You shouldn't be selfish, you scold yourself. Many schools, especially Iwatobi's and Samezuka's swim clubs, have advanced to international tournaments. You were really excited for them all, especially for Haru, but you couldn't help but feel a little bit lonely inside.

Night had finally fallen. Giving up, you stand up and walk away from the window. You'll have to celebrate Christmas alone this year for the first time. You felt your eyes sting sadly. It hurt how tradition had to be broken because of a mere distance problem.

Drowsiness kicking in, you plop down into your bed and begin drifting off. Tomorrow would be Christmas, so you still like to wake up early to enjoy it.

You woke up excited. Today was Christmas! Jumping out of bed, you ran downstairs and began punching numbers on the phone.

It rang continuously, but nobody picked up. Why wasn't anybody-

Oh, right.

You hang up and put the phone back quietly. He was still somewhere on the other side of the Earth today. You wipe away an incoming tear, and begin breakfast.

You look at the door. Did the mailman forget it was a holiday?

Reluctantly, you get up.

"I'm coming." You call. You open the door.

"What the- Haru?" You whisper.

"Merry Christmas." He plainly responds.

"But I thought-you were-with everyone-"

"Christmas was around the corner, so tournaments are being postponed for a while."

You weren't embarrassed that you began crying in front of Haru. You quickly wrap your arms around him and squeeze him tight, tears free-falling on his shirt.

"I missed you so much. I thought I would have to spend Christmas alone."

"I wouldn't let you do that, [Name]. That wouldn't be right."

You let go. "Are you coming inside? I just made breakfast."

He nods, and you lead him in.