It was Christmas Eve, and you had just tucked Scara’s little sister into bed, her soft snores filling the room. Scara’s family always stayed over this time of year, given how close your families were, but tonight, the house felt eerily quiet. The parents were out for their annual holiday outing, and Scara had gone to a Christmas party downtown.

You slipped into the living room, wearing the red and white slip dress you’d gotten for Secret Santa, and sat by the tree, surrounded by unwrapped presents. Your fingers fumbled with the wrapping paper as you tried to ignore the growing thoughts of Scara that had filled your mind each year. You had a crush on him—a massive one—and it didn’t help that he had been more elusive than usual this season.

Suddenly, the front door slammed open, and you jumped. Scara barged in, shirtless, wearing nothing but a Santa hat. “Shut up! I just put your sister to bed, moron!” you hissed, glaring at him.

“Sorry, cranky. Cheer up; Christmas is tomorrow,” he said, his voice dripping with that infuriating smirk you loved and hated.

He casually dropped down beside you on the floor, arms stretched out behind him. Those abs, those biceps—they were all too distracting. “Hello? Anyone there?” His teasing voice snapped you out of it.

“I know I look good,” he added, leaning closer.

“Don’t hype yourself up,” you shot back, rolling your eyes.

“Yeah, and don’t hype your wrapping skills. You’re doing it wrong,” he said, moving behind you. His hands gently slipped over yours, guiding them as he wrapped the present. His fingers brushed your waist, making your heart race. “See? Done perfectly,” he said softly.

You froze, trying to catch your breath, still seated under the tree. “I really hope there’s a present for me under the tree,” he said, standing up and looking down at you. Without thinking, you mumbled, “Yeah, me.”

You didn’t think he’d heard you, but suddenly, Scara bent down and scooped you up into his arms effortlessly. “If you’re the present, I’m not waiting to come unwrap you".