Christmas Day
The Kuronuwa family celebrated Christmas together, with Lucy warmly included among them.
The house was filled with laughter and joy as everyone shared a festive meal. Stories flowed freely, and the sound of cheerful chatter echoed throughout the room.
Yet, amidst the happiness, Lucy sat quietly, her head slightly lowered as if lost in thought.
Ken's mother quickly noticed.
She gently brushed Lucy's hair, her touch soft and comforting.
"Your hair is so beautiful, Lucy," she said with a warm smile.
"It's Christmas, so let's all be happy today," she added.
Lucy looked up, a bit shy. "I feel a little embarrassed… You've all done so much for me, and you've treated me like I'm truly part of the family."
Ken's mother smiled even more gently.
"You are part of our family, Lucy. So don't be shy—we're happy to have you here with us."
"And besides," she added playfully, "I'm already excited for you to marry my son someday."
Lucy's cheeks flushed red, and she couldn't help but laugh.
---
Hours passed.
The night grew quiet as everyone drifted off to sleep.
Outside, in the garden, Lucy sat alone on a chair, gazing up at the night sky.
By chance, Ken stepped outside and saw her there, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight.
He walked over and gently placed a scarf around her shoulders.
"What are you doing out here? It's cold," Ken said.
"Nothing… I just felt like staying outside for a while," Lucy replied.
Ken looked up as well.
The sky was breathtaking—countless stars shimmering like scattered diamonds, with a bright, full moon watching over them.
"It really is beautiful, isn't it?" Ken said softly. "You know, whenever I feel sad, I come outside… just to feel the wind and look at the sky."
He sat beside her.
"I didn't have any friends before… because I was different. So the stars became my only comfort."
Lucy took a deep breath.
"Me too," she said with a faint smile. "I'm tired of always following my parents' expectations. I set aside everything I wanted just to make them happy… but it was never enough."
She looked at the sky.
"Whenever I'm exhausted and crying, the stars are the only ones that comfort me."
There was a brief silence.
Then Ken spoke.
"What if… we try to fly?"
Lucy blinked. "Huh?"
"If we have powers… then flying shouldn't be impossible, right?" Ken said with a small grin.
Lucy laughed softly. "I don't know if that's really possible…"
Her words trailed off as Ken reached out his hand toward her.
"We won't know unless we try."
Lucy's cheeks turned pink again as she slowly reached out and took his hand.
"I'm not sure how to do it," Ken continued, "but let's try closing our eyes… and focus on flying."
Lucy nodded.
They both closed their eyes.
A faint glow of magic began to surround their bodies, shimmering softly in the quiet night.
Then—
They felt it.
Slowly… gently… they began to rise.
Their eyes opened in astonishment as they lifted into the air.
Wonder filled their expressions.
Flying felt natural—like moving any part of their body. Every thought, every intention guided their motion through the sky.
They soared higher, feeling the cool breeze against their skin.
Above the clouds, they laughed like children, playing freely in the vast sky.
Their hands found each other once more, fingers intertwined as they gazed at the breathtaking view.
"I wish we could always be this happy," Ken said softly. "I wish it could always be this peaceful."
Lucy smiled gently.
"I wish so too."