The neighborhood was decorated beautifully, with rednterns hanging


    everywhere, creating a thick atmosphere of celebration.


    From 8 o''clock onwards, residents started setting off fireworks, as if they were greeting the New Year with the loudest of noises.


    Mirabe, walking leisurely through the neighborhood with her dog, saw their shadows stretched long under the streetlights. At that moment, her phone rang from her pocket.


    She paused, switching the dog leash to her other hand before taking out her phone. Seeing the caller ID, her slender fingers pressed the answer button.


    "What are you up to?" The man''s clear voice came through the phone. Despite the background noise of fireworks, it resonated clearly in Mirabe''s ears.


    Caught off guard, the energetic Husky slipped the leash from her hand and dashed forward.


    Regaining herposure, Mirabe chuckled and started after the dog, speaking into the phone, "Just taking Zach''s son for a walk."


    James, on the other end, heard the sound of her steps. "In the neighborhood?" he asked.


    Mirabe hummed in affirmation. The dog, named Leo, had run off so fast he was already out of sight. Calling his name a few times with no response, she felt a headacheing on.


    "Having a dog is indeed troublesome," Mirabeined, knowing no one would be out for a walk at this time. She decided to just wait under a streetlight for the silly dog to return on his own.


    James rarely heard herin. His face, usually so solemn, softened into a smile. "You find having a dog troublesome, what about a child in the future?"


    Mirabe was silent for a beat, then skillfully changed the subject, ignoring the absurd interjection. "Didn''t go to watch the New Year''s Eve special?"


    She could tell the environment on his end was quiet.


    "No," the man''s voice was light. He watched the girl standing under the streetlight, wrapped in a thick coat almost swallowing her whole, resembling a little penguin needing to be taken home.


    James''s gaze softened, the weariness in his brows seemed to dissipate in that moment as he slowly walked towards Mirabe.


    Still on the phone, Mirabe didn''t notice his approach and continued, "Well, you could catch this year''s show. My Leo also participated."


    Then she heard James''s voice, now close at hand, "Yeah, I know."


    It didn''t seem like it came from the phone but from right behind her-


    Mirabe suddenly looked up, turning around to see the man, cool as the moon,


    slowly walking towards her, as if draped in stars.


    She paused, phone still at her ear.


    James approached, looking at the dazed girl before him, and without hesitation, wrapped his arms around her. "Why the sudden daze?"


    Smelling the subtle woody fragrance on him, Mirabe finally snapped back to reality, slipping her phone


    into her pocket. "You... why are you here?"


    James didn''t loosen his hold, his cheek brushing against Mirabe''s, his voice maic, "Wanted to see you."


    Caught off guard by such words,


    Mirabe''s heart raced twice as fast. She lowered her gaze, seeing their elongated shadows merging under the light.


    "When did you get here?" she asked softly, arms lightly wrapping around his waist.


    James noticed her gesture, his eyes growing deeper. After a moment, he replied, "This afternoon."