The cold air has fallen over Kimetsu Academy. It’s the best time of year- not quite autumn, but not quite winter. Sunny skies with cold air, midnight rain that isn’t quite snow. The leaves have fallen off the trees, leaving crunchy paths that scatter the sidewalks. It’s early December, but still technically autumn.

There’s other reasons why you love this time of year so much. For one, your anniversary with Genya was in late October. It’s been over a year now since you started dating him. You’re so excited to be spending the best season with him! You’ve spent all four seasons together by now, and you’re back to the one where everything began. It feels weird remembering the awkward messes you were last year.

It feels different but the same, in a way. Your relationship has evolved more than either of you noticed, because it hardly feels like anything’s changed. Sure, you’re comfortable around each other’s families by now, and the physical intimacy no longer feels nerve-wracking, but it feels so natural. Like you’ve been living in this year’s October for a year.

Today was the last day of school before winter break. You walked home together, intentionally stepping on the crunchiest looking leaves in your path. The chilly air nipped at your faces, turning your noses pink. You walked with one hand holding his inside the warm pocket of his jacket, while the other one pulled your scarf over your cold face. The weather, although it was freezing, with the harsh wind in your face, was really the best. You couldn’t wait to experience it for the second time with your favorite person.