her, the mistletoe perfectly perching on top of them. He moved some of her hair strands out the way, and he kissed her. (y/n)'s eyes widened in surprise, but they eventually closed. She was completely lost in the moment.

And let me tell you, sparks definitely flew.

He smiled against their embrace. before they separated. Ray gently wrapped (y/n)'s neck and half her face in his blue scarf, adjusting it for her too.

My eyes watered at the kind gesture. I felt tears fall. They fell quickly, so I hid behind the wall of the staircase to dry my eyes.

I hope (y/n) finally felt what it was like to be in love. If she did, then that's enough joy to fill a whole lifetime. But at the same time, I want their relationship to develop slowly. For their sake, and for mine. I want to spend as much time with my best friend until the day I have to let her go.

I whispered into the walkie-talkie, my voice breaking,

"AlbinoCrescent, TangerineAntenna, Operation Mistletoe was a success."

It was now 12:30 am, and (y/n)'s older sister picked the both of us up.

"Bye (f/n)! Bye (y/n)! Emma said waving, frantically.

"See you next year, guys!" I said. I turned to (y/n). She looked like she saw a ghost. "Hey, say goodbye to them."

"Bye," (y/n) said, before hiding behind me. She was probably still embarrassed over the whole mistletoe incident.

"Merry Christmas, (y/n)," I heard Ray say to her. She immediately looked up.

"And have a happy new year," she replied before leaving. Once we were in the car, (y/n) started screaming into Ray's scarf. She seemed to notice this and got off to return it. We were still parked so her sister let her.

A few seconds later, she came back, still with his scarf around her neck. "He told me to keep it," she stated. "He said it was his Christmas present."