EX entry - Holiday cheers (Towa)

Ah Christmas that time of the year when the streets are bustling and the workplace is empty, well nearly empty.

I don't know what I was expecting but when I went to go look for Kyrell to invite him out one time, he was unsurprisingly, covered with work. When was the last time this guy stopped working again? Sure a couple of us are workaholics, but we don't get as wasted as he does, it's like every second he has something to be working on.

I found the guy sprawled across his couch in his office, a piece of paper stuck onto his face while his hands dangled from the sides. Must've been a rough night, and judging from the piles of paperwork and cans of energy drinks, it definitely was.

Winter seems to be one of his busiest seasons, with so many deals coming through he just couldn't keep up. Yet, Kyrell seems to push himself that extra mile where he ends up not sleeping for days on end, making everyone worry about his lack of self-care.

I would see him wobble to the toilet to wash his face before going back to work, only ever consuming nothing but coffee, energy drink or the occasional sandwich somebody prepares for him, sometimes he forgets it's even there and actually doesn't eat at all.

Well enough was enough, everyone made up a plan that involved forcing Kyrell to go to bed that way the rest of us can work together to finish his work. With Aloe-chan and Coco-chan leading the charge, we all managed to pull through, leaving Kyrell with only the finishing touches and approvals of our handiwork.

By the time he came through, it was well into the next day since he was so sleep-deprived. I was the first one to greet him after his long nap and told him about everything we've done, he had a reaction that was a mix between confusion, frustration and amazement all in one go. Ultimately, he praised us for doing a good job and for clearing his schedule up for more rest, which he needed.

However, I wasn't going to let the opportunity walk past me when it was so close to Christmas, knowing some of the others I knew they'll try and make their moves on him while he was out of work, well I wasn't going to let that happen so I quickly invited Kyrell out while I had the chance.

At first, he made some stupid excuse about doing something else and sleeping to get out of it, but I wasn't having it so I literally scolded him for his inability to relax and basically guilt-tripped him into saying yes.

Haha, what a devilish deed it was, manipulating the emotions of a human to get what I want. Truly only a top tier devil like me can do that.

Anyways after all that, Kyrell and I got changed into some appropriate clothes for the winter breeze and set off out into a city. He took me around and the holiday cheer was definitely in full swing, decorations, songs and even the food! I'm still dreaming about that eggnog I tried in that one cafe.

It was the best, I've never been on a date before, but that was the best date I've ever gone in. Kyrell was so nice to be with, he's always so tired from working that seeing him be so relaxed and having fun was more of a treat than actual treats I ate during that day.

Another thing that came out nice this holiday was when I caught this pretty necklace in the corner of my eye. It was beautiful, with shining gems all arranged perfectly on a silver chain. I guess I was mesmerised by it that I didn't notice Kyrell calling out to me for a while.

The rest of our time was spent on nothing more than walking, chatting and the occasional eating.

When evening came, us two went home, but what Kyrell didn't know was that we actually had prepared a Christmas party for him!

Yeah I dragged him out for a date, but it was actually the result of me winning a game of rock paper scissors since we couldn't decide who would actually distract Kyrell long enough for the rest to prepare the entire party.

We managed to get a lot of things done beforehand and that was only thanks to him overworking himself to the point he completely missed the many times everyone snuck in some decorations. No one was good at it, he just wasn't paying any attention.

Still, it was quite the sight when Kyrell was suddenly splashed with streamers and confetti. It took a bit but he then realised our plan and turned to me to see if it was true. It was and by that point, it was too late anyway so he played along.

The party was a blast, everyone spent the night, singing, dancing, eating or drinking. It was great and Kyrell seemed to be having fun as well, judging from the smile he had on the entire night.

Everything eventually calmed down and I noticed that Kyrell had disappeared, I tried looking around for him but I couldn't find him anywhere, I then went out of the room and scoured the building for him, finally spotting him in the lobby area, stargazing.

I carefully approached and called out to him, snapping him out of his thoughts. I then went on to ask him why he left and all he said was he just went to get some fresh air. I placed myself next to him and joined in on the stargazing, but I couldn't really see the appeal, I was just there to watch over Kyrell who was really lost in his thoughts.

Though, not like I could blame him, a lot has happened to him so the peaceful atmosphere was definitely needed.

Partway through the silence though, Kyrell spoke up and grabbed something from his pockets. It was a small box that he then handed over to me, saying it was my Christmas present.

Now at first I thought maybe I was cheating since the gift-giving was supposed to happen after the party, but I couldn't help it and opened it there and then.

I have to admit, I needed to stop myself from hugging and kissing Kyrell at that time since inside the box, sparkling like stars was the necklace I saw earlier on our date. I don't know how he did it, but he managed to actually buy it and get wrapped as well.

Seriously how? We were together the entire day, there was no way he could go back to the store, buy it and then get it wrapped. Then again, it's Kyrell he probably found a way, he always does after all.

When we got back, everyone noticed the necklace and as I thought, they complained. Fubuki-senpai, Sora-senpai, Aloe-chan and a bunch of others hounded me for cheating. But they stopped after they heard Kyrell wonder if he did something wrong.

So in other words, I got off scot-free, kind of, I'm pretty sure they'll complain to me in private or quietly for the next few days but it's worth it if I got a present from Kyrell in secret. Plus I get to enjoy their annoyed faces.

A lot has happened ever since we met Kyrell, and I'm sure many more things will happen in our future with him. But whatever that may be, we will all be standing by his side and supporting him through every challenge he'll face, just as he does for us every single day.