The Binding Vow of Lazarus

Chapter 88

The winter air was sharp, snow glittering on the ground like the world had been powdered with sugar. Strings of lights danced overhead through the trees, glowing in reds and golds and greens, casting everything in a soft, dreamy haze. Music drifted through the stalls — jingles and carols played by a live band near the center square — and laughter filled the air like warmth in the cold.

Suguru spotted him first and called out. “Yo, Satoru!”

Satoru turned, already grinning, and waved. They met halfway with an enthusiastic high five that smacked, followed by a quick shoulder bump.

“You good?” Suguru asked, eyeing him with a knowing smirk.

“Me?” Satoru said, pushing his sunglasses up just enough to flash his eyes. “I’m great.”

Before Suguru could question the suspicious glint in his tone, both of them looked up at the sound of cheerful shouting.

Across the way, bundled up in cozy winter coats, came Shoko, Boe, Rin, Utahime, and Sarah, all waving as they made their way over, cheeks flushed from the cold and eyes bright.

Sarah reached them first, hopping slightly in her boots to hug Suguru tight and quick.

“You made it!” she said, muffled slightly by the scarf around her neck.

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Suguru replied, his grin genuine and warm.

Then, without hesitation, Sarah slid right over to Satoru, looping her arm through his with a casual, practiced motion like it was the most natural thing in the world. He stiffened for a second before his entire face flushed a glowing shade of pink. A dumb grin spread across his face like melted snow on hot concrete.

The group blinked.

Utahime raised her brows dramatically.
Boe tilted their head like a cat trying to understand how gravity worked.
Shoko straight-up pulled out her phone and pretended to snap a photo.

“Ohhh,” Rin said, hand to her mouth, mock-gasping. “In public now?”

Satoru shrugged, smirking but clearly trying not to combust from sheer pride. “What can I say? She has excellent taste.”

“Tragic,” Shoko muttered with a snicker, “I thought she had potential.”

That’s when Nanami appeared, walking toward them with his usual impeccable posture, coat pristine and scarf folded in a way that could only be described as morally superior. He stopped just beside Rin, nodding to everyone in that dignified Nanami fashion.

Satoru, still riding the high of public affection, waved like a kid on a sugar high. “Nanami! You made it!”

Nanami adjusted his gloves, then looked between Satoru and Sarah, taking in the locked arms with a barely concealed sigh.

The group, officially assembled, began making their way toward the festival stalls, some eyeing the food carts, others the ice rink, and a few just reveling in the fact that, for tonight, at least, there was no drama.

The night sparkled with lights and joy, a hush of snowfall beginning again as the group moved into the heart of the festival. Strings of lanterns hung between the vendor booths, their glow reflecting in everyone's eyes. The scent of roasted chestnuts, spiced buns, and fresh caramel danced on the air as if the whole street had been dipped in sugar and warmth.

Satoru somehow acquired a stick of cotton candy and started poking people with it until Utahime smacked it out of his hand. Shoko immediately stole a cup of eggnog from a nearby booth and raised it in triumph.